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Business

State Opens Investigation into Facebook IPO


By Sarah Birnbaum
Massachusetts’ top securities regulator has subpoenaed Morgan Stanley related to allegations that it misled most shareholders about the value of Facebook's IPO.
Fish

Exploring the New Fish Counter at Whole Foods


MORE FISH NEWS AND RECIPES
By Toni Waterman
Whole Foods has stopped selling "red-rated" fish. We take a trip to Cambridge to look at what that really means for shoppers.
Business

Exporting Boston's Plastics


INNOVATION SPOTLIGHT: RECYCLING PLASTICS
By Cristina Quinn & WGBH News
Some plastic waste gets recycled in New England plants. But some gets shipped overseas in the proverbial slow boat to China. See photos of one Chinese vessel and get a sense of the scale of our plastic exports.
Environment

Innovation Spotlight: Recycling Plastics


WHAT HAPPENS TO THE REST OF IT
By Cristina Quinn
Banned in Concord, the plastic water bottle has become a symbol of waste. But an entire industry wants you to keep using plastic ... as long as you toss it in the blue bin. WGBH News finds there is, indeed, a future in plastics.
Business

Facebook, Phone Home!


By Kristina Finn & Danielle Dreilinger
With the big IPO in the headlines, Mass. House Speaker Robert DeLeo put together his own sales pitch: to convince Mark Zuckerberg to move back to the Bay State.
Innovation Hub

Keeping a Business Innovative

By Kara Miller
We talk to two authors who have looked at what it takes to successfully run an innovative business, from start-ups all the way to behemoths like Proctor and Gamble.
Innovation Hub

Starting a Business, from the Ground Up


MORE INNOVATION HUB
By Kara Miller
We talk to a few local entrepreneurs trying their hand at the business world: trying to come up with the next great idea, encountering money problems, and sometimes getting a little help from Oprah...
Xconomy

Xconomy Report: Fly the Googley Skies


By Gregory T. Huang, Editor, Xconomy Boston
A year after Google acquired local startup ITA Software, it appears the giant's travel strategy is more about managing data than finding the best fares.  
Gambling

The Silver City Goes for Casino Gold


By Sean Corcoran
The Mashpee Wampanoags' proposed casino in Taunton, Mass., would contribute about $120 million annually in economic development to the region, the tribal chief said.
WGBH News Focus: The MBTA

Should Massport Help the T?


WGBH NEWS FOCUS: THE MBTA
By Bob Seay & WGBH News
Former state transportation secretary Fred Salvucci says there's one dramatic and simple fix for the MBTA's debt: Have Massport pick it up. Here's the agency's response and your thoughts on the Big Dig debt.
Government

Commission Targets Corporate Tax Incentives


By Sarah Birnbaum
A bipartisan commission has unanimously approved recommendations to track and assess the performance of business tax breaks.
Xconomy

Xconomy Report: Mobile Is Moving


By Gregory T. Huang, Editor, Xconomy Boston
While most of the tech world is talking about Facebook's billion-dollar acquisition of Instagram, a couple of local startups in mobile and social apps are making some noise of their own.
Communications & Media

The Herald's New Square


By Emily Rooney
Boston's tabloid has moved into new digs in the sleek, up-and-coming Seaport District — shedding its presses and maybe, someday, even newsprint itself.
Technology

Gamers Invade Massachusetts


WGBH NEWS: PAX EAST SIGNS DEAL
By Will Roseliep
As 75,000 video game fans descend on the Seaport for the PAX East conference, locals say the Bay State has become a major player in the industry. 
Innovation Hub

A New Look For The Tax Code


MORE INNOVATION HUB
By Kara Miller
Does our tax system make any sense? We ask two top economists how they would reinvent and rethink.
Business

Postal Workers Protest Planned Closures


TWO POST OFFICES, TWO STORIES
By Sarah Birnbaum
Advocates and employees warn that a plan to save $20 billion will result in furious customers and lost jobs.
Technology

Xconomy Report: The Internet Never Forgets


By Xconomy.com
New England tech startups could be instrumental in changing the way companies market their wares in a digital world, with technology to help companies get their stories out on Facebook and merge advertising with mobile apps.
Women

There Is Always Room at the Top


By Danielle Dreilinger
On International Women's Day, pioneering ad executive Charlotte Beers talks about her climb to success and how other women can get there too.
Economy

