State board eyes early 2026 vote on three-year bachelor’s degree

Council urges long runway to introduce new graduation standards

The K-12 Graduation Council has recommended that Massachusetts students complete college-preparatory coursework, pass end-of-course exams, develop postsecondary plans, and complete a capstone project or portfolio in order to meet the new high school graduation standards.

Temporary liquor license extension won't be in effect in Athol

A bill signed into law by Gov. Maura Healey allowing bar and social club owners to stay open an extra hour won’t apply to Athol establishments, following Tuesday’s Selectboard meeting.

Cat saved from Orange house fire

A cat was rescued from a structure fire in Orange on Wednesday evening, and the family was commended for their quick evacuation and containment of the flames.

Sportsman's Corner: The loss of a pet

In my lifetime, this writer has seen a significant difference in the status of animals, particularly dogs and cats. Growing up in Orange, most families seemed to have pet dogs and cats. Hunting dogs in my scope of experience were pets that were trained to hunt birds or rabbits, and there would commonly be a […]

My Turn: Are we focusing on the wrong enemies?

The Atlantic has published a story called “The Men Who Don’t Want Women to Vote,” by Helen Lewis, in its June edition. I found it online. It’s thought-provoking. Where to start in processing those thoughts? It was easy to reject the ideology of the right-wing figures Lewis interviews or describes. These are mostly men, like […]