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The Shoestring
As budget woes linger in Hampshire County, some look to the colleges
The Five Colleges’ tax-exempt property holdings can be a sore spot when municipal budget season rolls around. Some residents and officials think the time is right to push for greater contributions from the wealthy institutions.
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Who will represent western Massachusetts on the influential Governor’s Council?
Tara Jacobs, a progressive who has made her mark on the Governor’s Council over the last four years, faces a rematch from Michael Fenton, Springfield’s former City Council President.
“Get the Flock Out”: Western Massachusetts residents push back against automated license plate readers
In Massachusetts and across the country, a movement is growing around the demand to kick Flock — and other license plate readers — out of town.
Automated license plate readers Flock to western Massachusetts
At least 15 police departments in the Connecticut River Valley have used the company Flock Safety’s controversial surveillance tech, records show. But it’s not the only company selling them to local police.
Organizers respond to escalating federal aggression towards Cuba
As the Trump administration’s trade embargo against Cuba ramps up, local organizers spoke to The Shoestring about their solidarity efforts.
Bump, set, spike: Will Holyoke residents block developer’s proposed sports complex?
Despite much initial fanfare, residents have been told that there are no formal plans for the project. But the city’s been busy, and some Holyokers have united in resistance against a developer with close ties to the mayor.
ABOUT THE SHOESTRING
The Shoestring is an independent news publication in Western Massachusetts that provides in-depth and accurate journalism covering local politics, culture, and power. We bring you the stories, perspectives, and context that no one else does, from Northampton and across the Connecticut River Valley.