Members of the Mountain River Taiko play drums during the Hampshire Pride parade Saturday in Northampton
on her shoulders during the Hampshire Pride parade Saturday in Northampton
walks during the Hampshire Pride parade Saturday in Northampton
A crowd member watches the Hampshire Pride parade from a rooftop Saturday in Northampton
Spectators cheer during the Hampshire Pride parade Saturday in Northampton
Volunteers from The Common School toss necklaces during the Hampshire Pride parade Saturday in Northampton
Members of the Expandable Brass Band perform during the Hampshire Pride parade Saturday in Northampton
Spectators watch the Hampshire Pride parade from a bridge Saturday
Members of The Hartsbrook School float ride along during the Hampshire Pride parade Saturday in Northampton
Members of the Drag Queen group Bien Latina perform during the Hampshire Pride festival Saturday in Northampton
and Sativo Green read a book during Drag Story Hour at the Hampshire Pride festival Saturday in Northampton
eat breadsticks during the Hampshire Pride parade Saturday in Northampton
A drag queen runs down Main Street during the Hampshire Pride parade Saturday in Northampton
Drag Queen Miz Rebel performs during the Hampshire Pride festival Saturday in Northampton
performs amongst crowd members during the Hampshire Pride festival Saturday in Northampton
A dancer twirls down Bridge Street during the Hampshire Pride parade Saturday in Northampton
Parade members walk on stilts during the Hampshire Pride parade Saturday in Northampton
performs during the Hampshire Pride festival in Northampton
The Hampshire Pride parade continues down Bridge Street Saturday in Northampton
performs down Main Street during the Hampshire Pride parade Saturday in Northampton
People walk between booths during the Hampshire Pride festival Saturday in Northampton
NORTHAMPTON — Hampshire Pride 2025 was a day of celebration in Northampton — and
according to director and founder Clay Pearson
unapologetic” and “united in our demand for justice
and liberty for all” in the wake of recent political attacks on the LGBTQ+ community
This was the third year of Hampshire Pride; Pearson
along with Celina Almendarez and Kayla Abney
founded and organized the first Hampshire Pride in 2023 in just nine weeks
after the former NoHo Pride fizzled following the pandemic
The first gay pride march in Northampton was held in 1982
This year’s Hampshire Pride was the biggest yet
The parade on Saturday included 98 contingents and nearly 2,000 participants
according to Pearson — up from about 1,800 participants in 2024 — ranging from school affinity groups to health care groups
who walked from Sheldon Field to Crafts Avenue
nondiscriminatory experience,” said Morgan Trenholm of Northampton
“It’s a great way to get to know your community and feel loved and supported and reciprocate that same love and support toward other people.”
who is originally from Europe and lives in Northampton now
“I think everyone can be just the way they are and everybody’s accepting and fine with it
I’ve never found a town where you can do that
so I just absolutely love the community here and the people
There were 20-30% more vendors this year in the fair behind the E
there were projected to be 15,000-20,000 attendees
but Pearson estimated that dropped to 10,000-15,000 in town on the day of the event due to the weather
This year also marked the first collaboration between Northampton Resists and Hampshire Pride
A rally held on the main festival stage featured several LGBTQ+ speakers
we rise louder,” Pearson said at the start of the rally
We resist the erosion of our trans siblings’ rights
We resist the idea that any of us must be quiet to be accepted or be grateful just to be tolerated
Northampton Resists co-founder Mary Wang-Boucher pointed out the political left’s tendency to “eat our own” and pursue the perfect at the expense of the good
leaving space for the political right to “steamroll right over us” and follow Trump’s orders in lockstep
and more about those who believe in common decency and those who don’t,” Wang-Boucher said
health insurance; all these things bring us together.”
who couldn’t attend Hampshire Pride in person
sent a video message to rally attendees and affirmed that “trans rights are human rights,” to cheers from the crowd
“My father used to say: you can’t beg for your rights,” Markey continued
Markey and congresswoman Pramila Jayapal have introduced a Transgender Bill of Rights at the federal level that
would guarantee certain rights for transgender and nonbinary people
Markey committed to continuing to fight for those rights
Other rally speakers included Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra
Northampton Resists co-founder Carla Imperial
Alongside the seriousness of the current political climate and calls to action by rally speakers
many Pride attendees were joyous and celebratory
set up in the alley between the parking garage and Thornes Marketplace
and there was a craft station for kids and families
Vendors handed out swag including necklaces
condoms and rainbow-adorned bags and bracelets
Many said they were happy to be in community
which provides outreach services and comprehensive care for people with HIV and AIDS
happy celebration of many of the people that come to us for support,” Shally-Jensen said
finally — we used to be in the closet because there was too much stigma attached to people living with HIV and AIDS.”
“We come out (to Pride) to keep our community having fun and staying safe,” she said
Walking through the vendor fair after the rally
Pearson said they were glad the rain held off — a few Pride participants backed out last minute due to possible thunderstorms in the forecast
Pearson was appreciative of the community support
“People have been really outspoken about there being a really great political rally going on
we’ve got the drag stage going up right now with a drag story time — so far
everything is coasting really well together,” Pearson said
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New Hampshire rolled out a new driver’s license design this year with enhanced security features
Just days before airport security checkpoints will require Real IDs or passports for anyone 18 or older flying in the U.S.
New Hampshire’s new driver’s licenses are giving Transportation Security Administration scanners fits
Although the problems with the TSA’s ability to process the IDs were known soon after the state rolled out the new licenses in January, the Division of Motor Vehicles continued with a big push this year to get federally compliant Real IDs in the hands of as many residents as possible
Approximately 65% of all state ID holders have Real IDs
and the DMV expected that number to rise before the May 7 deadline
Recently, residents have jammed DMV offices, three of which will be open an extra day this Saturday just for folks to get a Real ID
Although it takes up to 60 days for the cards to get to residents through the mail
If you have the older New Hampshire license or non-driver card that is already Real ID-compliant, you’re fine. If the hiccups with scanning the new IDs continue
travelers should consider carrying extra identification
the manual verification process can take up to 40 minutes and travelers could miss their flights if they don’t show up early enough
“TSA has alternate measures in place for situations where the credential authentication technology system is unable to validate an ID as well as the ability to verify the identity of those passengers who do not have their ID,” TSA New England Region spokesperson Daniel Velez said
DMV Director John Marasco said the state has been working with its vendor and the TSA to resolve the problems
Marasco said the kinks were all but worked out
but residents and security officials have seen lingering difficulties
“Everyone who has received the new design should rest assured that their identification is valid
and was thoroughly reviewed and approved by a variety of stakeholders
including the Department of Homeland Security
before it was finalized and went into production,” he said
DMV officials said they contacted the company that produced the new ID cards and they confirmed the issue was the TSA’s system
TSA officials told the DMV that the new design will soon be fully integrated into its system nationwide
For more information about Real IDs and how to verify your identity at a TSA security checkpoint, visit tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification
dpierce@unionleader.com
The DMV was the place to be this past week with the deadline looming for Real ID
More than 50 people spent their lunch hour Thursday waiting about 15 minutes to get the federally compliant driver’s licenses or state-issued identification at the Division of Motor Vehicles in Concord
Twenty years since the Real ID Act was signed into law
about 65% of New Hampshire license or ID holders are already all set
To help travelers get their Real IDs in time for May 7
the first day they’ll need one to fly in the U.S.
