PVTA Announces New Link413 Bus System
PVTA, FRTA, and BRTA have launched a new long-distance bus system with routes connecting Pittsfield to North Adams, North Adams to Greenfield, and Pittsfield to Northampton.
Town
Pelham Elementary School Braves Severe Budget Deficit
A December draft budget has raised concerns for the future of Pelham Elementary School, located on Amherst Rd. Amid concerns from student families, discussions are still ongoing within the Pelham School Committee about the school's future.
Town Receives Perfect Score in LGBTQ+ Protections
Increasing one point from its 2024 rating, Amherst earned a perfect score of 100 on the 2025 Municipal Equality Index, which measures the impact of inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services for LGBTQ+ residents.
UMass Apartments Demolished After Fire
Late Friday, a three-alarm fire ravaged an off-campus apartment complex near the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (UMass), leaving over 230 UMass students without housing. A State of Emergency for the Town of Amherst was declared on Saturday and later rescinded on Sunday afternoon.
Northampton City Council Unanimously Votes on Israel Divestment
On Sept. 18, the Northampton City Council unanimously voted to divest from companies contracting with Israel, calling them complicit in human rights violations. The resolution, made possible primarily through community advocacy, was led by advocacy groups like Jewish Voices for Peace (JVP).
The Common and Amherst Cinema Lose Federal Grants
On May 2, The Common and Amherst Cinema were among many arts organizations that lost National Endowment for the Arts grants.
Local Libraries Facing Funding Cuts After Executive Order
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on March 14, targeting federal funding to libraries and museums through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Local libraries are feeling the effects of the order, including Forbes Library of Northampton, which lost a $7,500 grant.