Here are today's headlines:

Valley Ukrainians dismayed by Russian invasion; lawmakers condemn 'baseless' act of war

NORTHAMPTON - When Andriy Krip first heard Wednesday evening that Russia had begun an invasion of Ukraine, he began texting family and loved ones in Ukraine, where he was born.Krip, the priest at Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Ludlow, said what he heard over the phone was fear....

Police seize more than 100 firearms from Holyoke home

HOLYOKE - The Holyoke Police Department has seized what is says is a cache of more than 100 firearms from a city home.In a statement Thursday, police Capt. Matthew Moriarty said Holyoke police and officers from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives executed a search warrant...

In 'state of the city' address, mayor says Easthampton hits its stride amid COVID struggles

EASTHAMPTON - With public meeting spaces still closed until April 1, Mayor Nicole LaChapelle reflected on the past year in her annual "state of the city" address on Thursday, acknowledging the struggles and strides over the last year amid the COVID-19 pandemic."Community has been the saving grace du...

Aging with Adventure with Eric Weld: Recapturing winter's magic: Spending time outdoors in the bracing cold yields many health benefits

I discovered something important this winter. As I did, it made the difference between surviving this cold, dark season and enjoying it - between hibernating and clenching my way through it, and relaxing into all that it has to offer.I discovered the importance of spending time outside. In the cold....

Sammy Knight nets game-winning goal to lift Greenfield over Chicopee for Class B championship (PHOTOS)

WEST SPRINGFIELD - Sammy Knight saved the day.And as a result, the Greenfield hockey team captured the Western Mass. Class B championship on Thursday.Chicopee's Trevor Seidell-Poirier tied the game 4-4 with 2:10 left in the third period, his fourth goal of the game. The Green Wave used a timeout to...

Guest columnist John Piekara: Climate advocates applaud McGovern for support of major climate bill

There is no better time than now to encourage elected government officials at all levels to pass effective climate legislation. Members of the Pioneer Valley chapter of Citizens' Climate Lobby (CCL) are thrilled that U.S Rep. Jim McGovern (MA-02), has recently signed on as a cosponsor of the Energy...

Back on the Back Porch: Festival returns March 3-6 with multiple performances in Northampton, Greenfield

For the last several years, Signature Sounds has tried to fight the late winter blues by staging its Back Porch Festival, a roots and country music showcase in late February/early March that brings a variety of bands and artists to the region.What started as a one-day gig in Northampton in 2014 has...

Upcoming in Arts and Entertainment

UMass dance students to present senior thesis projects AMHERST - On Thursday, March 3 and Friday, March 4, dance majors at the University of Massachusetts Amherst's Department of Music and Dance will present their senior thesis projects in a program titled "When We Close Our Eyes." The concerts, whi...