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By ALEXA LEWIS

EASTHAMPTON — Where community members may have seen an empty storefront, Trista Nadolski saw opportunity. The result was the city’s newest ice cream spot, which is already bustling as residents seek some cold treats to beat the rising heat.

By ALEXA LEWIS

The Hampshire-Franklin County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls has a unique mission: identifying issues impacting women in their communities and advocating for legislation that could change their lives for the better.

By ALEXA LEWIS

NORTHAMPTON — A new lottery system slated to change vocational school admissions for the 2026-2027 school year has goals of creating a more equal process for students vying for these schools’ highly sought-after seats. But some administrators worry that a random lottery will do away with the standards of hard work associated with admission to a vocational high school, without solving the real problem.

By ALEXA LEWIS

HOLYOKE — Standing before more than 150 elected officials, housing advocates and other western Massachusetts leaders, Gerry McCafferty shared some shocking statistics.

By ALEXA LEWIS

HADLEY — Beneath rows of glowing lanterns and string lights, students of the Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School bustled about Wednesday evening — untangling multicolored cords, securing pins and caps, and taking photographs with both the families they live with at home and the family they built during their time at the school.

By ALEXA LEWIS

NORTHAMPTON — In his time as co-chair of the state’s Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism, state Sen. John Velis said his eyes have been opened by citizens who have experienced “detrimental” and “vitriolic” hate because of their identities.

By ALEXA LEWIS

WESTHAMPTON — A motocross event set to come to town in late June has raised concerns from residents who worry that the noise and traffic generated will disrupt their weekend plans.

By ALEXA LEWIS

EASTHAMPTON — Although the city’s proposed fiscal 2026 budget avoids direct cuts to municipal employee salaries, six workers are facing reduced hours and a hiring freeze is being put in place.

By ALEXA LEWIS

NORTHAMPTON — At the River Valley Co-op negotiation table, tensions have been mounting between management and union representatives as the deadline to sign a new contract draws nearer.

By ALEXA LEWIS

EASTHAMPTON — As part of a coalition of educators, school districts and unions, the Easthampton School Committee won a preliminary injunction Thursday against the Trump administration’s dismantling of the Department of Education.

By ALEXA LEWIS

EASTHAMPTON — The former Notre Dame du Bon Conseil Church at 35 Pleasant St might be finding new life as a housing development.

By ALEXA LEWIS

SOUTHAMPTON — Voters rejected two tax overrides at Tuesday’s town election that would have provided funds to pay for preconstruction costs for a new public safety complex, and to cover unexpected costs at Norris Elementary School.

By ALEXA LEWIS

SOUTHAMPTON — As the town election nears on Tuesday, uncertainty is brewing among many residents over a town proposal to construct a new public safety complex.

By ALEXA LEWIS

EASTHAMPTON — Digital equity efforts are taking off in Easthampton, with new digital education opportunities in the works, technology lending opportunities and more.

By ALEXA LEWIS

EASTHAMPTON — Robert Laferriere has emerged as the third candidate for mayor of Easthampton, with hopes of enacting change in his community.

By ALEXA LEWIS

WESTHAMPTON — At a five-hour Town Meeting last weekend, Westhampton voters approved a $7.6 million operating budget, gave the town permission to acquire and preserve more than 200 acres, approved borrowing for a solar array on the public safety complex and more.

By ALEXA LEWIS

EASTHAMPTON — Standing between Nashawannuck Pond and a ring of dozens of supporters, JT Tirrell announced his candidacy for Easthampton mayor Tuesday afternoon.

By ALEXA LEWIS

EASTHAMPTON — Unlike neighboring communities struggling with significant funding gaps for next fiscal year, Easthampton is heading into fiscal year 2026 on solid financial footing that will enable it to avoid layoffs or wage cuts.

By ALEXA LEWIS

Western Massachusetts stands to “greatly benefit” from a $1.33 billion spending plan for education and transportation adopted by the state Senate last Thursday, thanks in part to lengthy debates leading up to a vote on the package that sought to reverse an initial proposal that Sen. Jo Comerford called “skewed” and “wildly unfair” to this region.

By ALEXA LEWIS

HADLEY — Food, drinks and motorcycles await all who attend the third annual Jesse’s Ride at the Hadley Young Men’s Club this Saturday. But this day of community fun didn’t begin as such a joyous occasion.

By ALEXA LEWIS

WESTHAMPTON — At the annual Town Meeting this Saturday, voters will be asked to approve a $7.6 million operating budget, give the town permission to acquire and preserve 235 acres, borrow $230,000 for a solar array on the public safety complex and more.