Fall 2009
News Coverage by State
Connecticut | Maine | Massachusetts | New Hampshire | Archives
Connecticut
Green jobs training grants for Connecticut announced
WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 – Federal grants of $130,000 to create “green” jobs in Connecticut, including $60,000 for The WorkPlace Inc., a private non-profit in Bridgeport, were announced Wednesday by U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis and U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-4. (By Katerina Voutsina)
Wait for H1N1 vaccine continues to frustrate Congress
WASHINGTON, Nov. 17 —Lawmakers Tuesday pressed federal officials about the impediments to distributing H1N1 vaccine to those most at risk. The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee heard from officials that vaccines are slowly catching up with the demand, but lawmakers said that there is still too much confusion surrounding who should be vaccinated. (By Jeanne Amy)
Lawmakers propose emergency legislation for paid flu sick days
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10 —Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., said Tuesday that he will introduce emergency legislation to provide paid sick days to workers who miss work because they or their family members have H1N1 or seasonal flu. (By Jeanne Amy)
World War II veterans visit their memorial in Washington
WASHINGTON, Nov. 7 – It was a tearful hero’s welcome for 102 World War II veterans from New England, many from southeastern Connecticut, who arrived at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Saturday morning. (By Jeanne Amy)
Himes: Mixed message from elections
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 —Rep. Jim Himes, D-4, said Thursday that local elections this week showed that the Republican Party is clearly re-energized and that Democrats have adopted a “wait and see” attitude on the election results. (By Katerina Voutsina)
Ocean zoning is on the horizon for the government agencies
WASHINGTON, Nov. 4 —Federal officials told a Senate subcommittee Wednesday that they are developing a framework for cooperative use of the oceans that would bring the United States one step closer to a new national policy to address American stewardship of the oceans. (By Jeanne Amy)
McCain, Courtney propose enhancement for Troops to Teachers
WASHINGTON, Oct. 27—A bipartisan group of lawmakers, including Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, proposed Tuesday to expand a program that enables former members of the military to become teachers in high-need school districts. (By Jeanne Amy)
Norwalk woman one of 30,000 runners in Marine Corps Marathon
WASHINGTON, Oct. 25 – Her bib number was 10449. His was 11801. She is a sales planner from Norwalk. He is a former Marine aviator in Vietnam. For Kathryn Marie Laganza, 30, there was nothing more valuable than running the 34th Marine Corps Marathon on Sunday with her father, Joseph Charles Moosbrugger, 65. (By Katerina Voutsina)
Amendment would make solar company eligible for federal funds
WASHINGTON, Oct. 22 — U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-4, proposed Thursday that local companies who design solar-concentrating products be given access to federal research and development funds. (By Katerina Voutsina)
Lawmakers challenge administration officials on H1N1 response
WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 —Three cabinet secretaries told lawmakers on Wednesday that they have learned a lot since the H1N1 flu virus surfaced in April. The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs held a hearing to monitor the nation’s response to H1N1 flu. Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., chairman of the committee, expressed his concern that Americans who want to receive the vaccine may not be able to due to shortages. (By Jeanne Amy)
Lawmakers aim to extend first-time homebuyer tax credit
WASHINGTON, Oct. 20 —Sens. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., and Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., called Tuesday for an extension and expansion of the $8,000 tax credit for homebuyers. The law now covers only first-time homebuyers, but Dodd and Isakson want it to cover all homebuyers and would raise the income limits, significantly expanding eligibility for the credit. (By Jeanne Amy)
Dodd says health care reform has to be accomplished
WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 – Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., expressed satisfaction Wednesday with the Senate Finance Committee’s approval of a health care reform bill. (By Katerina Voutsina)
Courtney leads charge against excise tax on health care benefits
WASHINGTON, Oct. 7 – Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, delivered a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., on Wednesday urging the Democratic leadership not to support a health care bill that includes an excise tax on insurers of expensive employer-sponsored health care benefits. (By Jeanne Amy)
Connecticut ranks eighth in new state health care scoreboard
WASHINGTON, Oct. 7 —Connecticut ranks eighth among the states in health care quality in a report released Thursday by the independent Commonwealth Fund. (By Katerina Voutsina)
Long Island Sound restoration asks for more federal aid
WASHINGTON, Oct. 6 —Long Island Sound will need more federal aid and more formalized public education to continue to make it cleaner and safer for fishing, a panel of officials and activists from Connecticut and New York told a House subcommittee Tuesday. (By Jeanne Amy)
Connecticut dairy farmers may see relief
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 – Members of the Congressional Dairy Farmer Caucus met withAgriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Thursday in the wake of congressional negotiators’ approval a day earlier of $290 million in direct payments to dairy farmers and $60 million in indirect support. (By Jeanne Amy)
Norwalk-native author takes part in National Book Festival
WASHINGTON. Sept. 26 – The rainy weather Saturday did not stop more than 130,000 people from flocking to the National Mall in downtown Washington for the 9th annual National Book Festival. Adults and children pushed into the Children’s Pavilion where on the podium Steven Kellogg, 67, the author and illustrator of nearly 90 children’s books sketched quickly a strange creature on a paper board. (By Katerina Voutsina)
Conn. not qualified for unemployment extension under House bill
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 —Connecticut’s unemployed would not qualify at this time for extended unemployment benefits under a House-passed bill.
