MCLA Physics Department to Host U.S. Department of Energy Physicist

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Physics Department will welcome Dr. Brian Beckford, a nuclear and particle physicist with the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of High Energy Physics, for a free public lecture on Thursday, Oct. 9, at 5 p.m. in the Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation, Room 121. 
 
This talk is funded by the American Institute of Physics Foundation's TEAM-UP Together EXCEL grant. 
 
In his talk, "The Road Less Traveled and My Path in Physics," Beckford will share both his research and his personal journey in science, from his immigrant childhood in Miami to conducting experiments in Japan. The presentation will offer audiences a unique blend of scientific insight and personal narrative, exploring the challenges and opportunities that have defined his career, stated a press release. 
 
Beckford's research focuses on photoproduction and rare decay experiments, conducted at facilities in Japan, that contribute to our understanding of fundamental particles and forces. Beyond his scientific contributions, Dr. Beckford is a passionate advocate for diversity in STEM fields and has dedicated significant effort to broadening participation in physics for students from underrepresented groups.  
 
"This is a wonderful opportunity for our students and the broader community to hear from a leading physicist who exemplifies both scientific excellence and a commitment to making physics more accessible," said MCLA Professor and Physics Department Chair Dr. Kebra Ward. 
 
The lecture is designed to appeal to a wide audience, from physics students and STEM majors to anyone interested in science careers, diversity in academia, or the human stories behind scientific discovery. The event is free and open to the public, and community members, students, and faculty from all disciplines are encouraged to attend. 

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North Adams Council Looks to AG for Assurances on Federal Grant

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — City officials want to know if the attorney general will defend them if they refuse to abide by certain provisions in a federal grant for the Police Department. 
 
The City Council on Tuesday voted to postpone action until Nov. 10 on a fiscal year 2025 Edward Bernard Memorial Justice Assistant Grant after an hour of debate and hearing from more than a half-dozen audience members in opposition.  
 
"Let's take all the time that we have. Let's wait for them to actually do their due diligence and fight these provisions and, hopefully, win, and then it's not a problem at all, and everybody's happy, and we take care of it," said Council President Ashley Shade. "And if they don't get the provisions out, let's make sure that they're willing to defend us if we accept it. And if they are, let's fight them. Let's fight them on this."
 
The U.S. Department of Justice grant for $14,231 is to update the department's overstuffed evidence room to aid its accreditation process. But new requirements within the contract about active or passive cooperation with federal agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, have raised fears within the council and community. 
 
Mayor Jennifer Macksey and Police Chief Mark Bailey had explained the need for an evidence room two weeks ago and assured that Police Department didn't deal with civil matters like immigration, but the council rejected the grant. Shade motioned for it be reconsidered for discussion, which passed. 
 
Audience members spoke out in opposition to accepting the grant, often to applause. 
 
"We cannot trust that they aren't attaching strings that we think, in good faith, could not happen," said Sarah Farnsworth from North Adams. "That they could not make us do things that we are protected from in the Constitution. And we have seen over and over that somehow that manages to happen."
 
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