Topic: Massachusetts

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Playing the IRS card: Six presidents who used the IRS to bash political foes

Since the advent of the federal income tax about a century ago, several presidents – or their zealous underlings – have directed the IRS to use its formidable police powers to harass or punish enemies, political rivals, and administration critics. Here are six infamous episodes.
5 reasons graphic novels are the next big thing at your library

The book format is everywhere, from ESL classrooms to Ivy League libraries.
Senate freshmen: What the 14 new members bring to Capitol Hill

A freshman Senate class was sworn in Jan. 3, bringing diverse skills and experience – not to mention agendas – to the legislative body. Whether the 14 newest senators help break partisan gridlock, or refuse to work across the aisle, will be the test for the 113th Congress.Twelve were elected on Nov. 6, including three Republicans, eight Democrats, and an independent. In addition, a Republican and a Democrat were appointed to vacant seats after the election. Here is a look at the 14 and what they bring to the Senate:
Thanksgiving Day by the numbers: 10 mind-stuffing facts

Data from the Census and other sources provide some numerical insights into Thanksgiving, arguably the most cherished national holiday.
Election 2012: 12 reasons Obama won and Romney lost

President Obama went into his reelection fight facing significant head winds – most important, high unemployment and slow economic growth. But for a multitude of reasons, including Obama’s positives and Republican challenger Mitt Romney’s negatives, Obama succeeded. Here’s our list.

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Senate freshmen: What the 14 new members bring to Capitol Hill

A freshman Senate class was sworn in Jan. 3, bringing diverse skills and experience – not to mention agendas – to the legislative body. Whether the 14 newest senators help break partisan gridlock, or refuse to work across the aisle, will be the test for the 113th Congress.Twelve were elected on Nov. 6, including three Republicans, eight Democrats, and an independent. In addition, a Republican and a Democrat were appointed to vacant seats after the election. Here is a look at the 14 and what they bring to the Senate:
Opinion: Don't listen to the Chicken Littles: Obama made smart investments in green tech

A few falling acorns (Solyndra and A123) don't mean the sky is falling on clean technology. Far from it. The federal government’s track record on supporting green energy tech is an enviable one. And this investment is improving America’s energy, economic, and environmental fortunes.
Decoder Wire Barney Frank wants to be a senator. Is that a good thing or bad? (+video)

In media interviews Friday, just-retired Rep. Barney Frank said he'd like the Massachusetts governor to appoint him as an interim senator. In his 16 terms in the House, he had both highs and lows.
New Congress to vote on superstorm Sandy aid

The new Congress is expected to vote on Friday for relief for the many home and business owners devastated by superstorm Sandy.
Decoder Wire Chris Christie: Did primal scream help or hurt his presidential prospects? (+video)

Gov. Chris Christie tore into Speaker Boehner and the House GOP over the delay in a vote on Sandy relief. That could help him get reelected but hurt him in a Republican primary campaign.
Bitterly divided Congress greets new members just in time for new fiscal fight

The outgoing Congress, which has been criticized as the least productive one in more than 60 years, staggered to an end this week by passing a limited deal to avoid the worst of the so-called 'fiscal cliff.'
Colombia: Rappers under threat in Medellin by violent street gangs

The socially conscious, anti-violence message of many hip-hop artists' lyrics put some at odds with street gangs in Medellin, Colombia.
Congress will vote on Sandy aid this week, says Boehner (+video)

House Speaker John Boehner rescheduled a vote on Sandy relief funding for Friday at the urging of lawmakers from the storm's hardest hit regions. The funding is slated to go toward immediate relief for victims as well as rebuilding efforts.
Snow piles up in New England

On Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning parts of southern New England and the Northeast received up to a foot of snow. Some lost power, while others were stranded trying to travel.
Maine same-sex couples marry in first hours of law

After waiting years, gay couples in Maine's largest city didn't have to wait a moment longer than necessary to wed, with licenses issued at the stroke of midnight as the law went into effect.
No Ben Affleck? That's OK, Massachusetts Senate race still poised to be big.

If John Kerry's seat needs to be filled next year, it will be the fourth time Massachusetts voters have chosen Senate candidates in a six-year period. Actor-director Ben Affleck said Monday he won't run.
Decoder Wire Might Ben Affleck try leap from Hollywood to US Senate? So far, he's cagey.

The actor and director says he's 'happy being involved from outside in government.' But Ben Affleck didn't exactly put the kibosh on talk about a possible run for John Kerry's Senate seat.
Cover Story Who's filling America's church pews

In Puritan New England, Protestant and Catholic churches are declining while evangelical and Pentecostal groups are rising. Why the nation's most secular region may hint at the future of religion.
Audits looking for undocumented immigrants on the rise

Immigration and Customs Enforcement has reported auditing more companies than ever before to look for undocumented workers on the payroll. Though President Obama has supported a path to legal status for many immigrants, he also supports penalties for companies that purposely hire illegal immigrants.
John Kerry as secretary of State: expect a more traditional style (+video)

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, with her late-night dancing and talks with children, was known for her 'people to people' style. John Kerry is expected to adopt a more traditional version of diplomacy.
Obama chooses John Kerry for secretary of State. How might he do?

President Obama is expected on Friday to name Sen. John Kerry to replace Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. He'd come with his own pet issues – as well as a reputation as a patient negotiator.
Decoder Wire Sen. Ben Affleck? Fearing loss of Mass. Senate seat, Democrats scramble.

A poll shows outgoing GOP Sen. Scott Brown leading potential Democratic opponents for Sen. John Kerry's seat, if the latter becomes secretary of State. Ben Affleck hasn't flatly denied a possible run.
Gun sales spike in some states, while others stock up on armored backpacks

The Sandy Hook Conn. school shooting has lead to mixed reactions amongst shoppers. Some states have seen record gun sales, while self-defense retailers have also noticed an increase.
Change Agent Nonprofits' message: Keep firewood close to home

Environmental groups are sending out a warning that transporting firewood across state lines can spread insects and diseases, wiping out swaths of forest and causing economic and environmental damage.
Reports: Sen. John Kerry to be named secretary of State (+video)

Now that Susan Rice has withdrawn her name, President Obama reportedly will name Sen. John Kerry to take over as secretary of State when Hillary Rodham Clinton resigns.
Obama says going after marijuana 'not a top priority' (+video)

Marijuana remains an illegal drug under federal law even though voters in Colorado and Washington State recently approved ballot measures legalizing small amounts of pot for adults.
Difference Maker Entrepreneur Joe Edwards helps make St. Louis vibrant again

By restoring buildings and activity to a historic St. Louis neighborhood Joe Edwards has become a powerful force for civic good.
Why Susan Rice withdrew her name as secretary of State (+video)

Republican senators had vowed a fight if Obama nominated Susan Rice to be his next secretary of State. Their opposition centered on her erroneous public statements about the attack on the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya.
Google Zeitgeist reveals the most searched terms of 2012

Google Zeitgeist 2012 reports that people wanted to know about Whitney Houston, PSY, iPad, and many other terms.
Supreme Court invites lawyer to argue DOMA is outside their jurisdiction

Vicki C. Jackson will be arguing that it's improper for the Supreme Court to even consider making a ruling on a federal law that treats gay married couples differently from heterosexual married couples.