Here are today's headlines:

Amherst registrars won't review signatures on library petition

AMHERST - An effort to declare null and void the recent certification of signatures on a voter veto effort to put the $36.3 million Jones Library project to a town referendum has been rejected by the Board of Registrars.Board member Dee Shabazz asked that the board give itself the authority to evalu...

New award for nonprofits, businesses named for late regional planner Tim Brennan

NORTHAMPTON - A new award established in honor of the late Tim Brennan, who led the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) for decades, will recognize local organizations that serve the community while adapting to shifting cultural and economic environments.With the Tim Brennan Exemplar Award, PV...

Domestic violence survivors face more obstacles during pandemic

BOSTON - Survivors of domestic violence have faced greater obstacles finding or getting access to support during the pandemic, putting vulnerable and marginalized populations even more at risk as households were confined to the same living space for long periods of time, according to Massachusetts...

Easthampton High's 'We the People' program brings home another national award

EASTHAMPTON - Student competitors from Easthampton High School students had one of their highest-ranking years at the national "We the People" civics competition held late last month, bringing home a divisional award.Though students this year faced additional difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pande...

Social worker 1st to announce for Ward 1 council seat in Northampton

NORTHAMPTON - A social worker who has lived in the city for nine years is the first to announce intentions to run for the Ward 1 seat on the City Council being vacated by incumbent Michael Quinlan.Emily Coffin, who goes by Lemy, earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from Smith College. Coffin no...

Guest columnist Amy Langone: Acknowledging an amazing teacher in Hadley

I wanted to take a moment to recognize Sherrene St. Peters. She is my daughter's second grade teacher. While I have nothing but wonderful things to say about all the teachers and administration in the Hadley school system, Sherrene is special. My oldest daughter also had Mrs. St. Peters for her se...

Columnist John Sheirer: Radio personality Bob Flaherty will be missed

I always enjoy hearing the melodious voice of Rachel Maddow beckoning us to listen to "WHMP: news, information, and the arts." Unfortunately, our local radio station recently rendered an iconic voice silent when local legend Bob Flaherty was fired from his morning show on WHMP. I first met Bob in 2...

Book Bag: 'Appointment with the Wise Old Dog' by David Blum; 'A Spiritual Journey of Hope and Healing' by Jacqueline Haskins Engel

Appointment with the Wise Old Dog by David BlumChiron Publications David Blum, who died in 1998 at age 62, was an internationally known conductor, composer, music scholar and writer who wrote about classical music for The New Yorker and other publications. The California native was noted for conduct...

High Schools: Michael Toth leads Granby baseball to win over Southwick

Michael Toth tripled twice, had three RBIs and scored three runs, as the Granby baseball team opened the season with a 12-5 road win over Southwick on Monday.Colin Kennedy was 2-for-4 with a double and drove in three runs.The Rams trailed 3-1 after one inning then strung together a few big innings.N...