2 more swine flu deaths reported in MA
Swine flu claims two more lives in Massachusetts. The state Department of Public Health says both victims died of complications of the virus this week. One victim was a young child, the other a middle-aged adult. It's unclear whether either victim had any under-lying medical conditions but the D.P.H. says serious swine flu cases are being seen even in 'healthy' people. Dr. Larry Dr. Larry Madoff, head of epidemiology and immunization at says 17 people have died of swine flu in Massachusetts. It's important to note that as of November 19, there have been a total of 1,768 confirmed cases of H1N1 throughout Massachusetts since April.
Plymouth honors one of it's own
Fellow soldiers, family and friends turned out in Plymouth Friday to say goodbye to one of their own. Army Specialist Ben Sherman was killed while fighting in Afghanistan. His body was brought to Second Church in the Manomet section of Plymouth by horse drawn carriage as hundreds of people, all carrying American flags, lined state road in the pouring rain.
MA House orders staff - not member - furloughs
House leaders are ordering their staff members to take five furlough days, although lawmakers won't have to take them themselves. House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Minority Leader Bradley Jones of North Reading said in a statement Friday furloughs for the 540 staffers will save the state $620,000.
'Big Brother 9' winner seeks bail in drug case
The winner of the CBS reality TV show "Big Brother 9" accused of trying to sell a powerful prescription painkiller is again asking to be released on bail until his trial. Adam Jasinski, of Delray Beach, Fla., was charged last month with attempting to sell 2,000 oxycodone pills. They can produce a heroin-like high if crushed and then swallowed, snorted or injected.
Harvard looks to reduce professor ranks
The dean of Harvard University's Faculty of Arts and Sciences said he will reduce the number of professors to help balance a $110 million deficit. Dean Michael Smith told The Harvard Crimson student newspaper the cuts could come through attrition, by leaving vacancies unfilled and through retirement packages.
