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By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — Amherst is another step closer to ensuring that those residents whose ancestors were enslaved in the United States and who continue to be impacted by the harms caused by slavery and post-reconstruction discrimination will benefit from a stabilization fund for reparations.

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — A federal investment of close to $4 million, to support a ground source heat pump at the town’s new elementary school under construction on South East Street, could be at risk from the Republican reconciliation bill being considered by Congress.

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — Amherst is celebrating Disability Pride Month, aiming to end the stigma of disability and make the town inclusive for all by issuing a proclamation, raising a flag in front of Town Hall and taking part in a film festival with two other area communities.

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — Vacant land on either side of Atkins Farms Country Market has long been eyed for its development potential to create a village center, where housing, along with shops and restaurants, would serve Applewood Apartments and Upper Orchard residents, as well as students, faculty and staff at Hampshire College.

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — Despite a concern from the teachers union’s executive board that school staff are continuing to be hired and retained without state licenses, Superintendent E. Xiomara Herman is confirming a commitment to being in compliance with state law and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education regulations when making appointments.

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — A 19-year-old Amherst man who set off fireworks in front of the Central fire station early on Independence Day morning is being summoned to court on several charges, including illegal possession of fireworks and narcotics, police said.

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — A push by the state Legislature to reduce single-use plastics across the state, cutting down on the use of straws, carryout bags and utensils and at the same time increasing recycling and composting, is winning support from fifth graders at Fort River School.

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — A memorial concert at Wildwood Cemetery recently recognized what would have been the 95th birthday of Fred Tillis, a composer, poet and educator who led the Fine Arts Center at the University of Massachusetts for almost 20 years.

By SCOTT MERZBACH

LEVERETT — Mediation in mid-July could resolve an ongoing Land Court lawsuit, filed nearly a year ago by the owners of a Shutesbury Road property against the town and its Conservation Commission, that has prevented the public from using the easiest access to 65 acres of town conservation land in East Leverett.

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — A sense of community and belonging at the Jones Library and the lasting memories at the building are as important to Emily Wang and her family as the books they regularly access there.

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — Just after Memorial Day, the first round of testing to determine the E. coli levels at Puffer’s Pond revealed the bacteria in the water exceeded acceptable state standards, requiring the temporary closing of the site for swimming.

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — Amherst residents are petitioning the Town Council to push back on Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions that might lead to immigrants being held against their will and possibly being deported from the United States.

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — A youth empowerment initiative for Amherst students attending the Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools, in which they will also learn entrepreneurial skills, will take place for two weeks in July.

By SCOTT MERZBACH

HADLEY — A May 2 vote by trustees for the Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School to add two new members is being temporarily nullified by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — Like their peers at the other elementary schools in Amherst and Pelham, students in the band and orchestra at Crocker Farm School took the stage at the Amherst Regional Middle School for an annual spring concert in early June, showcasing their musical talent and the instrumental music education they receive.

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — Concerns over possible cuts in federal financial support to the University of Massachusetts, and tax legislation being considered by Congress, is leading campus officials to call for various belt-tightening measures, including spending reductions of 3% and 5% in all academic and administrative departments.

By SCOTT MERZBACH

HADLEY — A new two-year contract with a private ambulance service, with an option for a third year, will mean emergency medical care at the Advanced Life Support level for Hadley residents will continue to be provided by Action EMS Ambulance.

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — With the Finance Committee advising the “worst is yet to come” for the town’s aging sewer system, members are unanimously supporting steep increases to the town’s proposed sewer and water rates.

By SCOTT MERZBACH

HADLEY — A used car business that can display up to 10 vehicles for sale at a time will be allowed to set up at a 1.4-acre parcel at the corner of Route 9 and Goffe Street.

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — Outdoor swim season is underway in Amherst, with the full-size pool at Mill River Recreation Area opening in early June and both War Memorial Pool and the wading pool at Mill River scheduled to be ready for swimmers this week.

By SCOTT MERZBACH

SHUTESBURY — An acting officer in charge is overseeing Shutesbury Police through the end of June, with the current police chief on administrative leave.