The Shoestring
@theshoestring.bsky.social
Independent news for western Massachusetts. We are funded by readers like you!
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https://theshoestring.org/
With an endowment of more than $2.5 billion and around 100 rental units in Northampton, Smith College is the wealthiest landlord in Northampton. Since June, tenants in the West Street neighborhood have been getting organized, demanding repairs, increase caps, and more.
Reporting by Stacey Zhang.
Reporting by Stacey Zhang.
Northampton tenants continue fight against rent hikes
Members of the West Street Tenants Association are organizing to pressure their wealthy landlord: Smith College.
theshoestring.org
November 26, 2025 at 2:28 PM
With an endowment of more than $2.5 billion and around 100 rental units in Northampton, Smith College is the wealthiest landlord in Northampton. Since June, tenants in the West Street neighborhood have been getting organized, demanding repairs, increase caps, and more.
Reporting by Stacey Zhang.
Reporting by Stacey Zhang.
For more than 500 days, unionized staff members working for the University of Massachusetts Amherst have been negotiating a new contract, but disagreements over pay increases and working conditions continue. They say that the university has requested a state-appointed mediator.
By Sarah Robertson.
By Sarah Robertson.
As contract negotiations stall, UMass union to take “no confidence” vote against chancellor
After more than 40 bargaining sessions, UMass is asking the state for a mediator, which union members say could force the university's final offer on them.
theshoestring.org
November 20, 2025 at 4:43 PM
For more than 500 days, unionized staff members working for the University of Massachusetts Amherst have been negotiating a new contract, but disagreements over pay increases and working conditions continue. They say that the university has requested a state-appointed mediator.
By Sarah Robertson.
By Sarah Robertson.
In the past few months, MassLive has published hundreds of articles that were computer generated. This was first noted by journalist Andrew Quemere last month. At the time of writing, there appear to have been about 200 such pieces published on MassLive.
Reported by Jonathan Gerhardson.
Reported by Jonathan Gerhardson.
See Something, Say Something #23: Reporter bots come to western Mass
For our media criticism column, Jonathan Gerhardson questions AI use at MassLive
theshoestring.org
November 19, 2025 at 2:12 PM
In the past few months, MassLive has published hundreds of articles that were computer generated. This was first noted by journalist Andrew Quemere last month. At the time of writing, there appear to have been about 200 such pieces published on MassLive.
Reported by Jonathan Gerhardson.
Reported by Jonathan Gerhardson.
The Shoestring found that state police and Boston police still participate in a federal task force that the Trump administration has directed to focus on "anti-capitalism" or "extremism" on race, gender, and migration as indicators of terrorism.
By Brian Zayatz: theshoestring.org/2025/11/15/c...
By Brian Zayatz: theshoestring.org/2025/11/15/c...
Criminalizing dissent: Trump directive applies to some state, local police in Mass.
A federal directive orders state and local police that partner with the FBI to use common opinions as evidence of terrorist intent.
theshoestring.org
November 15, 2025 at 4:21 PM
The Shoestring found that state police and Boston police still participate in a federal task force that the Trump administration has directed to focus on "anti-capitalism" or "extremism" on race, gender, and migration as indicators of terrorism.
By Brian Zayatz: theshoestring.org/2025/11/15/c...
By Brian Zayatz: theshoestring.org/2025/11/15/c...
Now in its fifth year of operation, the Massachusetts Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund (ORRF) Advisory Council spent more than $60 million in Fiscal Year 2025. A review of the fund expenditures by @binjreports.bsky.social found $13 million in discrepancies.
Reported by Jonathan Gerhardson.
Reported by Jonathan Gerhardson.
Mass. spent a record amount of opioid settlement funds last year. But on what?
BINJ examined an unpublished remediation fund report, which revealed spending on services, equity grants, and millions unaccounted for.
theshoestring.org
November 8, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Now in its fifth year of operation, the Massachusetts Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund (ORRF) Advisory Council spent more than $60 million in Fiscal Year 2025. A review of the fund expenditures by @binjreports.bsky.social found $13 million in discrepancies.
Reported by Jonathan Gerhardson.
Reported by Jonathan Gerhardson.
About 300,000 low-income Massachusetts residents could lose their health coverage in the next decade as a result of federal policy changes.
This story originally appeared in the Montague Reporter.
Reported By Sarah Robertson.