The bill, which the House approved, 331-83, on Tuesday, would extend benefits by 13 weeks to workers in states where the unemployment rate is 8.5 percent or higher. But Connecticut’s jobless rate in August was 8.1 percent. (By Katerina Voutsina)
For Himes, a trip on Air Force One was something to tweet about
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 —It is almost 4:15 on Monday afternoon. Air Force One has just landed on the tarmac at Andrews Air Force Base in nearby Maryland. President Barack Obama exits the plane first and gets onto Marine One, the presidential helicopter, to be taken back to the White House.
Connecticut Rep. Jim Himes deplanes next and climbs into a staff member’s Jeep Cherokee. (By Katerina Voutsina)
Lawmakers to vote on student aid bill
WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 – What could be the largest federal investment in student aid in history is scheduled to be voted on by the House of Representatives this week. The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act outlines a plan to invest $87 billion in education, from kindergarten to college loans. (By Jeanne Amy)
Connecticut citizens join protest in Washington
WASHINGTON, Sept. 12-- Hundreds of people traveled from Connecticut to Washington to participate in the march on Saturday. Tanya Bachand, the state tea party coordinator who carried the Connecticut flag in the march, said between 750 and 1,000 people came with her groupp. (By Jeanne Amy)
Connecticut delegates express support for health care reform
WASHINGTON, Sept. 10 –The Connecticut congressional delegation on Thursday praised President Barack Obama’s speech to a joint session of Congress and echoed his call for bipartisan cooperation on a health care overhaul. (By Katerina Voutsina)
Local doctor attends presidential address, wary of change
WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 – All eyes were on President Obama last night as he addressed a joint session of Congress on health care. Dr. Dinesh Kapur was no exception. Kapur, director of oncology at the William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich, wants to make sure his patients, especially those who are uninsured, receive care and that their access to care is not compromised. (By Jeanne Amy)
Maine
Congressional probe into Fort Hood attack begins
WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 – The Senate hearing Thursday on the Fort Hood shooting began with questions about how federal agencies can cooperate to identify and prevent extremist behavior and unraveled to speculation on whether the First Amendment should apply fully to members of the military. (By Kase Wickman)
Collins, Lieberman plan investigation into Fort Hood shooting
WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 —The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee will hold hearings beginning Thursday as part of an investigation into whether what some have called a “homegrown terrorist attack” at Fort Hood Army Base in Texas this month could have been prevented. (By Kase Wickman)
Snowe’s fellow GOPers have mixed temperatures about her
WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 —Sen. Olympia Snowe has been in the hot national spotlight of the national health care reform debate for the past several months, and some in her party say the Maine Republican is melting away from her conservative roots. (By Kase Wickman)
Hearing held on Maine native’s UN ambassadorship nomination
WASHINGTON, Nov. 4 —If confirmed as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Economic and Social Council, Rick Barton, a West Boothbay Harbor native, promised Wednesday to “help to focus our direction, energize our team and seek to increase the impact of America’s efforts.” (By Kase Wickman)
Michaud’s campaign spending is a little fishy
WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 —There’s something a little fishy about U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud’s latest filing with the Federal Election Commission. The campaign spending disclosure forms of the Maine Democrat are all in order and were submitted on time, but the intriguing fact has less to do with forms than with fins: almost a tenth of Michaud’s campaign outlays have been spent at seafood restaurans. (By Kase Wickman)
Czars still in spotlight as Collins pushes for oversight by Congress
WASHINGTON, Oct. 22 —Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, Thursday questioned the constitutionality of the so-called czars—senior policy advisers overseeing high-priority fields such as health care and the environment—in President Barack Obama’s administration. (By Kase Wickman)
Maine ranked in top 10 states for energy efficiency
WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 —Maine was hailed as the tenth-most energy-efficient state in the country, as well as the state that most improved its ranking from the previous year, according to a report released Wednesday by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. (By Kase Wickman)
Rock salt blizzard hits Snowe’s Maine office, but will senator melt?
