Protecting firefighters wherever they are: Sunderland Fire Dept. donates $35K of gear to the Philippines

The drought you can’t see: Behind another summer of water restrictions is a drought measured below the surface

Massachusetts municipalities have implemented mandatory water conservation efforts following a drought declaration driven by below-average rainfall and declining groundwater levels in regions like the Pioneer Valley.

Weather whiplash: Why record rain couldn’t break the drought

Massachusetts is experiencing persistent hydrological drought despite recent rainfall, illustrating a "weather whiplash" pattern driven by climate change that necessitates updated emergency response strategies.

South County Notebook: July 25, 2026

July 26: Bella Voce to perform in Old Deerfield DEERFIELD — The Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association’s Summer Concert Series will continue on Sunday, July 26, at 3 p.m. with Bella Voce, a group with vocalists Lisa Woods and Teri LaFleur and pianist Jerry Noble. Attendees can catch the trio inside Memorial Hall’s Music Room, 8 […]

TD Garden to host UMass men’s basketball for rematch with Boston College this fall

The UMass men’s basketball team announced it will take on in-state rival Boston College on Friday, Nov. 6 at TD Garden, on Friday. The matchup will be part of the Hall of Fame Series Boston, with both teams making their return to the Garden hardwood for the first time since facing off against each other in 2014. “What an incredible opportunity to once again play Boston College in our own state,” Minutemen head coach Frank Martin in a news release. “Thankful to the Hall of Fame for making it happen last year in Springfield and obviously this year at TD Garden in […]

West County Notebook: July 25, 2026

Noise complaint heading to Ashfield Agricultural Commission ASHFIELD — After the Selectboard heard from Ashfield resident John Angleman about a noise complaint at its July 13 meeting, and the Board of Health discussed the issue on Tuesday, the matter will head to the Agricultural Commission. The noise complaint from Angleman regards roosters. In documentation provided […]