Amherst

Jury Stalemate Leaves Amherst Police Detective Trial in Limbo as Tension Mounts

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Jurors in Erie County, New York, have remained silent for several days as they deliberate the fate of an Amherst police detective who is facing charges related to a fatal shooting incident from 2021. The jury, comprised of eight women and four men, started its deliberations last week but has not communicated any updates regarding their progress. The case centers on Detective John D. Bagan, who is accused of deliberately using excessive force when he shot and killed 42-year-old Gregory A. Sager during a confrontation outside a grocery store. Prosecutors argue that Bagan acted without … Read more

Magnetic Marvel: UMass Amherst Chemists Stir Up Unexpected ‘Grecian Urn’ Shape in Oil-Water Mix

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Amherst, Massachusetts — A mixture of oil and water combined with magnetized particles, typically immiscible substances, has remarkably taken on a unique Grecian urn shape after being stirred, captivating a team of chemical engineers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The phenomenon, investigated by graduate student Anthony Raykh, poses intriguing new possibilities in the field of materials science. Raykh was experimenting with different materials when he noticed the unexpected transformation and began consulting faculty members to unravel the mystery. An in-depth examination revealed that minuscule magnetic beads in the mix, along with the surface tension … Read more

Amherst Councilor’s Proposal Sparks Controversy Over Public Comment Restrictions and Potential Lawsuits

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Amherst, Massachusetts – Councilor Ryan of Amherst has proposed stricter rules for public comments in the town, sparking concerns over potential lawsuits. In response to this proposal, Michael Pill, a former resident of Amherst and a current resident of Shutesbury, expressed his disagreement with the idea. He argued that the risk of a lawsuit is not worth it and questioned whether the town can afford the financial burden that litigation entails. Pill emphasized that in any legal battle, the only real winners are the lawyers themselves. He raised concerns about the possibility of Amherst having … Read more