the state Division of Motor Vehicle…
New Hampshire driver’s licenses were already really cool with the Old Man of the Mountain featured …
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Easthampton High School students Hailey Siv and Mayuri Gupta listen as Rory Little
a law professor at the University of California San Francisco and a Greenfield resident
speaks during Law Day at the Hampshire County Courthouse last Friday
Other schools in attendance included Amherst Regional High School
Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School and Hampshire Regional High School
Little speaks during Law Day at the Hampshire County Courthouse
Easthampton High School student Chris Gallagher asks Rory Little
a question about a recent executive order requiring truck drivers to be proficient in English during Law Day at the Hampshire County Courthouse last Friday
speaks during Law Day at the Hampshire County Courthouse
Easthampton High School student Roman Powers-Moran asks Rory Little
a question about a recent executive order requiring truck drivers to be proficient in English
during Law Day at the Hampshire County Courthouse last Friday
NORTHAMPTON — Inside the oldest room in the Hampshire County Courthouse
law professor Rory Little told a group of high school students gathered inside that the first step to understanding the U.S
one” can be traced to the Roman philosopher Cicero and is depicted on the back of the $1 bill
a Greenfield resident who spends his time between western Massachusetts and California as a law professor at the University of California San Francisco
explained to the students the rich symbolism of this simple phrase in the country
with its 13 letters representing the 13 original colonies and how they came together under one constitution
“You all are the people who will have to decide how the Constitution works for the problems that you face today,” Little said
“I’m not going to be around 20 years from now to solve this problem
You guys are going to be the active leaders
and you will have to decide what the words of the Constitution are
The Constitution was intentionally written to not be a detailed set of directions
The students attending on Friday came from Amherst-Pelham Regional High School
The students were there for “Law Day” at the courthouse
where they heard a lecture by Little on constitutional law before being guided on tours of the respective courthouses by lawyers from the Northwestern district attorney’s offices
members of the defense bar and courthouse staff
Little also tied discussions on the Constitution to current events under the administration of President Donald Trump
who has frequently pushed the limits of the Constitution during his time in office
signing numerous executive orders that have subsequently been challenged in the courts
He used the recent example of Trump attempting to use the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to try and deport members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang without following due process of law
A federal judge in Texas blocked the attempt last Thursday
Little described how the ruling matched with the history of the Constitution
and how in the period between 1776 (the Declaration of Independence) and 1789 (the ratification of the Constitution)
the different states in the union had separate foreign policies
“That is a fact that the states for 13 years did have foreign affairs power
And when they agreed to join the Constitution
“This kind of exclusive presidential authority over international affairs is not correct historically.”
Little also talked about the rule of law and how no one
including the president of the United States
He cited an opinion by former Supreme Court Justice Robert Jackson after the Supreme Court ruled against then-President Harry Truman after Truman had ordered to seize control of the steel mills to prevent a strike during the Korean War
men have discovered no technique for long preserving free government except that the executive be under the law,” Jackson wrote
an 18-year-old student at Amherst Regional High
said the opportunity to learn about the court system firsthand made it more fun to learn about
“I was more at ease learning from an actual lawyer.”
Partida said he also was curious to know more how legal issues would play out during Trump’s current term
citing Trump’s hinting at trying to run for a third term
which is prohibited under the Constitution
it’s definitely going to make an impact,” Partida said
I don’t think it would break up the country
a senior at Hampshire Regional High School
also said the experience was illuminating for learning about the judicial system and how it applies to the current political situation
and it was cool seeing how it actually works instead of seeing it in the classroom,” Brooks said
“I didn’t realize some of those things were going on
It was really interesting to learn about.”
Alexander MacDougall can be reached at amacdougall@gazettenet.com
Thousands of celebrants took part in the annual Hampshire Pride parade and festival Saturday in Northampton Massachusetts
sign-toting people marched through downtown to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community
Many said they wanted to show support for trans people in particular, in light of the Trump administration’s hostility towards trans rights and gender-affirming care
“It's like a celebration in terms of resistance
especially given all of the anti-trans legislation
and all of the anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in general,” said Olivia Nied
“I think that's a big thing with the queer community in general.”
usually takes place before the traditional Pride month of June
Police estimated up to 10,000 people attended this year’s event
Dawson 5-158) and 61 for 0 drew with Hampshire 470 (Brown 162
Ben Brown reached his third-highest Rothesay County Championship score as Hampshire and Durham's clash inevitably ended in a draw
Brown ended up on 162, three shy of his first-class best, as Matthew Potts and Codi Yusuf shared seven wickets to bowl Hampshire out with a deficit of 41.
Alex Lees and Emilio Gay put on 61 around frequent rain breaks before hands were shaken on the assured the result at 15:50 BST - only 20 wickets have fallen across four days.
Hampshire remain unbeaten, and move up to fifth having taken 12 points from the fixture, while Durham are three points of them in the table, with 13 points received from the draw and bonus points.
Any chance of the match not meandering towards a certain draw was a day of quick scoring and quick wickets.
Kyle Abbott only faced one ball, as he watched his off stump get catapulted by one that kept low from Potts - who was named in the England Test squad to face Zimbabwe.
Ben Brown had gone in at 143 overnight, but his final day aim seemed solely to be keeping Durham in the field as long as possible, with Brad Wheal equally happy to play along.
Brown reached 150 for the seventh time of his career in 257 balls but failed to score a single boundary in the 34 balls he faced on day four.
Wheal did strike two fours - well connecting with a pull and cover drive - but time in the middle was a more important factor to Hampshire's approach than the runs scored.
South African loanee Yusuf earned the rewards for Durham's 155 over toil as he suddenly found some extravagant in-swing to extract Brown for 162.
The fast bowler then pinned Sonny Baker to end up with three for 83, with wholehearted Potts returning four for 84 in his 29 overs.
Hampshire were bowled out for 470, with an irrelevant first-innings deficit of 41.
The use of the heavy roller between innings made sure that the occasional moments of lower bounce would not be a problem in the third innings.
Spinner Liam Dawson opened the bowling with Kyle Abbott in a nine over stint before lunch. Abbott bowled three maidens from his four overs, demonstrating both his accuracy and Alex Lees and Emilio Gay's resolution to keep their wickets.
Three overs have been lost in a 15 minute delay before lunch and bad light and more rain after the interval killed an hour - and lobbed another 11 overs - before the inevitable shaking of hands.
Off spinners Felix Organ and Tom Prest took over the bowling as things turned into a glorified net session for Lees and Gay, before another rain break kyboshed the action - with Durham unbeaten against Hampshire since 2015.