Optimism Continues among Local Employers

By Jordan Weinstein
Associated Industries of Massachusetts reported that its business confidence index for February rose to its highest level in nearly a year.
Travel

Dreaming of an Air Travel Boom


By Adam Reilly
Boeing's fuel-efficient Dreamliner 787 is making nonstop Boston-to-Tokyo air travel feasible for the first time.
Government

This Week in State Politics: Super Tuesday Looms


By Sarah Birnbaum
This week in Massachusetts state politics, Sen. John Kerry addresses the Bay State business community, Lt. Gov. Tim Murray continues his tour of military bases and voters head to the polls to choose presidential nominees. 
Business

Your Cafe, My Office


By Phillip Martin
In a sign of the times, your neighborhood café has become an office space -- and a new cultural tension is brewing.
Innovation Hub

Bringing More Women To The Top Of The Business World


MORE INNOVATION HUB
By Kara Miller
We talk to a filmmaker, a vice president at Google and a national news anchor about the future of women in business.
Innovation Hub

The Gig Economy

By Kara Miller
We all know that musicians, models, and actors often have lives filled with unpredictable, one-time gigs. But what if, along with hip-hop bands, wedding photographers, and freelance writers, we’re all being enveloped by the gig economy?
Gambling

Setting the Odds on an Eastie Casino


By Adam Reilly
So far the debate over the proposed casino at Suffolk Downs has been pretty quiet. But with the Foxboro idea going nowhere, that may be about to change.
Weather & National Disasters

Winter's for Building


By Jordan Weinstein
The balmy weather has been lethal for ski resorts, but it's boom times for the region's construction industry. A financial services reporter explains the situation and the link to commercial lending.
Government

For Controversial Office Complex, a New Approach


By Sarah Birnbaum
Mass. lawmakers are pushing a bill to allow the medical software company Meditech to build an office complex on an Indian burial ground — and it's causing friction with Secretary of State William Galvin.
Energy

Cape Wind Deal Done, Governor Says OK to Merger


WCAI CAPE WIND BLOG
By Sarah Birnbaum
Gov. Deval Patrick has agreed to sign off on a merger between NSTAR and Northeast Utilities, removing a major roadblock from the $17.5 billion deal. The state had been holding off while the utilities negotiated a side deal to buy renewable power from Cape Wind.
Business

Game Conference Sparks Hope in Local Industry


By Toni Waterman & Sanjay Salomon
Officials say the video game conference PAX East’s 10-year commitment to Boston could make Massachusetts the center of the rapidly growing, multi-billion-dollar gaming industry.
Business

A Candy Company Tries Again


HOW DOES NECCO COME UP WITH THOSE SAYINGS?
By Cristina Quinn
Candy is big business this time of year. And while Valentine's Day candy is steeped in tradition, Necco is trying to figure out how to stand out in other seasons. 
Innovation Hub

The Power Of The Crowd: Kickstarting Local Ideas

By Kara Miller
This week, we look at the power of crowd-sourcing. What happens you pool wisdom, ideas, solutions — even money? First, we look at the crowdsourcing phenomenon, Kickstarter.
Xconomy

Xconomy Report: Corporate Eyes Are Watching You


By Xconomy.com
With video conferencing, your competitors can be just as bored as you are: Many video conferences are susceptible to corporate spying, according to Boston software company Rapid7.
Government

Read DeLeo's Lips: No New Taxes


By Sarah Birnbaum
Mass. House Speaker Robert DeLeo told lawmakers on Feb. 8 that he would not support any new taxes or fees, seeming to deal a blow to the governor's budget plan.
Boston

New Owner Means New Hope At Downtown Crossing


By Toni Waterman
Boston mayor Tom Menino is confident the new owner of the Filene's site will have the project off the ground within a year.
Innovation Hub

Using Business Tools To Combat The World's Big Problems


By Kara Miller
We talk to experts about the rising tide of social entrepreneurship. Does it have the power to address some of the fundamental problems in society?
WGBH Local News

J.C. Penney Gets A Makeover


By Toni Waterman
Have the lambs stopped screaming yet, Clarice? Maybe not — but those maddening shoppers have!  J.C. Penney has become the latest business to reinvent itself for the 21st century.
Business

Paying The Bills One 'Gig' At A Time


By Ibby Caputo
Even when the economy turns around, it will take years for jobs to return to pre-recession levels. That’s why more and more people are re-inventing their work lives in nontraditional, innovative ways.
Economy

