Worried about the impact of potential fare hikes and service cuts at the MBTA, some of Massachusetts’s most powerful CEOs have been holding meetings about the prospect of a short-term solution to the agency’s financial woes, according to the head of a group that represents the Bay States biggest employers. “If people can’t get to their jobs, we’re going to see a slowdown of economic activity here in the commonwealth,” said Dan O’Connell, president of the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership. “The T issue, of course, impacts the Greater Boston area. The commuter rail system and Continue reading >>>

No protesters interrupted the MBTA's 20th public meeting on proposed cuts for next year's budget, though transportation officials still got an earful from angry commuters Thursday night. During the meeting, 137 speakers took to the podium on behalf of students, seniors, the handicapped, the ill and more, with a common message to MBTA General Manager Jonathan Davis: these proposals are unacceptable. Officials say a mixture of service cuts and fare hikes are necessary to close a $161 million deficit in next year's operating budget, with one proposed scenario eliminating all bus routes in Melrose. “I Continue reading >>>

Kathy McCabe photos Howard McGowan, 87, of Malden, an advocate for elder services, speaks at the hearing. By Kathy McCabe, Globe StaffThey came with guide dogs, walkers, and backpacks. They were armed with petitions, spoke with passion, and shared common pleasDon't cut bus, subway, or train service. Don't hike fares for a ride, or to park in an MBTA lot. "This is a public service," said Lisa Huguley, 47, a disabled woman who lives in Malden public housing. "We're the public. We need this transportation. Don't take away the services we need."                                       Continue reading >>>

print Published: February 17. 2012 4:00AM PST Deaths of note from around the world:Paul Richard McDermott, 76: A business consultant who turned a moribund Advertising Club of Greater Boston into a trade organization with clout. Died of complications of Parkinson’s disease on Feb. 9 in Chelsea’s Leonard Florence Center for Living in Boston.Nathaniel Blumberg, 89: The legendary former dean of the University of Montana School of Journalism was also a Rhodes Scholar during Continue reading >>>

The Irish Times - Friday, February 17, 2012CAROLINE MADDENCARLOW FIRM Netwatch will create 50 new jobs across its Irish and US operations over the next 18 months.The property protection services firm is investing over €3 million in an expansion drive in the US. This will generate 30 new positions split between Carlow and Boston by the end of the year, bringing Netwatch’s total headcount to over 120. A further 20 jobs will be created by late summer next year.Taoiseach Enda Kenny officially launched Netwatch’s north American headquarters in Boston yesterday. He said by harnessing modern technologies Continue reading >>>

BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Putting western Massachusetts front and center, the chairs of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, Rep. Joseph Wagner (D-Chicopee) and Sen. Gale Candaras (D-Wilbraham), asked state officials how they’re growing the economy in the western part of the state. Housing and Economic Development Secretary Gregory Bialecki said his office is facilitating relationships between western Massachusetts companies and large companies, like Raytheon, which specializes in military defense products.  “We’re actually going to start by talking with some Continue reading >>>

(Justmeans.com / CSR News) - LONG BEACH, Calif., Feb. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq: JBLU) is pleased to announce that it teamed up with long-time partner KaBOOM! to build its 12th playground in 12 years today at the Fairfield Family Branch YMCA in Long Beach, Calif. The playground build began with a kickoff ceremony at 8:30 a.m. PT and the ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held be at 2:30 p.m. To celebrate its partnership with KaBOOM! JetBlue is inviting customers to vote on the next playground location (a) on its Facebook page. Those who vote will be entered for a chance Continue reading >>>

Staff report St. Bernard's graduate Stevie Moses of the University of New Hamsphire men's hockey team was named a semifinalist for the 60th annual Walter Brown Award, presented annually to the best American-born college hockey player in New England. The senior forward from Leominster, was among a group of 21 semifinalists selected by the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston, as announced by Paul Stewart on Feb. 13. In total, 14 players from Hockey East were selected. Moses has become one of the top players in college hockey in 2011-12. The alternate captain recently became the third Wildcat Continue reading >>>

  What started off as a fun poll has turned into a very serious debate with lives (not quite) at stake. So who is the unofficial mayor of West Roxbury? Centre, Spring and even little streets like Bonair, are debating: TD vs. Tony, Gormley vs. Jacobson, and Waishek vs. Hennessey. As the debate swirls like the stir of a cup of Anna's Donuts coffee, reports of thuggery have already besieged the good names of the nominees. One anonymous West Roxbury Patch reader emailed an incident that may or may not have occured. Fearing for his or her morning coffee, the reader will not be identified: This whole Continue reading >>>

Air Force defenseman Tim Kirby is in line for the Atlantic Hockey player of the year award, coach Frank Serratore says (photo: Omar Phillips).It’s time to think about final fours in Atlantic Hockey. There are four games left in the regular season, and four first-round byes on the line.Hanging onto first place for the second straight week is Air Force, which is riding an eight-game unbeaten streak. The Falcons are getting it all right now: excellent goaltending from sophomore Jason Torf, timely scoring and a defense that excels on both sides of the puck.“We’re playing with a lot of energy Continue reading >>>