Rain brings early end at Utilita Bowl after Ben Brown's 162Durham finish with no loss in second innings as bat dominates contest
Ben Brown century puts Hampshire safe in impending stalemateHampshire captain gets first century in new role to guide team's rearguard
Graham Clark picks up where he left off to take Durham past 500After resuming on 110, he reached 160 before Hampshire closed still 399 runs behind
Graham Clark century puts Durham in chargeRescuing visitors from 82 for 4
Clark shares stands of 124 with Ollie Robinson and an unbroken 124 with George Drissell
Ben Brown reached his third-highest Rothesay County Championship score as Hampshire and Durham's clash inevitably ended in a draw
Brown ended up on 162, three shy of his first-class best, as Matthew Potts and Codi Yusuf shared seven wickets to bowl Hampshire out with a deficit of 41
Alex Lees and Emilio Gay put on 61 around frequent rain breaks before hands were shaken on the assured the result at 15:50 BST - only 20 wickets have fallen across four days
and move up to fifth having taken 12 points from the fixture
while Durham are three points of them in the table
with 13 points received from the draw and bonus points
Any chance of the match not meandering towards a certain draw was a day of quick scoring and quick wickets
as he watched his off stump get catapulted by one that kept low from Potts - who was named in the England Test squad to face Zimbabwe
but his final day aim seemed solely to be keeping Durham in the field as long as possible
with Brad Wheal equally happy to play along
Brown reached 150 for the seventh time of his career in 257 balls but failed to score a single boundary in the 34 balls he faced on day four
Wheal did strike two fours - well connecting with a pull and cover drive - but time in the middle was a more important factor to Hampshire's approach than the runs scored
South African loanee Yusuf earned the rewards for Durham's 155 over toil as he suddenly found some extravagant in-swing to extract Brown for 162
The fast bowler then pinned Sonny Baker to end up with three for 83
with wholehearted Potts returning four for 84 in his 29 overs
with an irrelevant first-innings deficit of 41
The use of the heavy roller between innings made sure that the occasional moments of lower bounce would not be a problem in the third innings
Spinner Liam Dawson opened the bowling with Kyle Abbott in a nine over stint before lunch
Abbott bowled three maidens from his four overs
demonstrating both his accuracy and Alex Lees and Emilio Gay's resolution to keep their wickets
Three overs have been lost in a 15 minute delay before lunch and bad light and more rain after the interval killed an hour - and lobbed another 11 overs - before the inevitable shaking of hands
Off spinners Felix Organ and Tom Prest took over the bowling as things turned into a glorified net session for Lees and Gay
before another rain break kyboshed the action - with Durham unbeaten against Hampshire since 2015
“Why wait?” That was the answer Hillary Connell
LPN Intake Specialist with Valley Health Home Health asked herself last year
The question at hand: should I donate one of my kidneys to help save the life of my co-worker’s daughter
Surrounded by her family and hospital staff
Hillary spoke at this year’s organ donation flag raising event hosted by Hampshire Memorial Hospital as part of National Donate Life Month
Hampshire Memorial Hospital hosted a very special speaker at its flag raising ceremony last week
who received a kidney transplant three years ago
a nurse who worked at Grant Memorial Hospital for more than 25 years
told those gathered how important it is to become an organ donor
because without those who are willing to give the gift of life
she wouldn’t have been standing there that day
“We were in the middle of the COVID pandemic
and I had no idea if or when I would get that call
“If not for the selfless gift from my donor and that family
I wouldn’t be able to share my story
Words cannot express how grateful I am,” she continued
adding that one donor can save up to seven lives and enhance the life of up to 70 people
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Hampshire Fire Protection District responded to two separate carbon monoxide incidents this week that have sent a total of six people to the hospital
One person was taken to an Elgin hospital with symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
Firefighters also monitored adjacent businesses
where they detected lower levels of carbon monoxide
The source of the CO was identified and isolated and each unit was ventilated
When ambulances arrived, a second person reported feeling ill. Firefighters monitored the air to find high levels of carbon monoxide and evacuated the building, according to the release.
Five people were taken to Elgin hospitals and two others were treated at the scene. A total of 150 other employees denied feeling ill, according to the release.
Firefighters located and isolated the source of the carbon monoxide and ventilated the building. NICOR as well as Burlington, Pingree Grove, Huntley and Marengo Ambulances assisted on the scene, according to the release.
Copyright © 2023 Shaw Local News Network
Elwiss 58*) beat Hampshire 189 for 7 (McCaughan 57
A superb century from England's Tammy Beaumont led The Blaze to a seven-wicket victory with 13.1 overs to spare as Hampshire's unbeaten start to the Metro Bank One-Day Cup women's competition ended at Trent Bridge
Beaumont finished 112 not out after sharing an unbroken 159-run partnership with Georgia Elwiss (58 not out) to complete a third win from four matches for the East Midlands side
Another of their England stars, legspinner Sarah Glenn, took 3 for 36 as Hampshire were restricted to 189 in their 50 overs, opener Ella McCaughan top-scoring with 57.
Hampshire had two wins and a tie in their opening three fixtures, setting a record for the highest successful run chase in women's List A cricket in England when they overhauled Lancashire's 292 for 6 at Southport last week.
Winning the toss and batting first here on a used pitch, they looked well placed to continue in that form at 41 for one after the opening 10-over powerplay, even though they had lost opener Maia Bouchier in the 10th over, the England batter chopping on as she reached for a wide delivery from left-arm seamer Grace Ballinger.
Yet that early momentum was lost, home skipper Beaumont's decision to toss the ball to Glenn at that point paying off as the England leggie not only stemmed the flow of runs but took three key wickets, bowling her 10-over allocation in a single spell from the Radcliffe Road end.
Employing the old-fashioned virtue of bowling at the stumps, Glenn dismissed Charli Knott and Rhianna Southby, both bowled making room to cut, either side of Georgia Adams falling leg before, trying to work to leg. It left Hampshire with work to do at 91 for four from 25 overs.
They soon suffered another blow as McCaughan, who had completed a third consecutive half-century after her career-best unbeaten 133 against Lancashire, played loosely at a ball with which Josie Groves, The Blaze's second legspinner, found turn and bounce and gave a simple catch to backward point.
Charley Phillips, the 21-year-old former Sunrisers seamer, had Abi Norgrove caught at deep square leg and Nancy Harman beaten for pace to finish with two for 50, before Freya Davies (25 not out) and Poppy Tulloch (18 not out) combined in the best partnership of the innings, adding 46 in the final 10.4 overs of the Hampshire innings.
It felt like a below par total, but putting runs on the board proved equally difficult for the home side as Freya Davies and Lauren Bell restricted them to 31 for two in the powerplay, taking a wicket apiece as Amy Jones failed to clear Bell at mid-off off the former before a poor shot from Kathryn Bryce off Bell gave backward point an easy catch.
When Sarah Bryce pulled Bell to be caught behind square, The Blaze were 33 for 3.
Yet Beaumont and Elwiss were able to bring their experience to bear in negotiating Hampshire's attempts to frustrate them, coming through 10 overs of spin before upping the tempo to take the total to 106 for three from 25, Beaumont pulling Poppy Tulloch for consecutive fours to leave The Blaze needing another 84.
Beaumont's half-century came from 73 balls with four boundaries, Elwiss reaching the milestone from 10 fewer deliveries, also with a quartet of fours, after which Beaumont began to look for a quick finish, advancing into the 90s with a towering six over long-on off Davies and a four into the same area, pulling Bell for a 10th four in the next over before a scrambled single took her to a 15th career hundred in List A cricket from 110 balls.
And it was Beaumont who finished the job with her 11th boundary to get the job done after a partnership with Elwiss that could not have been better paced.
Beaumont ton in Blaze chase hands Hampshire first defeatUnbroken stand with Georgia Elwiss sees off visitors after Sarah Glenn stars with ball
A superb century from England's Tammy Beaumont led The Blaze to a seven-wicket victory with 13.1 overs to spare as Hampshire's unbeaten start to the Metro Bank One-Day Cup women's competition ended at Trent Bridge
Beaumont finished 112 not out after sharing an unbroken 159-run partnership with Georgia Elwiss (58 not out) to complete a third win from four matches for the East Midlands side
Another of their England stars, legspinner Sarah Glenn
took 3 for 36 as Hampshire were restricted to 189 in their 50 overs
Hampshire had two wins and a tie in their opening three fixtures
setting a record for the highest successful run chase in women's List A cricket in England when they overhauled Lancashire's 292 for 6 at Southport last week
Winning the toss and batting first here on a used pitch
they looked well placed to continue in that form at 41 for one after the opening 10-over powerplay
even though they had lost opener Maia Bouchier in the 10th over
the England batter chopping on as she reached for a wide delivery from left-arm seamer Grace Ballinger
home skipper Beaumont's decision to toss the ball to Glenn at that point paying off as the England leggie not only stemmed the flow of runs but took three key wickets
bowling her 10-over allocation in a single spell from the Radcliffe Road end
Employing the old-fashioned virtue of bowling at the stumps
Glenn dismissed Charli Knott and Rhianna Southby
either side of Georgia Adams falling leg before
It left Hampshire with work to do at 91 for four from 25 overs
They soon suffered another blow as McCaughan
who had completed a third consecutive half-century after her career-best unbeaten 133 against Lancashire
played loosely at a ball with which Josie Groves
found turn and bounce and gave a simple catch to backward point
had Abi Norgrove caught at deep square leg and Nancy Harman beaten for pace to finish with two for 50
before Freya Davies (25 not out) and Poppy Tulloch (18 not out) combined in the best partnership of the innings
adding 46 in the final 10.4 overs of the Hampshire innings
but putting runs on the board proved equally difficult for the home side as Freya Davies and Lauren Bell restricted them to 31 for two in the powerplay
taking a wicket apiece as Amy Jones failed to clear Bell at mid-off off the former before a poor shot from Kathryn Bryce off Bell gave backward point an easy catch
When Sarah Bryce pulled Bell to be caught behind square
Yet Beaumont and Elwiss were able to bring their experience to bear in negotiating Hampshire's attempts to frustrate them
coming through 10 overs of spin before upping the tempo to take the total to 106 for three from 25
Beaumont pulling Poppy Tulloch for consecutive fours to leave The Blaze needing another 84
Beaumont's half-century came from 73 balls with four boundaries
Elwiss reaching the milestone from 10 fewer deliveries
after which Beaumont began to look for a quick finish
advancing into the 90s with a towering six over long-on off Davies and a four into the same area
pulling Bell for a 10th four in the next over before a scrambled single took her to a 15th career hundred in List A cricket from 110 balls
And it was Beaumont who finished the job with her 11th boundary to get the job done after a partnership with Elwiss that could not have been better paced
■An administrative law judge for the National Labor Relations Board has found that the management of Bookland
Bookstores violated a federal labor law last summer by attempting to “coerce” employees not to organize a union
including one on King Street in Northampton
mumps and rubella in Hampshire County has declined significantly since the inception of immunization programs in the state
according to a report issued this month by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health
The number of cases reported here has declined from 379 in 1965 to 45 in 1974
bicyclists and motorists will all gain safer passage on Northampton streets
if the city adopts a coordinated plan on traffic — and people agree one by one to change their habits
That is the major recommendation in a draft report of the mayor’s Task Force for Safer Streets
which has studied Northampton’s traffic safety concerns since September
coordinator of alumni affairs and student life and longtime teacher at Clarke School for the Deaf
is retiring from the school in June after a 21-year teaching career
Nolan became the first deaf American to be elected to public office
■The beloved downtown store Faces will remain open
announced Sunday that the store was sold to Chris Andrew Inc.