This story originally appeared in the Montague Reporter.
Reported By Sarah Robertson.
Experts warn federal healthcare cuts will have dire local consequences
At a panel hosted at UMass last week, healthcare executives and state officials offered bleak projections and ideas for patching widening gaps in coverage.
theshoestring.org
November 7, 2025 at 1:46 PM
About 300,000 low-income Massachusetts residents could lose their health coverage in the next decade as a result of federal policy changes.
This story originally appeared in the Montague Reporter.
Reported By Sarah Robertson.
This story originally appeared in the Montague Reporter.
Reported By Sarah Robertson.
We've gotten the message loud and clear: our readers want more municipal government coverage, and we want to provide it by hiring a reporter dedicated to just that next year. And right now, tax-deducible donations to The Shoestring are matched 4x. Can you give today? theshoestring.org/give
November 6, 2025 at 4:24 PM
We've gotten the message loud and clear: our readers want more municipal government coverage, and we want to provide it by hiring a reporter dedicated to just that next year. And right now, tax-deducible donations to The Shoestring are matched 4x. Can you give today? theshoestring.org/give
After municipalities faced budget crunches and educator layoffs in recent years, candidates across the region ran on similar messages: increase school funding.
Overall, school-funding candidates saw mixed results on Tuesday evening.
Reported By Dusty Christensen.
Overall, school-funding candidates saw mixed results on Tuesday evening.
Reported By Dusty Christensen.
Election: mixed results for candidates running on increased school funding
In Northampton, Amherst, and Greenfield, increasing public education budgets became a central issue in Tuesday’s elections — but not all candidates who ran on it saw success.
theshoestring.org
November 5, 2025 at 4:31 PM
After municipalities faced budget crunches and educator layoffs in recent years, candidates across the region ran on similar messages: increase school funding.
Overall, school-funding candidates saw mixed results on Tuesday evening.
Reported By Dusty Christensen.
Overall, school-funding candidates saw mixed results on Tuesday evening.
Reported By Dusty Christensen.
already anticipating municipal post election anxiety? join The Shoestring on Dec 10th at 7pm for trivia night at the Marigold Theater to look back on the year in local news and politics and laugh with your community about the wild ride we've been on.
this is a fundraising event for western MA news
this is a fundraising event for western MA news
The Shoestring Trivia Night
The Shoestring is holding a Trivia Night Fundraising Event at the Marigold Theater on December 10th to raise funds for our independent in-depth Western Massachusetts news coverage. All proceeds from t...
fnd.us
November 4, 2025 at 2:42 PM
already anticipating municipal post election anxiety? join The Shoestring on Dec 10th at 7pm for trivia night at the Marigold Theater to look back on the year in local news and politics and laugh with your community about the wild ride we've been on.
this is a fundraising event for western MA news
this is a fundraising event for western MA news
In the days leading up to Tuesday’s general election in Northampton, campaign finance reports shed light on who is financially supporting each candidate and how candidates are spending donations to their political campaigns.
By Brian Zayatz and Julia Pretsfelder.
By Brian Zayatz and Julia Pretsfelder.
Northampton candidates raised over $100,000 for municipal election
With over a dozen City Council candidates and a new political action committee, Northamptonites have spent big on municipal races this year.
theshoestring.org
November 3, 2025 at 6:20 PM
In the days leading up to Tuesday’s general election in Northampton, campaign finance reports shed light on who is financially supporting each candidate and how candidates are spending donations to their political campaigns.
By Brian Zayatz and Julia Pretsfelder.
By Brian Zayatz and Julia Pretsfelder.
In Greenfield, a battle is brewing over the future of the city’s public schools ahead of Tuesday’s election in which three four-year terms on the School Committee are up for grabs. The race has pitted a progressive-backed slate of candidates against another group of three.
By Dusty Christensen.
By Dusty Christensen.
Funding, police presence divide Greenfield School Committee candidate slates
Six candidates are running for three seats after a year of contentious discussions over the school district's budget.
theshoestring.org
November 2, 2025 at 4:59 PM
In Greenfield, a battle is brewing over the future of the city’s public schools ahead of Tuesday’s election in which three four-year terms on the School Committee are up for grabs. The race has pitted a progressive-backed slate of candidates against another group of three.
By Dusty Christensen.
By Dusty Christensen.
