Suspect in attempted break-in at Bernardston store arrested in Northampton

My Turn: Every day at the Dawg

I have been thinking a lot about loneliness lately, mostly because the CDC keeps calling it an epidemic. They say one out of every three seniors struggles with loneliness, and that chronic isolation increases the risk of heart disease, dementia, stroke, depression, and early death. It is as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. When I read that, I felt a little shock of recognition. Not because I feel lonely all the time, but because I can see how easily it could happen. It does not arrive with a dramatic moment. It creeps in quietly when routines shrink and days […]

Fit to Play with Jim Johnson: Wellness is too expensive

Ever since the U.S. Surgeon General announced in 1976 that half of all illness is behavioral, wellness became for sale. Today, 50 years later, reports indicate that Americans spend about $2 trillion a year on wellness, approximately 33% of the entire world’s global expense. By all accounts, this practice will continue and increase. The cost […]

From Global to Local: We stand at a critical moment in Earth’s history

“Ecosystems, wildlife and the Earth itself are living beings with inherent rights to exist, evolve and regenerate.” This, the Rights of Nature philosophy and movement, is led by Indigenous people worldwide who hold that humans are partners and guardians not owners of land, water and wildlife. Indigenous peoples perceive land, air and water as ancestors […]

Declaration of Independence readings organized across Franklin County

Municipalities across Franklin County will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with readings on July 8.

North County Notebook: July 7, 2026

Northfield student graduates from Wesleyan University MIDDLETOWN, Conn. — Jane Potee recently graduated from Wesleyan University, where she majored in history and gender studies. She is a 2022 graduate of Pioneer Valley Regional School and the daughter of Stephen Martin and Ruth Potee of Northfield. Five local students make UNE dean’s list BIDDEFORD, Maine — […]