The battle over biochar

The developers of a multimillion-dollar biochar plant in northern Saratoga County say their new business would help solve a pressing environmental problem by transforming municipal sewage sludge into a beneficial “carbon fertilizer.” But opponents fear the plant could wind up spreading toxic contamination into the surrounding region.

read more

Vermont’s new voice in the U.S. House

Vermont’s new member of Congress says the nation’s housing and mental health needs are two initial areas where she’d like to focus her legislative attention. U.S. Rep. Becca Balint, a Democrat who ran on a progressive platform, is the first woman ever elected to represent Vermont in the House.
read more

Family tragedy, dark humor in ‘Fun Home’

Alison Bechdel studied printmaking and book art as a college student in the Berkshires, then built a following as a cartoonist before writing her acclaimed graphic memoir “Fun Home” in 2006. This month, Hubbard Hall will present the musical based on her book.
read more

Artists rooted in Tibetan traditions

Lama Tashi Norbu, an internationally known artist trained in Tibetan thangka painting who lives near Amsterdam. He will travel to Williamstown this spring to become an artist in residence as part of “Across Shared Waters,” a new group show at the Williams College Museum of Art.
read more