Fall 2008
News Coverage by State
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Connecticut
Gulf War veterans find vindication, but not much else
WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 – U.S. Army veteran Donald Overton Jr. said he considers himself lucky that he was physically injured during the Persian Gulf War. Having been left legally blind and missing a few fingers as a result of a Desert Storm blast, the Norwalk native and executive director of the Washington-based advocacy group Veterans of Modern Warfare also suffers from symptoms of Gulf War Illness, such as hair loss, rashes, and muscle and joint pain. But without his physical injuries, Overton said, any attempt to receive disability compensation for the service-related illness would have been quashed by the years of bureaucratic red tape and government denial that Gulf War veterans have weathered. (By Jordan Zappala)
Sex education key to solving teen pregnancy problem, experts say
WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 —In his sweeping speech at the Democratic National Convention last summer, President-elect Barack Obama may have touched upon the key to one of New London’s most vexing and heartbreaking problems.“We may not agree on abortion,” then-Senator Obama said, “but surely we can agree on reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies in this country.”
(By Dan Levy)
East Lyme soldier shot in Iraq hopes to be home by Christmas
WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 — Army Spec. Alex Lozano was on a routine security detail in Baghdad three weeks ago when he suddenly felt as though he was hit in the stomach with a baseball bat. Turns out it wasn’t a bat but a bullet, which pierced the torso of the 21-year old East Lyme High School graduate, causing him to lose a kidney. He is now recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington. (By Dan Levy)
Stamford native stands guard on Washington, D.C.’s Capitol Hill
WASHINGTON, Nov. 21 – Connecticut native Charles Dunn stands guard for hours on a street corner here – keeping patient watch over the nation’s Capitol building. Daily, and without complaint, he endures extreme temperatures, wailing sirens and confused tourists – all in pursuit of his childhood dream. (By Jordan Zappala)
Norwalk World War II airman laid to rest at Arlington
ARLINGTON, VA., Nov. 20 – On an appropriately cold, gray morning, Army Staff Sgt. Martin F. Troy of Norwalk was finally laid to rest with military honors in Arlington National Cemetery, a full 64 years after his bomber crashed during World War II in Nazi-occupied Europe. (By Jordan Zappala)
Connecticut delegation welcomes Himes, congratulates Larson
WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 – Connecticut’s members of Congress officially welcomed Jim Himes, the 4th District representative-elect, to Washington Wednesday in a small, ornate room in the House wing of the Capitol that was overflowing with good cheer and aggressive hugs. (By Jordan Zappala)
Thousands request tickets to Obama's swearing-in
WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 – With Inauguration Day still two months away, tickets to the swearing-in ceremony are already nearly impossible to obtain. (By Jordan Zappala)
Connecticut delegation welcomes Himes into fold
WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 —Connecticut’s congressional delegation is officially blue. The state’s senators and House members warmly welcomed Rep.-elect Jim Himes of the 4th District to Capitol Hill Wednesday. His election victory two weeks ago rendered them a Democrats-only club. (By Dan Levy)
Washington Capitals’ 'family man' captain seeks return to form
WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 —Chris Clark was taking his time. The 32-year-old captain of the Washington Capitals hockey team, a South Windsor native and lifelong Hartford Whalers fan, was flanked by reporters as he loosened his skates after practice one morning. Twice, a Capitals staffer tried to pry him from the scrum for a meeting with the team’s general manager, George McPhee. (By Dan Levy)
Korean War Medal of Honor winner finally buried in Arlington
ARLINGTON, VA., Nov. 12 —This time it was a happy occasion.
