Franklin County schools await formerly withheld federal funds

Senators pad $575 million economic development bill

BOSTON — Senators stamped their approval on a $575.4 million economic development borrowing package just after midnight Friday, hitching to it a controversial change to a voter-approved tax rebate law and artificial intelligence regulations as the sprawling package moves toward negotiations with the House. Senate President Karen Spilka’s office described the authorizations as “investments to boost every aspect […]

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

Massachusetts is experiencing a persistent hydrological drought despite recent rainfall, illustrating a pattern of "weather whiplash" driven by a warming climate. While heavy storms provide immediate moisture, they often fail to replenish vital groundwater and stream levels quickly enough. Experts warn that increasing frequencies of rapid-onset "flash droughts" will require updated state emergency responses to mitigate swift environmental and socioeconomic impacts.

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.

LaunchSpace holds soft opening for new shared-use kitchen in Athol

The Orange-based education center LaunchSpace recently held a soft opening for a new shared-use kitchen at the Pleasant Street School in Athol. This first phase of an $18 million redevelopment project aims to support local food entrepreneurs and strengthen the regional food system. A grand opening is tentatively planned for October once the facility is fully operational.

McGovern unveils bill to rein in seed monopolies

U.S. Congressmen Jim McGovern and Greg Casar introduced the Fair Seeds for Farmers Act, a bill seeking to limit seed patents and protect farmers' rights to save and share seeds from large agricultural conglomerates.