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The Shoestring
Western Massachusetts incumbents sweep primary elections
Incumbency topped fundraising and political alignment as the best predictor of success for local Democrats on Tuesday, despite a leftward swing seen elsewhere in the country.
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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.
Records allege Granby cop sexually harassed women, paid subordinates to do his schoolwork
Misconduct records for Gary Poehler, who has agreed to permanently leave law enforcement, also allege he used his truck to intimidate an officer who filed a complaint against him. The documents were among those the Northwestern DA recently released.
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.
Establishment allies back Northampton “Information Hub”
With city politics increasingly fraught, critics say the hub — a new nonprofit that won’t name its financial backers — isn’t giving residents the whole picture.
“Ban! Ban! Ban!”: Data-center discontent reaches western Massachusetts
Last month, amid protests from city residents, Holyoke became the first in the state to ban new data centers. Two days later, Westfield moved toward passing a data-center moratorium.
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.