Four communities cast down the gauntlet Thursday in an ongoing dispute with Time Warner Cable Inc., as customers — but not community leaders — received official word by mail of upcoming cable TV channel changes. With the support of Adams, Cheshire and Clarksburg, North Adams Mayor John Barrett III said he will be pursuing a lawsuit against Time Warner over contract disputes.   Full Story

WILLIAMSTOWN — Williamstown Elementary School will send a team of 10 self-proclaimed "Lego Heads" to vie for one of several awards next month at the annual Berkshire Robotics Challenge to be held at Lenox Memorial High and Middle School. The competition encourages students to learn the basics of nanotechnology and computer programming.   Full Story

No. 2 man accused of diverting millions
BAGHDAD, Iraq — U.S.-backed Iraqi forces stormed the Health Ministry and arrested the No. 2 official Thursday, accusing him of diverting millions of dollars to the biggest Shiite militia and allowing death squads use of ambulances and government hospitals to carry out kidnappings and killings.   Full Story

BOSTON — Prescription drug coverage may be dropped from the list of requirements for basic health care plans — soon to be mandatory for all citizens — as state officials struggle to make the state's new universal health-care system affordable.   Full Story

BARRE, Vt. — Put down the flute and keep your eyes on the road. And forget about sipping that cup of coffee on the way to work, or smoking a cigarette on the way home. In some states, it could soon be illegal — if it isn't already. Emboldened by the passage of cell phone bans for drivers in some communities, states are turning   Full Story

Kindergarten pupils at Pownal (Vt.) Elementary School have been working with artist Robin Brickman of Williamstown in making a paper sculpture of a forest and its creatures. The piece, which all the school's pupils have contributed to, will be on display at the school upon its completion.

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