MassDEP issues water quality certification to FirstLight, with conditions

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

TURNERS FALLS — While opponents continue to assert the “overwhelming negative environmental impact” of FirstLight Hydro Generating Co.’s facilities, the state Department of Environmental Protection argues the conditions set through its water quality certification offer “more protections for the Connecticut River than ever before.”

UMass grad student proposes upgrades for Fish Park in Athol

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – A UMass grad student interning in the town’s Office of Planning and Development has drafted a proposal to upgrade Fish Park.

Sportsman’s Corner: Black fly time

By Mike Roche

WINCHENDON – Effective immediately, the Department of Conservation and Recreation has reopened all roads and parking areas of the Lake Dennison Recreation Area in the Town of Winchendon. These areas were closed due to flooding caused by US Army Corps of Engineers holding water at Birch Hill Dam.

New Athol sign designs unveiled

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – Efforts to develop new signage directing Athol residents and visitors to local points of interest, recreational opportunities and municipal facilities may soon be coming to a close.

U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern announces death of daughter, Molly McGovern, who battled cancer

By SCOTT MERZBACH

NORTHAMPTON — Molly McGovern, the daughter of U.S. Rep. James McGovern and Lisa McGovern and sister to Patrick McGovern, died unexpectedly in Italy while visiting a good friend and his family, according to a statement the congressman’s family issued Thursday morning.

FRCOG proposes charter changes for first time since creation in 1997

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

GREENFIELD — In the 28 years since the Franklin Regional Council of Governments’ (FRCOG) charter was first created, no amendments have been made.

PHOTOS: Sunset over the hills in Athol

LifePath halts Healthy Living Program amid anticipated federal cuts

By ANTHONY CAMMALLERI

GREENFIELD — Amid anticipated cuts to federal Older Americans Act (Title III) funding, the nonprofit LifePath is stopping its Healthy Living Program, which assists those facing long-term health challenges.

Gough seeks full term on Phillipston Selectboard

By GREG VINE

PHILLIPSTON – Nicole Gough is running for a three-year term on the Selectboard after serving the final year of the unexpired term of Dan Sanden, who had resigned for personal reasons.

Royalston workshop to explain process of solar energy

By GREG VINE

ROYALSTON – Those interested in installing a solar energy system can get their questions addressed this weekend.

‘Lorna’s Law’ gets an airing: Mother whose daughter died in Holyoke marijuana facility backs bill for better worker safety

By SAMUEL GELINAS

BOSTON — Eight months after she started working in a Holyoke marijuana cultivation facility in 2021, 27-year-old Lorna McMurrey died from an asthma attack after inhaling ground cannabis dust while on the job — a death that drew national attention as it was the first to be traced to dust and mold deposits found within marijuana workspaces.

Jobless benefits ride on rosy jobs picture

By CHRIS LISINSKI

Stress over the prospect of an economic downturn appears to have ticked higher due to dramatic trade and tariff machinations, but the Healey administration last week slightly upgraded its already-strained forecast for the state’s unemployment insurance system.

Mini Game Con this weekend at Athol Library

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – From the classic to the contemporary, gaming fans will have plenty to choose from at Mini Game Con 2025, this Friday and Saturday at Athol Public Library.

‘A pope of hope’: Local Catholic community remembers Pope Francis

By ALEXA LEWIS and SAMUEL GELINAS

A wave of mourning rolled through the local Catholic community on Monday following the news of Pope Francis’ death at the age of 88.

PHOTOS: Fishing at the Quabbin

Reported cuts to Head Start program have Community Action worried about consequences

By ALEXA LEWIS

Community Action Pioneer Valley’s Head Start services could be facing setbacks if the Trump administration does not allocate money to the federal program next fiscal year — a very real possibility that advocates say would be catastrophic for vulnerable young children and their families.

AG pledges to help fight opioid crisis in visit to Greenfield

By ANTHONY CAMMALLERI

GREENFIELD — Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell promised local officials during a visit to Greenfield on Tuesday that she intends to prioritize efforts to curb the opioid crisis in Massachusetts amid cuts and freezing of federal funding.

Athol School Committee reviews budget proposal

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – A review of the proposed budget for the Athol Royalston Regional School District on Wednesday shows that a few changes could have significant impacts.

Massachusetts health benefits agency running out of money

By MICHAEL P. NORTON

BOSTON – The state agency that oversees health insurance for 460,000 public employees, retirees and their dependents is on track to run out of money to pay claims on May 12, a full seven weeks before the end of the fiscal year.