The Shoestring

Baker’s budget will cut funding for the PVTA—disproportionately impacting the poor and non-white, while he coddles corporations with incentives ROJAS OLIVA In a predictable result of Governor Charlie Baker’s commitment to cutting funding for regional transit authorities—or, said differently, austerity—the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) has voted to eliminate or cut services on 20 of […]

Chief Kasper’s exaggerated claims don’t make people safe, they amplify fear Will Meyer As many readers already know, our reporting last week about police funding for more riot gear has come under scrutiny, both directly and indirectly, from figures like Police Chief Jody Kasper, Mayor David Narkewicz, and Ward 2 City Councilor Dennis Bidwell. Councilor […]

Despite NPD’s efforts for greater transparency, we’d still like to know more The Shoestring Here are some unanswered questions on the police department’s capital request. Who is the Northampton supplier of Shields Helmets Chemical weapons (OC spray, tear gas, etc) Defense against chemical weapons (gas masks, hazmat suits) Firearms Ammunition “less lethal” weaponry (“rubber” bullets, […]

Is a Ladder a Gun? BLAIR GIMMA On March 1, the Northampton City Council held its fourth meeting of the year. Councilor Maureen Carney (Ward 1) was not present. Over 100 people attended. According to Councilor Alisa Klein (Ward 7), “the number of people we had here tonight is the largest number I’ve seen in […]

NPD requests $225,000 for (more) riot gear APRIL JOLN [Update 3/1: We are changing the picture to Blarney Blowout, an event that Kasper says this equipment will be used at.] On Thursday, March 1, the City Council will vote on a riot gear request that is hidden in a financial order and buried in the […]