Reposted by The Shoestring
Quoted in this interesting piece on consolidation and private equity in the funeral industry.
theshoestring.org/2025/10/28/t...
theshoestring.org/2025/10/28/t...
“There’s a lot of money in death”: Funeral home consolidation hits western Mass
One private equity-backed firm recently bought more than 10% of funeral homes in western Mass, where corporate consolidators now own a quarter of mortuaries — part of a nationwide trend in the death i...
theshoestring.org
October 28, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Quoted in this interesting piece on consolidation and private equity in the funeral industry.
theshoestring.org/2025/10/28/t...
theshoestring.org/2025/10/28/t...
One private equity-backed firm recently bought more than 10% of funeral homes in western Mass, where corporate consolidators now own a quarter of mortuaries — part of a nationwide trend in the death care industry. Reporter @jongerhardson.bsky.social investigates: theshoestring.org/2025/10/28/t...
“There’s a lot of money in death”: Funeral home consolidation hits western Mass
One private equity-backed firm recently bought more than 10% of funeral homes in western Mass, where corporate consolidators now own a quarter of mortuaries — part of a nationwide trend in the death c...
theshoestring.org
October 28, 2025 at 7:16 PM
One private equity-backed firm recently bought more than 10% of funeral homes in western Mass, where corporate consolidators now own a quarter of mortuaries — part of a nationwide trend in the death care industry. Reporter @jongerhardson.bsky.social investigates: theshoestring.org/2025/10/28/t...
Reposted by The Shoestring
Earlier this year, the Islamic Society of Western Massachusetts decided to “open up” its communications to the broader community by launching a Facebook page. A post intended to promote "open mosque day," accumulated a sudden spark of harmful and threatening comments.
By Joe Douglass.
By Joe Douglass.
Facebook boost sparks torrent of hate towards West Springfield mosque
The social media giant promoted Open Mosque Day to bigoted site users as local experts warn Islamophobia is on the rise in Massachusetts.
theshoestring.org
October 25, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Earlier this year, the Islamic Society of Western Massachusetts decided to “open up” its communications to the broader community by launching a Facebook page. A post intended to promote "open mosque day," accumulated a sudden spark of harmful and threatening comments.
By Joe Douglass.
By Joe Douglass.
Springfield residents are once again facing the revival of a proposed wood-burning "zombie plant" that has been stalled for over a decade by community opposition. Irina Costache and Regine Spector report: theshoestring.org/2025/10/22/s...
Springfield’s “zombie plant” is reanimated once again
A proposal for a wood-burning power plant may now move forward despite over a decade of community opposition, thanks to what activists are calling a “Frankenpermit”
theshoestring.org
October 22, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Springfield residents are once again facing the revival of a proposed wood-burning "zombie plant" that has been stalled for over a decade by community opposition. Irina Costache and Regine Spector report: theshoestring.org/2025/10/22/s...
There are currently two candidates running for one City Council seat to represent Ward 2 in Northampton. The Shoestring asked each candidate an identical set of questions in preparation for these profiles, which are listed in the same order as they’ll appear on the ballot.
Reported by Haley McQuick
Reported by Haley McQuick
Meet the candidates: Northampton City Council Ward 2
One-term incumbent Debby Pastrich-Klemer faces a challenge from Al Simon, a former town councilor in Windsor, Connecticut.
theshoestring.org
October 22, 2025 at 3:09 PM
There are currently two candidates running for one City Council seat to represent Ward 2 in Northampton. The Shoestring asked each candidate an identical set of questions in preparation for these profiles, which are listed in the same order as they’ll appear on the ballot.
Reported by Haley McQuick
Reported by Haley McQuick
Last week, those in Greenfield may have been curious about the drones and helicopters flying over the fairgrounds.
The event’s purpose was simple: to recruit children into law enforcement careers, and to meet other public safety employees.
Reporting by tommy lee.
The event’s purpose was simple: to recruit children into law enforcement careers, and to meet other public safety employees.
Reporting by tommy lee.
“An avenue for kids”: Franklin County police tout nonprofit-run cadet program
Law enforcement agents discussed targeted youth recruiting efforts at the
theshoestring.org
October 19, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Last week, those in Greenfield may have been curious about the drones and helicopters flying over the fairgrounds.
The event’s purpose was simple: to recruit children into law enforcement careers, and to meet other public safety employees.
