Sportsman's Corner: Fish, wildlife and heat

Senate skips social media ban, targets addictive design instead

BOSTON — Senators last Thursday unveiled a proposal aimed at limiting youth exposure to addictive aspects of social media, one that differs dramatically from a social media ban the House has already passed. The bill (S 3164) slated for Senate debate this week would require all social media platforms to adopt “default” settings for minors […]

ADU law sees slow start in Franklin County

The Affordable Homes Act in Massachusetts has resulted in minimal housing growth in Franklin County, with only a handful of ADUs approved in the first year.

Heywood Healthcare's School-Based Services program receives state honor

ATHOL – The Massachusetts Association of Community Health Workers has recognized Heywood Healthcare’s School-Based Services (SBS) program as the 2026 Outstanding Community Health Worker Program of the Year. The award was presented at a special recognition event held June 26 at Athol Hospital and attended by health care leaders, school partners, community organizations and program […]

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.