State shines spotlight on 250 farm-to-school initiatives, including 21 locally

Woman charged in fatal Royalston crash considers possible resolution

ROYALSTON – A Gardner woman facing manslaughter and motor vehicle homicide charges in connection with a 2024 fatal crash in Royalston is considering a possible resolution to the case, according to Worcester Superior Court records. Anna Hamel, 50, faces seven charges in connection with the July 16, 2024 crash, including two counts of manslaughter, two […]

Nearly $49K grant aims to help build student character at GCC

Greenfield Community College received a $48,741 grant from Wake Forest University's Educating Character Initiative to study ways to improve student character and civic engagement, while also expanding its technology lending library through a separate grant from the Massachusetts Broadband Institute.

Engineer recommends York Building be demolished before winter

ATHOL – An engineer hired by the town to assess the condition of the York Building at 465 Main St. is recommending that, for the safety of the public, the building be demolished prior to winter 2026. Peter Reynolds, president of McKenzie Engineering of Leominster, states in his report that, due to lack of maintenance, […]

Guest columnist William Lambers: On Labor Day, let’s thank caregivers

This Labor Day, let’s remember a quiet group of hard workers, although mostly unpaid, who are extremely valuable to families everywhere. Caregivers save the day for those who are sick, injured or unable to take care of themselves. Caregivers are often family members who dedicate days, months or even years in this critical role. There […]

Smith College grad Gloria Steinem, a potent voice of US feminism and co-founder of Ms. Magazine, dies at 92

NEW YORK — Gloria Steinem, the celebrated author and activist who became one of the most visible symbols and potent voices of the U.S. women’s movement and a fierce advocate for feminist causes for over six decades, has died. She was 92. With her trademark streaked hair parted down the middle and large aviator glasses, […]