Fairy Mae Papadopoulos sat calmly in her wheelchair, swinging her legs as the buglers played a now-familiar call, and the chaplain recited the 23rd Psalm. The uniformed men were honoring her brother, Sgt. Cornelius H. Charlton, a Korean War hero who died in battle more than 57 years ago. Charlton was finally in his rightful resting place in Arlington National Cemetery—and Papadopoulos finally found closure. (By Dan Levy)
WASHINGTON, Nov. 6 – Sen. Christopher J. Dodd (D-Conn.) said Thursday he will stay at the helm of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee in order to serve his constituents and tackle “the defining issue of our day”—the economy. (By Dan Levy)
WASHINGTON, Nov. 6 – Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., announced Thursday that he would retain his position as chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs in the 111th Congress because “our economic crisis is the center of gravity to which all our problems are being pulled.” (By Jordan Zappala)
Catholic voters see economy as their top concern
WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 —There’s been a lot of talk about the women’s vote, the youth vote and the working-class vote in this election cycle. But there’s also a Catholic vote, and it’s driven more by economic concerns than social issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage, according to a panel of experts assembled Wednesday evening at the Catholic University of America. (By Dan Levy)
Connecticut election Web site ranks near the bottom
WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 –Connecticut’s official election Web site received a failing grade in a study released this week by the non-partisan research group the Pew Center on the States. (By Jordan Zappala)
Top Clinton, Romney donors switch parties for election
WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 – He was the region’s most prodigal Mitt Romney supporter. During the presidential primaries, Augustus Kinsolving poured $2,300 – the maximum legal donation – into the former Republican candidate’s then-flourishing campaign. Now, the Fishers Island, N.Y., lawyer is pledging his money and vote to another presidential hopeful: Democratic nominee Sen. Barack Obama. (By Dan Levy)
4th District race is priciest House race in New England
WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 – The fight for the Connecticut 4th District House seat is currently the priciest in New England and the 9th-most expensive nationally for the second election in a row, according to new data compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics. (By Jordan Zappala)
4th District foreclosure rate is .097 percent
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 – Connecticut’s 4th Congressional District has a mortgage foreclosure rate that is lower than 63 percent of the country, according to new real estate data on the Web site hotpads.com. (By Jordan Zappala)
Conn. Supreme Court rules in favor of gay couples' right to marry
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 – The Connecticut Supreme Court ruled Friday that gay couples have the right to marry, making Connecticut the third state in the country to allow same-sex marriage, following Massachusetts and California. (By Jordan Zappala)
Army issues policy for media coverage of funderals at Arlington
WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 – In the face of criticism, the Army for the first time has written a policy outlining media access to military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, giving clear but limited control to mourning families while reserving the final word for cemetery officials. (By Jordan Zappala)
Household education a factor in children's health
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 – Connecticut children aren’t as healthy as they should be, according to a national report that shows how family background has an impact on kids’ health. White, wealthy and educated parents have the healthiest children in Connecticut, but even these kids are ailing more than their counterparts in other states, the report, published Wednesday, finds. (By Dan Levy)
President welcomes Olympians to the White House
WASHINGTON, Oct. 7 – On what he described as a “special day for the White House,” President George Bush Tuesday welcomed more than 500 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes on the South Lawn. (By Jordan Zappala)
Shays says vote for bailout bill is 'a legacy vote'
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 —Rep. Chris Shays knows that the vote he will cast Friday in favor of the emergency financial stabilization plan is one he will take to his grave. (By Jordan Zappala) Lieberman takes on terrorism videos on YouTube
WASHINGTON, Sept. 25 – In a partial victory this month, Sen. Joe Lieberman, D-Conn., persuaded video-streaming Web site YouTube to crack down on content that promotes terrorism, but failed to secure more sweeping changes that critics say would amount to an assault on free speech. (By Dan Levy)
Registering to vote more complicated for students
WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 -- For years one of the greatest challenges for political parties has been to persuade young people to show up at the polls on Election Day. Now, Democratic members of Congress and student rights groups are teaming up to make sure young people who do show up are able to cast their vote and have their ballots counted. (By Dan Levy)
Focusing on the crisis on Main Street
WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 – If Tuesday’s Capitol Hill hearing on the financial crisis centered on so-called golden parachutes for failing corporate CEOs, discussion at the House Financial Services Committee hearing Wednesday swirled around another central point: the effect of the crisis on Main Street. (By Jordan Zappala)
