Beacon Hill Roll Call, Sept. 8-12

Perspectives vary on effectiveness of Tree House Brewing Co. concert changes

Tree House Brewing Co.'s Summer Stage concert series has been met with noise complaints from residents, despite the venue following new rules and making efforts to reduce the sound, such as adjusting the positioning of the subwoofer speakers.

Neal declines 1st Congressional District forum, prompting criticism from challengers

A planned candidate forum for the Massachusetts 1st Congressional District was canceled this week after U.S. Rep. Richard Neal declined to participate, prompting criticism from challengers Nadia Milleron and Jeromie Whalen, who are raising questions as to why the incumbent rejected the invitation. As the Massachusetts state election approaches in November, Neal, the longtime Springfield […]

Amherst Town Council approves $107.1M budget, restores school interventionists

AMHERST — Citing the needs of the youngest public school students in Amherst, Town Council this week agreed to boost the proposed fiscal year 2027 elementary school budget by $120,000, ensuring the restoration of math and reading interventionists. In a lengthy discussion at Monday’s meeting, in which Town Manager Paul Bockelman’s $107.1 million spending plan […]

40 years on, Green River Festival may draw largest crowd yet in anniversary year

The Green River Festival is celebrating its 40th anniversary this weekend with a strong lineup of over 50 bands, local food, beer and wine, crafts, camping and activities for children.

Amherst schools failing to narrow equity gaps, report says

AMHERST — Continued disparities in academic achievements and discipline for students of color and marginalized populations are raising concerns for members the School Equity Advisory Council, which in its end-of-year summary notes a lack of progress on various equity objectives. In a presentation to the Amherst Regional School Committee last week, Amherst representative Bridge Hynes, […]