Guest columnists Kristin DeBoer and Emma Ellsworth: ‘Protect Water and Nature’ ballot initiative would safeguard region’s lands and waters

What places leave behind: After winning an international design competition, Smith College's Isabel Strauss contemplates the healing power of architecture

As an architect, Isabel Strauss often wonders about physical space. What is here now, and what came before it? What is still possible? Places tell stories — whether they are historical buildings or vacant lots — and she takes everything into consideration. Last autumn, in her first semester of teaching at Smith College, the assistant […]

'Anybody and everybody can do it': New murals to capture the memories, values and culture of the Valley

Blank walls across the cities of Springfield and Holyoke are about to become permanent cultural landmarks. Common Wealth Murals, a Springfield nonprofit that brings mural art to local neighborhoods, recently announced its 2026 cohort of artists for its Community Mural Training program. As part of the initiative, the 16 selected artists are bringing five new […]

Guest columnist Jonathan Shefftz: Will Massachusetts' ticketing bill help ticket purchasers or just Ticketmaster?

Recently my teenage daughter and I drove from the hinterlands of western Massachusetts to New York to watch the U.S. Open. Having taken up tennis last year, she was excited. As was I. My excitement was coupled with relief that tickets for the qualifying rounds, the only portion that fit her school schedule, were entirely free. So much for the “no such thing as a free lunch” saying of my economics profession. For the main rounds, tickets are far from free. As an economist, I was intrigued that the usual online tennis chatter about gear and technique was joined by outrage […]

H.S. girls volleyball preview: New coaches, returning stars shape local landscape

Last year marked a successful volleyball season for high schools in the area, highlighted by Smith Vocational’s run to the MIAA Division 5 state title game. With the season already in its second week, the Vikings are not the only team with raised expectations as teams such as Easthampton and South Hadley return the majority […]

H.S. football: Amherst runs past Greenfield for second straight win

AMHERST — Jonathan Aviles-Roman got his opportunity for the Amherst football team on Thursday night. Aviles-Roman responded with the best game of his high school career in a 28-0 win over Greenfield at wet and humid Community Field. The junior running back rushed for 122 yards on 12 carries with three touchdowns. “I felt really […]