Update On The New England Economy


By Bob Seay
The president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank in Boston says that the region's economy is growing, but ever so slowly.
Xconomy

Xconomy Report: It's Hard Out There For A Jerk


By Xconomy.com
An informal survey of Boston-area tech CEOs suggests that being a jerk may be much less beneficial than it used to be.
Innovation Hub

A Tour Of Harvard's Innovation Lab


MORE INNOVATION HUB
By Kara Miller
We take a walk through Harvard's new Innovation Lab,where students and graduate students can take courses, find mentors, compete for start-up money… and work together while doing it.
Energy

Further Delay Predicted For Cape Wind


WCAI CAPE WIND BLOG
By Sean Corcoran
The region's wholesale electricity market overseer has determined that Cape Wind will not be ready to generate electricity within the next 3.5 years.
Business

Will 2012 See The Filene's Hole Filled?


MORE CALLIE CROSSLEY
By WGBH News
Pols probably didn't consider this consequence in the lengthy, heated debate over gambling: Casino licensing may finally spur action at the former Filene's site in Downtown Crossing.
Gambling

Gaming Chairman: 'The Public Is Very Skeptical'


GOV. NAMES GAMING CHAIRMAN
By WGBH News
New gaming commission chairman Stephen Crosby told WGBH News that upholding ethics was his top concern.
U.S.

Post Office Agrees To Delay Closings


WGBH NEWS: SIGNED, SEALED, DISCONTINUED?
By WGBH News & Wires
The U.S. Postal Service has agreed to delay the closing of 252 mail processing centers and 3,700 local post offices until mid-May. This week, WGBH News explores the question of whether two of these offices matter to the people of Cambridge, Mass.
Innovation Hub

Morning Edition Extra: Finding Young, Specific Talent For Boston

By Kara Miller
Over the past few weeks at Innovation Hub, we have spoken with a number of young entrepreneurs, and the people who help their businesses grow, with space and money. And, no matter how you slice it, there's one fact we can't get away from: Young people today are flocking toward start-ups and entrepreneurship at newly high levels. MORE INNOVATION HUB
This Week On Beacon Hill

Gov. Seeks Gambling Head, Hears Revenue Forecast


By Sarah Birnbaum
The Governor is back on Beacon Hill Monday, fresh from a trade mission to Brazil and Chile. This week, he'll weigh a pick for the casino-gaming commission and hear a tax-revenue forecast. Meanwhile, some are pushing to legalize the sale of alcohol in Mass. on the day after Christmas.
Innovation Hub

The Power Of Purse: Funding A Start-Up In Boston

By Kara Miller
We hear from the people with the purse. Some of the Boston area’s most knowledgeable venture capitalists, seed-funders and prize-givers join us to talk about what they’re investing in, how to spot great talent, and whether the economy is finally springing back to life in Boston. MORE INNOVATION HUB
Innovation Hub

A Home -- And An Adrenaline Shot -- For Startups


MORE INNOVATION HUB
By Kara Miller
This week, we look at how to create spaces that encourage creativity and inventiveness. What happens when you put hundreds of ambitious entrepreneurs in one building? Do great minds feed off each other? What can they teach us about success — and about potential pitfalls?
Business

State's Innovation Economy Draws International Deals


By WGBH News
Gov. Deval Patrick is finishing his nine-day trade mission to South America excited by new collaborations with countries there.
Gambling

Predicting Casinos' Impact On The Bay State


MORE CALLIE CROSSLEY
By WGBH News
Observers say that casinos will have a major impact on both the state's bottom line and politicians' careers.
Innovation Hub

Boston's Young Entrepreneurs


MORE INNOVATION HUB
By Kara Miller
Today, we look at what it takes for young people to start their own businesses in tough economic times. What ideas are viable? Where do you get money? And how do you cater to financially-strapped consumers? We talk to some of the most creative young minds in the Boston area.
Xconomy

Xconomy Report: Treatment For Parkinson's


By Xconomy.com
In this week's top life sciences and innovation news, Michael J. Fox's charity has given a local startup funding to improve Parkinson's treatment.
Innovation Hub

Local Frontiers In Sustainable Farming


MORE: SUSTAINABILITY IS SERVED
By Kara Miller
We look at new frontiers in sustainable food. Is a new model of food production changing the way we eat? The way we think about food? How do you run a green, 21st-century farm? How can you compete with inexpensive imports?
Business

