Applications open at Northampton affordable housing complex

By ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL

NORTHAMPTON — Prospect Place, a planned affordable housing complex at a former nursing home at 737 Bridge Road, has begun accepting applicants to occupy its 60 housing units.

Dog killed in Holyoke blaze

STAFF REPORT

HOLYOKE — A dog was killed in a house fire that destroyed a home at 4 Magnolia Ave. on Thursday night, though no occupants were injured, according to the Holyoke Fire Department.

Lawmakers opt to stick with single-year funding for local roads

By CHRIS LISINKSI

A key legislative committee moved forward on a nearly $1.2 billion borrowing bill that embraces Gov. Maura Healey’s push for more road maintenance funding while rebuffing her attempt to authorize half a decade of money at once.

Nonprofit veteran to take reins at Amherst Media

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — A Pelham resident and Hampshire College graduate who brings extensive experience as a leader of nonprofits is Amherst Media’s new executive director.

Speakers deride current system of government, see need for mayor in Amherst

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — Several residents concerned with Amherst’s government, featuring an elected 13-member Town Council and an appointed town manager, are asking the Charter Review Committee to recommend revisions to the town charter that might include adding a mayor as part of enhanced checks and balances.

A Look Back, July 11

FirstLight dam repairs completed early on Connecticut River

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

TURNERS FALLS — Despite an anticipated multi-day dam repair that prompted an emergency drawdown of the Connecticut River, FirstLight Hydro Generating Co. confirmed Wednesday that the repairs were completed ahead of schedule.

Photos: Summertime sculptors

Easthampton council president mulls interim mayor post in wake of LaChapelle resignation

By SAM FERLAND

EASTHAMPTON — In the wake of Mayor Nicole LaChapelle’s resignation, city councilors met Wednesday night to discuss paths forward to find an interim mayor, leaving the City Council president with a decision to make.

Turmoil on Northampton reparations panel as council ponders future

By ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL

NORTHAMPTON — The city has fired an administrative assistant of the Northampton Reparations Study Commission and the chair of the commission has resigned ahead of a City Council meeting where it will be determined whether or not to continue the commission’s work on its final report.

Photo: Reflections on a ride

A Look Back, July 10

Hilltown Digest: Pooches to strut their stuff at ‘Rowdy’ Dog Show; bicycle fundraiser in Cummington

By SAMUEL GELINAS

PLAINFIELD — Plainfield’s Annual “Rowdy” Dog Show, sponsored by the town’s Historical Society and Recreation Committee, will take place Saturday from 2-4 p.m.

Photo: Tranquil time

Food assistance agencies brace for SNAP cuts

By CHRIS LARABEE

GREENFIELD — With the approval of the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act last week, which includes $1.2 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), regional food assistance agencies say they are anticipating negative impacts that will sprawl across many aspects of society.

Delayed MassHealth payments persist for dental practice

By SCOTT MERZBACH

HADLEY — Delays in getting reimbursements for MassHealth Dental patients remain a challenge for Hampshire Meadow Family & Pediatric Dentistry, more than two months after the practice considered suspending accepting appointments over concerns with the state’s new third-party vendor.

Greenfield resident wanted by FBI for illicit marijuana operation

By ANTHONY CAMMALLERI

GREENFIELD — The FBI is searching for 47-year-old Yanrong Zhu, a fugitive Greenfield resident who allegedly conspired with six others to grow, transport and sell illicit marijuana in a ring that spanned Massachusetts, Maine and New York, and relied on labor from Chinese nationals who were smuggled into the country.

Around Amherst: Town celebrating Disability Pride Month

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — Amherst is celebrating Disability Pride Month, aiming to end the stigma of disability and make the town inclusive for all by issuing a proclamation, raising a flag in front of Town Hall and taking part in a film festival with two other area communities.

Sidehill Farm yoghurt biz changes hands in Hawley

By MADISON SCHOFIELD

HAWLEY — After 25 years running Sidehill Farm, founders Paul Lacinski and Amy Klippenstein are moooving on.

Area Property Deed Transfers, July 11

AMHERST