State audit highlights past security lapses at Holyoke, Chelsea veterans homes

State extends public comment on Quabbin water plan withdrawal

The Massachusetts Water Resources Commission has extended the comment period on a controversial request to withdraw an additional 20 million gallons of water per day from the Quabbin Reservoir. The new deadline is Oct. 28, giving western Massachusetts communities an additional two weeks to send in written testimony. Danielle Burney, a spokesperson for the Water […]

Mayors for Peace initiative gaining traction in Franklin County

Several Franklin County towns, including Whately, New Salem, Gill and Deerfield, have joined the Mayors for Peace organization to advocate for nuclear abolition.

PHOTOS: Fun at the Winchendon Fall Festival

PHOTOS: Fun at the Winchendon Fall Festival <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter is-style-rectangular" data-effect="slide" style="--aspect-ratio:calc(2560 / 1441)"><div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper"><ul class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper"><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-104237" data-id="104237" data-aspect-ratio="2560 / 1441" src="https://atholdailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/WinchendonFallFestival4-scaled.jpg"/><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Kids practice their racing skills on a track sponsored by the Robinson Broadhurst Foundation at the Winchendon Fall Festival on Saturday. <span class="image-credit"><span class="credit-label-wrapper">Credit:</span> GREG VINE / Athol Daily News</span></figcaption></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-104235" data-id="104235" data-aspect-ratio="2560 / 1441" src="https://atholdailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/WinchendonFallFestival2-scaled.jpg"/><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">The petting zoo was a popular attraction for the youngsters at the Winchendon Fall Festival on Saturday. <span class="image-credit"><span class="credit-label-wrapper">Credit:</span> GREG VINE / For the Athol Daily News</span></figcaption></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-104236" data-id="104236" data-aspect-ratio="2560 / 1441" src="https://atholdailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/WinchendonFallFestival3-scaled.jpg"/><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Don O'Neil, president of the Winchendon Historical & Cultural Center, speaks with Winchendon resident Linda Hunt about upcoming events at the center. <span class="image-credit"><span class="credit-label-wrapper">Credit:</span> GREG VINE / For the Athol Daily News</span></figcaption></figure></li></ul><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a aria-label="Pause Slideshow" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause" role="button"></a><div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white"></div></div></div>

Athol lands One Stop for Growth grants for downtown projects

ATHOL — The town has been awarded nearly $500,000 in state One Stop for Growth grants to support downtown revitalization. Town Manager Shaun Suhoski said that of the three grants, $50,000 will go toward the town’s vacant storefront program, $145,000 will be used for redesign of the downtown municipal parking lot, and $300,000 will help [&hellip;]

PETA public records lawsuits seek identities of UMass animal research panel members

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has sued the University of Massachusetts in Suffolk County Superior Court to compel the disclosure of names and activities of members on its institutional animal care and use committees.