
New group, ReConnect Western Mass, takes aim at smartphones in schools, social media use among youth
NORTHAMPTON — As the movement to ban smartphones in schools gains momentum in the state, a new group of local parents and educators has been formed to highlight the dangers kids are facing from the devices, as well as to advocate for school policies and state laws around youth smartphone access.

‘Hands off our students now’: 100 at pro-Palestinian rally demand improved protections for internationals, divestment from Israel
AMHERST — Chanting “hands off our students now” and “up, up with liberation, down, down with deportation” more than 100 students, staff and faculty at the University of Massachusetts, participating in a pro-Palestinian rally and march Thursday afternoon, demanded both divestment from Israel and improved protections for international students, including those whose visas are being revoked.
Most Read
Editors Picks




Sports

Girls lacrosse: Kiko Bhowmik, Amherst hold off Granby 14-11 (PHOTOS)
GRANBY – Kiko Bhowmik was the offensive catalyst for the Amherst girls lacrosse team, as the junior attacker scored five goals and added an assist to finish as Amherst’s top point producer in a 14-11 victory over Granby on a cold and raw afternoon Friday.
Opinion

Naomi Tannen: DEI makes America great
How did it happen that diversity, equity and inclusion became a mark of being anti-American and a reason to withhold funding from business and educational institutions? I thought that these three values were the bedrock of what makes America great. We have always been proud of the Statue of Liberty with its inscription “give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free.” All the major religions support the concept of welcoming the stranger.



Your Daily Puzzles

An approachable redesign to a classic. Explore our "hints."

A quick daily flip. Finally, someone cracked the code on digital jigsaw puzzles.

Chess but with chaos: Every day is a unique, wacky board.

Word search but as a strategy game. Clearing the board feels really good.

Align the letters in just the right way to spell a word. And then more words.
Business

With $402K grant, South Deerfield company with focus on supercapacitors poised to expand
SOUTH DEERFIELD — Over the last year, an energy storage solutions research and development company focusing on supercapacitors has been settling into its new facility off of Routes 5 and 10.



Arts & Life

The cost of addiction: New novel draws on Valley backdrop to explore how substance use upends people’s lives
Several years ago, Mattea Kramer, an Amherst writer and researcher who’s studied and written about the federal budget as well as drug policies at state and federal levels, spent time interviewing a number of women in the Greenfield jail who were part of a recovery program for substance use.
Obituaries

MIDDLEFIELD, MA - Michael W. Romanowski, 67 of Middlefield passed away unexpectedly on Monday April 7, 2025, with his life partner, Lucy Miller, at his side. Michael was born in Northampton, a son of the late Thadius Romanowski. He leav... remainder of obit for Michael W. Romanowski

Amherst, MA - Sandra (Dickinson) Sacco, 84, born November 1, 1940, passed away peacefully on April 6 with her loving family by her side. She is predeceased by her loving husband Robert (Bob). Sandy met Bob while working in the dining co... remainder of obit for Sandra M. Sacco

Dr. Melvin Hershkowitz, M.D. Hyattsville, MD - Melvin Hershkowitz, M.D., passed away on February 16, 2025, at home in Hyattsville, MD, surrounded by two of his grandchildren and his son Paul. He was 102 years old. Melvin was born in New ... remainder of obit for Melvin Hershkowitz M.D.

[IMAGE]Mary Goulet Easthampton, MA - Mary passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on April 8th at Baystate Medical Center. Her family would like to thank the Baystate staff for their compassionate care. Born Mary Louise S... remainder of obit for Mary Goulet