Franklin Tech superintendent retires early following complaints over religious remarks in graduation speech

Book Review: Bestselling author Jacqueline Sheehan explores local rise of Nazism through fictional female whistleblower in ‘The Camp Muralist’

Jacqueline Sheehan has always been intrigued by people. The New York Times best-selling author and former psychologist is attuned to body language and backstories, to what is shared and what is withheld.  It fits, then, that the Florence-based writer’s seventh novel uncovers a nation’s secret through characters who have buried their own truths. On Nov. […]

MIAA cross country: Hampshire girls repeat, Evan Hedlund finishes first for Frontier at Divisional championships (VIDEO)

NORTHFIELD — Living in a hill town certainly has some distinct advantages for athletes. For the Hampshire Regional girls cross country team, a home course in Westhampton that features some elevation prepared the squad for the MIAA Divisional 3A-3B-3C championships on Saturday. The Raiders used the preparation to capture their second straight Division 3B championship […]

Trace PFAS contamination widespread across Massachusetts freshwater bodies, including Connecticut and Deerfield rivers

A report from the MassPIRG Education Fund revealed that PFAS were detected in 87% of Massachusetts surface water locations sampled between 2022 and 2024, prompting calls for more extensive testing and stricter regulations on manufacturing and disposal.

Bankruptcy filings rise nationally while Franklin County sees similar year to last

While nationwide bankruptcy filings rose by 11.4% between September 2025 and September 2026, Franklin County saw a slight decrease to 53 cases during the same period despite rising local unemployment and stagnant wages.

Trusts conserve 202-acre Dudleyville Forest in Shutesbury

The Kestrel Land Trust and the Northeast Wilderness Trust have permanently protected 202-acre Dudleyville Forest in Shutesbury as wildlands through a collaborative funding effort.