Here are today's headlines:

'The coup is still underway': McGovern, Raskin debate democracy with large crowd in Northampton

NORTHAMPTON - A town hall event Tuesday between two powerful Democratic congressmen was billed as a discussion with constituents about defending democracy.But it was as much a pep rally as it was a back-and-forth with audience members.Constituents packed First Churches of Northampton, standing shoul...

Historic Clark-Chapman House reopening with flair this weekend

SOUTHAMPTON - After being closed for nearly two years, the Clark-Chapman House is reopening this weekend to the public with a celebration.From 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 4, patrons will be able to step through time into the historic fully furnished farmhouse and barn at 234 College Highway in Sou...

After fire, Smith Voc puts out call for tools, computers

NORTHAMPTON - Officials at Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School are seeking the public's help to replace nearly 350 tools and computers that were destroyed when the forestry education building caught fire last week.The school has posted a running list of needed donations online and plans...

Gay veterans to become eligible for benefits denied under 'don't ask, don't tell'

HOLYOKE - Currently, veterans in Massachusetts who were expelled from the armed forces for revealing their sexual orientation during the "don't ask, don't tell" era are ineligible for state benefits. But that is soon to change.In an amendment to the state budget proposed by state Rep. John Velis, D-...

Class B softball: Hailey Wodecki's walk-off double lifts Hampshire past Wahconah for title (PHOTOS)

WESTFIELD – Before she even touched second base, the tears were already flowing for Hailey Wodecki. The Hampshire Regional sophomore had just crushed one of the biggest hits of her life in the bottom of the eighth inning, a walk-off double that sent the game-winning run home for the No. 1 Raiders ag...

Guest columnist William Lambers: Honor those lost by searching for peace

The poem "In Flanders Fields" honors those who died in the First World War. Written by Canadian physician Lt. Colonel John McCrae, it reads "We are the dead. Short days ago. We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders fields."McCrae served in the Flanders...

SUV collides with 7 motorcycles in Northfield; 7 injured, 1 in custody

NORTHFIELD - Seven people were taken to area hospitals after an SUV collided with at least five motorcycles Sunday afternoon near the intersection of Route 63 and Route 10 past the boat ramp and Thomas Aquinas College.According to Gill Deputy Fire Chief and police officer William Kimball, Northfield...

Class C boys tennis: PVCICS edged by Lee for WMass title (PHOTOS)

WEST SPRINGFIELD – The narrowest margins decided every aspect of Tuesday's Western Massachusetts Class C boys tennis final.No. 3 Lee took down the top-seeded Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School 3-2 to claim the Wildcats' first-ever title. Three of the five matches required three sets."Th...