Reporting by tommy lee.
The event’s purpose was simple: to recruit children into law enforcement careers, and to meet other public safety employees.
Reporting by tommy lee.
Jill Brevik, community organizer and mother of two, running for one of District 1’s seats on Amherst’s Town Council, discussed her campaign, and her leap from community organizing into politics, with The Shoestring's Dan McGlynn.
Meet the progressive organizer eyeing Amherst Town Council
A veteran of local Palestine-solidarity and school funding campaigns, Jill Brevik spoke with The Shoestring about the leap from grassroots to electoral organizing.
theshoestring.org
October 16, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Jill Brevik, community organizer and mother of two, running for one of District 1’s seats on Amherst’s Town Council, discussed her campaign, and her leap from community organizing into politics, with The Shoestring's Dan McGlynn.
Across western Mass, leftists and progressives are looking for victory at the ballot box, reflecting a faith that local voters are ready to fight for progressive platforms.
By Dusty Christensen and Melanie Duronio. theshoestring.org/2025/10/08/t...
By Dusty Christensen and Melanie Duronio. theshoestring.org/2025/10/08/t...
The left looks to the ballot box
Across western Mass, leftist and progressive candidates believe that their platforms will resonate with voters.
theshoestring.org
October 8, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Across western Mass, leftists and progressives are looking for victory at the ballot box, reflecting a faith that local voters are ready to fight for progressive platforms.
By Dusty Christensen and Melanie Duronio. theshoestring.org/2025/10/08/t...
By Dusty Christensen and Melanie Duronio. theshoestring.org/2025/10/08/t...
Tenant organizing is on the rise across the region. New efforts have taken aim at specific local landlords, like Smith College, and at state law itself. The Shoestring's Sarah Robertson has our latest dispatch on the festering housing crisis in western Massachusetts.
Western Mass tenants are getting organized
New efforts have taken aim at specific local landlords, like Smith College, and at state law itself.
theshoestring.org
October 3, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Tenant organizing is on the rise across the region. New efforts have taken aim at specific local landlords, like Smith College, and at state law itself. The Shoestring's Sarah Robertson has our latest dispatch on the festering housing crisis in western Massachusetts.
Unionized nurses at Northampton's Cooley Dickinson Hospital say they will hold a strike authorization vote next month — the first step toward possibly walking off the job.
Our latest from the labor beat, by @dustyc123.bsky.social:
Our latest from the labor beat, by @dustyc123.bsky.social:
Cooley Dickinson nurses to hold strike authorization vote
Nurses at the Northampton hospital say they're facing “unsafe staffing conditions, uncompetitive wages, and potential hikes to health insurance costs.”
theshoestring.org
September 26, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Unionized nurses at Northampton's Cooley Dickinson Hospital say they will hold a strike authorization vote next month — the first step toward possibly walking off the job.
Our latest from the labor beat, by @dustyc123.bsky.social:
Our latest from the labor beat, by @dustyc123.bsky.social:
From @binjreports.bsky.social comes the story of James Ware, a terminally ill incarcerated man serving a life without parole sentence he was handed at age 20. Eliza Dewey chronicles his efforts to secure his release for his final months on Earth: theshoestring.org/2025/09/19/p...
Parole Board Questions Dying Prisoner On 30-Year-Old Murder, Not His Health
For James Ware, an extremely ill Department of Correction prisoner, a final chance at release after medical parole denial.
theshoestring.org
September 19, 2025 at 3:05 PM
From @binjreports.bsky.social comes the story of James Ware, a terminally ill incarcerated man serving a life without parole sentence he was handed at age 20. Eliza Dewey chronicles his efforts to secure his release for his final months on Earth: theshoestring.org/2025/09/19/p...
Tuesday's preliminary election in Northampton saw wins for incumbents and candidates backed by the Support Our Schools PAC, who will move on to November's general election. Read our full coverage: theshoestring.org/2025/09/17/v...
Voters narrow the field in Northampton election
Incumbents were the top two vote-getters of the night. All five candidates backed by the Our Schools and Services Political Action Committee also advanced to the general election in November.
theshoestring.org
September 17, 2025 at 3:31 AM
Tuesday's preliminary election in Northampton saw wins for incumbents and candidates backed by the Support Our Schools PAC, who will move on to November's general election. Read our full coverage: theshoestring.org/2025/09/17/v...