Less stimulus money for minority businesses

WASHINGTON - Hispanic and black businesses are receiving a disproportionately small number of federal stimulus contracts, creating a rising chorus of demands for the Obama administration to be more inclusive and more closely track who receives government-financed work. Latinos and blacks have faced obstacles to winning government contracts long before the stimulus. More »

Education officials to step up civil rights enforcement

The federal Department of Education plans to intensify its civil rights enforcement efforts in schools around the country, including a deeper look at issues ranging from programs for immigrant students learning English to equal access to a college preparatory courses. More »

Billions for Haiti relief, but questions remain on spending

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - The world's bill for the Haitian earthquake is large and growing - now $2.2 billion - and so is the criticism about how the money is being spent. More »


Michelle Obama taking on childhood obesity

As President Obama struggles to pass sweeping healthcare reform this month, first lady Michelle Obama is taking on her own battle for the nation's health: childhood obesity. More »

Mass. Senate to debate sweeping anti-bullying bill

Massachusetts schools would be required to take a tougher stand against classroom bullies if a bill set to be debated by the state Senate this week becomes law. More »

Commonwealth Challenge addresses pollution and poverty

Free air sealing for basements or attics is one of the benefits of participating in Commonwealth Challenge?s campaign to retrofit homes and address poverty and climate change throughout Massachusetts. More »