Typical Amherst homeowner could see property tax bill rise by over $500

Ralliers demand frontier AI freeze at Beacon Hill rally

BOSTON — Alongside dozens of people calling on government to “freeze” frontier AI, the president of the state’s largest teachers union told a crowd Tuesday that “our schools are not feeding troughs for AI investors.” Massachusetts Teachers Association President Matt Bach spoke about AI in education while flanked by students on the steps of the State House during a demonstration — one of more than 45 walkouts across the country in 31 states, including 10 campuses in Boston, according to organizers. “As education workers, we must employ the figurative hammer of our solidarity and our imagination to secure dignity, autonomy, academic freedom […]

Leverett Select Board backs cultural district application, opposes MWRA Quabbin water request

LEVERETT — The Select Board is endorsing designation of a local cultural district for Leverett, even with some questions remaining about how it will work in practice and possible costs to the town. The board also voted to oppose a request from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to withdraw an additional 20 million gallons of […]

Montague expects regional Eversource clear-cutting permit process to begin in spring

Eversource is anticipated to file for permits in the spring to begin a clear-cutting project in Montague as part of its contested Transmission Right-of-Way Reliability Program.

Area Briefs: Quabbin Photo Group to present nature program 'I See You'

Quabbin Photo Group to present nature program ‘I See You’ BELCHEROWN — The Quabbin Photo Group will feature Dale Monette’s program “I See You,” which is a compilation of some of his dramatic nature photographs along with how he captured these images. It will be held on Monday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. at the Belchertown Recreation Department, 66 State St. The program is free and open to the public. Monette is a nature photographer specializing in wildlife and landscapes, primarily of the Quabbin Reservoir. Through his photographs he shares his unique familiarity with the land and the animals living throughout […]

Singalong concert at Bombyx to honor the late Dolly Parton

When beloved country music superstar, actress and philanthropist Dolly Parton died on Aug. 25, fans across the world mourned the loss of an artist known for powerful hit songs, big hair, and outfits that were as sparkly as her personality. This week, a local musician is bringing that reverence for Parton to the Pioneer Valley. […]