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The Shoestring
Long division: The growing battle over public school budgets in western Mass
Despite attempts to boost the state’s education funding, some cities and towns are facing big budget crunches. Local activists have started to fight for stronger local funding.
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Trespassing Charges Create “Dragnet” in Holyoke, Public Defenders Say
Trespassing arrests have recently doubled at Holyoke’s most policed apartment complexes. Unlike most, Osvaldo Soto-Berrios decided to fight his case.
UMass Seeking Felony Riot Charges Against Palestine Activists
The fallout continues from UMass’ protest encampment crackdown. Records show the police response cost at least tens of thousands of dollars.
Governing in Darkness, Part 1: What is the Governor’s Council?
For centuries, critics have questioned whether the Governor’s Council, rife with conflict, should exist. In 2024, is the body obsolete?
Parks and Wrecked: Inside Easthampton’s Crumbling Maintenance Building
With new parks in planning stages, some question when long overdue building upgrades will be prioritized for the parks department.
Op-Ed: Northampton Broker Fee Ban Could Become State Law
A much needed broker fee ban in Northampton has been stalled at the state level for years. Now, it could become law statewide.
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.