■Several prominent city Democrats agreed today that Sen. Thomas F. Eagleton’s precedent-setting withdrawal from the national ticket yesterday was a wise decision politically. But some of those interviewed, who described the Eagleton decision as “in the best interests of the party,” worried about its future effect on the public’s acceptance of mental illness.
■The Northampton school board subcommittee on finance voted unanimously to redefine the job of Robert M. Moriarty, director of elementary education. The recommendation means an increase in Moriarty’s managerial responsibilities and at the same time a lightened administrational load for Superintendent of Northampton Public Schools John M. Buteau.
■Over the past several weeks, Northampton police said they have seen a steady increase in the number of assaults, thefts and disturbances downtown, generally between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. Detective Lt. Kenneth A. Patenaude said police are finding that, time and time again, the same people are involved in the incidents.
■Amherst lawyer Richard Howland has closed his private practice to devote his energy to the Legal Infirmary, a “clinic” that he said presents inexpensive alternatives to hiring a lawyer for basic legal needs. Howland runs the Legal Infirmary out of his home in Amherst.
■Part of a federal law that defines marriage as between a man and a woman and denies tax, health and other benefits to married gay couples is unconstitutional, a judge ruled Tuesday. The Connecticut judge issued a decision saying the provision in the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act violates the Fifth Amendment right to equal protection.
■In a move that selectmen say will save paper and time, the town of Southampton has purchased seven iPads for the board and its administrators. Select Board Chairman Michael Phelan said the board believes the iPads will mean savings for the town because it will eliminate the packets of documents each selectman gets at meetings.