North Central MA News – Week of April 26, 2026

For the week of April 26, 2026, top stories in North Central Massachusetts, focus on community arts in Princeton and Fitchburg, as well as significant state-wide political discussions regarding youth social media bans.

Top North Central Massachusetts Stories:

Art in Bloom at Fitchburg Art Museum: The museum hosts a popular, colorful exhibition featuring floral designs.

35th Anniversary of Artistry in Princeton: The town kicks off its spring season with a celebration of local art.

Armenian Flag-Raising in Fitchburg: An event celebrating the local Armenian community.

Fitchburg Local News: A driver crashed into a bank earlier in the week. Police said a driver was trying to park and hit the gas pedal instead of the brakes, barreling into the Digital Federal Credit Union on John Fitch Highway.

Regional Healthcare Changes: A prominent mental health and addiction service provider in Central Mass is closing and transitioning programs. Worcester-based Community Healthlink is closing and transitioning 17 state-contracted program to other non-profits due to financial strain, workforce shortages, and declining demand.

Key Regional/State Stories:

Youth Social Media Ban Support: A new poll shows strong support from Massachusetts voters for restricting youth access to social media. The Bay State Poll released Thursday and conducted by The University of New Hampshire Survey Center found 72% of respondents either somewhat or strongly support legislation banning social media use for all kids under 14

Rutland Prison Camp Decision: State officials are moving forward with controversial plans to raze the historic former prison camp.

Shrewsbury Crash Incident: An SUV driver who crashed into the Shrewsbury police station is arguing for their release.

State Budget Debate: The House is prepared to dive into debate on a 63 billion dollar fiscal 2027 budget proposal.

This week in North Central Massachusetts, the news landscape is highlighted by major local government shifts and a variety of spring community celebrations.

Local Politics & Leadership

Significant shifts are occurring in local leadership, with Rep. Jonathan Zlotnik stepping down after 14 years, prompting bids for the 2nd Worcester District seat from Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson who previously served as a Town Administrator in Rutland, former City Councilor and former Hubbardston Town Administrator Nathan Boudreau, and John Reilly Jr., a dj in Ashburnham with no listed government experience.. Additionally, Mike Minogue secured a significant endorsement in the GOP gubernatorial race.

Public Safety & Crime

A major drug and gun bust was executed in Fitchburg.

Authorities are investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash off a Route 2 bridge in Leominster.

A “serious threat” against Gardner High School was deemed non-credible by police.

Community & Seasonal Events

Fitchburg Art Museum hosted its “Art in Bloom” event.

Gardner held its “Keep Gardner Beautiful” cleanup and “Nip Hunt” on Saturday April 25th..

Leominster celebrated its plastic flamingo heritage.

Wachusett Mountain concluded the season with its annual Pond Skim.