WASHINGTON, Oct. 20 —One week after lending her vote of support to the Senate Finance Committee’s health care reform bill, Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, has gained countless column inches of newspaper exposure and at least 115 pounds of rock salt. (By Kase Wickman)
Senate subcommittee asks whether czars are constitutional
WASHINGTON, Oct. 6 —Lawmakers Tuesday heard from a panel of legal experts on whether President Barack Obama’s appointment of so-called czars in the executive branch sidesteps the Constitution. (By Kase Wickman)
Maine troops greeters find themselves in Washington spotlight
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 —After thousands of hours of waiting in drafty airport halls, more than a million handshakes and four years of filming, three Bangor natives are in the spotlight in the nation’s capital. “The Way We Get By,” a feature-length documentary about the troop greeters at Bangor International Airport, was screened at the U.S. Capitol Wednesday and at Walter Reed Army Medical Center Thursday. (By Kase Wickman)
As thousands run out of unemployment, House passes extension
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 —Maine’s unemployed would receive extended jobless benefits under a House-passed bill to extend federal unemployment benefits 13 weeks beyond the usual 79-week maximum for states whose unemployment rates currently stand at 8.5 percent or higher. Maine’s average unemployment rate is currently 8.6 percent. (By Kase Wickman)
Ten Snowe amendments added to health care bill
WASHINGTON, Sept. 22 —Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) Tuesday called the current markup of the health care reform bill before the Senate Finance Committee “a solid starting point.” To help the measure reach the finish line, Snowe offered 24 amendments before the deadline last Friday. They were but a small part of the 564 amendments committee members submitted. (By Kase Wickman)
As ACORN is defunded, Sen.Collins leading charge for inspection
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 —The House stripped ACORN of its eligibility for federal funds Thursday, following the Senate’s example. The vote was 345-75. (By Kase Wickman)
More funds for community colleges, Brunswick schools?
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 —A House-passed student aid bill would provide money that Brunswick hopes to tap to ease the losses that closing the Brunswick Naval Air Station would mean for public schools in the area. (By Kase Wickman)
Pathogens are the new weapons of mass destruction
WASHINGTON, Sept. 10 –The term “weapons of mass destruction” may be connected in the minds of many with nuclear warheads and rocket launchers, but the latest homeland security legislation, introduced by Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), deals not with giant bombs but with the tiny pathogens that can be found in many labs across the country. (By Kase Wickman)
After Obama’s health care speech, Maine delegates left divided
WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 – President Barack Obama has delivered 262 speeches since he took office nearly eight months ago, 28 of them specifically about health care reform. The one health care speech that Obama will be remembered for, however, was delivered to a rare joint session of Congress Wednesday night. (By Kase Wickman)
Maine delegates wait for Obama's take on health care reform
WASHINGTON, Sept. 8 — As the debate over President Barack Obama’s push for reform of the health care and insurance industry rolls on, Maine’s congressional delegation finds itself in the eye of the storm. (By Kase Wickman)
Massachusetts
Women more vulnerable to global warming, UN report says
WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- Women are likelier to be affected by and to suffer from climate change than men are, according to a United Nations Population Fund report released Wednesday. (By Burcu Karakas)
Terra cotta warriors watch over National Geographic
WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 —The greatest number of the famous Chinese terra cotta warriors ever to travel to the United States will be on display beginning Thursday at the National Geographic Museum in Washington. (By Burcu Karakas)
More H1N1 vaccine expected in the following weeks
WASHINGTON, Nov. 17 —Leaders of a Senate committee expressed disappointment and frustration Tuesday over the slow pace of distribution of the H1N1 vaccine. Speaking at a committee hearing Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman (I-Conn.), the chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said there have been “more flu deaths than previously realized and fewer vaccine does than originally promised.” He said this created public frustration and confusion among those with the highest risk. (By Burcu Karakas)
Early child education discussed in Washington
WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 – Viewing early childhood education as an economic issue was the focus of a national conference in Washington this week. Partners in Early Childhood and Economic Development, a program funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, convened experts to discuss and share ideas about the future of early childhood education in the country. (By Burcu Karakas)
Organizations help Portuguese immigrants adjust to U.S. life
WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 —People who emigrate to the United States face social, cultural and, often, language barriers. Unaware of their rights, the new arrivals frequently need help in getting their children incorporated into the school system and may find it difficult to become involved in the local community. (By Haley Shoemaker)
Biometric information used in identifying criminals
WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 – Federal agencies and local law enforcement departments have identified more than 111,000 criminal aliens in the first year of a joint program that checks the digital fingerprints of persons arrested and booked at the local level against immigration and FBI records. (By Burcu Karakas)
Worcester Jewish delegates applaud Emanuel speech in D.C.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10 —One day after President Barack Obama’s private Washington meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Worcester delegates at a conference of the Jewish Federations of North America applauded a speech by White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel that stressed the United States’ continued support for Israel as a “beacon of democracy” in the Middle East. (By Jessica Leving)
Tea Party protesters return to Capitol to protest health-care bill
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 —The Tea Party isn’t over.
Several thousand protestors marched on the Capitol Thursday in opposition to the Democratic health-care bill that the House of Representatives hopes to vote on by the end of the week. Less than two months ago tens of thousands of so-called Tea Party protesters marched on the capital to oppose “out-of-control” government spending and the Democratic health reform plan. (By Jessica Leving)
Following Frank’s Money
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 – Health care and climate change may be among the major issues before Congress. But with his approaching reelection bid, the financial sector is a high priority for Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass.
As chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, Frank plays a key role in legislation that regulates the financial services and banking industry. As of Sept. 30, Frank’s 2010 reelection campaign had received more than $200,000 from individuals and political action committees associated with the financial industry—insurance, securities and investment companies—according to OpenSecrets.org, the Web site of the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonpartisan organization that tracks money and politics. (By Ayesha Aleem and Haley Shoemaker)
Veterans benefits backlog creates financial problems for students
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 – After five years of Army service, including tours in Iraq, Richard Messier thought he would not have to worry about paying for college under the Post 9/11 GI Bill. But the heavy backlog of claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs has created financial problems for this 23-year-old unemployed, full-time undergrad at Bristol Community College. (By Ayesha Aleem)
Earlier dates set for credit card regulations
WASHINGTON, Nov. 4 —The House voted Wednesday to advance the starting date for new credit card regulations by as many as eight months. The bill, like the one introduced by Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., and co-sponsored by Rep. Barney Frank and signed in May by President Obama, would limit the rate changes that credit card companies may impose on cardholders. The vote was 331-92, (By Ayesha Aleem)
Former Senator Edward Brooke awarded Congressional Gold Medal
WASHINGTON, Oct. 29 – Edward Brooke is familiar with being in the minority. He has now joined another exclusive group when he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor Congress may bestow. (By Ayesha Aleem)
Kirk’s financial report shows assets worth as much as $5.9 million
WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 —Sen. Paul G. Kirk Jr., D-Mass., is a rich man.
According to his financial disclosure report, filed Oct. 23 with the Senate Office of Public Records, Mr. Kirk has publicly traded assets worth between $2.74 million and $5.98 million—and that’s not even including his house, car or annual income: From Jan. 1, 2008, to Oct. 22, 2009, Mr. Kirk reported earned income totaling $349,187.50. (By Jessica Leving)
Coakley beats other Democrats on fundraising
WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 – Martha Coakley raised almost $2.2 million in one month in her race to replace the late Edward M. Kennedy in the U.S. Senate, much more than did the two other candidates in the Dec. 8 Democratic primary, according to each candidate’s campaign finance filing.with the Federal Election Commission. (By Burcu Karakas)
Neal leads area congressmen in 2010 campaign donations
WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 —U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, has accumulated the fourth-largest campaign war chest among House incumbents so far in the 2010 election cycle, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonpartisan organization that analyzes the campaign finance reports filed by candidates with the Federal Election Commission. (By Jessica Leving)
More Massachusetts families to stay warm this winter
WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 – Massachusetts will receive $131.5 million in federal funds to help low income families pay their heating bills this winter, Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of Health and Human Services, announced Thursday.
