Columnist Tolley M. Jones: Death commands attention

Communities That Care Coalition unveils 2026 Student Health Survey data

The Communities That Care Coalition's 2026 Student Health Survey revealed improvements in youth mental health and substance use among students in Franklin County and the North Quabbin region, while highlighting concerns regarding social media usage and negative attitudes toward feminism.

Residents weigh in on proposal for new Northfield EMS building

Approximately 30 Northfield residents met Thursday to review proposed plans for a new EMS building ahead of a Special Town Meeting on Nov. 19.

Pasta for CiderDays

Cider season has arrived. Now that picking is winding down, local orchards have started pressing their product into cider. Like maple time, cider time is an in-between season. Fall is waning, and the leaves have mostly left the trees, but winter has yet to hit us. Farmers have concluded their harvests and have time to […]

Guest columnist William Lambers: Hunger a critical election issue

Hunger is a major issue in the 2026 election as high prices have made it hard for many Americans to buy groceries. According to a recent AP-NORC poll “Forty-one percent of adults were extremely or very concerned about being able to afford groceries in the next few months.” Families are depending on food banks and […]

Fit to Play with Jim Johnson: More is not better

When is enough, enough? Somehow, we seem to think that if something is good, more is better. Do you really need the never-ending pasta bowl, the 1,000-calorie burger, so big you can’t even put your mouth around? We need food to live but disproportionate eating results in obesity. Exercise is good for you but is […]