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The Shoestring
Millions in opioid settlement funds are still sitting idle in Mass municipalities
The state tried to withhold information on how cities and towns are spending opioid remediation dollars. From non-spenders to funding of police, here’s what the data shows.
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No sprinklers installed before Holyoke fires — and none required
“The Holyoke Fire Department would like to have sprinklers in all our buildings, but we are bound by the building code and the law,” said Capt. David Rex, a department spokesperson.
“Increase your profit”: Westfield police-landlord meeting draws criticism from tenants
The meetings have been ongoing for years, but a recent Facebook post about them has prompted some to question the cozy relationship between police and landlords.
Judge sides with journalist against Northwestern DA
The top cop for Hampshire and Franklin counties must now turn over unredacted disclosures of criminal police misconduct, or appeal the case to a higher court.
AI Hallucination? Proposed Westfield data center appears abandoned by developers
The Shoestring’s investigation uncovered signs the project’s developers may have abandoned it, even after local officials spent years arranging for significant tax breaks.
Peace protestors hope to put L3 Harris on trial
Activists arrested for occupying the defense contractor’s lobby are hoping a local judge will recognize the necessity of their action to stop arms transfers to Israel.
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.