Valley Bounty: ‘It’s just a joy’: Plum Brook Farm preserves farmland and grows delicious fruit

H.S. field hockey preview: Area teams ready for action in 2026

The field hockey season is underway in the Pioneer Valley and several local squads have lofty aspirations on the turf this fall. Belchertown, Smith Academy and South Hadley will look to return to the MIAA state tournament while Amherst, Northampton and Hampshire will attempt to build momentum after rebuilding seasons in 2025. Holyoke, which went […]

UMass makes $120M bet on future of food

AMHERST — The University of Massachusetts is launching a $120 million Future of Food initiative, anchored by a new 36,000-square-foot research center and five permanent endowments aimed at tackling global food security, climate resilience and food safety. The research center, set to break ground in late 2027, will house the new Paul and Diane Manning […]

Southampton truck repair shop destroyed by fire and explosions; owner suspects foul play

SOUTHAMPTON — The owner of a truck repair shop on Pequot Road believes a fire and explosion that could be heard far and wide Saturday night was intentionally set, though authorities say the cause remains under investigation. Jay’s Mobile Truck Repair, at 77 Pequot Road, was completely engulfed in flames by the time the Southampton […]

Cooley Dickinson Hospital workers overwhelmingly approve new contract with raises, bonuses

NORTHAMPTON — Nearly 690 Cooley Dickinson Hospital healthcare workers have overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year contract that includes pay raises and bonuses. Unionized hospital staff, including respiratory therapists, physical therapists, surgical techs, phlebotomists, transporters and environmental services workers, ratified the new contract with a 97% yes vote, according to a Facebook post published by 1199SEIU United […]

Food, music and circus acts coming to Amherst's annual block party on Thursday

AMHERST — Two stages with musical performers, numerous food vendors and representatives from various organizations and nonprofits will be lined up along North Pleasant Street for the Annual Block Party Thursday. Running from 5 to 9 p.m., a section of North Pleasant Street from Amity Street to Hallock Street will become a pedestrian mall, with […]