Guest columnist J.M. Sorrell: What then must we do?

UMass men's basketball topples Troy, 71-60, in 2026-27 opener

The UMass men’s basketball team notched its first win of the 2026-27 season following its 71-60 defeat against Troy on Monday night. The Minutemen used a 32-1 run to blow past the Trojans in their season opener, while Junjie “Barry” Wang tallied a double-double as UMass’ top contributor. Wang recorded 18 points and 13 rebounds, […]

Antisemitic sticker found in child's Halloween candy bag in Southampton

SOUTHAMPTON — A parent reported to police Monday that she found an antisemitic sticker in her child’s candy bag after trick-or-treating in town on Halloween. Southampton Police Chief Ian Illingsworth said the parent came to the Police Department in person Monday to report the incident. Police have not determined who distributed the sticker or how it […]

Amherst bus route plan draws parent pushback ahead of Nov. 30 rollout

AMHERST — Revised bus routes meant to get Amherst’s elementary students to school on time could launch Nov. 30, the superintendent told the School Committee last week, as parents push back on proposed earlier pickups and a roughly 60% cut in stops. Superintendent E. Xiomara Herman told the Amherst School Committee at its Oct. 27 meeting that an adjustment in routes, which remains in the planning stages as feedback is gathered from families, could be formalized by the end of the month. “I think we’re on a good path,” Herman said. “I’m hoping as we can continue to work through this, […]

Easthampton tenants band together to fight rent hikes at Pleasant View apartments

EASTHAMPTON — Two years ago, the owners of the Pleasant View apartment complex dealt $400 rent increases to multiple tenants. In August, another increase arrived after a change in ownership: Multiple residents received notices ranging from $100 to $200. They were notified of these rent hikes through an online property management app as they were […]

Nearly 1.17 million Bay Staters voted before Election Day

By the time polls opened at 7 a.m. Tuesday, almost 1.17 million Bay Staters had already cast their ballots — a 22.3% turnout rate for early in-person and mail-in voting in this year’s statewide contests.  Secretary of State William Galvin’s office said 1,168,590 ballots had been submitted early — 821,244 (70.3%) of them came in […]