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Town Receives Perfect Score in LGBTQ+ Protections

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

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 A State of Emergency for the Town of Amherst was declared on Saturday and later rescinded on Sunday afternoon.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

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

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

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.

Town Council Votes to Increase Regional Public Schools’ Budget

Town Council Votes to Increase Regional Public Schools’ Budget

The Town Council voted to increase the Amherst-Pelham Regional Public Schools (ARPS) and the elementary schools’ budgets after complaints about the proposed $3 million in budget cuts announced in March. The council’s recommendation must be approved by the Town Manager on May 1.

Amherst Community Protests to “Stand up for Democracy”

Amherst Community Protests to “Stand up for Democracy”

On Friday, approximately 50 students, faculty and staff, and town members gathered at the intersection of South Pleasant Street, College Road, and Northampton Road, to “stand up for democracy.”