‘There are too many patients to be patient’: UMass officials advocate for state funding amid federal cuts

‘Joy as resistance’ on display at Franklin County Pride Parade and Festival

GREENFIELD — A rainbow sea flooded Sanderson, Federal and Main streets on Saturday as about 2,500 people decked out in rainbow tutus, shirts, hats and flags braved the 90-degree heat for the ninth annual Franklin County Pride Parade. “It’s a joyous protest, it’s a joyous celebration,” said Jake Krain, the parade coordinator with Franklin County […]

Athol Town Clerk Nancy Burnham named Town Clerk of the Year

Town Clerk Nancy Burnham has been honored as Town Clerk of the Year by the Massachusetts Town Clerks Association, a recognition of her nearly 40 years of service to the community.

My Turn: Thoughts on Trump as America’s 250th approaches

Donald Trump has been elected twice. Free and fair. That’s no small feat. His second term could have been a relative layup. Close the border. Create an elite task force to arrest and deport the actual “worst of the worst” here in the country illegally. Enact tax cuts. Release the Epstein files. No tariffs. No […]

Despite statewide decline, opioid deaths remain level in Franklin County, North Quabbin

Opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts dropped below 1,000 individuals in 2025 for the first time since 2013, but statistics for Franklin County and the North Quabbin region remained level, with 12 deaths in 2024 and 2025 — still representing a 75% decline from 2021.

Jim Smith honored with Margaret Grazis Citizen of the Year Award in Athol

Jim Smith, a resident of Athol, was awarded the Margaret Grazis Citizen of the Year Award for his dedication to community service and being a good neighbor. Smith has served on numerous committees and was praised for his thoughtful leadership, pragmatism and commitment to the town's future. He has also been recognized for his acts of kindness, including helping a neighbor whose husband was ill.