Around New England

Second-Grader’s Racially Tinged Remark Sparks Calls For Action

Matthew McDonald

A second-grade boy whom a school principal overheard saying he didn't want to invite an African-American kindergartner to an unspecified event because he didn't want "people who look like her" sparked outrage from the kindergartener's parents and calls for wider action across the Berkshires and the country.

The principal told the parents that the incident took place during breakfast at Kittredge Elementary School in Hinsdale, a town of about 2,000 people in Berkshire County, not far from the New York state line, according to the Berkshire Eagle. The children were talking about parties when the second-grade boy made the remark.

Around New England

Late Longtime Reporter Gets New Orleans-Style Parade Send-Off

Matthew McDonald

Friends and family of longtime reporter Fred Contrada celebrated his life with a New Orleans-style parade in Northampton on Sunday, November 11.

Contrada, who died Tuesday, November 6 of a degenerative neurological disease he was diagnosed with two years ago, worked for the Springfield Republican as a reporter, and also wrote a column. He also wrote novels.

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