Bishop Byrne: Period of prayer as conclave to find ‘joyful shepherd’ to replace Pope Francis beings

By ALEXA LEWIS

As the cardinals in Vatican City prepare to begin a conclave to select a new pope on Wednesday, Bishop William Byrne of the Diocese of Springfield said that local Catholics are in a period of prayer as they eagerly await the election of “a joyful shepherd who will lead the 1.4 billion Catholics in the world.”

Transhealth, others condemn federal report urging therapy as brazen, unscientific attack on trans youth

By ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL

NORTHAMPTON — Local gender-affirming care clinic Transhealth is condemning a recent review put out by the federal Department of Health and Human Services that recommends against the use of medical treatment for gender dysphoria in youth.

Area students inducted to Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at MWCC

GARDNER – Mount Wachusett Community College announces the induction of outstanding students into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society for the 2024 – 2025 year. The ceremony, held on April 17, recognized 73 exceptional students for their exemplary academic achievements, leadership and commitment to community service.

North Quabbin Notes, May 6

ATHOL – The South Athol United Methodist Church supper at 65 Morgan Ave., will be held on Saturday, May 17. The menu will be pot roast of beef with gravy, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, green beans, fresh dinner rolls and homemade pies for dessert. All prepared and served family-style by experienced kitchen helpers, many of whom are Serve Safe-certified.

Wheeler Memorial Library’s Children’s Room reopens after flooding in Orange

By DOMENIC POLI

ORANGE — The Wheeler Memorial Library’s Children’s Room has reopened to the public nearly 10 months after flooding caused by a contractor’s error and a rainstorm.

Athol High School students launch newspaper

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – There’s a new newspaper in town – The Athol Advocate, published by students at Athol High School.

Solar panels installed at Fisher Hill Elementary School in Orange

By DOMENIC POLI

ORANGE — Solar panels have been installed on Fisher Hill Elementary School’s roof, another step in a renovation project that began nearly five years ago.

Petersham museum to screen documentary on Quabbin Reservoir forester

By HANNAH MORIN

PETERSHAM – On Thursday, May 8, at 7 p.m., the Harvard Forest Fisher Museum will premiere “Views from a Woodlot,” a documentary by independent filmmaker Chris Hardee.

Budget, capital purchases on Phillipston Town Meeting warrant

By GREG VINE

PHILLIPSTON – Voters face a 32-article warrant at Wednesday’s Annual Town Meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. at the Phillipston Memorial Building, 20 The Common.

Trump forcing Mass. to reassess emissions mandates

By COLIN A. YOUNG

BOSTON — The House chairman of a key committee said that policymakers are reevaluating all of Massachusetts’ climate and emissions mandates, plans and goals in light of changes in federal energy policy, cracking open the door to the possibility of changes to the state’s commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

Orange faces $1.7M deficit as officials seek to balance municipal, education needs in FY26

By DOMENIC POLI

ORANGE — The town reportedly faces “a death spiral,” in the words of a Finance Committee member, as it struggles to draft a proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 that can accommodate municipal needs as well as Orange’s assessment for Ralph C. Mahar Regional School.

In celebration of Law Day, Franklin County students tour Justice Center

By MADISON SCHOFIELD

GREENFIELD — The Franklin County Justice Center celebrated the future of law by welcoming middle and high school students from across the county for an inside look at the judicial system on Thursday morning.

Healey walks fine line on working with Trump

By SAM DRYSDALE

BOSTON — As President Donald Trump passes 100 days in his second term in office, Gov. Maura Healey says she’s still willing to work with him, but called his administration “a disaster” so far.

Athol man to serve five to seven years on child abuse charges

By DOMENIC POLI

GREENFIELD — An Athol man will spend the next five to seven years in state prison after being found guilty of charges related to child abuse.

Athol awaits word on cannabis lawsuits

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – The town is holding off on using nearly $1 million collected from cannabis businesses, due to several ongoing lawsuits across the state.

Athol students celebrate Arbor Day with tree planting

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – For the third consecutive year, students from Athol Community Elementary School joined Town Manager Shaun Suhoski, Public Works Superintendent Dick Kilhart, Assistant Superintendent Paul Raskevitz, and workers from the DPW to plant a tree on a patch of green in the school’s parking lot.

Mass DPU confronts utilities on gas pipe replacement

By COLIN A. YOUNG

BOSTON – Gas companies were told late Wednesday night they need to immediately begin ratcheting down the amount of money they can bill customers for efforts to replace old and leaking natural gas pipelines until reaching the lowest level allowed under state law in two years.

Sportsman’s Corner: Great opening morning

By Mike Roche

Senate Democrats take turns slamming President Trump

By CHRIS LISINSKI

BOSTON — While Senate Democrats do not have much legislative action ready to launch in response to President Donald Trump, they spent more than two hours Monday ripping into the administration’s immigration crackdown and warning about damage to the rule of law.

Athol board reviews budget, warrant articles

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – At its meeting Tuesday night, the Selectboard reviewed the draft warrant for the June 9 Annual Town Meeting, which will include the proposed $26.4 million FY26 budget.