
Dying on one’s own terms: With state legislation gaining traction, debate continues over how — and whether — choice should shape death
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
In 2012, Massachusetts residents came close to legalizing medical aid in dying.
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Sports

117th Mass. Amateur: Booska family bonds on display at GreatHorse
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
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.





Your Daily Puzzles

An approachable redesign to a classic. Explore our "hints."

A quick daily flip. Finally, someone cracked the code on digital jigsaw puzzles.

Chess but with chaos: Every day is a unique, wacky board.

Word search but as a strategy game. Clearing the board feels really good.

Align the letters in just the right way to spell a word. And then more words.
Police Logs

Athol Police Logs, May 11 - June 9, 2025
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

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

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

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

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