Dying on one’s own terms: With state legislation gaining traction, debate continues over how — and whether — choice should shape death

07-08-2025 12:54 PM

On a winter day in 2023, Joan Cenedella turned to her partner of almost 30 years, Fran Volkmann, and said she would like a bowl of chocolate ice cream. Volkmann said she could get it for her, “but you know it will slow down what you’re trying to do.”


State inches closer to legalizing medical aid in dying

07-08-2025 12:55 PM

In 2012, Massachusetts residents came close to legalizing medical aid in dying.


Sports


117th Mass. Amateur: Booska family bonds on display at GreatHorse
07-09-2025 9:00 AM

HAMPDEN — As the Country Club of Greenfield’s Cody Booska stepped to the tee box on the 14th hole (his fifth of the day after starting on No. 10), he turned to his dad, Dennis, who was caddying for him, and asked, “Where’s Brady?”

Opinion


My Turn: Human health depends on a healthy planet Earth
07-08-2025 1:09 PM

What I renamed “The Big Beastly Bill” passed the Senate on Friday. It signed into law dramatic cuts to our public health care system. In the meantime, over at Health and Human Services, RFK Jr. has fired all the experts of the vaccine advisory committee, threatening the supply of life-saving immunizations for millions of Americans.

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Athol Police Logs, May 11 - June 9, 2025
06-13-2025 2:28 PM

2:01 a.m. - Male party in the lobby to speak with an officer about a cable box missing from his apartment. Male also stated he noticed the mat at his door has been moved.

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Obituaries

Obit photo for Richard T. Hamel Richard T. Hamel

BARRE, MA - Richard (Dick) Hamel, 75, of Barre passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. He was born December 3, 1949 in Lawrence, MA, second son of Margaret (Connors) Hamel and Raymond Hamel. He graduated from Central Cath... remainder of obit for Richard T. Hamel

Obit photo for Mark S. Hurt Mark S. Hurt

ORANGE, MA - Mark S. Hurt, 69, of Putnam St, died unexpectedly on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at home after being stricken ill. Born in Athol on December 2, 1955, he was the son of the late William and Phyllis (Fisher) Hurt. He is surv... remainder of obit for Mark S. Hurt

Obit photo for Marina C. Cegiel Marina C. Cegiel

Marina C. (Duguay) Cegiel ATHOL, MA - Marina C. (Duguay) Cegiel, 78, of Athol, died early Tuesday morning, July 1, 2025 at home with loved ones at her side. Born in Gardner on April 23, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Lester J. a... remainder of obit for Marina C. Cegiel

Obit photo for Kathleen M. Burke Kathleen M. Burke

Kathleen M. (Consigli) Burke ORANGE, MA - Kathleen "Kathy" Mary (Consigli) Burke passed away peacefully June 24, 2025. She was born September 20, 1945 to Joseph and Katie (Chaplin) Consigli of Medway Massachusetts. A graduate of Med... remainder of obit for Kathleen M. Burke

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