No Child Left Inside bill passes House
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19– The House of Representatives Thursday passed an environmental education bill, which included an amendment by U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, that emphasizes the importance of utilizing state and local resources. (By Dan Levy)
Local woman receives adoption award in Washington
WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 – An Avon, Conn., professor received an award in Washington Wednesday for her work as an advocate for adopted children with special needs. Mary Beth Bruder was one of 180 persons honored with the 2008 Angel in Adoption award from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. The award recognizes persons from around the country who have improved the lives of foster children and orphans across the globe. (By Jordan Zappala)
Give peace a chance
WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The United Nations International Day of Peace – an annual practice of global non-violence and ceasefire celebrated around the world – will be observed on Sunday. (By Jordan Zappala)
Connecticut to get additional $6.9 million in LIHEAP funds
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 – President George Bush released nearly $121 million in emergency funds Wednesday, including $6.9 million to Connecticut, to help pay the heating bills of low-income people. The money comes from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to provide heating assistance to eligible households during the coming winter months. (By Jordan Zappala)
Shays voted in favor of Democratic energy bill
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 – Rep. Christopher Shays (R-4th) was one of 15 Republicans to vote in favor of the Democratic-sponsored energy bill late Tuesday, despite his highlighting of what he described as the bill’s shortcomings earlier on the House floor. (By Jordan Zappala)
Bush announces new energy relief funding for low income families
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 —The White House announced Wednesday it would direct nearly $7 million in energy assistance funds to Connecticut as part of an effort to help low-income families heat their homes this winter. Democratic Sen. Christopher Dodd, Independent Sen. Joseph Lieberman and Democratic Rep. Joe Courtney, 2nd district, welcomed the move, but warned that the assistance was not enough to help working families weather the current energy crisis. (By Dan Levy)
House Energy Bill Proposes Off-Shore Drilling
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 – Rep. Christopher Shays (R-4th) spoke out against a Democratic-sponsored energy bill Tuesday, saying the Democratic leadership had rejected his and other efforts at compromise. (By Jordan Zappala)
Maine
10,000 Maine wreaths laid on graves at Arlington Cemetery
ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 13 — Cindy DeCosta took her time to lay a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery on the grave of Edmund S. Muskie, former Maine governor, U.S. secretary of state and U.S. senator. Her eyes were glossy with tears and her voice trembled as she thanked members of the Maine State Society for the opportunity they had given her.
For the first time Saturday, Cindy and her husband, Tim, who live in Windham, Maine, came to help place about 10,000 wreaths on the graves of fallen soldiers and veterans, a tradition that began 17 years ago. (By Maite Jullian)
More job losses are expected in Maine as recession gets worse
WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 —For Michael Lynch, a junior at the University of Southern Maine, it’s a tough time to be looking for a job. But it could be worse if he lived in some state other than Maine. As bad as the recession-driven employment picture is in Maine, it’s slightly better than in the nation as a whole—though that may not be much of a consolation for someone seeking a job. (By Guanlei Ren)
Barriers to mental health care for children persist
WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 – As the new U.S. Congress convenes next month, child advocates are putting their hopes in a bill Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins said she will reintroduce to address a national issue: the barriers families face in accessing mental health care for emotionally or mentally disturbed children. (By Maite Jullian)
Bangor native calls Star Spangled Banner 'metaphor for the nation'
WASHINGTON, Nov. 21 – When the light of dawn broke on September 14, 1814, Francis Scott Key was able to see the American flag flying over Baltimore’s FortMcHenry. He then knew that the British bombardment of the fort had failed.
The poem he wrote to celebrate America’s triumph in that battle became the lyrics of the national anthem and made the Star-Spangled Banner an icon in American history.
Almost 200 years later, the early light of dawn has been replaced by soft blue lights and the 30-foot by 34-foot Star-Spangled Banner lies behind glass doors at a ten-degree angle, in a brand new and dramatic display at the National Museum of American History, which reopened Nov. 21 after going through a two-year renovation. (By Maite Jullian)
Pingree spends orientation week finding her way around
WASHINGTON, Nov. 21 – Democratic Rep.-elect Chellie Pingree describes orientation week for new members of the House as being like the first week of school. “Half of the time is spent finding your way around,” she said. (By Maite Jullian)
Maine senators seen as major players in the new Senate
WASHINGTON, Nov. 7 – As moderate Republicans, Maine Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins will play a major role in the new Senate as both political parties will hunt for their votes to pass, or block, major legislation. (By Maite Jullian)
No more funds for wireless carriers in Maine?
