Royalston and Petersham to hold town elections on April 6 with few contested races

My Turn: Make algae green again — the reflecting pool fiasco

I think it’s safe to say that, having waded into the controversy surrounding the national mall reflecting pool, our own Chief Inspector Clou-less has once again plumbed his way to the depths of the issue. Now, you’d be forgiven for thinking that painting the bottom of a largely stagnant, sunbaked pool a low albedo dark […]

New tracker shows progress toward housing production goal in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has added 34,561 homes in 2025, representing 15.6% of the state's goal of adding 222,000 housing units between 2025 and 2035, according to a new statewide housing production tracker.

Nurses call for safety measures after statewide survey highlights increasing reports of workplace violence

One in four nurses in Massachusetts report feeling unsafe at work, with 74% of nurses in community hospitals saying workplace violence is a serious problem, and the Massachusetts Nurses Association is supporting a bill to require health care workers to develop and implement programs to prevent workplace violence.

Judge orders owner of 465 Main St. to pay $50,000 fine for code violations

ATHOL – Judge Timothy Sullivan of the state’s Housing Court Central Division has given the owner of 465 Main St. until Oct. 1 to pay the town of Athol $50,000 for failing to address various code violations at the property. The judge handed down his decision following a hearing on June 17 which property owner […]

Athol Select Board approves Lord Pond Plaza name change

The Athol Select Board has voted to change the name of Lord Pond Plaza to Mill Brook Crossing, with Vice Chair Marc Maxwell opposing the decision. The name change was supported by over 56% of the 291 people who responded to an online survey, as well as the Historical Commission and Downtown Vitality Committee. The redevelopment of the site includes daylighting the Mill Brook, creating wetlands, green space and pollinator gardens.