As we had hoped, something positive did result from the closing of Leominster Hospital’s maternity ward. UMass Memorial Health’s unwavering decision to close that vital birthing unit last September sent a clear signal to Beacon Hill that the state needs more leverage to bear in these situations. And that can only happen through the Legislature, […]
Opinion
Editorial: A long-overdue thank-you helps Vietnam vets heal
In itself, The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in our nation’s capital, evokes a panoply of emotions. But none compares with the reactions of those who actually served their country in that domestically divisive war a half a world away. Those fortunate enough to return home physically intact […]
Editorial: Another tragic loss of a youngster’s life hits close to home
Once more, a heartbreaking loss of one so young. Unfortunately, it’s not the first time locally that a youngster with cognitive disabilities has met their demise, all by drowning. The latest tragic case unfolded in Westford on Sunday night, when Zayan Mayanja, an autistic, nonverbal 6-year-old boy, wandered off from his home, and despite the […]
Editorial: Legislature audit passage by voters would still face hurdle
As state Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s quest to pry open the inner workings of the Legislature moves closer to likely ballot approval, questions about her office’s legal standing to perform that review remain. The ballot question, along with initiatives to remove the MCAS as a high- school graduation requirement and give rideshare drivers the ability to […]
Editorial: Don’t let Ayer hospital fall victim to Steward’s financial malpractice
Let the auctions begin. That’s what a Texas bankruptcy judge declared, now that he’s allowed the sale of dozens of Steward Health Care System hospitals to move forward. On Monday, attorneys for Dallas-based Steward told U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Christopher Lopez that any delay in the sale of the hospitals could impact the company’s ability […]
Pet Talk: Why do cats hiss?
DEAR PET TALK: Why do cats hiss? -Logan Thornton, Mr. Wironen’s 4th grade, Reingold Elementary School, Fitchburg DEAR LOGAN: Great question – and it’s definitely not because they’re happy. Hissing is a way for felines to express fear, especially when they are startled. Other signs of showing fear are flattened ears, curled tongue, fangs displayed, […]
