Four candidates are scrambling to fill the Beacon Hill seat that Jen Benson vacated on short notice last month. 

In an effort to crack down on distracted driving, a new Massachusetts law will go into effect Sunday, Feb. 23. It bans the use of phones and other electronic devices while driving unless they are used in hands-free mode. 

With its review of departmental and committee spending requests complete, the Finance Committee learned last week that to balance next fiscal year’s budget, it must eliminate one of the largest deficits of recent years, sparking talk of an override.

With softball season little more than a month away, the School Committee voted unanimously Monday night to spend up to $19,000 for work on the Ann Lees softball field.

Approximately 100 people gathered at the Bromfield School Feb. 6 to learn about open-space residential design from Randall Arendt, an expert in the field.

A letter from the governor’s office last week announced that Harvard had been awarded $70,860 as part of the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program.

Carlson Orchards has cleared a hurdle in its quest to sell hard cider by the glass at its taproom on Oak Hill Road.