WASHINGTON, Oct. 30 – While Americans will be electing their next president on Tuesday, the Federal Communications Commission is set to vote on a proposal that critics worry would cut funds to wireless companies providing cell phone towers in rural and underserved areas of Maine and other states. (By Maite Jullian)
U.S lawmakers richer in 2007
WASHINGTON, Oct. 29 – The American economy may be gloomy this year, but for members of Congress, the previous two years weren’t at all bad. In fact, the lawmakers’ collective wealth increased by 13 percent from 2006 to last year, according to an analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics. (By Maite Jullian)
$112 million Coastal Enterprises allocation to aid development
WASHINGTON, Oct. 29 -- Coastal Enterprises Inc., a Wiscasset-based community development organization, has received a federal allocation of $112 million that will allow it to help finance small businesses and development projects in low-income communities. (By Guanlei Ren)
WASHINGTON, Oct. 22 — Democrat Chellie Pingree raised $141,966 more than Republican Charlie Summers in Maine’s 1st District House race in the quarter ending Sept. 30, bringing her fundraising total for the campaign to $1,977,732, according to filings with the Federal Election Commission. (By Guanlei Ren)
Maine to get $79 million in heating assistance
WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 – Maine will receive $79.2 million in the new fiscal year to finance the federal program of heating assistance to low-income families, which would help more than 80,000 households to pay their energy bills, according to the Maine State Housing Authority. (By Maite Jullian)
New regulation to protect the North Atlantic right whales
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 – The endangered North Atlantic right whales will soon benefit from greater protection thanks to a new regulation which will reduce the speed at which large commercial ships can travel along the East Coast. (By Maite Jullian)
Low foreclosure rate in Maine doesn’t mean ease for homeowners
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 — Maine’s foreclosure rate is low compared with other states. But homeowners facing foreclosure still need help, state officials say. (By Guanlei Ren)
Allen and Michaud disagree on the financial rescue plan
WASHINGTON, Oct. 3 – Maine’s Democratic congressmen Mike Michaud and Tom Allen repeated their Monday votes on Friday as the House approved 263 to 171 the Senate version of the $700 billion financial rescue plan. Michaud, who voted against the House plan that failed on Monday, again cast a no vote while Allen again voted for the government bailout. (By Maite Jullian)
McCain campaign is moving to Maine
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 –John McCain’s campaign announced Thursday that it will move resources and staff to Maine to challenge Barack Obama in the Democrat-leaning state. (By Maite Jullian)
Allen to vote for rescue plan, Michaud undecided
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 – With the House likely to vote Friday on the financial rescue plan, Democratic Rep. Mike Michaud, who voted against the plan Monday, said Thursday he was undecided about how to vote on the Senate-approved version. (By Maite Jullian)
Snowe, Collins glad Senate bill has passed
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 — Republican Sens. Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine welcomed with gravity the U.S. Senate’s passage Wednesday night of a revamped $700 billion financial rescue plan. (By Maite Jullian)
Homeowners could refinance with FHA-backed mortgages
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1- Homeowners stuck with costly mortgages and facing foreclosure will be able to refinance into more affordable loans with the assistance of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) under the HOPE for Homeowners program that took effect Wednesday. (By Guanlei Ren)
Maine senators call for passage of a revised bailout plan
WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 -- Maine’s two U.S. senators called Tuesday for the approval of a revised bailout plan after lawmakers in the House defeated the legislation by a 228-205 vote on Monday. (By Guanlei Ren)
Fair trade protest at Sen. Collins’ Bangor office
WASHINGTON, Sept. 26-- About 30 protesters delivered 24,000 pink slips to Republican Sen. Susan Collins’ office in Bangor on Friday and asked her to oppose the U.S.-Columbia free trade agreement awaiting congressional approval. (By Maite Jullian)
Federal heating assistance program increased by $2.5 billion
WASHINGTON, Sept. 25 – The U.S. House has voted to double the amount of money available in the new fiscal year for energy assistance to low-income households. (By Maite Jullian)