which plans to keep the landmark retailer open for business
but rainbows were everywhere in Northampton on Saturday
The city’s 34th annual Pride Parade and Celebration filled downtown and the Three County Fair Grounds off Bridge Street with colorful banners
clothes and hairstyles along with messages of inclusion
Graham Clark bagged a career-best 160 as Durham scored 511 on a Utilita Bowl batting paradise in the Rothesay County Championship
Batter Clark continued Durham's heavy run-scoring in the sun, with George Drissell scoring 69 and Codi Yusuf 44 not out
Liam Dawson toiled away for 48 overs and was rewarded with his first five-wicket haul of the season
Hampshire replied by reaching 112 for one at close, 399 runs in arrears, with Mark Stoneman grinding out 54.
Durham resumed on 330 for 5 and by lunch had added another 104, with only two more wickets lost, in a run-fest session.
While the heat had gone out of the sun, the sky was still dominated by blue, and any moisture that had started in the pitch had long since evaporated. Simply, it was perfect conditions for batting, and Durham didn't fumble their elemental good fortune.
Hampshire's only means of trying to negate a constant flow of runs was by bowling straight with negative umbrella fields. Their main hope of taking wickets was through batter error, rather than relying on their skill.
Clark had proved on day one he was not giving his wicket away. He started the day on 110 and bedded in for the long haul again.
The first landmark on his bucket list was beating his first-class best of 128, before going past older brother Jordan's Championship high of 140 and quickly his own professional best of 141, then came 150 - which was surpassed in 287 deliveries.
In the Clark household, he now has the bragging rights of highest score and more centuries - five v four. Surrey all-rounder Jordan will likely never relinquish his wicket-taking lead thought (261 against two with the red ball).
During his 309-ball stay, there were just seven appeals against him, none of them were more than half-hearted.
Clark's innings was chanceless and high-quality, but facilitated by those around him.
Ollie Robinson had recovered Durham's innings - having been 82 for 4 - with 124 in alliance with Clark, before George Dissell continued his pre-season form with 165 for the sixth-wicket and a solid 69.
After that, Matthew Potts and Codi Yusuf both put on 41 with Clark.
Patience was the name of the game for Hampshire, waiting for rare missteps, with Dawson the man taking advantage.
The left-arm spinner sent down an exhaustive 48 overs, with absolutely no spin to help him, but with perseverance came wickets.
He'd dismissed Robinson on the opening day before bowling a reverse-sweeping Drissell and had Potts caught at short fine leg off a top edge.
Dawson finally saw the end of Clark for 160 with a sensational one-handed caught and bowled, ahead of Callum Parkinson edging to first slip to bring up his 15th first-class five-for.
Durham's tail wagged, with Yusuf wagging the hardest with an unbeaten 44, as Durham's fun in the sun was finally ended when Brendan Doggett turned Felix Organ around the corner.
Given 43 overs to negotiate after tea, Fletcha Middleton took Potts for four boundaries, before the England fast bowler - who yesterday was selected for the Test against Zimbabwe later this month - exacted his revenge by finding an edge to first slip.
Doggett sent down three maidens in a row before conceding his first run, but soon after landed on a ball while fielding and had to go off.
Like the Durham batters before them, Stoneman and Nick Gubbins were completely untroubled, especially as the ball aged.
Stoneman reached fifty for the 105th time in his career as his partnership with Gubbins went in overnight unbroken on 95.
Graham Clark bagged a career-best 160 as Durham scored 511 on a Utilita Bowl batting paradise in the Rothesay County Championship
Batter Clark continued Durham's heavy run-scoring in the sun, with George Drissell scoring 69 and Codi Yusuf 44 not out
Liam Dawson toiled away for 48 overs and was rewarded with his first five-wicket haul of the season
Hampshire replied by reaching 112 for one at close, 399 runs in arrears, with Mark Stoneman grinding out 54
Durham resumed on 330 for 5 and by lunch had added another 104
and any moisture that had started in the pitch had long since evaporated
and Durham didn't fumble their elemental good fortune
Hampshire's only means of trying to negate a constant flow of runs was by bowling straight with negative umbrella fields
Their main hope of taking wickets was through batter error
Clark had proved on day one he was not giving his wicket away
He started the day on 110 and bedded in for the long haul again
The first landmark on his bucket list was beating his first-class best of 128
before going past older brother Jordan's Championship high of 140 and quickly his own professional best of 141
then came 150 - which was surpassed in 287 deliveries
he now has the bragging rights of highest score and more centuries - five v four
Surrey all-rounder Jordan will likely never relinquish his wicket-taking lead thought (261 against two with the red ball)
Clark's innings was chanceless and high-quality
Ollie Robinson had recovered Durham's innings - having been 82 for 4 - with 124 in alliance with Clark
before George Dissell continued his pre-season form with 165 for the sixth-wicket and a solid 69
Matthew Potts and Codi Yusuf both put on 41 with Clark
Patience was the name of the game for Hampshire
The left-arm spinner sent down an exhaustive 48 overs
He'd dismissed Robinson on the opening day before bowling a reverse-sweeping Drissell and had Potts caught at short fine leg off a top edge
Dawson finally saw the end of Clark for 160 with a sensational one-handed caught and bowled
ahead of Callum Parkinson edging to first slip to bring up his 15th first-class five-for
with Yusuf wagging the hardest with an unbeaten 44
as Durham's fun in the sun was finally ended when Brendan Doggett turned Felix Organ around the corner
Fletcha Middleton took Potts for four boundaries
before the England fast bowler - who yesterday was selected for the Test against Zimbabwe later this month - exacted his revenge by finding an edge to first slip
Doggett sent down three maidens in a row before conceding his first run
but soon after landed on a ball while fielding and had to go off
Stoneman and Nick Gubbins were completely untroubled
Stoneman reached fifty for the 105th time in his career as his partnership with Gubbins went in overnight unbroken on 95
NORTHAMPTON — Whether it’s injecting more whimsy in festivities or rallying to preserve civil protections for queer communities
Hampshire Pride promises to be bigger and bolder for its third year under new leadership
held in advance of Pride Month in June to allow Five College students to join
will feature 91 groups strutting down Bridge Street from Sheldon Field to Crafts Avenue in the organization’s largest parade yet
participants will gather in the parking areas next to the E
artists and nonprofits will table with products and services
will provide joyous entertainment for festivalgoers
Nearly 15,000 came to Hampshire Pride last year
and an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 people are expected this year
“The world is too serious and sometimes you need to step away from that and go into whimsy and camp and a little bit of fun,” said Clay Pearson
Hampshire Pride took over Northampton’s Pride celebration in 2023 after the pandemic canceled the festival and the organization that planned the event for decades
along with Celina Almendarez and Kayla Abney
planned a full Pride parade and festival in nine weeks
reviving the spirit of Pride in the Pioneer Valley
The celebration isn’t the only aspect of Hampshire Pride growing in scale
community-led group Northampton Resists will hold a rally featuring a series of LGBTQ+ activists who will suggest direct actions people can take to further their work protecting and enriching vulnerable communities
“The first year (of Hampshire Pride) needed to happen
but we didn’t put a lot of thought into how and why we were doing things,” Pearson said
we were getting better at understanding what the public was requesting
and there was a protest and people wanted to get more political
There’s anger and resentment out there this year and we need to harness that into action”
Pearson approached Northampton Resists founder Mary Wang-Boucher at one of the rallies in March to ask about organizing a rally for Hampshire Pride
With the Trump administration’s recent reductions on civil rights for transgender individuals
she and fellow Northampton Resist’s organizer Carla Imperial-Jewett went to work to organize a “big tent” event that builds community around civil rights for the queer community
“Unlike our past rallies that ended up political because of the political officials that volunteered to come,” Imperial-Jewett said
“this one is focusing on local activists doing really good work to make change against all the oppression that specifically LBGTQAI people have experienced.”
