A Look Back, Aug. 28

Prosecutors move to compel Belchertown murder suspect to unlock iPhone

NORTHAMPTON — Hampshire Superior Court Judge Charles Groce III is considering whether the government can legally compel a 56-year-old Belchertown man accused of shooting and killing his wife to unlock his cellphone. Sporting a bright orange jumpsuit with shackles around his ankles, Mark Opper, the 56-year-old man accused of shooting his wife, Diane Opper, multiple […]

Judge weighs Northampton divestment lawsuit after supporters rally

NORTHAMPTON — Following an approximately 65-person rally Wednesday afternoon to support the city after it was sued for its commitment to divest from entities involved in human rights violations in Israel and Palestine, a Hampshire Superior Court judge heard the city’s motion to dismiss the case. The National Jewish Advocacy Center, representing 10 Northampton residents, […]

South Hadley American Legion opposes bill over proposed cuts to veterans' benefits

SOUTH HADLEY — Ahead of the American Legion National Convention on Sunday, South Hadley’s American Legion has issued a letter opposing a section in the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, which could cut an estimated $57 billion in veterans’ benefits over the next decade, and urged the national American Legion to retract its support […]

Benjamin Peters named new Leverett police sergeant

LEVERETT — An Amherst native with a decade of law enforcement experience will be the Leverett Police Department’s new sergeant. Benjamin Peters, who is a full-time Sunderland Police officer, was named to the position by the Select Board following an hourlong interview Tuesday, during which he said he would use his new platform to help […]

Boston LLC provided $29.5M loan to keep Hampshire College afloat

AMHERST — A limited liability corporation with a Boston address provided a $29.5 million loan to keep Hampshire College solvent for its summer and fall teach-out, according to documents filed with the Hampshire Registry of Deeds. The paperwork, posted online, shows that on July 29 College President Jennifer Chrisler and John Dineen, the college treasurer, […]