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The Shoestring
Despite rent control defeat, tenants continue organizing
Last month, Massachusetts’ highest court tossed out a rent-control ballot measure. But tenant organizers say the setback won’t stop their work fighting against climbing rents.
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Healthcare costs squeeze municipal budgets, prompting exodus from regional insurer
As rising healthcare costs bear down on local governments, teachers are losing their jobs, cities and towns are cutting services, and the cash-strapped Hampshire Group Insurance Trust, which provides health insurance to thousands of municipal employees in western Massachusetts, is trying to stay afloat.
A developer built Northampton a soccer field. 20 years later, where is it?
A developer promised a soccer field in exchange for a denser build. But after it was built, the city has punted on completing the project. Why?
“Loss of local autonomy”: With GBH, NEPM merger looming, what’s next for local public media?
The organizations have billed their merger as building a “more sustainable future” amid federal funding cuts. But what comes next remains unclear.
After success of fare-free transit, what’s next for PVTA?
The “Try Transit” initiative has helped the PVTA restore ridership to pre-pandemic levels, with route expansions next on the bus service’s agenda.
Hampden sheriff last local holdout for controversial anti-terrorism partnership
Almost every local agency has left an anti-terrorism partnership with the FBI. With President Trump attempting to leverage it to stifle dissent, records show one local agency remains.
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.