Northampton Resists is asking each of its speakers to suggest one action that rally participants can complete to make an impact in the LGBTQ+ community
volunteering time or emailing legislators about a upcoming law or bill
Rally attendees will also receive flyers with QR codes that link to each action to complete on the spot or pocket for later
speakers hail from a variety of queer activism movements
trans rights and lesbian BIPOC representation
“Dehumanization has been used throughout history to make people afraid,” Wang-Boucher said
the more we can bring empathy and change.”
Parents who wish to attend the rally but need an activity to preoccupy their children can go to a tent for Drag Story Hour at 1:30 p.m
A stage dedicated to drag performances in between Thrones Marketplace and the parking garage will show 20 drag performances from 2 to 6 p.m
Berkshire drag artist and Hampshire Pride Drag Coordinator Bella Santarella will anchor the entertainment as the master of ceremony
“We have a wide range of talent and styles
alternative performances,” Santarella said
“It’s a reflection of the vibrant diversity of drag culture today.”
Hampshire Pride devotes a stage to drag performers as a tribute to the activism of drag artists in queer history
Pearson admitted he was a little hesitant to put the stage right in between Thornes and the parking garage
but changed his mind when he saw the reaction of audience members looking down from the parking garage
“It reminded me of the Globe Theater of old,” Pearson said
“As much as I felt bad that I was giving the drag performers this corner area
it was so iconic how everyone was just packed in there in an echo chamber of joy.”
choral performances and band acts by queer musicians will add to the atmosphere on another stage until the festival ends at 6 p.m
Hampshire Pride will increase security this year to ensure vulnerable populations feel safe while enjoying the festivities
The Parasol Patrol will bring their rainbow umbrellas and towels to shield children from hecklers and counter-protesters during the parade
Should confrontations arise during the festival and parade
volunteer peacekeepers will intervene and deescalate the situations
adds that the organization is still accepting volunteers via the Hampshire Pride website
While they are mostly in need of anyone with medical experience for the medical tent
Matos will accept anyone who wants to help at whatever capacity they can
Matos understands the importance of Pride for their community
and they hope to make the event a safe space for everyone involved
“So many of us have been in such a dark place these past few months
and so many of us have the instinct to hide and isolate ourselves,” they said
The government can try to take away our rights
a psychiatrist and founder of Drug Story Theater
talks to a group of Hampshire Regional High School students during a performance Tuesday morning
during a performance written by Heather about an experience she had where a friend overdosed from fentanyl and is revived by the use of Narcan
The group was at Hampshire Regional High School as part of a performance and presentation educating students about drug use
listens during a performance by Drug Story Theater
a program designed to educate students about drug use
asks a question during a performance by Drug Story Theater
Hampshire Regional High School students Brigid Sullivan and Chelsea Vanasse share a laugh after given a prompt by Joseph Shrand
Shrand asked the students to turn the person next to them and say something nice about them
The group was at Hampshire Regional as part of a performance and presentation educating students about drug use
WESTHAMPTON — When Joseph Shrand visited Hampshire Regional High School this week
he wasn’t trying to scare kids away from using drugs
he sought to change their perceptions around drug use
and give them knowledge they might use one day to save a life
“Scaring kids out of using has never worked,” Shrand told the Gazette
But Shrand knows that audiences are unlikely to have a mindset shift from simply watching a lecture listing off statistics about drug use
the psychiatrist brings together neuroscience
an acting background from his childhood appearances on the PBS show “Zoom,” and the stories of real young people who have struggled with addiction to create an immersive learning experience called “Drug Story Theater.”
Shrand shared his medical expertise with the help of a troupe of young adults who have experienced their own journeys with addiction
These amateur actors and playwrights offer glimpses into their own experience with drugs by acting them out onstage — from the seemingly innocuous moment someone first decides to try drugs
to the harrowing experience of witnessing an overdose at a party
The group’s members are all from Massachusetts
which provides them some privacy as they share these vulnerable moments in their lives
Shrand said that one of the ideas behind these shows is that “kids who have more knowledge are less likely to give their brains away.” He and his actors reminded the auditorium full of Hampshire Regional high schoolers that
one in four individuals is at risk of addiction or drug-related fatality
Shrand said that every single person is at risk when it comes to fentanyl
Because of the immense risk posed by fentanyl
especially when discretely added into the pressed pills often taken recreationally at parties
the group focused not only on dissuading teens from using drugs
but also on potentially life-saving harm reduction
In a play performed at Hampshire Regional and written by one of its members
the group depicted a party where one friend suddenly slumps over in an overdose
“He’s not breathing,” one actor shouted in alarm
he’s turning blue,” another said as the actor recreating the overdose collapsed into her
Heather explained that the play was extremely hard for her to write
because she had to relive the night she thought her friend would die
The only reason he made it out alive was because one partygoer had a box of Narcan on hand
the common brand name for the opioid overdose reversal medication naloxone
is administered by being sprayed up the nose of someone experiencing an overdose
The group explained that the medication works by “kicking off” the opioids from the brain’s receptors
This effect can mean the difference between life and death
the Narcan saved her friend from his overdose
but because of the amount of potent opioids in his system
which is why it is important to do something the friends in the play were too afraid to: call 911
While a second dose of Narcan saved Heather’s friend
Heather and her friends were afraid to call law enforcement because they had all been doing drugs
and had given her friend the drugs that were responsible for his overdose
she has learned that she and her friends wouldn’t have gotten in trouble
The actors explained to the students gathered before them that
they should always call emergency services first and foremost — they will not be prosecuted
but someone’s life could be saved by that simple action
Shrand and the actors encouraged students to acquire Narcan — which can be obtained for free at many pharmacies in the commonwealth
and even the district attorney’s office — to keep on them in the case of an emergency
Shrand explained that people can work toward addiction prevention simply by reaching out and making others feel valued
A common denominator in the beginning of addiction
“The common thread that binds human beings is that we just want to feel valued by someone else,” he said
Receiving a few kind words can increase levels of oxytocin in the brain
which can go a surprisingly long way in keeping someone from seeking that feeling in more dangerous ways
students got the chance to ask questions and speak directly to the actors about their experiences with addiction and recovery
approached an actor named Alex to thank her for sharing the story of how she began drinking at just 6 years old to escape the distress of her home situation
“Hearing her story and how early she started using
it almost made me cry … it was powerful,” Sullivan said
said that while she already knew about using Narcan
she still found a great deal of value in hearing the group’s stories
student Emma Erickson said her family has started keeping Narcan on hand because of her aunt’s struggles with heroin
She said that it’s been difficult “having to deal with it and eventually realizing that we can’t help her unless she wants it.”
