Amherst regional school agreement headed for major review

Western Mass. senators join Oliveira-led fight against Trump plan to cut 1,400 Head Start standards

A group of Massachusetts state senators is urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to withdraw proposed Head Start program rule changes that could diminish the quality of services used by thousands of children and their families across the Bay State. The federal agency announced in early August sweeping plans to remove 1,400 federal regulations and standards for the early childhood education and health program, including a reduction in required operating hours, larger child-to-teacher ratios and removal of mandated vision, hearing and developmental screenings. The Trump administration said in the Aug. 6 announcement that eliminating administrative oversight would “restore […]

Leverett resident is Warwick's new town coordinator

Lizzie Alwan is Warwick's new town coordinator, replacing David Young. She is focusing on initiatives like a five-year capital plan and supporting the town's elderly population.

Historical Commission puts one-year delay on Finn House demolition

NORTHAMPTON — The Historical Commission voted unanimously Monday night to impose a yearlong demolition delay on the “Louise Finn” house at 1 Denniston Place, a roughly 175-year-old home that Cooley Dickinson Hospital wants to tear down. The home, which Cooley Dickinson dedicated in 2009 to longtime midwife Louise Finn, is believed to have ties to […]

Speaking of Nature: The New England Aster — a jewel of autumn

Last week we reached that annual mile marker where the length of the day is the same as that of the night. Known as the autumnal equinox, this is a moment so brief that we generally miss it. I think that everyone has noticed how short the days are becoming, but we still have a […]

Former VP Al Gore: A clean Earth is within world’s grasp even as climate dangers accelerate

NEW YORK (AP) — Longtime climate warrior Al Gore sees victory within Earth’s grasp. But he worries that it could still slip through humanity’s fingers. “While we’re in grave danger, I think there is a possibility that 2026 will be looked back upon in the history books as the beginning of a positive tipping point,” […]