Dec., 29, 2010

TOP FIVE:
Patriot Ledger: Massachustts lawmakers poised to renew the casino battle in 2011 – Quincy , MA – The Patriot Ledger
Cape Cod Times: New offshore wind farm leases in sight
Globe:Patrick bumps veterans secretary
Herald :Republicans defend party chairwoman
Worcester T&G:Durant-Alicea showdown

LEGISLATURE:
MetroWest: Supporters seek expansion of bottle bill in 2011
Cape Cod Times: Travel expense riles new Cape rep

SNOW:
AP:Cost of battling weekend storm tops $14M in Mass.
Worcester T&G:Court shifts liability

ENERGY:
Globe:More wind farms may be built off coast
MetroWest: Wayland resident named undersecretary for energy

VETERANS:
Republican:Western Massachusetts veterans agents report surge in applications for benefits

MIDDLESEX SHERIFF:
MetroWest: Middlesex sheriff announcement could come tomorrow – Framingham, MA – The MetroWest Daily News
DiPaola Successor Likely Named By Week’s End – Belmont, MA Patch

STATE HEADLINES:
Globe:At Probation, new chief keeps focus on future
AP:Outgoing Hampden DA to join law firm
AP:Fund-raiser seeks dismissal of charges
AP: Mass. court closings delayed

THE FEDS:
Herald: Brown tops U.S. Senators in popularity

TRANSPORTATION:
Worcester T&G:’Quiet car’ coming
Lowell Sun: Texting law yields few citations

FAREWELLS:
Republican:Outgoing Hampden DA William Bennett says after 20 years, victims and families still want 1 thing: swift justice

COURTS:
Republican:Legal guidance sought over Springfield City Councilor-elect Amaad I. Rivera’s residency
Republican:Juvenile Court Judge James Collins to head Massachusetts Judges Conference

LOCAL HEADLINES:
Dianne Wilkerson’s son mulls council run
Globe:Menino undergoes surgery on right knee
Republican:Proposed Springfield home rule bill would hike illegal dumping fines
Republican:Mayor Domenic Sarno seeks public input on Springfield draft 4-year strategic action plan
Seekonk candidates form election year alliance

REGION:
Nancy Wyman: A Liberal Democrat With Bipartisan Support
Projo: Lynch, Cicilline launch drive to aid family of the late Providence city solicitor and help reduce his campaign debt
AP: Caught driving drunk, official tries ‘reputational restoration’
AP: Incoming GOP may turn new laws around quickly
AP: Proposed NH law would let bars advertise ‘Happy Hours’