Boston.com -- Massachusetts news

Mass. man convicted of slaying over car alarm

2009-11-25T14:09:25Z

A Massachusetts man who shot a neighbor because he was angry his car alarm went off in the early morning hours has been convicted of murder.

Danvers blast company sues National Grid

2009-11-25T12:59:20Z

One of the companies involved in an explosion that leveled a Danvers neighborhood three years ago has sued National Grid.

Mass. man pleads guilty to hitting cop with hammer

2009-11-25T12:49:21Z

A Northampton man has pleaded guilty to hitting a city police officer in the head with a hammer.

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2009-11-25T12:49:21Z

Man shot in RI park now facing federal charge

2009-11-25T11:39:28Z

A Massachusetts man facing state charges for allegedly trying to buy guns from an undercover state trooper in a Rhode Island park is now facing federal charges.

Boston man accused of stealing from church

2009-11-25T11:09:27Z

A Boston masonry contractor has been charged with stealing more than $30,000 from the Winthrop church he was supposed to be working on.

Judge to rule on murderer seeking hair removal

2009-11-25T10:39:26Z

A hearing has been scheduled to determine whether a convicted killer seeking a taxpayer-funded sex change operation can continue hair removal treatments.

Mass. assault suspect held without bail

2009-11-25T10:29:19Z

A convicted sex offender charged with attempting to rape a woman in a bathroom at Massachusetts General Hospital has been ordered held without bail.

Deal may close case on affair gone sour

Jonathan Saltzman, Globe Staff — 2009-11-25T06:29:04Z

It began with a fling in Palm Beach, Fla., in the winter of 1993 between a well-known Boston financier and a 34-year-old Philadelphia stockbroker. What followed, federal authorities say, was a nightmarish obsession worthy of “Fatal Attraction.’’

Mass. investigating a charter school

James Vaznis, Globe Staff — 2009-11-25T06:28:09Z

By any standard, the rise was meteoric. The Robert M. Hughes Academy’s math scores this spring improved at the fastest pace in the state, with English scores not far behind.

Wellesley Little League returns to metal bats

Matt Rocheleau, Globe Correspondent — 2009-11-25T06:25:32Z

The Wellesley Little League has decided to abandon wood bats and return to metal bats, eight years after a severe head injury suffered by a Wellesley High pitcher led several leagues in the region to switch because, according to some, balls don’t come off wooden bats quite as fast.

Redemption, and gratitude

Yvonne Abraham, Globe Columnist — 2009-11-25T06:23:51Z

If I could, I’d like to be, a great big movie star... Bobcat Smith stands in a dark apartment in a Roxbury housing development, arms outstretched, singing. Decades of bad decisions may have taken their toll on the rest of him, but his voice is still rich and sweet, like a Neville brother’s.

For one day at least, candidates give it a rest

Matt Viser and Eric Moskowitz, Globe Staff — 2009-11-25T06:22:26Z

For one day, Stephen Pagliuca and Michael Capuano won’t be sparring over health care, Alan Khazei won’t be knocking on your door, and Martha Coakley won’t be trying to ignore her opponents.

Law OK’s betting on simulcast dog races

2009-11-25T06:20:46Z

BOSTON Dog tracks in Revere and Raynham may offer wagering on races that are simulcast from other tracks under legislation signed yesterday by Governor Deval Patrick. Dog racing is banned effective Jan. 1, 2010, under a voter-approved ballot law. Proponents of the seven-month extension of simulcast betting rights at Wonderland and Raynham Park say the move will save jobs while ...

What’s closed, open on Thanksgiving Day

2009-11-25T06:17:32Z

Holiday observed: Tomorrow Retail stores: Certain smaller stores open at owner’s discretion; inquire directly.

Mystery bell becomes heart of Lowell city memorial

Jack Nicas, Globe Correspondent — 2009-11-25T06:15:04Z

In the 1950s, a historic bell sat upside-down in a Lowell yard sprouting flowers, and no one could remember why it was there or where it came from. But when the land was put up for sale in 2004, local historians decided to take on the bell and its history.

Contractor accused of stealing $30,000 during job at church

Milton J. Valencia, Globe Staff — 2009-11-25T06:14:30Z

An East Boston man who was paid $10,000 to conduct masonry work on a Winthrop church ended up skipping out on the job and stole more than $20,000 while he was there, prosecutors allege.

Hub EMS worker an apparent suicide

Martin Finucane, Globe Staff — 2009-11-25T06:13:49Z

A Boston emergency medical services worker who was charged in a double shooting in Abington in September was found dead at his home Monday night after an apparent suicide, Boston police said.

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2009-11-25T06:13:49Z

BC outlines its plan for Stokes Commons

Caitlin Castello, Globe Correspondent — 2009-11-25T06:12:35Z

NEWTON - Boston College is making plans to build a 160,000-square-foot academic building along College Road in Newton as part of its expansion, officials said yesterday.

Patrick urges Legislature to return; DeLeo says no

Andrea Estes, Globe Staff — 2009-11-25T06:11:03Z

Governor Deval Patrick repeated his request yesterday that lawmakers return from their holiday recess to find a solution to the state’s budget crisis, saying that without emergency budget-cutting authority he will be forced to slash programs for the disabled, the elderly, and the poor.

Candidates' gratitude list

2009-11-25T06:10:35Z

Alan Khazei “I’m thankful for so many things. I’m thankful for my wife and my children. I’m thankful for literally thousands of people that have gotten behind this grass-roots campaign. I don’t know how to thank them enough.’’

Bid trims Pagliuca’s fortune by $5.4m

Brian C. Mooney, Globe Staff — 2009-11-25T06:10:19Z

Boston Celtics co-owner Stephen G. Pagliuca has transferred more than $5.4 million from his personal fortune to his campaign for US Senate, allowing him to vastly outspend his rivals in the race to succeed the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy.

At North Shore, the show may go on

Geoff Edgers, Globe Staff — 2009-11-25T05:59:12Z

The former North Shore Music Theatre - closed earlier this year after accumulating $10 million in debt - could be singing and dancing again by spring.

Hudson native killed by IED in Afghanistan

Milton J. Valencia, Globe Staff — 2009-11-25T05:00:00Z

A US Army Special Forces soldier with ties to Massachusetts was killed in Afghanistan Monday when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device, the Pentagon said yesterday.

Violence intervention program hits streets

Abbie Ruzicka, Globe Correspondent — 2009-11-25T05:00:00Z

Westville Terrace is a short, dead-end street between Geneva Avenue and Bowdoin Street in Dorchester.

Homeless man arraigned over land dispute

George Barnes, Worcester Telegram & Gazette — 2009-11-25T05:00:00Z

TEMPLETON - A homeless man was arraigned yesterday in Gardner District Court after being arrested and evicted from a shack he built on land he claimed at Cross and Hubbardston roads.