Massachusetts to receive $131.5 million in home heating aid
WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 —Massachusetts will receive $131.5 million in home heating aid for low income families this winter, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced Thursday—down significantly from the $213.5 million the state received last year. The money will come from $2.7 billion in federal funds that will be granted to states, tribes, and territories under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. (By Jessica Leving)
Pet store regulations: A growing trend
WASHINGTON, Oct. 22 —Everyone loves puppies, but not everyone knows where his or her own puppy comes from or how the animal was treated before it was sold. Now, federal and state lawmakers are paying attention to the problem. (By Haley Shoemaker)
Capitol Hill takes H1N1 rrecautionary measures
WASHINGTON, Oct. 22--Many workplaces, including offices on Capitol Hill, are taking precautionary measures in the hopes of preventing H1N1 flu outbreaks. (By Haley Shoemaker)
Massachusetts runnerup in state energy rankings
WASHINGTON, Oct. 20 —Massachusetts ranked second among the 50 states in implementing efficient use of energy, according to the 2009 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard that the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy published on Wednesday. (By Ayesha Aleem)
Meeting Obama was ‘mind-blowing,’ New Bedford 18-year-old says
WASHINGTON, Oct. 20 – At 18, Scott Paiva has already placed third in a national business competition and has had a personal meeting with the president. The graduate of New BedfordHigh School developed a business plan for a tax preparation service that caters to student clients. (By Ayesha Aleem) Franklin native helps build solar house on the National Mall
WASHINGTON, Oct. 15—It looks like any other contemporary house. With stained cedar paneling and sleek floor-to-ceiling windows, it would fit in seamlessly on any posh urban avenue. Inside, its stainless steel appliances and hip furniture offer an inviting and cozy atmosphere. There’s even a bowl of fresh green apples on the counter. (By Jessica Leving)
Committee focuses on derivatives, not consumer agency
WASHINGTON, Oct. 13 —Ever since Wall Street collapsed last year, dragging down major banks and many homeowners with it, the House Financial Services Committee has been working on legislation to establish a consumer financial protection agency. On Wednesday, however, the committee temporarily turned its attention to another area of financial reform—the arcane subject of financial derivatives. (By Ayesha Aleem)
Team Boston competing in Solar Decathlon
WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 – Curio House, a project designed and built by students from Boston Architectural College and Tufts University, is competing this week in the Solar Decathlon on the National Mall. (By Burcu Karakas)
Bill Clinton urges changes to current health-care system
WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 —Former President Bill Clinton said Wednesday the nation’s health-care delivery system is no longer sustainable. (By Burcu Karakas)
Rep. McGovern sends USDA request for $30 million to fight beetles
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 —U.S. Rep. James P. McGovern, D-Worcester, sent a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack on Thursday requesting an additional $30 million in emergency funding to help eradicate the Asian longhorned beetle from central Massachusetts, according to a spokesman in Mr. McGovern’s office. (By Jessica Leving)
To tweet or not to tweet: A question for politicians
WASHINGTON, Oct. 7 – Rep. Barney Frank doesn’t use Twitter. And he doesn’t intend on turning to the microblogging Web site anytime soon, either. (By Ayesha Aleem)
Massachusetts is seventh best in state health care
WASHINGTON, Oct. 7 —Massachusetts placed seventh in a national state-by-state ranking of health care quality by the Commonwealth Fund Commission on a High Performance Health System. (By Jessica Leving)
Immigration detention system changes announced by Napolitano
WASHINGTON, Oct. 6 – New initiatives to enhance the security and efficiency of the immigration detention system were introduced by Department of Homeland Security officials Tuesday. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said the aim was to “update the entire immigration system.”
