Stories Archives · Page 97 of 153 · New England News Collaborative

A barn at the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals in Windham. Photo by Susan Sharon for Maine Public

Maine Rescue Offers Second Chances to Volunteer Inmates and ‘Broken’ Horses

January 9, 2019

A few years ago the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals in Windham was struggling financially.

An American Robin is measured as part of federal research on urban wildlife in a backyard in Greenfield, Massachusetts. Photo by Nancy Eve Cohen for NEPR

Federal Shutdown Halts Some Environmental Conservation Efforts, Slows Others

January 8, 2019

Federal researchers in western Massachusetts study ways to protect migrating fish, backyard birds and urban trees. The government shutdown is keeping them home and away from their research.

The large red oak tree at the center of a debate at the Harvard Divinity School. The tree is slated for removal to make room to renovate and expand Andover Hall. Photo by Jesse Costa for WBUR

At Harvard, The Divinity Tree Stands Between Eco-Driven Arguments

January 4, 2019

Andover Hall is the heart — and soul — of Harvard Divinity School.

John F. Kennedy Federal Building in Boston houses the Boston Immigration Court. Photo by Curt Nickisch for WBUR

Shutdown In Immigration Court A Respite For Some, An Injustice For Others

January 4, 2019

As the federal government shutdown continues, the backlog of cases in immigration court continues to increase — drawing mixed reactions from immigration experts.

Available office space at 3000 Goffs Falls Road, where BAE Systems plans to locate 400-800 new positions. Photo courtesy the state of New Hampshire

When Low Taxes Aren’t Enough: How State-Backed Incentives Help Lure Businesses to N.H.

January 3, 2019

Corporate subsidies are something of a taboo topic in New Hampshire. The state historically doesn’t offer them and, to hear most elected officials explain it, they wouldn’t even consider subsidies when courting new businesses. That was the case when Amazon was scouting potential sites for its new headquarters and 50,000 accompanying jobs.

These generators produce electricity by burning landfill gas in Coventry. The Washington Electric Co-op has sold credits for that energy to other utilities, but the price for the credits has dropped sharply. Photo courtesy of Washington Electric Co-op

Vagaries Of The Energy Market: A Boom In Renewables Leads To Higher Rates For Co-op

January 3, 2019

A boom in renewable energy around New England has led to higher rates for a small Vermont utility. The reason has to do with the declining value of an energy commodity know as “renewable energy credits.”

Gov. Paul LePage announces his legislation to revamp welfare, including limits on what could be purchased with food stamps. Photo by Mal Leary for Maine Public

Maine’s Pugnacious Governor Leaves Behind A Complex Legacy

December 28, 2018

For the past eight years, Gov. Paul LePage has been the gravitational center of Maine politics, pulling traditionally staid disputes over state policy into an orbit of bellicosity, and defying long established standards of behavior for elected officials. He was, as he has said, “Trump before there was Trump.”

Karin Sprague is among a small group of artists who still etch stone memorials by hand. Photo courtesy of Karin Sprague

Gravestones Carved By Hand In Rhode Island Provide Comfort – And Joy

December 24, 2018

Early on, good at lettering, Karin Sprague found work painting names on boats. She opened a sign shop on Block Island. She went to art college, and began carving signs in wood. Then a teacher introduced her to stone.

An Auction For Wind Lots Off The Massachusetts Shore Breaks Records

December 20, 2018

A wind power auction for three plots of ocean off of the coast of Massachusetts broke a record last week for the highest price ever paid in a U.S. wind lease auction.

Will Lambek of Migrant Justice says a state police call to immigration agents after the arrest of a farmworker runs counter to the state's fair and impartial policing policy. Photo by John Dillon for VPR

Migrant Activists Question Why Feds Were Called After Farmworker’s Arrest

December 20, 2018

A recent case shows that when undocumented immigrants encounter local law enforcement, they may still run the risk of being turned over to federal immigration authorities. This happened despite a fair and impartial policing policy that discourages authorities from doing so.