No hasty vote on the bailout plan for Maine members of Congress
WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 – Maine’s U.S senators and representatives all share the same point of view on the $700 billion bailout plan and the Bush administration’s efforts to have it approved by the end of the week: the Congress should not act in haste. (By Maite Jullian)
Senate defense bill includes projects in Maine
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 – The Senate approved on Wednesday night a $612.5 billion defense budget for 2009 which includes provisions that would fund defense programs based in Maine and support the work of several Maine companies. (By Maite Jullian)
Maine to get grants for public safety and criminal justice
WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 – Maine agencies this week received federal grants that will help prevent drunken driving, improve highway safety and reduce the number of DNA samples awaiting analysis at the State Police crime laboratory. (By Maite Jullian)
More money for home heating assistance
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 —Maine will receive more than $7 million in additional home heating assistance for low-income families as part of an emergency contingency fund. Maine’s congressional delegation announced Wednesday that the administration will immediately release $120.7 million nationwide from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which provides aid to vulnerable people to help pay their energy bills. (By Maite Jullian)
Massachusetts
New U.S. Capitol Visitor Center makes trip easier for tourists
WASHINTON, Dec. 12 -- For millions of annual visitors who have stood in line for hours waiting to tour the U.S. Capitol, convenience has finally arrived with the opening of the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. The 580,000-square-foot underground addition, which took seven years and $621 million of taxpayer money to construct, opened in early December. (By Rachel Kolokoff)
New U.S. Capitol Visitor Center makes trip easier for tourists
WASHINGTON, Dec. 11-- After 18 years as a history teacher at Forest Grove Middle School in Worcester, Fred King is no stranger to the U. S. Capitol building. As a chaperone on the annual class trip to Washington, he has accompanied his students as they have toured its halls about a dozen times, witnessing history firsthand in the legislative chambers and viewing the paintings and sculptures as grand as the national ideals they reflect. (By Rachel Kolokoff)
Limited funding stalls transportation projects
WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 – The Shawmut Diner is located at one of New Bedford’s busier intersections. But congestion at Hathaway Road and Shawmut Avenue is not as bad as it used to be. Philip Paleologos, the owner of the diner, has witnessed how effective the implementation of a single left-hand turn arrow can be in managing traffic. (By Courtney Hime)
Student from Dartmouth, N.H., spends semester in Washington
WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 –Dan Hartman had every intention of completing his senior year at Tufts University, just like his fellow classmates. But last June, while interning at Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., Mr. Hartman applied to intern in the fall at the White House, a position he had unsuccessfully applied for in the spring. This time, however, he was accepted. (By Courtney Hime)
Researchers developing easier, cheaper ways to catch beetles
WASHINGTON, Nov. 26 – A costly battle is now being waged over the future of Maples and other hardwood trees in the Northeast. The enemy in that fight is a small, black and white-speckled beetle that stowed away inside wooden crates on a ship from China and emerged with the potential to become one of the most destructive insect species the United States has ever seen. (By Rachel Kolokoff)
A Glance at UMass-Dartmouth Graduates’ Capital Lives
WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 — It is a city for politics. It is also a city for people to chase their dreams. Seventeen young graduates of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, listed as “friends” on a Facebook group for university alumni, are chasing their dreams in the nation’s capital. (By Guanlei Ren)
Ris Lacoste brings a life with food to new Washington restaurant
WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 – Ris Lacoste drew her first inspiration for cooking from Peanuts. “I started making these cakes when I was a kid, Charlie Brown cakes. I would sell them for like $5, to parents or whoever wanted them,” she said.” (By Courtney Hime)
Inauguration ticket requests surpass supplies
WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 – New Bedford residents hoping to attend President Barack Obama’s inauguration on Jan. 20 may already be out of luck.
