Stories
Karen Gillis’ son Danny was killed by Pittsfield police in 2017. Investigators say Danny had a knife and provoked police into shooting him — a phenomenon known as suicide by cop. Gillis said Danny was drunk that day and had struggled with mental health problems for years. But she thinks her son might still be…
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As we approach this year’s anniversary of Sept. 11, we wanted to hear from young people with little or no memory of the attacks; those for whom 9/11 is a part of history beyond memory. Here are the voices of four state residents recorded at Connecticut’s 9/11 Living Memorial at Sherwood Island State Park in…
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As Tropical Storm Henri batters much of New England this weekend with damaging winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges and a large possibility of inland flooding, it may feel like one more item to add to the list of abnormal weather events we’ve seen this year. And what a year it’s been — from wildfires out west and record heat here in…
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For months now, Maine’s coastal towns have been packed with visitors — a welcome bounce-back for a hospitality industry that was reeling last year. But the return of tourists hasn’t been all good for restaurant workers, who say they’ve had to deal with contentious customers, some challenging health protocols such as mask and vaccine mandates.…
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Late on Monday night, two cars filled with luggage and seven tired travelers pulled up in front of the New Haven headquarters of Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services, or IRIS. Under the dim lights of a nearby gas station, the travelers stepped out of the cars in groups. First, a petite woman with two small…
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At a fairground in North Haverhill, N.H., past the rides and an obstacle course set up for goats, Amy Brooks was recruiting. She stood at a booth not far from a gun raffle and a fudge stand, hawking an industry she says is a little different than retail. “Small humans are amazing, and it’s not…
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Devantee Jones-Bernier was spending an afternoon at a friend’s apartment in Worcester when police banged on the door, looking for drugs. They found marijuana in the unit, where several people had gathered, but not on the 21-year-old college student. Police took his iPhone and $95 in cash. The district attorney’s office charged him and seven…
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Over the years, people have come to the annual Springfield Indie Soul Festival for more than just music. It’s back this weekend at Riverfront Park, with room for a couple thousand music lovers alongside the musicians and vendors. A few weeks ago, organizer Darryl Moss stood in the downtown park where the festival is taking place. The…
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The Manchester-based band Happy Just To See You has been practicing in person since May, when they were all finally able to get vaccinated for COVID-19. But since two band members recovered from COVID in the past year, they’re staying responsible and cautious, though as their name suggests, they’re happily reunited. The musicians, including frontman…
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