[News to Us] 
The state cashes in on military technology
The Statehouse's Great Hall became a high-stakes science fair last Thursday, with booths sporting flame-resistant fabrics and night vision goggles.
[News to Us] 
The new new Coke
In recent months, smokers may have found themselves feeling anxious and irritable, and not just for the usual reasons.
[News to Us] 
The city arms tenants and landlords with information
Did you know your landlord is required by law to give you at least 24-hours notice before making non-emergency repairs, like fixing your leaky toilet?
Did you know your landlord is required to provide screens in every window, but only from April Fools' Day until Halloween?
Did you know that your landlord can file a complaint against you with Inspectional Services?
Did you know that kids can't fly?
[News to Us] 
Young Republicans across Greater Boston converged on the financial district last Thursday for an event, sponsored by Svedka vodka, designed to "Put the 'pub' back in Republican." Svedka has sponsored hundreds of politically themed cocktail parties across the country this year, capitalizing on the widespread political fervor surrounding the presidential race.
[News to Us] 
A fine history of screwing voters
With one month left before this year's legislative session ends, the clock is ticking on numerous bills, most of which will fade into irrelevancy come July 31st.
[News to Us] 
Last Friday, everyone willing to gather in a conference room at an obscenely early hour—all 25 concerned citizens—discussed transforming the city with the Greenway Network. Influenced by Holland's extensive routes, Dr. Peter Furth, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Northeastern University, presented a project, designed by him and his students, to improve bike paths and encourage biking in Boston.
[News to Us] 
The unemployment rate in Massachusetts increased to 4.9 percent in May—shattering a four-month trend of steady decline—according to numbers released last Thursday by the Division of Unemployment Assistance.
[News to Us] 
The Straight Talk Express chugs through New England
Last week, as Republican presidential candidate John McCain toured the Northeast in a campaign circuit, he admitted his visit to Massachusetts was a fruitless gesture—aside from the $2 million he raised at a fundraiser at the Westin last Wednesday night. "I'll give you some straight talk," McCain told the 450 attendees. "It's a tough state for us to win in. But I want to go everywhere."
[News to Us] 
On Sunday, residents, local organizers, politicians and religious leaders converge in Franklin Park for the first 10,000 Strong Boston, an event that aims to address recent violence and promote peaceful solutions. The local organizers who mobilized the event—who hail from the Nation of Islam, the New Black Panther Party for Self Defense (NBPP) and the Voices of Liberation, among others—drew inspiration from the Million Man March and its offshoots, the Million Woman March, the Million Youth March, the Millions More Movement and last year's 10,000 Men Philly.
[News to Us] 
Freedom of the press can be so unsightly
Last week, Mayor Thomas Menino proposed a revision of the ordinance for newsracks, handy dispensers like the one you opened to grab this very paper. The mayor's legislation for the City Council rekindles a long-time debate where free speech pushes up against street clutter.