Erickson expressed that she was glad Drug Story Theater is working to raise awareness that could help people like her aunt
And Erickson isn’t alone — at the beginning of the show
Shrand asked the audience to raise their hands if they knew someone impacted by the opioid crisis
“One hand is too many,” Shrand said as he looked out at the crowd
he is hopeful that Drug Story Theater can positively impact both the actors on their sobriety journeys
as well as young audiences throughout the state
“the treatment of one becomes the prevention of many.”
named interim minister at the Unitarian Society of Northampton and Florence last August
will preside over the congregation’s 200th birthday celebration this weekend
The event is timed to coincide with Hampshire Pride activities
will president over the congregation’s 200th birthday celebration this weekend
Eric Cherry’s tenure at the Unitarian Society of Northampton and Florence may be brief
who has served as interim minister for the congregation since August 2024
will preside over the church’s 200th anniversary celebration
to be held this weekend to coincide with the Hampshire Pride Parade
who was named interim minister to replace Janet Bush
with a potential for a very bright future,” Cherry said
“That was an attractive opportunity for me.”
Cherry felt the call to ministry from a young age
He received a Masters of Divinity degree from the Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago and was ordained as a minister in 1997
He has previously served congregations in Iowa and Rhode Island and has called Massachusetts his home since 2001
Interim ministry is a set period of introspection during which a congregation works to prepare for a new settled minister after the departure of a former settled minister
selected through an in-depth search process guided by the Unitarian Universalist Association
Cherry was selected as Northampton’s newest minister last year
the society is getting ready for what will likely be the most significant event of Cherry’s time with the church
Festivities for the congregation’s 200th year of existence include a concert presented by the Smith College a capella group the Smithereens on the front lawn of the church’s 220 Main St
Another concert will be held later in the day by folk singer Peter Mayer
the festivities will continue with a 200th anniversary worship service titled “Pride Unfolding,” that will reflect upon the society’s history and the role it has played in the city’s progressive past
Though the society traces its origins to the founding of the Second Congregational Society in 1825
the present Unitarian Universalist church in the city is actually the result of a 1944 merger of the Second Congregational Society and the Free Congregational Society of Florence
have been known for championing liberal and progressive causes throughout their existence
“The Free Congregational Society in Florence was on the forefront of all the progressive justice movements of the 19th century,” Cherry said
“The Second Congregational Society in Northampton was also active in abolitionism
in prohibition and the civil rights struggle
So all of those movements were important to both of the predecessor congregations.”
Though inclement weather is in the forecast over the weekend
Cherry remains confident the spirit of the congregation will shine through for the celebration
excitement and engagement in the society these days,” Cherry said
“That’s just a real pleasure to be a part of.”
the church will step up its efforts to find a permanent minister
with a search committee to be established at the society’s annual meeting later in the month
“They’ll take almost a full year to determine who our next settled minister will be,” Cherry said
“The congregation and I share goals of preparing for their next settled minister to make sure the congregation is sturdy
strong and ready to embark on new adventures.”
I too have been disappointed not to see more students and Gen Zers at anti-Trump protests
I share their frustration with older Democrats
A formative experience for many in my generation was trying
to get our parents to vote for Bernie in the 2016 primary — only to watch the DNC hand the nomination to Hillary Clinton and the presidency to Trump
while our elders’ stock portfolios soared just months later
more and more of us are being priced out of renting in towns like Northampton (home ownership completely out of the question)
quietly oppose affordable housing policies that threaten their property values
Standing shoulder to shoulder with them at the Hands Off rally
it was clear that many were advocating for a “return to normalcy” that would continue to exclude younger generations and progressive politics
let’s not overlook the students facing down police batons in their protest against our funding of Gaza’s destruction
It’s worth asking why police descended on the encampments but not the Hands Off/Tesla Charger protests — perhaps
these students pose a real threat to power
the boomers’ protests read more like a nostalgia trip for when they once did
So if we’re going to ask students for their activism
we must demonstrate that they can count on ours
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.st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Steve Smith, Special to The RepublicanNORTHAMPTON — Thousands attended the third annual Hampshire Pride Parade on Saturday here in the heart of the Happy Valley
clapped and celebrated in what has become a day of joy and pride
Onlookers lined the entire parade route from Sheldon Field
and along on Route 9 and Main Street to the end of Crafts Avenue
Hampshire Pride is committed to creating a space where people of all genders
races and ages in the LGBTQ+ can come to celebrate each other
1/28Hampshire Pride Parade 2025: Everyone is Welcome Here
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which included a program-record five Florida State student-athletes
was recognized for the second consecutive season
while fellow linemen Bryson Estes and Jacob Rizy
running back Caziah Holmes and defensive back Azareye’h Thomas earned the honor for the first time
FSU’s five Hampshire Honor Society members match last season’s school-record of five and continues FSU’s school-record streak with multiple players on the NFF list to four seasons
READ MORE: Former Florida State star quarterback shockingly announces retirement
Scott became Florida State’s first two-time inductee into the Hampshire Honor Society
The fifth-year Seminole concluded his playing career at FSU in 2024
He earned his social science degree in 2023 and will earn his Master’s degree this spring
native played six games in 2024 and 43 games in his career
started all 12 games in 2024 at cornerback
finishing second on the team with 52 tackles en route to honorable mention All-ACC honors
He earned the Florida State Bobby Bowden Leadership Award and served as a game captain against Clemson
He earned his second career interception in the end zone in the season finale against Florida
Estes graduated with his social science degree in 2024 and returns to FSU for his final season of eligibility in 2025
Rizy graduated from Harvard with degrees in economics and psychology in 2024 before transferring to Florida State before last season
led Florida State in rushing touchdowns last year
with a career-best two against Charleston Southern
The redshirt senior returns for his fourth season in the Garnet and Gold this fall after not getting tackled for loss all of 2024
He earned his degree in social science from Florida State in 2024
members of the NFF Hampshire Honor Society must meet one of the following criteria:
· Be a senior player graduating this spring/summer who completed his final year of playing eligibility in 2024; or
· Be a graduated player or grad transfer who has already earned a bachelor's degree and competed in the 2024 season (even if the player has remaining eligibility and may return to play next season)
· Attained a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.2 (4.0 scale); and
· Been a starter or contributor throughout the 2024 season
Florida State begins its 2025 season at home on August 30 against Alabama. Season tickets are available for purchase on Seminoles.com/tickets
READ MORE: Ex-Florida State WR joining forces with Deion Sanders, Colorado Buffaloes
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In the three months since President Trump took office
we have seen an unprecedented upheaval of the norms and principles that are foundational to who we are as a nation and a people
Of the myriad devastating impacts resulting from the chaotic behavior of the current Administration
dismantle and defund the institutions of America’s international leadership and engagement is most strikingly at odds with America’s fundamental values and what it has long stood for — a reliable partner
and a beacon to those seeking a better life
followed by 25 years working for USAID and the Department of State
and most recently leading non-governmental organizations
I can personally attest to the vital role and long-term value of our international engagement to the United States
Far from promoting any “radical ideological agendas,” the dedicated civil and foreign service officers
nonprofit organizations and volunteers are working to promote the interests and values of the U.S.
and support equitable and sustainable development for the global common good
The United States has long been an international leader in many spheres including technical innovation
international conflict resolution and peace efforts
leadership in rallying NATO and other like-minded countries to support Ukraine to defend itself against Russian aggression or guiding the Paris Climate Accord to a successful end in 2015
are only a few examples of the importance of American leadership
the prescient and enormously successful Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe after the end of World War II
is another historic example of leadership — and emblematic of what truly makes America great
The strategic relationships and trust built up through the many dimensions of “soft power” over decades have strengthened national security and prosperity
The Fulbright Scholarship program which supports educational exchange between the U.S
and other countries is one effective example of the how the United States has long attracted the best and brightest to our universities
contributing hugely to America’s preeminence in so many areas today
Of the many notable individuals who were Fulbright scholars in the U.S
42 alumni are serving or have served as head of state
and 64 Fulbright alumni have won the Nobel Prize
are living in terror of being deported or having their visas revoked
People of all political stripes agree on the need to improve government efficiency and effectiveness
which has been actively pursued by past administrations
the reckless approach of taking a sledgehammer to the entire federal government and key institutions
aggressively threatening close allies and adversaries alike
is leading us in exactly the wrong direction
Not only is it wreaking havoc and chaos across agencies and services within the U.S.
