US – Saturday, July 4
Rest in peace, Michael Jackson
A week ago today, the world lost one of its most precious treasures. Michael Jackson, the greatest entertainer to ever walk the earth, died tragically from cardiac arrest. While much of the media coverage has focused on the most salacious aspects of his life, Jackson has undoubtedly left a legacy that is bigger, broader and brighter than the words of his detractors.
 
Will Mass. be able to wipe the slate clean?
BOSTON. With Gov. Deval Patrick signing sweeping ethics reform legislation Wednesday, the state is hoping to turn the page after a series of embarrassing accu­sations against former lawmakers in the last year has rattled the public’s faith in government. 
 
Those rainy day feelings saturate the Bay State
BOSTON. For Julianne Mahoney the incessant rain this spring has meant no running outside, only a handful of walks with her  baby and no BBQs at her new house in Norwell.
 
Boston’s summer is an endless bummer
BOSTON. July began Wednesday with torrential downpours, flood warnings and temperatures which struggled to reach the mid-60s.
 
Lockhart holds down the Fourth
BOSTON. The last time Keith Lockhart used his vacation time for Independence Day was about two decades ago.
 
T time: Week of July 3
What to do and where to go.
 
Red Sox must be sad to see June go
MLB. June is over. If you like seeing the sun, that’s a good thing.
 
Big-name signings not on Bruins’ free-agent agenda
The Bruins’ free agency period won’t be as exciting as last year, when they pursued star-crossed Marian Hossa before settling on Michael Ryder.
 
T time: Week of June 25, 2009
Where to go and what to do
 
Updated 21:50, July the 21st, 2008
 
Ridership is up 28 percent on Amtrak’s Portland-to-Boston service.Ridership is up 28 percent on Amtrak’s Portland-to-Boston service.
Photo: GETTY IMAGES
 

Amtrak’s Downeaster ridership up 28 percent

 PORTLAND. Soaring gas prices played a role in a 28 percent gain in ridership for Amtrak’s Downeaster during the latest fiscal year, and operators of the Portland-to-Boston service are looking at options to accommodate future growth, officials said yesterday.

The ridership gain was the biggest of any Amtrak train in the period ending June 30, and revenue for the month of June set an all-time record of more than $590,000, said Patricia Quinn, executive director of the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority.

On average, 947 more passengers rode the Portland-to-Boston train every day, and ticket revenue grew 33 percent for the year, Quinn said.

Gas prices were a primary reason for the increase in passengers, along with a fifth daily run and added capacity on the trains, she added.

“People are viewing public transportation differently than before,” Quinn said. “It’s been phenomenal. All trains are up.”    

 
 
MMMpod
The June edition of MMMpod features an interview with Perry Farrell on getting Jane's Addiction back together, as well as a talk with actor Ed Helms about his love/hate relationship with a capella music. We also have new music from Phoenix, Magic Magic, Lady Sovereign, and a classic from Booker T. & the MGs. As always, there's a chance to win a whole lot of free music.
 
Metro Life Panel