The offices of Rep. Barney Frank and Sens. Edward M. Kennedy and John F. Kerry are reporting that requests for inauguration tickets are surpassing the number of tickets available. (By Courtney Hime)
New Bedford residents seek relief in D.C. through prayer, meetings
WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 – Chants of “Wake up, Secretary Paulson” filled Pennsylvania Avenue Tuesday morning as three New Bedford residents – and 200 others – prayed outside of the U.S. Treasury Building. (By Courtney Hime)
WASHINGTON, Nov. 7 – Scott Bigelow, president of Bigelow Electrical in Worcester, said it was about a year and a half ago, when many of his competitors were going out of business, that he realized he needed a loan. (By Rachel Kolokoff)
Rep. Frank lists goals for Financial Services Committee
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 – Rep. Barney Frank said the 19 seats the Democrats picked up in the House will make it easier in the next session of Congress for the Financial Services Committee, which he chairs, to accomplish four goals. (By Courtney Hime)
Central Massachusetts members look forward to 111th Congress
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5- With a new, Democratic president and an increased Democratic congressional majority, the newly reelected House members from Central Massachusetts are optimistic about the legislative playing field. (By Rachel Kolokoff)
Frank contributes more to House candidates in 2008 than in 2006
WASHINGTON, Oct. 31 – Rep. Barney Frank’s campaign committee is giving money to nearly twice as many U.S. House candidates in 2008 than it did in 2006. Rep. Frank has donated to 80 Democratic candidates for the House since January 2007, up from the 41 he supported in the 2006 election cycle, according to his filings with the Federal Election Commission. (By Courtney Hime)
WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 – New Bedford area contributions of $200 or more to presidedential candidates have amounted to only slightly more in 2008 than they did in 2004. (By Courtney Hime)
Sen. Kennedy returns to Washington home
WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 – Sen. Edward M. Kennedy’s office confirmed that the senator, who was diagnosed with brain cancer in May, returned to his home in Washington Tuesday. (By Courtney Hime)
Obama leads McCain in local fundraising
WASHINGTON, Oct. 24 – Democrat Barack Obama has raised far more money in Massachusetts than Republican John McCain, a trend also seen in campaign contributions in seven Central Massachusetts cities. (By Rachel Kolokoff)
Frank, Kerry receive perfect marks in environmental issues
WASHINGTON, Oct. 22 – U.S. Rep. Barney Frank and U.S. Sen. John Kerry received perfect scores in the League of Conservation Voters annual congressional ranking for 2008. (By Courtney Hime)
Massachusetts gets boost in home heating funds
WASHINGTON, Oct. 17 -- Massachusetts is receiving $213.5 million in federal funds to help low-income families heat their homes this winter, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced on Thursday. (By Rachel Kolokoff)
Democratic politics dominate the life of New Bedford resident
WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 – In the weeks preceding Election Day, Gerry Kavanaugh’s time belongs to the Democrats. “There’s no question, in even-numbered years, I don’t take a vacation,” he said. “I don’t have time.” (By Courtney Hime)
Federal funds add to New Bedford efforts to fight foreclosures
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 – Two new federal foreclosure relief programs will help New Bedford’s efforts to deal with the home mortgage crisis. (By Courtney Hime)
U.S. House members vote for Senate financial rescue bill
WASHINGTON, Oct. 3 -- Members of Congress from central Massachusetts stuck by their “yes” votes on Friday as House members passed the Senate’s version of the financial rescue bill. All agreed that passing the imperfect bill was better than doing nothing, which they said would only have caused further economic upset. (By Rachel Kolokoff)
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 – New Bedford residents fearing foreclosure could see relief with the implementation of a new federal program aimed to reduce the number of foreclosures. (By Courtney Hime)
McGovern says he would vote for Senate economic bill
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 -- U.S. Rep. James P. McGovern, D-Worcester, said on Wednesday that he would vote for the Senate’s version of the $700 billion financial system rescue bill should it reach the House floor on Friday. (By Rachel Kolokoff)
Frank reacts to Senate economic recovery act
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1-- Rep. Barney Frank said Wednesday he believes the Senate would approve the financial rescue plan that night. All along, he said, he was told the bill had more support among Senate Republicans than it had among House Republicans. (By Courtney Hime)
Service for murdered Becker student draws huge crowd
ST. INIGOES, MD., Sept. 27 -- tHe rain fell hard on rural Southern Maryland Saturday morning as some 1,500 mourners gathered at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church to say farewell to William L. Smith, 19, a Becker College student killed in Worcester last week. (By Rachel Kolokoff)
Patrick testifies in support of increase in home heating funds
WASHINGTON, Sept. 25 -- Gov. Deval Patrick testified on Capitol Hill Thursday that Massachusetts could face a public health threat unless Congress increases funds for home heating assistance and encourages states to use energy more efficiently. (By Rachel Kolokoff)
Gov. Patrick testifies at hearing on home energy costs
WASHINGTON, Sept. 25 – Gov. Deval Patrick urged Congress Thursday to do its part to stop the “slow-motion Katrina” that is threatening the New England area in the face of rising home heating costs. (By Courtney Hime)
Lockheed Martin Marion to receive $4.6 million contract
WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 – Lockheed Martin Corp.’s Marion facility has been awarded a $4.6 million contract to build equipment that will help the National Weather Service better predict the weather. (By Courtney Hime)
Massachusetts congressmen say bailout plan needs work
WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 -- Massachusetts members of Congress voiced skepticism on Capitol Hill Wednesday as Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson again urged Congress to approve a $700 billion bailout plan for Wall Street. (By Rachel Kolokoff and Guanlei Ren)
Fall River named one of nation’s 100 best communities for youth
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 – Jamison Souza believes in the power of youth.
