BU Statehouse Program covers government and politics for a dozen newspapers and radio stations around the state. (Photo by Heidi Heimsal)
Weekly News Features
The state's cultural community, including MetroWest area museums and art programs, celebrated the news this week that most groups will get a bit more state funding this year, despite threats of cuts in Massachusetts' budget.
The workday commute for Bay State drivers may be slower than usual this winter if private snowplow operators continue to face delays in payments from the state. (By Evan Lips)
Members of the state's health insurance board said that proposed additions to mandates for minimum health coverage will likely not be implemented by the original Jan. 1, 2009 timetable. (By Lyle Moran)
profiles:
HYANNIS – It comes as no surprise to those who know Christy Mihos, that even as he battles two types of cancer, the 2006 dark horse candidate for governor considers himself “the luckiest guy in the world.” (By Neil Mirochnick)
Energy secretary well prepared
or the job.

BOSTON - Some might wonder why Ian Bowles is so happy these days. (By Matt Kakley)
STATEHOUSE RADIO
State Attorney General Martha Coakley has asked the state’s insurance commissioner for a 29 percent rate decrease from the Massachusetts FAIR - the insurance plan of last resort for many cape and Islands homeowners. Although area legislators welcome her request, many say fixing the problem of high insurance costs may be more complicated. (By Dan Trudeau) Cick here to listen to this report
aNnouncements
5/01/07 — SPJ Mark of Excellence Awards. Boston University State House Program's Pre-election 2006 won the first place of Region 1 Mark of Excellence Awards in "Online In-Depth Reporting."
News
DA group opposed to easing pot laws defends fundraising
BOSTON - A group supporting more lenient marijuana laws is trying to turn another law involving campaign financing against their opponents -- the state's district attorneys.
Surprise: Jobs are on the rise
BOSTON - Employment in the metropolitan Boston area including Norwood and Dedham saw a 1 percent increase in August as health care and educational facilities continued to hire despite the national economic turmoil. (By Nannan Zhong)
Hampshire, Franklin county students join governor's youth council
BOSTON - It's not every event that Gov. Deval Patrick is introduced with, "Give it up for Deval Patrick!"
Law creates SIDS council to advise state
BOSTON — When state Rep. Jeffrey Perry lost his 2-month-old granddaughter to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in 2006, he found the aftermath of such deaths can take an additional toll on families like his.
Special Report Spring 2008
The Municipal Crisis
A package of stories that look at the causes, effects and possible solutions to the growing fiscal crisis facing the state's cities and towns.

special report fall 2007
Crumbling Massachusetts
This five-story package investigates the deterioration of state owned properties in the Commonwealth
