US – Tuesday, February 9

The Senate’s Weak Health Care Bill

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid “got to 60” at 1:08 yesterday morning, clearing a key Republican hurdle and keeping the Senate’s version of a health care reform bill on track for passage before Christmas.

Patrick jumps on jobs bandwagon

As Washington leaders work furiously on national job creation legislation, their Beacon Hill counterparts are now doing the same. Tomorrow, Gov. Deval Patrick is expected to detail plans that include offering a $2,500 tax credit for every new job a small business adds — a move that could wind up creating 20,000 positions.

DeLeo wants house troops to go retail

Speaker Robert DeLeo has a message for the seven score or so House Democrats who will try to get reelected in the fall: Scram.

Will a two-phase plan ever finish?

For years, Somerville and Medford residents have anxiously awaited the Green Line's extension into their transit-deprived neighborhoods. But now it’s a question of how far the MBTA line will actually go.

Boston Going Out

For a really good time, call ahead

As Marvin Gaye so beautifully sang, “Let’s get it on.” Who are we to disagree, especially with so many smoochable spots to enjoy Valentine’s Day? It doesn’t have to cost the earth, either.

[not too shabby]

“[title of show]” is a silly, little show filled with nudge- nudge, wink-wink moments and enough self-congratulations to make a Hollywood award show look like a spiritually-driven mission of mercy. And though there’s been a dearth of musicals that proclaim, “look at us, we’re a musical making fun of musicals,” there’s something fresh and oddly charming about this one.

Beanpot on its way back to the Heights

The outdoor game at Fenway Park last month went to Boston University.

What’s next for the Bruins?

After 10 agonizing games filled with near-misses, bad breaks and downright sloppy play, the Bruins ended their epic losing streak with a cathartic win on Sunday. Now that the distraction of that brutal run is over, here’s what to look for as the Bruins go forward:

What to do and where to go.

Published 21:43, August the 5th, 2009

Booze tax funds substance abuse programs

BOSTON. If state citizens vote to repeal a brand new sales tax on alcohol in next year’s ballot, a potential $100 million-plus in funding for substance abuse programs could be wiped away.

The possible loss of funds sets up another ballot initiative face-off akin to the three that highlighted the 2008 elections.

“We will do what we can to educate the public about the value [of these funds] and those that are near and dear to anyone’s heart with addictions knows how critical it is,” said Maryanne Frangules, director of Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery (MOAR).

Funds from the 6.25 percent tax, which went into play Saturday, are targeted towards substance abuse treatment programs. Supporters of the tax cite the far-reaching costs of addiction.

The February MMMpod features conversation from Ozzy Osbourne. Michael Emerson from "Lost" tells us about his days enjoying punk rock in Boston. We also dig up an old interview from the late great Howard Zinn. We have a song from Delta Spirit and The Soft Pack, who tell us where they got their name.

[Flyers by PaperG]