Bob Slate And The Case Of The Paper Letter


GREATER BOSTON: BOB SLATE REOPENS
By Danielle Dreilinger
As the holiday shopping season starts, one familiar face is back in Cambridge: Bob Slate Stationer, which closed earlier this year. If its demise represented the death of local retail, paper and Harvard Square, what does the store's revival mean?
INNOVATION

Xconomy Report For Nov. 25, 2011


By Xconomy.com
AOL co-founder Steve Case has invested in a Boston startup that's created a smartphone app popular among runners.
INNOVATION

Xconomy Report For Nov. 18, 2011


By Xconomy.com
Will the new Harvard Innovation Lab, opening today, keep the next Zuck or Gates in Boston? That's the $20 million question.
WHERE WE LIVE

Where You Live: 'Always Christmas' In Georgetown


WHERE WE LIVE: COMPLETE SERIES
By Terry and Rick Palardy
Despite health challenges, Terry Palardy is living her retirement dream in the North Shore town where she and her husband have made toys and gifts since the '70s.
WHERE WE LIVE

Worcester Plans A New Economy


WHERE WE LIVE: COMPLETE SERIES
By Sarah Birnbaum
The amenities that have attracted biotech execs to Worcester are no accident: Starting 30 years ago, the city has been working to attract new industries. But will it be enough?
Gambling

Final Gambling Bill Almost There


WGBH NEWS: HAPPY HOUR IN MASS.? NOT SO FAST
By Sarah Birnbaum
The consensus bill licenses three resort-style casinos and one slots parlor in Massachusetts. 
Innovation Hub

Finding The Next Big Thing

By Kara Miller
We welcome two nationally-known business insiders for a wide-ranging conversation about seeding new companies, technologies on the rise and, of course, the next big thing.
Energy

Energy In The Ether?


By Bob Seay
Wireless electricity offers the promise of a life free from the worry of losing one's phone charger — or maybe even losing power after a storm.
Technology

Facebook Founder's 'Fans' Flock To See Him IRL


INNOVATION HUB: ZUCKERBERG RETURNS
By Cristina Quinn and WGBH News
Harvard students and the media crowded around to hear Mark Zuckerberg explain his plans for Facebook — which do not involve opening a Boston office any time soon. UPDATE: Listen to his speech to students.
Xconomy

Xconomy Report For Nov. 4, 2011

By Xconomy.com
On Monday, Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook is recruiting at Harvard and MIT to tap into Boston's hot startup market — epitomized by fast-growing upstarts such as HubSpot, Gemvara, Kayak, TripAdvisor and Wayfair.
LOCAL BUSINESS

Resurrection Unlikely For Boston Icon


VOICES FROM THE BASEMENT
EMILY ROONEY SHOW: FILENE'S CLOSING FOR GOOD
By Jordan Weinstein

With parent company Syms filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, is it finally time to give up hope for the survival of Filene's Basement?

LOCAL NEWS

Luxury Housing And The Rental Crisis


CALLIE CROSSLEY SHOW: BOSTON'S SKYROCKETING RENTS
By Danielle Dreilinger
It's harder than ever to find an affordable place to live in greater Boston — and a research institute chalks it up partly to growing income inequality.
INNOVATION

Inventing The Future: Learning From The Epic Fail


WGBH RADIO: INNOVATION HUB
By WGBH News
Many successful startups — including Rovio, creator of "Angry Birds" — had to experience a lot of failure first.
Greater Boston

RelayRides: Car Sharing On The Rise In Boston


MORE GREATER BOSTON
By Jaclyn Cashman
Rental car companies beware! A new peer-to-peer car sharing program allows neighbors to borrow each other's cars instead of owning one. See how RelayRides has shaken up the car-sharing marketplace.
INNOVATION

MIT Signs Historic Deal With New Russian Technology Hub


MIT HELPS BUILD THE 'SILICON VALLEY' OF RUSSIA
By Phillip Martin
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is teaming with a Russian government–sponsored foundation to build a world-class graduate school of technology, known as SkTech, just outside Moscow.
Business

State Lures Bargain Shoppers With Online Auction


MORE NEWS
By Sarah Birnbaum
Just in time for early holiday shopping, the Massachusetts Abandoned Property Division is auctioning off unclaimed valuables on eBay.
Greater Boston

