
	Mass. bill resurrects debate on religion in public schools BOSTON -- A proposal before Massachusetts lawmakers aimed at protecting students who voice religious views at public schools is being assailed by separation of church and state advocates, who say it forces religion on people. Full Story High court hears challenge to Mass. weapons storage law BOSTON -- Gun control proponents argued before the state’s highest court Thursday that a Massachusetts law requiring gun owners to lock weapons in their homes saves lives while gun advocates pointed to a U. Full Story Mass. police kill suspect after trooper struck NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (AP) -- A suspect in a drug investigation was killed Thursday in a gunfight with a state police tactical unit, authorities said. Full Story News in Brief Obama calls Newton mayor-elect NEWTON, Mass. (AP) -- The first African-American to be elected mayor of Newton has received a congratulatory telephone call from President Barack Obama. Full Story New England Briefs N.H. home heating oil prices down CONCORD, N.H. Full Story News in Brief Police say bank robber took taxi PORTLAND, Maine (AP) -- Police say they have arrested an alleged bank robber who took a taxi to and from the crime. Full Story N.H. asked to look for Asian beetle CONCORD, N.H. -- New Hampshire officials hope homeowners will check to see if the destructive Asian longhorned beetle has crossed state lines from Massachusetts and set up residence in their trees. Full Story Kerry, 2 others join to rescue climate bill WASHINGTON (AP) -- A trio of senators with differing political views is working behind-the-scenes to rescue troubled climate legislation. Full Story Gay marriage backers vow to renew fight PORTLAND, Maine -- Supporters of a gay marriage law rejected by voters took heart Wednesday in the 47 percent they received in a referendum that drew a turnout close to what’s seen in a presidential election year. Full Story Vt. News in Brief Carris Reels moves HQ to Proctor PROCTOR (AP) -- A Vermont company that makes reels that hold wire, rope, cable and other products is moving its headquarters from Rutland to Proctor. Full Story Briefs Reward offered to find cat killer BOSTON (AP) -- The Animal Rescue League of Boston is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of whoever killed a cat with a bow and arrow in Acushnet. Full Story Slavery monument N.H. lawmaker to honor slaves in state CONCORD, N.H. -- In 1779, Prince Whipple and a small group of other New Hampshire slaves petitioned the state Legislature to free them. Full Story Mass. mulls clampdown on toxic substances BOSTON (AP) -- Massachusetts lawmakers are considering tighter restrictions on the use of toxic chemicals in consumer products as a way to encourage the use of safer alternatives. Full Story World’s biggest meatball CONCORD, N.H. (AP) -- A New Hampshire restaurant has set the record for the world’s largest meatball. Full Story Maine shipyard to lay off 191 BATH, Maine (AP) -- Maine naval shipbuilder Bath Iron Works says it will lay off 191 workers this month because of delays in the design a new naval destroyer to be built at the shipyard starting next year. Full Story