Tsongas files bill to help protect Nashua River

US Representative Niki Tsongas has filed legislation that officials hope will help preserve the once heavily polluted Nashua River for future generations.

Voters will resolve Needham liquor store question

Town Meeting members voted this month to put the controversial liquor regulation on a townwide ballot.

Wrentham officials hope proposed zoning changes will attract more commercial interest in undeveloped land along Route 1. 
An abandoned property (left) on Wrentham’s northern stretch of Route 1 stands in stark contrast to the Patriots Place complex next to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.

PHOTOS BY Bill Greene/GLOBE STAFF

Wrentham looks to boost development on Route 1

Wrentham officials are pushing to create a new highway commercial district on Route 1 from the Foxborough town line to Thurston Street.

The spadefoot is actually not a toad, but a frog that resembles a toad.

Scientists and students help threatened spadefoot toads

Students at Concord’s Thoreau Elementary School have worked with biologists to raise spadefoot toads, the Bay State’s rarest frog species.

Newton school naming rights campaign in spotlight

The ambitious proposal to raise as much as $6 million for educational technology by selling naming rights is drawing attention from other school foundations.

Deborah D’Amico, principal of Arlington’s Hardy School, addresses the crowd at its new Japanese gate’s dedication.

Hand-hewn gate celebrates Arlington school’s bond with Japan

Hardy Elementary School recently dedicated a Japanese gate, designed and made by the principal’s husband.

Franklin prepares master plan to help guide town’s future

Residents are being asked to share their visions for the future and help guide land-use decisions for the next 10 to 20 years.

Globe West Sports

Around the diamond

Warriors coach Kirk Fredericks has urged his team to work on bunting and other baseball fundamentals.

Lincoln-Sudbury baseball wins in spite of injuries

With injuries sidelining two starters and senior ace Matt Cahill, the 11-time defending champions have leaned on sound defense and fundamentals.

Beverly Beckham

Beverly Beckham

Lauren Beckham and Amy Sahlin

A child forever loved

Amy Sahlin was 11 when she died. Today would be her 40th birthday. Her mother’s love goes on.