Municipal Choice: A Power Play In The Bay State


MORE GREATER BOSTON
By Adam Reilly
An investigative report on how big utility companies are pulling the plug on competition in Massachusetts.
LOCAL POLITICS

State Investigates Controversial Lottery Game

By Sarah Birnbaum
State Treasurer Steve Grossman called for an investigation into a state lottery game called Cash WinFall after a handful of gamblers exploited a flaw and raked in millions.
Greater Boston

Consignment Shopping To Stay Stylish In A Down Economy


MORE GREATER BOSTON
By Jaclyn Cashman
Most shoppers, even label lovers, agree that clothing doesn't give you a great return on your investment, only your sense of style. To stay stylish in this rugged economy, people are turning more to second hand clothing.
BUSINESS

Wegmans Enters Mass. Market With A Splash


MORE NEWS
By Gary Mott
There’s a new entry in the hyper-competitive world of food shopping in Massachusetts. The N.Y.-based chain Wegmans inspires fierce loyalty among its customers and employees — and now it's opened the largest supermarket in Massachusetts. Can it replicate its success here?
Boston

Happy Hour Could Return To Mass.


By Sarah Birnbaum
For the first time in most than two decades, bars and restaurants may be able to offer discounted drinks in Massachusetts, under a measure passed by the state Senate on Tuesday.
Greater Boston

Friendly's Files For Bankruptcy


MORE GREATER BOSTON
By Jaclyn Cashman
A Massachusetts-based family-friendly restaurant chain is heading into bankruptcy. Friendly's is shutting down 63 locations across the country after more than 75 years in business.
INNOVATION HUB

Making Green Energy The Norm


MORE INNOVATION HUB
By Kara Miller
This week, we tackle two big questions: What are the newest green-energy technologies available, and how can the United States be encouraged to embrace them? Then, we turn to a conversation on tackling obesity. Find both conversations after the jump.
Innovation Hub

Innovation Hub: Introducing Ourselves!


By Kara Miller
Welcome to Innovation Hub! Each week on this show, we’ll hear from the most inventive, creative minds around and ask: What are they thinking? Building? Creating?
THE CALLIE CROSSLEY SHOW

New England Nuclear Plants Face Renewed Scrutiny


THE CALLIE CROSSLEY SHOW
By Will Roseliep
Nuclear plants in New England have come under increased scrutiny since the Fukushima-Daiichi disaster in Japan earlier this year. The scrutiny comes as the Pilgrim plant in Plymouth and the Vermont Yankee plant in Vernon, Vermont look to renew their operating licenses for another 20 years.
Local Politics

After Credit Bump, Mass Gets Low Bond Interest Rate

By Sarah Birnbaum
After securing what officials say is the highest credit rating in the state’s history, Massachusetts has sold $500 million in bonds at an interest rate of slightly below 3 percent.
Business

Patrick Touts Massachusetts At Biotech Conference

By Phillip Martin
Thousands of biotech and pharmaceutical dealmakers from around the work gathered in Boston this week for a Bio-Pharm America 2011 conference in Boston — and Gov. Deval Patrick is stressing the importance of their work to the Massachusetts economy.
Innovation

Entrepreneur Walk Of Fame Unveiled In Cambridge


MORE NEWS
By Cristina Quinn
The entrepreneurial spirit took over Kendall Square recently, with the unveiling of the Entrepreneur Walk of Fame, next to the Kendall Square/MIT MBTA station. The seven honorees inducted include Thomas Edison, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, and Apple's Steve Jobs.
89.7 WGBH

State Treasurer Considers Legalizing Online Poker


By Sarah Birnbaum
Momentum may be growing behind efforts to legalize online poker in Massachusetts. State Treasurer Steve Grossman’s Office is considering plans to legalize online poker for state residents.
89.7 WGBH

9/11 Brought 'Complete' Change To Cape Air


READ MORE
By Bob Seay
Dan Wolf is a state Senator and the owner of Cape Air, the small airline that flies in and out of Cape Cod to several cities around the United States. He spoke with WGBH's Bob Seay about the dramatic, immediate effect the attacks had on his business.
Business

Gambling Bill Looks Good For Mashpee Wampanoags


By Sarah Birnbaum
The casino gambling bill unveiled by Massachusetts legislative leaders earlier this week could give a boost to the Mashpee Wampanoag Native American tribe, but there are caveats.
Local Politics

