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By RICHARD SZLOSEK

“Why is that here?” I asked out loud as my wife and I strolled through Williams Park in St. Petersburg, Florida on our way to lunch. I had noticed an impressive statue of a military figure just off the walkway. I ventured over to check it out and, to my surprise, it was of General Thaddeus Kosciuszko, the Polish engineer who had used his genius on the American side in the Revolutionary War. However, Florida had belonged to Spain in that period and Kosciuszko had died before Florida ever became part of the United States. So why was there a monument to him here in St. Petersburg?

There are errors in Gary Michael Tartakov’srecent op-ed concerning antisemitism [“The two most important things to know about antisemitism,” Gazette, June 25]. He is right to place antisemitism in a context of European history and the first generations of Christian theology. But he is wrong when he says that antisemitism is “unknown in most of the world.”

By JOANNA BUONICONTI

Every summer, usually towards the beginning of June, my close family and I embark on a week-long excursion to the beach. The people included in this exclusive list are: my mom, my mom’s partner, grandma, my three cousins from Texas — how many of them that come each year varies — and my aunt. We cram into one house, there are bodies everywhere, and no one has nearly enough personal space.

By MAYOR GINA-LOUISE SCIARRA

As of July 1, Northampton’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget of $145,431,259 is in effect. Paired with $23.2 million in capital improvements previously approved by the City Council, Northampton’s overall budget is progressive and fiscally sound, with robust investments and careful management of resources.

By HELEN SEIDLER

We are becoming a poorer country as a result of the political leadership of a significant portion of our population over more than four decades. That leadership has culminated in the election of the current president and installation of his administration. Some of the obvious signs of our increasing poverty include inflation, which is expected to rise, and job loss, which is happening now and will continue. The home insurance market is withdrawing from climate-pressured markets, and the safety net supporting low-income adults and children is about to be ripped to shreds.

Now, more than ever, when the Gazette arrives each morning, I skip the headlines and go immediately to the cartoon page.

By ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL

NORTHAMPTON — Thornes Marketplace has found a new tenant for the space left by the departing Cornucopia, who themselves have secured a new, larger space in the city of Holyoke.

By ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL

NORTHAMPTON — A conservative legal group has targeted Smith College with a federal complaint over its decision to admit transgender women, alleging the school’s interpretation of Title IX to prohibit discrimination of gender identity is misguided.

By HANNAH BEVIS

On most days, Andrew Curran, better known as his drag persona Magnolia Masquerade, is a whirlwind of activity, brainstorming ideas for future shows, creating the props that will bring them to life, running the rehearsals with other drag queens who fill out the cast — but he looks almost peaceful in the hours leading up to one of his performances. Starting around 2 p.m., Curran plops himself down in front of a tiny, well-lit mirror in his bedroom to prepare for Magnolia’s performance that evening at Last Ditch in Greenfield. Abba and a mix of show tunes plays quietly as a gentle breeze wafts in through his open window, sunlight streaming in the room.

By TINKY WEISBLAT

Jonathan Lash of Northampton has had a fascinating life. He has been a Peace Corps volunteer, a practicing attorney, an environmental advocate, and a president of Hampshire College.

By ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL

NORTHAMPTON — It’s not uncommon to see protesters and activists assembled in front of Northampton City Hall, speaking out in support of social issues and against injustices of the day.

By ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL

NORTHAMPTON — More housing is planned for the neighborhoods around Hawley Street, with site plan for three condominium buildings containing a total of eight housing units unanimously approved by the Planning Board earlier this month.

By DAVID BALL

Sometimes I’m tempted to think that a fraction of the left gets its views on Ukraine from Vladimir Putin’s cyber-disinformation network. Take John Berkowitz’ guest column on June 15.

By GRACE CHAI

Over 30 years ago, Lucimara Galo immigrated to the United States from Brazil in hopes of a better life. Now, she helps others improve the quality of theirs.

By GARRETT COTE

Under a punishing sun on Tuesday afternoon, the Amherst Hurricanes bested Greenfield 7-1 in a Pioneer Valley Youth Baseball League Sandy Koufax matchup. Game time temperatures sat at 100 degrees, but it didn’t seem to slow down Amherst one bit.

By CARRIE N. BAKER

Americans today face an existential threat to our democracy and our rights, but not for the first time. In the past, Americans have transformed similar threats into opportunities to realize bold and ambitious new visions for America. We must now do the same.

By ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL

NORTHAMPTON — Superintendent Portia Bonner plans to leave the position at the end of the 2025-2026 school year, at the end of her third year with Northampton Public Schools.

By CAROLYN BROWN

Northampton author Mike Curato recently released his new graphic novel, “Gaysians,” his first book for adults, which included a local book launch and karaoke party at Bombyx last weekend sponsored by High Five Books.

Visions Video, a nonprofit video store in downtown Northampton, will open to the public on Friday, June 27.

Two things can be true simultaneously— our city and schools are doing wonderful things and there’s still room for improvement. For several years, Northampton’s political conversations have focused heavily on criticizing what’s wrong with our city and schools, with limited discussion of practical solutions beyond increased funding. It’s time to expand the conversation. Three years ago, my family chose to move from Florida to Northampton for its liberal values and excellent schools. As a neurodivergent family with children at JFK, NHS, and HCC, I understand the struggles of advocating for neurodivergent people: from IEP qualification battles to accepting developmental differences while celebrating strengths. I have a master’s in education and classroom experience teaching students with diverse abilities, demographics, and needs. As the leader of an educational advocacy group, I developed innovative solutions for a school facing fiscal constraints — building and maintaining a butterfly garden with an open-air classroom, establishing a school’s first multicultural committee, and providing essential technology during the COVID pandemic.