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LOCAL NEWS

'Three strikes' bill on Gov. Patrick's desk

A controversial measure known as the "three strikes" bill is several steps closer to becoming law. Last week, a conference committee approved a revised version of the bill, and soon afterwards, the State House of Representatives and the Senate overwhelmingly voted in favor of it. More »

Big Business Network Inc. offers positive choices

As a veteran Boston Police officer and mentor, Bill Willis has seen how crime can perpetuate in the inner city. "A ton of young people emulate the thugs in our community," he said. Turn then to Willis's friend and protege, 25-year-old Kendric Price. Approaching seven feet tall, Price is a presence in the classroom, where his smile and sense of humor keep his students engaged. More »

Abducted Boston pastor returns to joyous church

The image of the Rev. Michel Louis, a Boston clergyman who asked the abductor in Egypt's Sinai to take him captive instead of a female fellow traveler, has been shown around the world since the international incident began unfolding over the weekend. But long before the graying, 61-year-old pastor made a valiant stand on foreign soil, Louis stood out in his community, Boston-area leaders say. More »

Redistricting plans divide community

The Boston City Council last week moved closer to approving a city redistricting plan which proposes a map of council districts which differ little from the current voting divisions drawn and enacted into law a decade ago. Support for the proposed map is slowly gaining momentum among city lawmakers, even as some observers contend that the plan undercuts historically disenfranchised voters. More »


HEALTH

Medication Safety: The dos and don'ts of prescription drugs

Timothy Velasquez, 67, is like a lot of people -- rarely, if ever, did he extensively question the details of his prescription drugs. If questions were few to his doctor, they were even less to his pharmacist. "I trusted those guys," he said. "They put [the drugs] in a bag and I walked out." More »

Easy access belies over-the-counter drugs' health risks

Stephanie Andrews learned her lesson the hard way. Like most people, the 36-year-old mother of two, who asked that her real name not be used, underestimated the potency and impact of the over-the-counter (OTC) drugs she was taking to relieve her abdominal cramps. More »

Medicine: A lifeline -- when used correctly

Whether you have a chronic health issue like diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure or a curable illness like the flu or pneumonia, medicine prescribed by your doctor can be a lifeline. When taken properly, medications can help you live a longer, healthier life. The tips below will help you gain the greatest benefit from the medicines you need, while helping to stretch your health care dollars. More »