Catholic Charities loses funding for refugee programs, shifting focus under new leader

By SAMUEL GELINAS

SPRINGFIELD — Bishop William Byrne not only introduced the Diocese of Springfield’s new executive director for its Catholic Charities Agency this week but also laid out the evolution that the agency will see now that protection of immigrants is no longer part of its agenda in the wake of federal cuts.

Tariffs hit home for small business in Hadley

By SCOTT MERZBACH

HADLEY — Before 2,000 cases of V-One Vodka produced in a Kamień, Poland, factory can be unloaded from a cargo ship, set to arrive in Port Elizabeth, N.J., next week, company founder Paul Kozub will have to pay the U.S. government an $8,000 fee.

Gazette seeks nominations for Person of the Year, Young Community Leader awards

By SAMUEL GELINAS

NORTHAMPTON — Who is the area’s person of the year?

Vacancies remain in Jones Library’s upcoming budget

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — Three full-time positions at the Jones Library will remain vacant, as they have for the past six years, in the $3.09 million budget proposal recommended by the elected trustees.

Demolition of old power plant at former Belchertown State School begins

By EMILEE KLEIN

BELCHERTOWN — Demolition and abatement of the environmentally-contaminated old power plant on the Belchertown State School property is underway as part of the redevelopment of the sprawling site.

‘Courage, not acquiescence’: McGovern encourages increased engagement during Trump administration

By CHRIS LARABEE

WHATELY — More than 120 area residents packed into Town Hall on Wednesday for a conversation with U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern to voice their ongoing concerns with the Trump administration.

Around Amherst: Students advocate for revised state funding formulas in Boston

By SCOTT MERZBACH

Several Amherst Regional High School students recently had the opportunity to travel to the State House to offer testimony to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means hearing, explaining to legislators why funding formulas for state aid to local school districts should be revised.

Photo: Forbes Library employees immortalizing Paco the fish with tattoos

Area property deed transfers, April 18

AMHERST

Economic Secretary Hao leaving Healey’s cabinet

By COLIN A. YOUNG

BOSTON — Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao is stepping down from her port at the end of the month, with Undersecretary of Economic Foundations Ashley Stolba in line to take over the secretary’s duties on an interim basis, the Healey administration said Tuesday.

A Look Back, April 17

In swing through WMass, AG Campbell warns country heading toward authoritarianism

By ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL

SPRINGFIELD — Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell issued a stark warning that the country risked moving toward a situation of “authoritarianism versus democracy” under U.S. President Donald Trump, calling on her fellow lawyers to fight against the administration and to protect constitutional rights.

Reported cuts to Head Start program have Community Action worried about consequences

By ALEXA LEWIS

Community Action Pioneer Valley’s (CAPV) Head Start services could be facing setbacks if the Trump administration does not allocate money to the federal program next fiscal year — a very real possibility that advocates say would be catastrophic for vulnerable young children and their families.

Local officials advocate for more state highway money

By SCOTT MERZBACH

NORTHAMPTON — For a town like Hatfield, annual road maintenance has become increasingly more challenging over the past 12 years, as state Chapter 90 road money declines even as the price of hot mix asphalt rises substantially.

Dave’s Hot Chicken plans advance in Hadley; used car dealership eyed across from Hopkins

By SCOTT MERZBACH

HADLEY — Recent demolition of a former bank at 5 South Maple St. will make way for a new building housing a fast-food restaurant specializing in Nashville hot chicken.

Working clay into the school day: Artist teaching Easthampton middle schoolers how to craft ceramic creations

By ALEXA LEWIS

EASTHAMPTON — In the art classroom of Mountain View School, students are getting their hands dirty and learning from a pro.

Granby School Committee selects Rickson as permanent superintendent

By EMILEE KLEIN

GRANBY — The School Committee has selected interim Superintendent Mary Jane Rickson to take over the role on a permanent basis based on her extensive experience and focus on providing the best environment and education of students.

Mold fixes underway Amherst middle school over spring break

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — Professional mold remediation in the music and instrument storage rooms during April vacation, along with recent roof repairs and replacement of HVAC air filters, are among steps being taken to improve air quality at the Amherst Regional Middle School.

Area briefs: Bridges of Franklin County presentation; Leverett Earth Day cleanup; Leverett Democratic Party to caucus; Schoen Books charity book sale

WHATELY — The Whately Historical Society is presenting “Bridges of Franklin County,” a presentation on the region’s wide variety of bridges by Whately resident Stephen Mikesell.