Commission unveils 2026 Rural Policy Plan at State House

Western Mass. towns push back on state solar siting rules at Shutesbury forum

SHUTESBURY — When five solar projects were proposed that could have cleared some 29,000 trees from 190 acres in Shutesbury, town officials were left on their own to cover the costs of the Land Court litigation that followed. Planning Board member Jeff Weston said the town got “no help from anyone” at the state level in defending the town’s bylaws. He said that was despite the state’s 2024 Siting and Permitting Law, which offers financial and technical assistance to small, rural communities, and despite Shutesbury’s proximity to Boston’s drinking water supply. “We protect the Quabbin Reservoir, our trees filter the water […]

Residents confront Northampton Housing Authority over living conditions

NORTHAMPTON — Northampton Housing Authority residents raised complaints about crime, cockroaches and poor health and safety conditions at a Monday morning meeting with the authority’s board, its executive director and state Sen. Jo Comerford. Residents packed the community room of the Walter Salvo House on Conz Street for the forum, which focused on living conditions […]

Local attorneys await verdict on Question 2, to allow collective bargaining for CPCS employees

Massachusetts voters will decide on Nov. 3 whether Ballot Question 2 should permit employees of the Committee for Public Counsel Services to engage in collective bargaining.

Crafting ‘visible acts of love’: Pumpkin carving continues to honor Summer Steele, Plainfield girls who died 10 years ago

Ten years after the death of 9-year-old Summer Steele, the Shelburne Falls community gathered to carve heart-shaped pumpkins in her memory while her mother continues to advocate for school bus safety legislation.

Easthampton restaurants and bars can now apply for eight new liquor licenses

EASTHAMPTON — After months of effort, the city has secured eight new liquor licenses that […]