“People always come in and talk about how the youth are the leaders of tomorrow, but in reality they are the leaders of today,” he said “They have a voice, and their voice needs to be heard.” (By Courtney Hime)
Celtics celebrate win with White House visit
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 – The Boston Celtics joined President George W. Bush at the White House Friday to celebrate the team’s 17th NBA championship. The president spoke briefly, honoring the sportsmanship that brought the team their first win in 22 years. (By Rachel Kolokoff)
15 protesters arrested in office of U.S. Rep. Barney Frank
WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 – Fifteen advocates for the rights of disabled persons were arrested in U.S. Rep. Barney Frank’s office Tuesday after trying to get his endorsement of their housing agenda.
Randy Alexander, an organizer for ADAPT, said his organization advocates for individuals with disabilities being allowed to live in their communities rather than in nursing homes. The group was in Washington hoping to gain support for their housing agenda, which calls for accessible, affordable, integrated housing, Alexander said.(By Courtney Hime) New Hampshire
Push to lower drinking age faces tough climb up Capitol Hill
WASHINGTON, Dec. 9 – The push to repeal the federal statute that strips 10 percent of federal highway aid from any state that has a legal drinking age lower than 21 seems to have fallen on deaf ears on Capitol Hill. (By Joe
Vines)
Government aid best bet to reduce foreclosures, N.H. reps say
WASHINGTON, Dec. 9 —John Skiff nearly lost his home to foreclosure two years ago. Now he’s close to losing it again. The Nashua retiree missed monthly mortgage payments on his four-bedroom house for the first time in 2006, after gaining legal custody of his seven grandchildren. Skiff said he had to make a choice between paying the mortgage and feeding and clothing the children. (By Jenny Paul)
House members from New Hampshire visit USS New Hampshire
WASHINGTON, Dec. 5- Democratic Reps. Carol Shea-Porter and Paul Hodes met Thursday with servicemen on board the USS New Hampshire, a naval submarine that was commissioned at the Portsmouth shipyard in October. (By Jenny Paul)
Hodes says his bill would help reduce number of foreclosures
WASHINGTON, Dec. 3 —Rep. Paul Hodes (D-N.H.) announced Wednesday that he has proposed a bill to give the government several tools to try to reduce home foreclosures across the country. (By Jenny Paul)
Hundreds of miles away, Guardsman still calls N.H. home
WASHINGTON,Nov. 25 —Traces of homesickness flit across Andy Emerson's face as he ticks off a list of the things he misses most about his home state of New Hampshire. (By Jenny Paul)
Inauguration ticket requests swamp N.H. congressional offices
WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 – The hottest tickets in the country right now are free, but that doesn’t mean they’re easy to get. New Hampshire’s congressional delegation expects to receive 1,000 to 1,200 presidential inauguration tickets to give to New Hampshire residents looking to snag a spot at President-elect Barack Obama’s Jan. 20 swearing-in ceremony. But the demand for the tickets is on track to outpace supply. (By Jenny Paul)
WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 − Caitlin Dowley was going to be sick to her stomach. She was about to spend the next two months in South Africa, where she didn’t know a soul and was about as nervous as a Yankee fan sitting in the Green Monster seats at Fenway Park. (By Joe Vines)
N.H. House races draw cash from across country
WASHINGTON, Oct. 29 – New Hampshire’s U.S. House races are garnering interest – and cash – from all corners of the nation. All four candidates for the state’s two House seats have raised tens of thousands of dollars from out-of-state donors, with most money coming from individuals in Massachusetts, New York and California, according to campaign finance data filed with the Federal Election Commission. (By Jenny Paul).