Pew and others indicate most Americans do not support these policies by wide margins
there have been many missteps and mistakes in U.S
such as the disastrous wars in Vietnam and Iraq
America has largely played a positive and important role
Americans should rightly be proud of the having long been the global leader in providing critical humanitarian assistance to people in need
USAID reached over 16 million citizens with emergency food and shelter
resources to raise three times as much from other donors
Our foreign assistance budget has always been a tiny fraction – less than 1% - of the federal budget
outsize impact and benefit to the U.S.: combating Ebola to prevent its spread to the U.S,
strengthening countries health systems to prevent future pandemics spiraling out of control
promoting anti-corruption in countries to allow U.S
supporting sustainable economic livelihoods to prevent migrant flows and alternatives to drug production
prevention always proves cheaper and more effective than responding to crises after they erupted
The recent rash of actions to sharply diminish our international engagement and assistance are enormous strategic blunders with far reaching consequences
The dismantling of USAID — which has enjoyed tremendous bipartisan support in the six decades since it was created by President John F
Kennedy — has cut off life-saving programs and left thousands vulnerable to disease and famine
and the recent “reorganization” of the State Department (including notably eliminating the Bureau for Democracy
Human Rights and Labor) will all leave the U.S
and more vulnerable to a wide range of threats
severely undermining our global leadership and national security
China is happily stepping into the void we leave behind
in response to the current upheaval and turmoil here
former friends and allies increasingly view America as a rogue
skillful diplomacy and generous foreign assistance have built relationships and trust over many decades that are now being recklessly squandered
and the integrated global economic system have made it clear
we are interconnected and cannot wall ourselves off from the rest of the world
The scope of current challenges — a looming recession
among others — makes it all the more important to stand strong in our core values and commitment to America’s continued international engagement and leadership
working cooperatively with international partners is not optional
Polly Byers recently stepped down as executive director of the Karuna Center for Peacebuilding, a 30-year international peacebuilding organization based in Greenfield
five FSU football players have made the NFF Hampshire Honor Society
It ties the program record set last year and extends their program record to four seasons with multiple players being honored
became the first Seminole to make the list twice
He was joined by offensive linemen Jacob Rizy and Bryson Estes
and cornerback Azareye'h Thomas on the list
Scott earned his social science degree in 2023 and will earn his Master's degree this spring
Estes graduated with his social science degree in 2024
and Rizy graduated from Harvard with degrees in economics and psychology before transferring to FSU ahead of the 2024 season
Holmes graduated with a degree in social science in 2024. Thomas, who was recently drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the NFL draft
they must be a senior player graduating this spring/summer who completed his final year of playing eligibility in 2024 or be a graduated player or grad transfer who has already earned a bachelor's degree and competed in the 2024 season (even if the player has remaining eligibility and may return to play next season)
They must also have at least a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.2 (4.0 scale) and have been a starter or contributor throughout the 2024 season
Follow us @FSUWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida State news
New Forest council says Harold Brown’s bird created ‘unacceptable levels of noise’ that disturbed people’s sleep
Subjecting your neighbours to early starts is nothing to crow about
the owner of a cockerel has discovered to his cost
Harold Brown has been fined nearly £4,000 after his neighbours cried fowl over his rooster shaking its tail feathers from 5am every morning for years
New Forest district council (NFDC) found the bird created “unacceptable levels of noise” that disturbed the sleep of the community. The ruling followed initial complaints from eight households living near Brown’s home in Hampshire in October 2022
But despite being served with an abatement notice in December that year, Brown refused to make his chicken fly the coop. Instead, the bird continued until further complaints from 12 households in 2023. Brown was prosecuted and convicted in November 2024.
Brown subsequently appealed against the conviction, but his case has been dismissed at Southampton crown court, with Brown sentenced to £200 in fines, legal costs of £3,651.95 – and, in what neighbours consider to be a particular feather in their cap, an £80 victim surcharge.
A NFDC spokesperson said. “The diary evidence kept by local residents highlighted that the crowing regularly affected their sleep from as early as 5am each day.”
Dan Poole, a councillor who is the portfolio holder for community, safety and wellbeing, said: “We are committed to protecting our residents from unacceptable levels of noise and supporting them when issues arise.
“Everyone has the right to the peaceful enjoyment of their home, and when informal approaches fail, we will not hesitate to take legal action where necessary.”
Brooks Taylor HampshireBirth date: Apr 21
“Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.” -Winnie the Pooh
Graveside service will be held on Friday May 9th at 11:00 AM at the Bixby Cemetery in Bixby
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Three Owls Selected to 2025 NFF Hampshire Honor Society4.22.25 | Football
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Photo by: Jeffrey Gamza/Pitt AthleticsThree Panthers Named to 2025 Hampshire Honor Society4/16/2025 1:15:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Three members of the Pitt football program have been named to the prestigious Hampshire Honor Society by the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame
The Hampshire Honor Society is comprised of college football players from all divisions of play who maintained a cumulative 3.2 grade-point average or better throughout their college careers
The Panthers' 2025 honorees are cornerback Rashad Battle, punter Cam Guess and tight end Jake Overman
Ga./Creekside) earned his bachelor's degree in communication and was a 2024 All-ACC Academic Football Team honoree
he is a key returnee in the Panthers' 2025 secondary
Pa./Belle Vernon) earned his bachelor's degree in marketing and supply chain management
He finished his career as a three-year letterman
The specialist was a two-time All-ACC Academic Football Team member
Calif./Servite/Oregon State) owns a bachelor's degree in human resources management and earned 2024 All-ACC Academic Football Team accolades
he played in all 13 games for Pitt last season and will be a lead figure at tight end for the Panthers in 2025
designed to spotlight high academic achievement in college football
has honored 20,946 student-athletes during its 19-year history
Ed Wingenbach is set to take the helm of the American College of Greece after leading the Massachusetts nonprofit back from the brink
In announcing Wingenbach’s planned departure
Hampshire noted that applications have doubled
and total enrollment has grown by 60% since 2020
it reached 844 students and anticipates it will enroll 1,000 by 2026-27 — that’s up from 500 roughly two years ago
The college also fundraised $47 million in direct operating support
During Wingenbach’s time, the college transformed its approach to curriculum, reached carbon neutrality
Arguably the most important achievement of the college was its financial turnaround, as all other efforts hinge on the institution’s survival. Hampshire’s turnaround comes at a time when other small private institutions in the East are struggling and several have shuttered
In 2019, Hampshire’s finances were in such straits that it opted only to admit a partial incoming class that fall. By June 2020, the college had racked up a total operating deficit of $7.1 million
Even with enrollment growth and record-making donations for the college
Hampshire has made painful cuts recently to stay on top of its budget
Last summer, it announced it would cut 9% of its employee ranks after it fell short of enrollment projections
Officials also made the cuts to make good on a pledge to balance Hampshire’s budget by the 2026-27 academic year
enrollment is still increasing,” Wingenbach told Higher Ed Dive at the time
“This is really more about ensuring that we can continue to be successful as the parameters of that growth change.”
