Toyota makes Prius recall for brake fix
Toyota says it is recalling about 437,000 Prius and other hybrid vehicles worldwide to fix brake problems- the latest in a string of embarrassing safety problems at the world's largest automaker. Company President Akio Toyoda made the recall announcement today at a press conference. Toyoda says safety for customers is "our foremost priority." Today's recall affects models that went on sale last year, including more than 130,000 in the United States. It's the latest in a string of embarrassing safety problems at the world's largest automaker.
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Lawrence mayor under fire as lawmakers eye bailout
State lawmakers could vote this week on a plan to help bail out the troubled city of Lawrence. A spokesman says the House Ways and Means Committee may "take quick action" Tuesday after a hearing on the bill that would give Lawrence $35million to help balance its books. The bill could come up for a House vote Wednesday. The Senate plans a Thursday session.
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Murphy named state insurance commissioner
Quincy native Joseph Murphy, first deputy commissioner at the Division of Insurance since 2006, was named Monday as the state's insurance commissioner, a post he had held on an acting basis since Nonnie Burnes stepped down in September.
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âRight to repair' bill heads to Senate
Automotive repair shops cheered Monday’s committee approval of legislation that would force manufacturers to provide repair shops information and diagnostic tools currently provided to franchised dealer service centers. The bill now heads to the Senate.
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3 MA woman charged high speed chase
Three Massachusetts women remain jailed following a high speed chase that ended when the car they were in crashed in New Hampshire. During the chase that began about 8:15 p.m. Saturday a Seabrook police cruiser crashed into another vehicle. Police say the women fled north at speeds that reached 100 miles per hour. They were captured after their vehicle crashed in Portsmouth.
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Boston Catholic appeal raises $15M
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston has raised $15.1 million in its flagship annual appeal, the same as the previous year. Church officials said Monday that they were pleased because the money was raised during a recession, and the total number of individuals who contributed was up slightly.
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Crowded MA campaign season set to kick off
It's the start of what's shaping up to be a very crowded campaign season in Massachusetts.On Tuesday, candidates hoping to run in the 2010 elections can pick up nomination papers from the secretary of state. All statewide offices are up for grabs, as are seats in the state Legislature and U.S. House. Already, five candidates have announced their intention to challenge incumbent Democratic Gov. Deval Patrick.
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Testimony continues in South Boston arson, murder case
Testimony continued Monday in the trial of Nicole Chuminski, accused of setting the April 6, 2008 South Boston fire that killed her ex-girlfriend's two daughters, ages 3 and 14. On Monday, an acquaintance of Chuminski testified that she showed up at his apartment shortly before the fire and complained bitterly that Anna Reisopolous had humiliated her by stealing a pocketbook at a family wedding they had attended together.
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Rep. John Murtha, Iraq war critic, dies at 77
Congressman John Murtha has died. The Pennsylvania Democrat was the first combat veteran of the Vietnam War to be elected to Congress. He wielded considerable clout for two decades when he served as the ranking Democrat on the House subcommittee that oversees the Pentagon.
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Candidates for RI gov promise gay marriage support
Three candidates running for Rhode Island governor are promising to sign a gay marriage bill should it reach their desk if they are elected. Marriage Equality Rhode Island solicited the promise from Attorney General Patrick Lynch and General Treasurer Frank Caprio, both Democrats, and former Sen. Lincoln Chafee, an independent.
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Gov. Patrick pushing job creation plan
Gov. Deval Patrick and legislative leaders are rolling out plans they hope will encourage job growth by easing pressure on businesses. Patrick is recommending freezing unemployment insurance rates and setting aside up to $25 million for small businesses loans. Patrick is also pushing $50 million in tax credits that would provide businesses $2,500 for every new job they create, provided the job lasts more than a year.
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Lawrence man charged with striking, killing jogger
A Lawrence driver police say was drunk when he struck a jogger who later died has pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors say 23-year-old David Diaz was granted $10,000 bail at his arraignment Monday in Lawrence District Court on a charge of motor vehicle homicide while operating under the influence of alcohol and operating negligently.
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DA: Shrewsbury man's sister helped cover up death
Prosecutors say the sister of a Shrewsbury man charged with killing his wife tried to help him cover up the death. Lisa Ricardo was ordered held on $20,000 bail after pleading not guilty in Westborough District Court on Monday to a charge of accessory after the fact.
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Prices drop at the pumps
The average price of regular gasoline in the United States fell 5.76 cents over a two-week period to $2.67. That's according to the national Lundberg Survey of fuel prices released Sunday. Analyst Trilby Lundberg says the average price for a gallon of mid-grade was $2.80. Premium was at $2.91.
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MA unveiling plans to expand electric car use
Massachusetts is looking for ways swap the gas nozzle for the electric plug. On Tuesday, officials from the state Department of Energy Resources plan to sign a memorandum of understanding with Nissan North America to explore ways to expand electric car use in Massachusetts.
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US wants out of suit over Chinese detainee's death
The alleged neglect and death of a terminally ill Chinese immigrant detained in a Rhode Island jail two years ago triggered scathing reports and investigations, a wide-ranging federal lawsuit and hand-wringing over who was responsible. A judge will hear arguments this week on whether the federal government bears culpability in the August 2008 death of Hiu Lui "Jason" Ng, 34.
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CT home invasion suspect due back in court
A man accused of killing a Connecticut woman and her two daughters is expected to appear in court after a medical emergency sent him to the hospital. Steven Hayes, one of two men charged with the 2007 killings during a home invasion in Cheshire, is expected to return to New Haven Superior Court Monday.
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More police retirements a growing concern for cities and towns
The increasing number of police officers and supervisors retiring from the job is beginning to concern some cities and towns. The Boston Globe reports there has been a jump in retirements from police force ranks, amid fears of proposed changes to the state pension system and the reduction of a generous bonus program
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Details sought on Ireland, US clergy abuse cases
U.S. victims of clergy sex abuse and a group that tracks pedophile priests are calling on local Roman Catholic leaders and the Irish government to publicly detail known connections between the clergy abuse scandals in the U.S. and Ireland.
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Edward M. Kennedy - PHOTO GALLERY
A collection of photos of Senator Edward Kennedy.
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