Beacon Hill Roll Call: Dec. 22 to Dec. 26, 2025

Abuse survivors say laws that failed them are now on their side

BOSTON — Survivors have spent over a decade telling anyone at the State House who would listen that Massachusetts needs a law to protect children from abuse by people in their life in positions of power, and they say a provision in the fiscal 2027 state budget finally gets their pleas across the finish line.  […]

Kitchen fire at Bostrom Farm causes temporary closure

Bostrom Farm in Greenfield is temporarily closed following an accidental kitchen fire on Saturday afternoon that resulted in no injuries or structural damage.

Holding the line: Greenfield's Ben Johnston looks to fishing for solace and competition

Some teenagers stare at their phones, scrolling thousands and thousands of clips on social media sites during their free time. More often than not, Greenfield’s Ben Johnston would prefer the peace and tranquility of clutching a fishing pole with a line in the water at a local fishing hole. The water provides an effective sanctity […]

GBA launches summer shopping passport, plans Greenfield Business Awards

Greenfield Business Association Executive Director Hannah Rechtschaffen announced several new initiatives, including a successful summer shopping passport program and the upcoming launch of a business awards celebration.

Guest columnist Alisa Clements: Two pet bills, one right answer for Massachusetts families 

This summer, two bills on Beacon Hill claim to protect pets. Only one actually does — and the difference matters enormously for Massachusetts families. With summer in full stride, families are heading to the park to play fetch with their dogs, taking them for walks along the Charles, and making the kinds of memories that […]