'Just show up. We'll teach you': Orange Community Band going strong after 176 years, holding season's final concert on July 31

House passes bill on late-term abortion access; Sabadosa bill heads to Senate

A Massachusetts bill that would expand abortion access after 24 weeks of pregnancy passed the House of Representatives and is set to head to the Senate.

Sounds Local: From poster to playlist: Reid Genauer is set to rock the Shea Theater with Assembly of Dust

When a fan gifted Reid Genauer a hand-drawn poster referencing 100 of his songs, the songwriter and lead singer from Strangefolk and Assembly of Dust initially viewed it as a much-appreciated gesture. But that poster would ultimately inspire him to re-record those 100 songs, resulting in a collection called “This is What I Saw.” The […]

Arts Briefs: Elementary school art in Greenfield, marionette puppet show in Turners Falls, and more

Americana acts to take stage at Great Falls Coffeehouse Austin & Elliott and The Boxcar Lilies will perform at the Great Falls Coffeehouse in Turners Falls on Friday, Aug. 14 at 7 p.m. Austin & Elliott is comprised of singer/songwriters Chris Elliott, who plays guitar, and Lisa Austin, who plays percussion. After years of performing […]

Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust rebuilds reserves after 2025 financial crisis

The Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust stabilized its finances following a period of declining reserves, ending the fiscal year with $7 million.

Regional Notebook: July 30, 2026

Firefighter education expanding with new mobile SCBA training maze  STOW — The state Department of Fire Services has announced the expansion of firefighter survival training at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy with the addition of a new mobile self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) training maze that will increase access to realistic, hands-on instruction for recruit and veteran […]