Hampshire is currently on track to achieve a balanced budget by 2027
“Hampshire has a strong foundation for a successful future
proving that this extraordinary vision of education can endure and flourish,” Wingenbach said in a statement
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The Catholic institution in Wisconsin is still trying to cut $7 million from its fiscal 2026 budget after previously initiating multiple rounds of layoffs
The agency's new document appeared to ease some of the strictest aspects of its February letter taking aim at colleges' diversity initiatives
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Ten Bulldogs Selected for NFF Hampshire Honor Society April 16, 2025 | Football
By: Kelly Shipp, Associate Director/Communications
Photo by: Seth Seebaugh / Wake Forest AthleticsRecord-Setting Nine Demon Deacons Named to 2025 NFF Hampshire Honor Society4/9/2025 10:34:00 AM | Football
This is the largest class in program history and brings the Wake Forest Hampshire Honor Society total to 48 since its inception in 2007.
2025Men's Golfvs NCAA RegionalsLoad MoreRecent ResultsCompleted Event: Softball at No
Four Utes Named To NFF Hampshire Honor Society4/16/2025 10:08 AM | Football
Hampshire (Photo provided by Hampshire High School)
School: Hampshire
Why she was selected: Robinson, a junior first baseman, drove in 14 runs and hit four home runs during a 4-1 week, including homers in three straight games as the Whip-Purs captured the Larkin Slugfest title.
For her performance, Robinson was selected as the Northwest Herald Athlete of the Week in an online vote. Crystal Lake Central co-op girls lacrosse’s Anna Starr, Johnsburg baseball’s Evan Pohl and Jacobs girls soccer’s Kylie Deegan also were nominated.
Robinson answered a few questions from the Northwest Herald sports editor Alex Kantecki after her monster week.
What is your favorite professional sports team?
Robinson: My favorite professional sports team is the Chicago Cubs because I have grown up around Cubs fans, and when I was younger Anthony Rizzo was my favorite player.
Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?
Robinson: I don’t really have any crazy superstitions, but I do like listening to loud and energetic music during warmups.
Robinson: The teammate that inspires me the most is Bria Riebel because of her incredible work ethic and never ending energy and positivity.
What sport that you don’t play would you be good at?
Robinson: I think that I would be good at volleyball because I’m on the taller side and I have a good time playing volleyball with my friends over the summer.
What is your favorite meal before or after a game?
Robinson: My favorite meal before a game is something light like a Jersey Mike’s sandwich and my favorite meal after a game is probably a bowl from Chipotle.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Robinson: The best piece of advice I have ever received is to live in the moment and not dwell too much on the past, especially in a sport where you are expected to fail more than you succeed.
What is your favorite class in high school?
Robinson: My favorite class in school is probably my human anatomy and physiology class because I want to go into the medical field, and I enjoy learning about the human body.
Robinson: It is hard to choose a favorite movie because there are so many good ones to choose from, but one of my favorite standalone movies is “10 Things I Hate About You.” My favorite movie series is the Hunger Games.
What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done?
Robinson: The scariest thing I have ever done is going ziplining over a canyon in Colorado.
Robinson: My dream vacation spot is the Maldives and staying in an overwater bungalow.
Photo by: Chip DeLorenzoFootball Lands 18 Selections to Hampshire Honor Society4/16/2025 11:40:00 AM | Football
SmithLandphere Named to 2025 NFF Hampshire Honor Society Apr 16
– Five members of the Harding University football team have been named to the 2025 National Football Foundation (NFF) Hampshire Honor Society
The 2025 class set a new record with 2,519 players from 339 colleges and universities being honored
To qualify for the NFF Hampshire Honor Society
student-athletes must be a senior player graduating this spring/summer who completed their final year of playing eligibility in 2024 or be a graduated player who has already earned a bachelor's degree and competed in the 2024 season
They also must have attained a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.2 and been starters or significant contributors throughout the 2024 season
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Five 'Cats Named to NFF Hampshire Society4/16/2025 11:16:00 AM | Football
WESTFIELD — Jupiter Power has withdrawn its plans for a lithium battery energy storage system (BESS) in Westfield
after months of resistance from area residents
was proposed for two parcels on Medeiros Way in the northeast section of the city
not far from Barnes Air National Guard Base
This site is near the aquifer from which Westfield
Easthampton and Holyoke draw their drinking water
The aquifer has already been contaminated in the past with PFAS
sometimes called “forever chemicals,” which seeped into the water decades ago from firefighting foam used at Barnes
The company’s decision to withdraw was announced at a press conference on Friday after Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe received a statement from Jupiter Power notifying him of the change
“Jupiter Power has a broad portfolio of projects in active development across the United States and is consistently evaluating which projects to continue to invest in and advance,” the statement reads
“While we know that the Streamfield project would bring many economic and grid resiliency benefits to the region
and are of course disappointed with the outcome
Jupiter Power has now made the business decision to terminate the Streamfield project and focus development efforts elsewhere.”
who has been a staunch opponent of the project
attributes this change to community efforts
Allie aided in the dissemination of information about the project throughout surrounding communities
including what he estimates to be more than 500 signs reading “NO Lithium Battery Storage Over Our Aquifer” that have sprung up in front lawns throughout the Valley
resolutions signed by neighboring municipalities opposing the project and opposition from state legislators all played a role
“People came together … they moved heaven and earth to get this done,” Allie said
In addition, state Sen. John Velis and state Rep. Kelly Pease advocated against the project, with Pease filing legislation intended to pause the siting of such projects (HD.4558)
While Allie sees this news as a “relief” and a success for the Valley
he also noted that companies are still looking to pursue similar projects throughout the country and the state
He hopes that Westfield’s experience can serve as a model for other communities concerned about the implications of such a project on the surrounding environment
it will really be public opinion about it,” Allie said
mentioning that because of a clean energy bill passed last year
companies can seek exemptions to local zoning regulations in an effort to streamline the siting of these projects
“There really needs to be local engagement,” he added
The Streamfield project is the second lithium battery storage facility in the area to have plans withdrawn after public pushback in the past year. A similar project proposed in Wendell by New Leaf Energy fell through last summer
New Leaf cited changes in the facility interconnection process and the state Legislature’s failure to pass a climate bill in withdrawing their project
Allie said he hopes that the state will be proactive in preventing the “catastrophes” caused by lithium battery fires that have been seen in other states like California and New York in recent years
“Clean energy shouldn’t pose a risk to our first responders
the environment — certainly not our drinking water,” he said
A Jupiter Power representative declined to provide additional comment on Monday
— Six student-athletes from the 2024 Arkansas State football roster were named this month to the 2024 National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) Hampshire Honor Society
General Studies) and running back Zak Wallace (3.68
It is the second consecutive season that Bayer
The Hampshire Honor Society is comprised of college football players from all divisions of play who each maintained a cumulative 3.2 GPA or better throughout their college careers
A record 2,532 players from 339 schools qualified for membership in 2025
marking the largest class in the program’s 19-year history
the initiative has honored 20,946 student-athletes
A-State has now had 50 players received the honor all-time
including multiple selections each of the last six years
The Red Wolves had a school-record nine selections from the 2023 roster and the six selections from the 2024 roster are the second-most for the program
The Red Wolves are coming off back-to-back bowl appearances
including a win in the 2024 68 Ventures Bowl against Bowling Green
A-State is among four FBS programs to increase its regular season win total every season since 2022
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The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) honored nine Illinois State football student-athletes among a record number of members for the 2025 NFF Hampshire Honor Society
which comprises college football players from all divisions of the NCAA
NAIA and sprint football who each maintained a cumulative 3.2 GPA or better throughout their college careers
– The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) honored nine Illinois State football student-athletes among a record number of members for the 2025 NFF Hampshire Honor Society
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