New Bill Would Curb Toxic Chemicals In Everyday Products

By Sarah Birnbaum
Environmental activists in Massachusetts are pushing for quick passage of a bill that would restrict potentially harmful chemicals found in everyday products from window cleaners to shampoo. The so-called Safer Alternatives Bill had an initial hearing Tuesday on Beacon Hill.
Boston

Boston Has Nation's Highest Ratio Of 20-34 Year-Olds


By Jess Bidgood
Boston is home to a bigger proportion of adults ages 20-34 than any other city in America, with 35 percent of its population falling into the age group. Both Mayor Menino and an independent economist agree that's good for the city.
Local Politics

Sen. Brown, Rep. Tierney Chastise Federal Fishing Authority


By Sarah Birnbaum
A group of Massachusetts’ lawmakers is coming down hard the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the agency at the center of a contentious debate over regional fishing rights — and the subject of a damning Commerce Department investigation last year.
WHERE WE LIVE: JAMAICA PLAIN

Amid Criticism, JP Whole Foods Development Continues


WATCH GREATER BOSTON
By Toni Waterman
When Whole Foods announced in January it was moving into the Hi-Lo Foods supermarket in Boston’s Jamaica Plain neighborhood, it was met with a firestorm of criticism, igniting a debate over gentrification and business rights. Six months later, the conversation continues — and in some ways, it’s only gotten louder.
Business

Former State Environmental Chief Gets Into Business


EARLIER: BOWLES STEPS DOWN
By Andrea Smardon
Former Massachusetts Energy & Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles is heading into the private sector. He left his post as the state's top environmental official at the beginning of this year, and is now starting a new consulting firm with three other colleagues from the state.
CLIMATIDE

A Look At The 2010 Fishing Season



MORE CLIMATIDE
By Heather Goldstone
Scientists from NOAA's Northeast Fisheries Center in Woods Hole have released an upbeat preliminary report on the 2010 fishing season — the first to be managed by catch-shares management. They say the year saw no overfishing and higher revenues for fishermen.
Digital Life

Data-Sharing Websites May Facilitate Identity Theft


By Toni Waterman
A South Boston woman is struggling with identity theft — and it may not have been difficult for the theives to get her information. A crop of websites are aggregating personal information and showing it to anyone who wants to see, for free.
Business

Fisherman: Catch-Share Sectors 'Eliminate' Some Business


ONE YEAR OLD, CATCH SECTORS 'EFFECTIVE FOR BUSINESS'
By Bob Seay
Fisherman are wrapping up their first full year of compliance with a new set of federal regulations intended to prevent overfishing, called "sectors." Some fisherman say it's helped their businesses, but WGBH's Bob Seay speaks to a Plymouth fisherman who says he's lost 60 percent of his income because of the rules.
Health Care

Coakley: Nonprofit Board-Member Pay Unjustified

By Sarah Birnbaum
Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley is filing legislation that would allow her to prohibit nonprofits from paying their board members. The move follows the public uproar over generous salaries and severance packages at the state's largest health insurer.  
Economy

Mass. Unemployment Drops To 8 Percent

By The Associated Press
State officials say the Massachusetts unemployment rate dropped to 8 percent in March as 3,200 jobs were added during the month.
Business

Cambridge-Based Zipcar Shares Soar In Market Debut

By The Associated Press
Shares of Zipcar Inc. are soaring in their market debut after the initial public offering priced better than the company had predicted.
Business

Internet Sales Tax Loophole Cuts Both Ways On Main Street


By Ralph Ranalli
Lawmakers on Beacon Hill are holding a hearing Thursday on a proposal to close the legal loophole that allows major Internet retailers like Amazon.com and Overstock.com to avoid charging sales tax. But local affiliates of those big online retailers say it will hurt their business.
Business

Fidelity To Patrick: It's Not You, It's Me


LAWMAKERS DEMAND ANSWERS AS FIDELITY DEPARTS
By Sarah Birnbaum
Gov. Deval Patrick has confirmed that Fidelity will not reverse its decision to move 1,000 jobs out of Massachusetts — and says the investment company has apologized to him for announcing its decision when he was out of the country.
Business

Mass. Lawmakers Demand Answers As Fidelity Departs


EARLIER: LAWMAKER WANTS TO 'CLAW BACK' STATE AID
By Sarah Birnbaum
Massachusetts lawmakers are demanding answers after Fidelity Investments announced this week that it's closing its Marlboro plant and moving its jobs out of state.
Business

