Amherst backs joining Mayors for Peace, international group seeking nuclear weapons abolition

South Hadley suspends Independence Day fireworks show amid tightening budget constraints

SOUTH HADLEY — Town leadership has suspended the yearly Fourth of July fireworks until adequate funding and staff are available to put on the show. The decision came during the Oct. 20 Select Board meeting, immediately following an overview of Department of Human Services operations from Director Andy Rodgers. “Without a committee or group looking […]

Hadley special Town Meeting: $1.1M for water and sewer pipes, $181,500 for Middle and East street paths

HADLEY — Significant investments in the town’s water and sewer infrastructure and additional money that will go toward improving roads are among $2.25 million in spending approved by voters at special Town Meeting Thursday. In a session that lasted less than 90 minutes, residents also agreed to spend $181,500 from the Community Preservation Act fund […]

Pedaling together: Happy Valley biking group provides space for queer riders

It was a sunny Friday morning when the group rounded the corner onto Main Street on their bikes. There were about a dozen of them, and they were ready for coffee and pastries after a ride along the Manhan Rail Trail. They were part of Happy Valley Coffee Ride (HVCR), a queer-centered biking group that […]

Amidst affordability grind, Mass. House rejects gas tax holiday

BOSTON — The House rejected a suspension of the gas tax this week, turning down an affordability idea favored in public opinion polling and by the two leading candidates for governor.  They shot down the proposal 30-121, with a Republican leader arguing from the floor that the state should do what it can to provide relief during an affordability crisis, and Democrats responding that they are not confident consumers would see savings reflected at the pump while the state lost revenue that is dedicated for transportation.  Healey recommended a gas tax holiday just weeks before — seemingly a direct response to […]

18-year-old arrested for assaulting two women on Hadley rail trail

HADLEY — An 18-year-old man from Holbrook was charged with assault and battery after he allegedly attacked two women on the Norwottuck Rail Trail last week. He told police he was having a “bad trip” on psychedelic mushrooms. Elijah Moleon was charged with two counts of assault and battery and one count of disorderly conduct […]