UMass researchers discover rare rabbit ticks in Maine that carry new strain of bacteria

Athol Police Logs, May 1-May 13, 2026

Friday, May 1 9:10 a.m. A party walked into the lobby with questions about having his girlfriend’s brother removed from his residence. An officer spoke with the party about the civil process. 10:40 a.m. A medical alarm company is requesting an ambulance for an adult who has fallen and is still on the ground, unknown injuries on Gibson Drive. 10:57 a.m. A […]

‘Nostalgia in every sip’: Former brewery owners, Gill residents launch Lefty’s Craft

The former owners of Lefty's Brewing Co. are launching Lefty's Craft, with statewide distribution of their beers, seven years after closing their brick-and-mortar location in Greenfield.

Grinspoon grants fuel farm growth 

AGAWAM — The Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation and its Local Farmer Award partners have announced the 2026 award recipients, granting more than $270,000 to 128 farms across western Massachusetts, including 43 farms in Franklin County. With this year’s awards, the program’s total investment in local agriculture surpasses $2 million, marking a major milestone in its 12-year […]

Petersham Town Meeting to address debt exclusions, budget

PETERSHAM – Voters will decide on a 39-article warrant at Monday’s Annual Town Meeting, including two Proposition 2 ½ debt exclusions. Article 36 seeks to borrow $800,000 for the purchase of a new fire truck to replace a 1990 tanker. Article 37 asks voters to borrow $74,500 for a new truck for the Highway Department. […]

Governor touts improvements at Holyoke veterans home after neglect audit

HOLYOKE — Less than five months after a state audit detailed significant neglect at the Veterans Home at Holyoke between 2020 and 2023 — much of it during the COVID-19 pandemic — Gov. Maura Healey on Wednesday highlighted what her administration says is a dramatic turnaround at the facility. Shortly after a tour of the […]