Local proponents of medical aid in dying hopeful long-discussed legislation may finally pass

By ALEXA LEWIS

A bill allowing for medical aid in dying once again made it to a hearing before the state Legislature’s Joint Committee on Public Health on Wednesday morning. While versions of this bill have reached this stage before, local proponents of the measure are feeling hopeful as this is the earliest in a legislative session it has been brought to this committee’s hearing. 

Winchendon Town Election includes overrides

By GREG VINE

WINCHENDON – When voters go to the polls for The Annual Town Election, they’ll be faced with making a choice between two Proposition 2 ½ override questions.

Royalston master plan group holds resident forum

By GREG VINE

ROYALSTON – Some three dozen Royalston residents showed up at Town Hall Saturday morning to air their opinions and concerns about the future of the community.

Progressives in Massachusetts demand legislative response to Trump

By CHRIS LISINSKI

BOSTON — Progressive activists are growing impatient with what they view as a slow start on Beacon Hill, while the top House Democrat said lawmakers are “shooting in the dark” as they grapple with uncertainty from the federal government.

Raymond chairs final meeting of Athol Selectboard

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – After serving 15 years – five terms – Stephen Raymond officially resigned at the conclusion of the Selectboard meeting this past Tuesday night.

MWCC awarded grant to expand Child Watch program

GARDNER – The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts (CFNCM) awarded the MWCC Foundation $20,000 in funding to support the Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC)’s Child Watch: Experiential Learning Program.

MTA president offers ways for legislators to address ‘unprecedented dangers’ to K-12 education in state

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — Potential layoffs of educators at K-12 schools across the state next fiscal year, which Massachusetts Teachers Association President Max Page said could be catastrophic, is prompting his organization to ask the Legislature to take a three-pronged approach to addressing the problem — use Fair Share Amendment surpluses, find ways to increase corporate tax revenues and dip into the state’s reserves.

Orange residents provide input on long-range plan

By DOMENIC POLI

ORANGE — Residents say they want to see investments in housing and infrastructure to bring more families and businesses to town.

Electric vehicle proposal defeated by Athol committee

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – Lee Gershon, a member of the Town Energy Committee and the Decarbonization Task Force, tried unsuccessfully to convince the Capital Program Committee to recommend the purchase of an electric vehicle for use by North Quabbin Animal Control.

Winchendon man returns to court on child porn charges

By GREG VINE

GARDNER – A 49-year-old Winchendon man facing child pornography and firearms charges made a brief appearance Tuesday morning in Winchendon District Court.

Winchendon Schools chosen for cybersecurity pilot

By HANNAH MORIN

WINCHENDON – The town’s public schools are taking a step forward in strengthening digital defenses after being chosen to participate in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program.

Area schools drafting AI policies for classwork

By MADISON SCHOFIELD

As schools across the country grapple with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), new policies are being introduced to govern its use in classrooms, with a goal of balancing innovation with concerns over privacy, equity and academic integrity.

UMass Chancellor Reyes outlines changes amid financial uncertainty under Trump administration

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — More stringent oversight of spending on salaries, capital projects and various non-personnel expenditures at the University of Massachusetts, and both reducing graduate admissions in some departments and notifying some prospective graduate students that they will not be able to study in Amherst, are underway, according to a letter sent to the campus from UMass Chancellor Javier Reyes.

Petersham Center School educator receives Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award

By MAX BOWEN

PETERSHAM – After 25 years teaching at Petersham Center School, Nichole Ruggles said that every day holds a chance for a surprise.

River Rat Race returns for 60th year

By HANNAH MORIN

ATHOL- The annual River Rat Race returns on April 12 at 1 p.m., celebrating its 60th year with excitement for both competitors and spectators.

Historical forum shares the stories behind Royalston’s waterfalls

By GREG VINE

ROYALSTON – The Town of Royalston is perhaps best known as home to the Birch Hill and Tully dams, several historical 19th century buildings and homes nestled around Royalston Common, or the many trails available to hiking enthusiasts.

Athol reports lead pipe removal in town complete

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – A delay in the distribution of $50 million in federal funding for lead pipe replacement in Massachusetts may impact some communities, but Athol will not be among them.

Interim Franklin County Sheriff Lori M. Streeter announces election campaign

By DOMENIC POLI

GREENFIELD — Interim Franklin County Sheriff Lori M. Streeter has announced plans to run for sheriff and seek the Democratic nomination on the November 2026 ballot.

State Sen. Peter Durant recognized by New England Police Benevolent Association

WORCESTER – State Sen. Peter Durant was recently named Legislator of the Year by the New England Police Benevolent Association, Inc.

Healey: Trump’s ‘very problematic’ policies are leading researchers to leave; students may stay away too

By SAM DRYSDALE

BOSTON — Gov. Maura Healey has spent the last few weeks using her bully pulpit to warn of a brain drain out of Massachusetts, as a consequence of President Donald Trump’s cuts to research funding and the threat of foreign-born students being deported.