Guest column: Medicare has a good idea!

A kernel of truth: New England dairy farmers use high-tech data to earmark harvest day

HADLEY — Corn silage stalks that will become the main sustenance for dairy cows during the winter months are nearly ready to harvest from fields throughout New England. While farmers could make educated guesses on when to harvest the corn using their own instincts and knowledge, many are instead turning to scientific data to pinpoint […]

Grapes and grit: Trail Blasters youth cyclocross team sees explosive growth in membership

SOUTHAMPTON — The Glendale Ridge Vineyard in Southampton is home to one of the most acclaimed wineries in the Pioneer Valley. Located on a quiet back road with spectacular views of Mt. Tom in the distance, the vineyard occupies several acres of sweeping land that, naturally, make it a perfect place to grow vines, but also, perhaps unexpectedly, an ideal setting for a bike-racing course. That’s exactly what took place on Wednesday at the Vineyard ‘Cross Race Series as members of the Northampton Cycle Club’s Trail Blasters Youth Cyclocross Racing Team, plus numerous adults, traversed the vineyard’s challenging yet gripping terrain […]

Baystate Health faces growing pressure over transgender care, insurance ties in dueling protests

SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Health has come under pressure this week after two protests outside of its corporate offices demanded the hospital system reinstate gender-affirming care for youth and advocate for a public healthcare system. On Tuesday evening, about 25 people joined Nadia Milleron, an independent candidate for Congress in Massachusetts’ 1st District, to object to […]

Beyond the curtain: How 15 Valley artists are building sustainable careers

Being an independent artist comes with its fair share of challenges, but a Springfield organization has just given 15 local artists a way to help mitigate some of them with grant money and professional development opportunities. Earlier this summer, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, a Springfield nonprofit, announced the members of the ValleyCreates 2026 […]

There is a Season with Molly Parr: Sweet melon meets spicy jalapeño

This summer, amid food recalls and warnings, it has been so clear how lucky we are to live in communities full of farmland and orchards. From hydroponically grown lettuce, to peaches picked and sold in the same morning, to local bakeries, we have had an incredible summer full of delicious local bites.  I’ve roasted strawberries […]