Former Smith Academy teacher, AD pleads not guilty to indecent assault charges

Should Massachusetts keep its 2024 gun law? Question 9 supporters, opponents make case at Amherst forums

AMHERST — In 2024, Gov. Maura Healey signed a sweeping overhaul of the state’s gun laws. On Nov. 3, voters will decide whether to keep it. The law, Chapter 135, restricted untraceable “ghost guns,” changed licensing and training requirements and expanded access to extreme risk protection orders, which allow courts to temporarily remove firearms from […]

Community Action braces for record heating assistance applications as state expands eligibility

Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Juana Matias visited Community Action Pioneer Valley to discuss the recent executive order signed by Gov. Maura Healey.

State extends public comment on Quabbin water plan withdrawal

The Massachusetts Water Resources Commission has extended the comment period on a controversial request to withdraw an additional 20 million gallons of water per day from the Quabbin Reservoir. The new deadline is Oct. 28, giving western Massachusetts communities an additional two weeks to send in written testimony. Danielle Burney, a spokesperson for the Water […]

Domb questions Baystate's ‘warm handoff’ of transgender patients

NORTHAMPTON — Concerned that area transgender youth are not continuing to receive gender-affirming care healthcare services, Rep. Mindy Domb is urging Baystate Medical Center to follow through with its promise to limit healthcare interruptions for the 250 patients affected by the hospital’s termination of these pediatric services. In February, Baystate terminated all gender-affirming services for […]

Making room for play: South Hadley mom creates meetup group to connect local families

SOUTH HADLEY — Playgroup options close to home are limited for working mother Steph Clymer. The closure of the South Hadley Family Center a couple of years ago left only a handful of options for Clymer and her 2-year-old son Dax. Morning playgroups conflict with the Clymers’ work schedule, and most afternoon groups are at […]