Holding the line: Greenfield’s Ben Johnston looks to fishing for solace and competition

Towns await legislative approval for Great River Regional School District voting format

The Six Town Regionalization Planning Board remains optimistic about passing special legislation that would allow for townwide elections to establish the Great River Regional School District.

Gleaning program led by Rachel’s Table gaining ground with addition of new vehicle

Rachel's Table acquired a dedicated gleaning vehicle funded by grants and donations to expand its ability to recover and distribute surplus produce from local farms to communities facing food insecurity.

Senators pad $575 million economic development bill

Massachusetts senators approved a $575.4 million economic development borrowing package late Friday, which includes significant investments in defense, artificial intelligence, and robotics. The bill also modifies a voter-approved tax rebate law, allowing for adjustments based on state revenue thresholds. Additionally, the legislation introduces new regulations for electric bikes, implements price caps on concert ticket resales, and provides emergency funding for various regional projects.

New park security cameras aim to deter vandalism, according to Athol police

Surveillance cameras have been installed at various town parks and facilities in Athol following reports of vandalism and break-ins. The $50,000 project, approved during the 2022 Annual Town Meeting, includes Lake Park and Silver Lake Park, among other locations. While some residents expressed privacy concerns regarding license plate scanning, Police Chief Jarret Mousseau clarified that the standard video surveillance cameras do not utilize facial recognition or Flock Safety technology.

Weather whiplash: Why record rain couldn’t break the drought

Massachusetts is experiencing a persistent hydrological drought despite recent rainfall, illustrating a pattern of "weather whiplash" driven by a warming climate. While heavy storms provide immediate moisture, they often fail to replenish vital groundwater and stream levels quickly enough. Experts warn that increasing frequencies of rapid-onset "flash droughts" will require updated state emergency responses to mitigate swift environmental and socioeconomic impacts.