CITIES

Following cuts to the U.S. Department of Education, Massachusetts lawmakers take testimony from state education officials as FY26 budget-making resumes, following a week off.

Members of the Belchertown, Mass., select board narrowly agreed Monday night to put a property tax override question on the annual town meeting ballot. If it passes, additional revenue could address a $2.1 million funding gap in next year's school budget.

A city councilor in Northampton, Mass., who was recently reprimanded or "censured" by fellow councilors said she was taking care of her constituents.

By law, after a snow storm, sidewalks and curb cuts need to be cleared within a period of time. Some towns have special sidewalk plows for areas around schools and public buildings, but it's generally not the job of cities or towns. The responsibility belongs to abutting residents and business owners.

Voters will decide whether Holyoke's treasurer should continue to be elected, or be appointed by the City Council, chosen from a pool of qualified applicants.

The western Massachusetts architect who redeveloped one of Holyoke's oldest and largest mills has died.

Tony Hendrix, now 59, said she joined the U.S. Army when she was 17 and stayed in the service almost a decade. In that time she said, she experienced some of the best and hardest lessons of her life.

State education officials announced today a "provisional decision" to remove Holyoke Public Schools from receivership, effective July 1, 2025.

Around 10 unhoused residents staying at the site off Cook Avenue in Northampton say they were not given prior warning to vacate the encampment. City officials say they gave notice.

Members unanimously gave the green light to a yearlong professional development plan —for themselves — focusing on school governance. Their progress is connected to a return of local control of the schools from the state.