(By Burcu Karakas)
Bolton woman honored for adoption and foster-care advocacy
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 —The usually quiet, austere halls of the Russell Senate Office Building were filled with toothy smiles, bright pastel dresses and miniature suit-jackets as children and their families from across the country flocked to Washington for the annual Angels in Adoption award ceremony Wednesday afternoon. (By Jessica Leving)
Thousands celebrate books at National Book Festival
WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 – Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black, co-authors of “The Spiderwick Chronicles,” were two of the more than 70 writers and illustrators participating Saturday in the 9th annual National Book Festival.
“It’s the highlight of my life,” said DiTerlizzi, third-time attendee, about the festival. “This is on a crazy, huge, Lollapalooza scale. Thousands of people come together to celebrate books – how great is that!” (By Ayesha Aleem)
Paul Kirk sworn in as interim junior senator
WASHINGTON, Sept. 25 —Paul G. Kirk Jr. was sworn in as interim Massachusetts senator Friday afternoon, just hours after a state judge blocked a Republican bid to stall the proceedings, and exactly one month after the death of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy. (By Jessica Leving)
Vice President Biden swears in new Massachusetts senator
WASHINGTON, Sept. 25 – Paul Kirk was sworn in as interim Massachusetts senator by Vice President Joe Biden in the Capitol on Friday, one month after the death of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, whose position Kirk will be filling. (By Ayesha Aleem)
Mass. gets $10 million to fight beetles, more to be requested
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 —Massachusetts will receive $10 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to combat the tree-destroying Asian longhorned beetle in the next 12 months, and Rep. James P. McGovern, D-Worcester, said he plans to ask for approximately $30 million more in emergency funds. (By Jessica Leving)
Biden: Change in health care system is needed by everyone
WASHINGTON, Sept. 22 —Vice President Joe Biden told state insurance commissioners Tuesday that the health insurance status quo needed to be changed immediately. Biden spoke to members of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners at the group’s annual conference in a nearby Maryland suburb, telling them the need to change the system is for everyone and “not only for those who don’t have health insurance.”
(By Burcu Karakas)
A hero from Massachusetts is honored at the Pentagon
WASHINGTON, Sept. 18– At a formal ceremony that celebrated his life, Army Sgt. 1st Class Jared Monti of Raynham was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon on Friday. Described at the event as the Pentagon’s most sacred place, the Hall of Heroes honors recipients of the Medal of Honor. (By Ayesha Aleem)
House of Representatives passes bill to reform student loans
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 —A bill that would overhaul the student loan market and effectively put the federal government in charge of student lending passed in the House of Representatives on Thursday. (By Jessica Leving) A traveler’s guide to visiting the Capitol
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 – People from all over the world are drawn to Capitol Hill to learn about America’s history, to see great art, to launch or advance their careers or to catch a glimpse of some of the nation’s most influential people. The range and abundance of activities for people of all ages, interests and tastes makes the Hill a must-see place for many visitors to the capital city. (By Haley Shoemaker)
Worcester-area protesters join taxpayers march on Washington
WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 —Pat Leroux, 67, of Barre, Mass., left home at 4:30 a.m. Friday to catch the bus to Washington from Worcester for Saturday’s taxpayers march on the Capitol. Bright-eyed and chipper as she rode the subway to the march the next morning, Leroux said the journey was worth it. (By Jessica Leving)
Massachusetts protesters join taxpayers march in capital
WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 –Protesting a host of issues from health care reform to the stimulus packages, tens of thousands of people gathered in downtown Washington Saturday to demonstrate for lower taxes and less government. (By Ayesha Aleem & Burcu Karakas)
Local representatives applaud Obama health-care speech
WASHINGTON, Sept. 10 — Local health care administrators said they liked President Obama’s address on health care reform to a joint session of Congress Wednesday night but wanted to hear more details. (By Jessica Leving)
New Hampshire
Shaheen hears concerns over health reform from AARP members
WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 – Following the unveiling of the Senate Democratic leadership’s version of health care reform, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., fielded questions ranging from Medicare cuts to prescription drug costs on a teleconference call with 5,900 New Hampshire AARP members Thursday morning. (By Joe Markman)
UNH professor’s love of the ocean takes him to the White House
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