Massachusetts: State is first to join Alzheimer's program
BOSTON -- State officials say Massachusetts has become the first state in the nation to sign on to a program that provides employees information about Alzheimer's Disease.
Gov. Deval Patrick's administration says the state's partnership with the Alzheimer's Early Detection Alliance will give thousands of state workers information about early warning signs of the disease, along with resources to help care for a loved one who has been affected.
The programs are offered through the Massachusetts/ New Hampshire chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.
About 100 businesses in the Bay State previously registered for the program.
In 2010, Patrick formed a task force on Alzheimer's Disease and related disorders to formulate strategies to help families impacted by the disease.
Bishop backs civil suit by anti-casino group
WORCESTER -- The bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts is backing a civil suit that challenges Attorney General Martha Coakley's decision to kill an initiative by casino foes.
Coakley disqualified a proposed statewide ballot question that would repeal a 2011 state law allowing up to three casinos and one slots parlor in Massachusetts. She said the initiative could illegally result in the uncompensated taking of property from casino developers.
The group "Repeal the Casino Deal" is suing to overturn the decision. The Worcester Telegram reports that Bishop Douglas Fisher backs the suit.
Fisher said residents should be able to vote on allowing gaming operations in Massachusetts. He said casinos have "never improved the quality of life in areas where many economically vulnerable people live."
Proponents say casinos will bring jobs and economic development.
Connecticut: Video gambling given push by lawmakers
HARTFORD -- Some Connecticut lawmakers are calling for an expansion of video gambling in response to growing competition in the Northeast gaming market.
A task force is looking into bringing video gambling, such as video slot machines, to gaming halls that offer betting on simulcast races in Bridgeport, New Haven and Windsor Locks.
That would require changes to state law, which currently forbids video gambling, and the compacts with Connecticut's two tribal-owned casinos, the only places where it is allowed in the state.
State Rep. