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A group holds a wide canvas banner on a sunny day in Pulaski Park reading "Hands Off Cuba, Break the Blockade."

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.
An original illustration by Charles Forsman shows Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia setting a volleyball up into the air on the right side of a volleyball net in front of businessman Cesar Ruiz, who is getting ready to spike it. The volleyball reads "USAI." Both are wearing suits and volleyball knee pads. On the left side of the net, a team of protesters who are also wearing kneepads hold signs that read "Save Elmwood Forest," "No Sports Complex," and "Down With USAI."

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.
Now-retired Granby Police Lt. Gary Poehler smiles at the camera in his uniform in April 2022.

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.
Maia Penuel and Milla Wenick, tenants of 126 King St. in Northampton, speak at a rally on July 10, 2026. The two speak into a microphone on the right side of the picture, a large speaker sitting to their left. Behind them, several people hold a black banner that reads, in yellow font, "Northampton Tenants Union." Others hold signs saying "Don't wait, negotiate" and "Rent is Wicked High."

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.
One of the city of Northampton's public newspaper boxes sits on Main Street, its white front containing graffiti and stickers. The only local news source present in the eight separate boxes is the Valley Advocate.

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.

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