House Speaker Robert DeLeo, whose pledge to oppose new taxes and fees this year undermined proposals by Gov. Deval Patrick to balance next year’s state budget, said Tuesday that he would also oppose any efforts to lower taxes, and he predicted that the “vast majority” of his colleagues would agree. “I think we have to be realistic in finances we need in running the state. I would be opposed to any reduction,” DeLeo told reporters after addressing the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce at the Westin Copley Hotel. “There are always amendments to increase taxes. There are some amendments Continue reading >>>

BOSTON (AP) - House Speaker Robert DeLeo on Tuesday offered business leaders a preview of sweeping legislation aimed at reining in health care costs. In a speech to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, DeLeo said the goal of the House bill — which has not yet been introduced — would be to bring the annual growth in health care expenses more in line with Massachusetts' overall economic growth rate of 3.7 percent. Health care costs have been rising at an annual rate of between 6.7 percent and 8 percent in recent years, DeLeo said, despite some positive efforts by both insurers and providers Continue reading >>>

Well, the Red Sox have won back-to-back games for the first time since late August of last year. There’s always that to rejoice over. Unfortunately, Spring Training records don’t amount to too much (last year the Royals and Twins led the Cactus and Grapefruit leagues respectively) and there are more pressing problems, mainly the left wrist of everyone’s favorite left fielder. That’s right, Carl Crawford is going to miss even more time. Bobby Valentine announced today that Crawford would be shut down for at least a week, as he gives his wrist more time to recover. Cue the groans Continue reading >>>

Worried about high gas prices? Join the club — the warehouse club, that is. Rising fuel prices are pumping up gasoline sales at big box chains including Costco, Sam’s Club and Westboro-based BJ’s, which often offer gas at rock-bottom prices. “Wholesale clubs generally use gasoline as a ‘loss leader,’ so we often find some of the best prices there,” said Patrick DeHaan of market tracker Boston GasPrices.com. Yesterday, the Revere BJ’s and Danvers Costco were tied with eight other stations in offering Greater Boston’s cheapest gas: $3.59 a gallon for self-serve regular. That’s Continue reading >>>

Lynnfield Girl Scout Troop #66345 recently visited Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford as part of the Cookies for a Cause program. About 1,500 Girl Scouts (GSEM) gathered to make cards for the troops, drink hot chocolate and join in a sing-a-long. Of the more than 2 million boxes sold across the Greater Boston area, 30,000 were donated to what has been dubbed "Operation Cookie Drop" and will be loaded on a plane and shipped overseas to eager troops. Dunkin' Donuts is donating hundreds of pounds of coffee to send along with the cookies.     The eight members of the troop who attended Continue reading >>>

BELMONT, MA -- (Marketwire) -- 03/05/12 -- In November 2011, two intrepid sisters -- Maureen and Sue Walsh -- transformed a defunct automobile showroom into Artefact Home|Garden -- an oasis of laid-back glamour and greater Boston's most sublime new design shop. Artefact Home|Garden offers unique furnishings, lighting, table and barware, garden ornaments, textiles and quirky, but oh-so-practical objects, juxtaposing sophisticated design with unconventional style in an airy loft-like location. With exciting lines such as Verellen, Montes Continue reading >>>

WHAT:         In celebration of International Women’s Day, international humanitarian organization Oxfam America joins Lovin’ Spoonfuls, Massachusetts Climate Action Network, Science Club for Girls, Slow Food Boston, and United Nations Association of Greater Boston for a panel and dinner event that draws attention to women on the frontlines of global hunger.   Here in Boston, women are innovators in building a better food system that provides healthy and sustainable choices.  Join us to celebrate women’s achievements here and worldwide in changing the way we Continue reading >>>