Guest columnist Rob Okun: Joining Robert Hubbell’s democracy brigade

UMass hockey aims to turn the page at home against RIT

The No. 18 UMass hockey team experienced a rude awakening after being swept by then-unranked Colorado College last week. The Minutemen were outscored 8-1 and came out of their opening weekend without a win for the first time since the 2021-22 season. After dissecting the performances against the Tigers on tape, UMass head coach Greg […]

Amherst condo resident taken to hospital after smoke inhalation in kitchen fire

AMHERST — An Autumn Lane resident who suffered smoke inhalation during a kitchen fire Thursday morning, initially treated at the scene by paramedics, was transported by ambulance to Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton as a precaution, according to the Amherst Fire Department. Six of the eight on-duty firefighters, along with police officers, responded to the […]

Sports Briefs: Smith Voc one step closer to $1 million field upgrade

Hampshire County’s own Smith Vocational High School was selected among 40 high schools across the country to be Division Finalists in T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights competition. The announcement advances Smith Voc closer to the ultimate goal of the $1 million upgrade to its football field. Fans and those around the community can vote once […]

Easthampton approves 18-month moratorium on data centers

EASTHAMPTON — Easthampton is the latest Valley community to temporarily ban new data centers, as the facilities face growing scrutiny across the country and municipalities grapple with how to regulate them. The City Council on Wednesday night passed the moratorium, barring new data center construction for 18 months while the city develops permanent regulations. The […]

Paradise City Arts Festival returns to Northampton this weekend with 200 artists, live music

NORTHAMPTON — Thousands are expected to flock to the Three County Fairgrounds this weekend for the 31st year of the Paradise City Arts Festival — the city’s flagship arts and music event. The three-day festival, which opens at 10 a.m. Friday, will feature 200 artists from across the country and six bands on the center […]