■“Manchild in the Promised Land,” a book that has caused three weeks of heated debate among school and police officials, is back in the Northampton High School library today and Police Chief James Whalen who ordered the book “off the shelves” refrained from comment until he received “official” reports from the school committee.
■The Northampton License Commission voted to issue all-alcoholic liquor licenses to Jack August’s on Bridge Street, The Captain’s Table on Damon Road, and The Autumn Inn on Elm Street. The commission is continuing to examine the applications of The Crown Prince on King Street, Ralph’s Luncheonette on Prospect Street and The Pine Grove Golf Club on Wilson Road.
■While the massive Lollapalooza concert will not be staged in the city this summer, a smaller alternative rock concert may return to the Northampton Airport next month. The City Council on Thursday will consider granting a temporary event permit to organizers of the Warped Tour, an outdoor rock concert that also features professional sporting demonstrations.
■A high-speed hook-up to the Internet will be available to Northampton residents next year through their local cable TV company, as it gears up to compete with other information providers. In fact, the $5.8 million rewiring project that Continental Cablevision of Western New England is now completing will also allow subscribers to make local telephone calls.
■Conz Street is about to get a long-needed face-lift, and commuters who travel the busy gateway to downtown can expect delays during five months of construction that begins this week. The project includes the installation of new, 5-foot-wide sidewalks on both sides of the road, granite curbing, drainage improvements, pavement reclamation and a resurfaced roadway.
■An estimated 175 guests gathered to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Snow Farm craft center in Williamsburg on Saturday. Among those present was NASA flight engineer Catherine “Cady” Coleman, who is married to renowned glass artist and Snow Farm owner Josh Simpson.