Coffee in hand, Lowell? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Sudbury PMC Kids Ride (all riders welcome!) and 6 more events.
Today's riddle: What is the difference between a jeweler and a jailer? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Lowell Schools Fund Launches Mini Grant Program to Support Innovative Learning (insidelowell.com) — Lowell Public Schools educators can soon apply for new mini grants of $250–$1,000 to fund creative, hands-on projects for students during the 2026–2027 school year. Applications open August 31 and are due October 2, with a September 16 webinar offering guidance so more Lowell classrooms can benefit.
2. Markley Lowell expands footprint despite opposition (bostonherald.com) — Lowell's Planning Board has reluctantly approved subdivision plans that let Markley Lowell expand its data center footprint near residential neighborhoods, despite strong pushback from residents and city officials. While a judge has temporarily halted more diesel generators and residents pursue lawsuits, Markley is still returning to the board in September with additional subdivision requests.
3. Buzzer Sounds on Michalczyk's Coaching Tenure at LHS (insidelowell.com) — Lowell High boys basketball coach Bob Michalczyk has stepped down after 13 successful seasons leading the Red Raiders, finishing just 20 wins shy of the program's all‑time record. A former Lowell High star himself, he says he'll only coach in Lowell, and the search for his replacement is already underway, with former coach Phil Conners mentioned as a possible candidate.
4. UMass Lowell Expands Biomedical Engineering Pathways (insidelowell.com) — UMass Lowell is launching a new tissue engineering training lab and a paid summer biomedical program that will give local high school and college students hands-on experience in a booming life sciences field. Backed by more than $400,000 from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, the effort partners with the Tsongas Industrial History Center and Greater Lowell Technical High School to connect Lowell's industrial past with cutting-edge biomedical careers.
5. 'Honk if you hate ChatGPT': Why more locals are protesting AI and Big Tech (bostonglobe.com) — A recent protest in Lowell against Big Tech and artificial intelligence drew mostly left‑leaning groups like QuitGPT and College Democrats of Massachusetts, reflecting growing skepticism about AI's impact on jobs, privacy, and democracy. Demonstrators criticized Congresswoman Lori Trahan's federal AI bill as too friendly to industry and instead pushed for tougher Massachusetts‑level regulations, even as national debates over data centers and surveillance intensify.
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Ok Lowell! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A jeweler sells watches and a jailer watches cells. (Thank you Jean D. for sending it in!)
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