Athol Fire Department recognized for smoke alarm program's life-saving efforts

Western Mass housing advocates say 46% shelter decline masks barriers for families

The Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness reports a 46% decrease in families living in shelters due to state and federal policy changes, but advocates warn that many families are still living in unsafe places due to these regulations.

Jeff Thiem promoted to assistant superintendent at Athol DPW

Jeff Thiem, a longtime employee at the Athol Department of Public Works, has been appointed as assistant superintendent, following the promotion of Paul Raskevitz to superintendent. Thiem has worked his way up through the department since joining in 2016, and has a range of licenses in water, highway and arboriculture. The department is currently working on a number of major projects.

Amherst College receives $50 million gift for new student center

AMHERST — A $50 million gift, one of the largest ever received by Amherst College, will go to support the new student center and dining commons, which is expected to open for the fall semester as the Ford Student Center. The gift comes from William “Bill” Ford, a member of the Class of 1983, his […]

Saying ‘people are afraid,’ Healey lays out ICE guidance

BOSTON — Massachusetts is guiding schools and colleges on how to deny federal immigration enforcement access to nonpublic areas, advising healthcare facilities on how to protect confidential health information, and working with places of worship on ways to interact with officers, as well as posting guidance on state property “to make really clear that ICE […]

As ICE activity rises, Valley advocates mobilize

HOLYOKE — “When we organize, we take our power back.”  That message has guided Ariana Keigan and the Pioneer Valley Workers Center (PVWC) as immigrant advocacy groups across western Massachusetts respond to increased immigration enforcement activity during President Donald Trump’s second term. Speaking Wednesday at Holyoke Community College’s annual Fair Housing & Civil Rights Conference, […]