Massachusetts' largest business groups, which allied to promote the passage of the 2006 law that expanded health insurance coverage, are now divided over how the state should go about reducing healthcare costs, according to a Boston Globe report. Associated Industries of Massachusetts, a business trade group, has pushed for tighter controls on spending than suggested by the House or Senate. Its former allies, including the Massachusetts Taxpayer Foundation, a research organization for employers, say tighter controls could lead to over-regulation.Advocates Continue reading >>>

Boston home prices up in March but down from a year ago, survey says. Thomas Grillo Real Estate Editor- Boston Business Journal Email Home prices in Greater Boston increased slightly in March, according to the SP/Case-Shiller Home Price Index. In the Boston Continue reading >>>

Perhaps in demonstration of that ideal, representatives of groups with widely varying interests, including the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Hospital Association, the Massachusetts Medical Society, and others, began meeting nearly two years ago to discuss options for cost containment.

Daniel Buckley Pieper, of Jamaica Plain, a former businessman, died Tuesday at his home. He was 59. Mr. Pieper was formerly of Scarborough, Maine. He was the founder and president of the Southbourne Group, a commercial brokerage company serving Greater Boston. Mr. Pieper enjoyed deepwater sailing, maintaining his rose garden and was a master of culinary arts. He was a man who taught others by example in his willingness to help those in need. Life partner to the late Angela K. Ramker, Mr. Pieper is survived by a sister, Joan F. Pieper of Ramona, Calif.; two brothers, Robert D. of South Portland, Continue reading >>>

Full casting has been announced for the Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston's production of the Edward Kleban-Marvin Hamlisch musical A Chorus Line, which will run June 15-24. The production will feature Michael Bennett's Tony Award-winning choreography recreated by Leslie Woodies. Lorenzo Lamas will play Zach, along with Scott Abreu as Paul; Katie Clark as Cassie; Phillip daCosta as Al; Aimee Doherty as Sheila; Danielle Goldstein as Val; Bradley Jensen as Mike; Maria LaRossa as Kristine; Allison Russell as Maggie; Hannah Shihdanian as Bebe; Jeremy Towle as Larry; Kerri Wilson as Diana; Continue reading >>>

He earned a Bachelor's Degree from Wofford College and both a Master's and Doctorate of Education from the University of Virginia and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He was a WWII veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps where he was awarded a Silver Star and a Purple Heart.He was employed as a Publisher at Ginn and Co. (K-12). Early in his life, Ben taught at Spartanburg's Jenkins Jr. High. He also served as Executive Director of Hammond Castle Museum, Consultant for ESCNE, ABLE and United Way of Greater Boston, was Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Spartanburg and was in Who's Who in Continue reading >>>