No Merger For Harvard Pilgrim, Tufts Health Plan


By Jess Bidgood
Two of the state's biggest health insurers have called off talks of a merger.  In an email to staff obtained by WGBH, Tufts Health Plan CEO Jim Roosevelt said a review found it would be "ultimately too complex" to merge with Harvard Pilgrim.
Energy

In Lexington, Solar Is Coming


By Andrea Smardon
One of the state’s largest alternative energy companies, Evergreen Solar, is in the process of closing its manufacturing plant in Devens. But the landscape for solar manufacturing in Massachusetts isn’t all bleak. A solar startup in Lexington, 1366 Technologies, is looking to open a new plant in Massachusetts.
CLIMATIDE

Setting Catch Limits With Limited Information


LAWMAKERS PLEAD FISHERMAN'S CASE
By Heather Goldstone
At the heart of fisheries management is a delicate balancing act – weighing the needs of fishermen against those of fish. Unfortunately, managers often don’t have the quantity or quality of data one would wish for.
LOCAL BUSINESS

In Davis Square, Businesses Weather Snow-Related Downturn


STORM COULD BRING 'FLASH-FREEZING'
WHAT TO DO WITH THE SNOW?
By Jared Bowen
On the heels of the holidays, the winter months tend to be slow for restaurants. But season that with a batch of snowstorms and, in the words of one restaurateur, it’s a killer. But some restaurants are trying to take advantage of the snow -- and succeeding.
Economy

Lawmaker Wants To "Claw Back" State Aid


By Jess Bidgood
Evergreen Solar is closing its Massachusetts manufacturing plant, terminating 800 jobs it was given $68 million in state aid to create. One lawmaker is filing legislation that would help the state get its money back when companies fail to deliver on state aid.
America's Test Kitchen Radio

An Insiders View Of The Restaurant Business


LISTEN
LISTEN TO ATK RADIO'S SERIES PREMIERE
Ever wonder why your favorite restaurant struggles while so many second-grade establishment have lines out the door? America's Test Kitchen Radio presents an insiders view of the restaurant business.
Economy

Shaws Will Shutter Five Stores

By Jess Bidgood

The Shaws grocery store chain is closing five New England Stores. It's the latest in a string of major retail closures across the state.

THE WORLD

At Upper Crust, A Good Relationship Goes Sour

By Lisa Mullins
Undocumented workers from Brazil helped buil a high-end pizza chain -- but what was initially a mutually beneficial relationship ended up souring amid allegations of denied pay and exploitation. PRI'S THE WORLD
Economy

Defense Spending In Mass. Rockets Upward


By Sarah Birnbaum
Defense spending in Massachusetts has tripled since 2001, bringing 115,000 jobs to the Bay State.
Business

Amid Rising Demand, Price Of Coffee Beans Soar


READ THIS ARTICLE
MORE NEWS
By Charlie Herman
Brazil, the world's largest coffee grower, is soon expected to consume more coffee than the U.S. Then there are new coffee drinkers in India and China whose expanding economies have already pushed up prices for raw materials like corn and cotton. Now, it's coffee.
Energy

State Approves National Grid Purchase Of Cape Wind


READ SEAN CORCORAN'S CAPE WIND BLOG
By Sean Corcoran
The state's Department of Public Utilities Monday approved an agreement that will allow power distributor National Grid to buy half of the electricity generated by the Cape Wind project in Nantucket Sound.
Economy

Boston Factory Takes Training Into Its Own Hands



By Chris Arnold
Experts say the current educational system and private-sector training efforts aren't preparing workers for job opportunities. So, a metal parts factory near Boston has done something unusual to ensure its workers have the necessary training: It started its own school.
GREATER BOSTON

Customers Worry As Book Fair Goes On Sale


MORE GREATER BOSTON
By Adam Reilly
The New England Mobile Book Fair -- which is neither mobile nor a fair -- is up for sale, and its loyal customers are worried an ownership change could threaten a quirkiness that has taken 50 years to develop.
Health Care

Mass. Venture Capitalists Invest In Alzheimer's Research


By Sean Corcoran
A small group of local business leaders who are using their proven investment techniques — and their personal fortunes — to assemble what they believe are the world's most promising researchers to slow, stop or reverse Alzheimer's Disease.
Business

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