Foreclosures in Massachusetts up in October

BOSTON (AP) - Foreclosures in Massachusetts soared nearly 30 percent in October compared to the previous month, but are down slightly when compared to the same month last year.

State's monthly unemployment rate drops for first time in more than two years

BOSTON (AP) - Massachusetts' monthly unemployment rate has fallen for the first time in nearly 2½ years and just one month after hitting the highest level since 1976.

Vermont Yankee critics renew town meetings campaign against re-licensing

BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) - Vermont Yankee critics are gearing up for another campaign aimed at persuading state lawmakers to turn thumbs-down on the plant's request for a 20-year license extension.

Gay couples file lawsuit vs. DOMA

BOSTON - Gay married couples suing the government over a federal law that doesn't recognize same-sex unions say there is "no legitimate or plausible" reason for having a federal definition of marriage that excludes gay couples.

Senate hopefuls spar on lobbying

BOSTON - Democrat Alan Khazei on Tuesday turned an environmental forum into platform to criticize two leading U.S. Senate rivals for their connections to lobbyists and other special interests, but he quickly staged a pragmatic retreat himself.

Frank floats loan plan for unemployed homeowners AP Photo pursuing

Frank floats loan plan for jobless homeowners

FALL RIVER (AP) - Rep. Barney Frank is floating a proposal to use the interest the government collects from the TARP bailout to give loans to unemployed homeowners struggling to pay the mortage.

PILOT cuts may hurt area towns

BOSTON - In announcing painful budget cuts last month, Gov. Deval Patrick highlighted the fact local aid - the money cities and towns use to fund schools and emergency services - would not be touched.