Hodes holds big money advantage in 2nd District race
WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 − Rep. Paul Hodes, D-N.H., holds a significant fundraising advantage over Republican challenger Jennifer Horn as the campaign for the 2nd Congressional District House seat enters the final weeks. (By Joe Vines)
N.H. senator’s assets take hit in financial crisis
WASHINGTON, Oct. 22-- As everyday Americans see their retirement funds and savings shrink in line with the stock market’s decline, the assets of New Hampshire Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.) have also taken a beating. (By Jenny Paul)
Bailout bill provides energy tax credits for consumers
WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 −While the public has largely focused on the $770 billion financial bailout bill President George W. Bush signed in to law two weeks ago, the bill also gives homeowners tax credits for being energy-efficient. (By Joe Vines)
Gregg’s bailout negotiations earn him bipartisan kudos
WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 -- New Hampshire Sen. Judd Gregg is not accustomed to the glare of the national spotlight. The third-term Republican usually flew under the radar of the national media until last month, when party leaders appointed him lead negotiator for the Senate Republicans on the $700 billion Wall Street bailout plan that went into effect last week. (By Jenny Paul)
Gregg bill would increase power of FDA to recall tainted food
WASHINGTON, Oct. 7 – Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., is likely to reintroduce legislation at the start of the next Congress that would expand the Food and Drug Administration’s authority to inspect the nation’s food supply and make it easier for the agency to recall contaminated food. (By Joe Vines)
New Hampshire senators solidly behind rescue bill
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 – Republican New Hampshire Sens. Judd Gregg and John Sununu rallied behind a revised economic bailout plan that passed the Senate with bipartisan support last night, saying the legislation would help free up the credit markets and aid New Hampshire residents who need access to consumer, auto and school loans. (By Jenny Paul)
N.H. representatives still undecided on bailout package
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- New Hampshire’s two Democratic House members, who voted against the initial $700 billion financial bailout package on Monday, won’t say how they will vote Friday when the House takes up the revised legislation that the Senate overwhelmingly passed on Wednesday. (By Jenny Paul)
Original bailout plan will be ‘core’ of revised bill, Gregg says
WASHINGTON, Sept. 30-- Congress could consider a financial bailout package that makes only slight adjustments to the original $700 billion proposal as early as Wednesday night, Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.) said Tuesday, even as New Hampshire’s two House members called for substantial modifications to the plan. (By Jenny Paul)
Special Interest Groups Ratchet Up Negative Ads in Senate Race
WASHINGTON, Sept. 25 − National business and labor groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Service Employees International Union are playing an increasingly visible role in the New Hampshire Senate race between Republican Sen. John Sununu and former Democratic Gov. Jeanne Shaheen. (By Joe Vines)
Gregg urges Congress to act on bailout plan by weekend
WASHINGTON, Sept. 25--Congress must approve the government’s $700 billion bailout plan by this weekend to head off an adverse market reaction on Monday, Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.) said Thursday. (By Jenny Paul)
Bailout gains should be used to pay down debt, Sununu, Gregg say
WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 —The government’s $700 billion bailout proposal should include a provision to make sure that revenues from the program are used first to reduce the national debt, not to boost spending, New Hampshire Republican Sens. John Sununu and Judd Gregg said Wednesday. (By Jenny Paul)
New media technology crucial in getting out the young vote
WASHINGTON, Sept 23 – Shaun Doherty first met John McCain during the Arizona senator’s first campaign for the presidency in 1999, and is just as enthusiastic about him nine years later. (By Joe Vines)
Government doesn’t ‘have a choice’ on bailout plan, Rudman says
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 – The government’s $700 billion bailout plan is essential to put liquidity back in the market, former Sen. Warren Rudman (R-N.H.) said Tuesday. (ByJenny Paul)
World Champ Celtics Honored at White House
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 − The 2008 NBA Champion Boston Celtics were honored by President George W. Bush in the East Room of the White House Friday, commemorating the franchise’s first championship since 1986. (by Joe Vines)
N.H. soldier will receive bonus, congressman says
WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 – A soldier from Keene, N.H., who returned from Iraq in July will receive a $3,000 refund from the military for bonus pay that was given to him and later revoked, Rep. Paul Hodes (D-N.H.) said Thursday. (By Jenny Paul)
WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 – A Tuesday night meeting called to brief congressional leaders on the federal government’s $85 billion takeover of insurance giant American International Group, Inc. was pulled together so quickly that Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.) didn’t have time to change out of the tuxedo he had planned to wear to a black-tie gala that evening. (By Jenny Paul)
N.H. Democrats back measure to allow offshore drilling
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 – New Hampshire’s Democratic representatives voiced support Tuesday for an energy bill that would allow oil and natural gas drilling in some coastal waters but would prohibit development of Georges Bank, New England’s prime fishing ground. (By Jenny Paul)
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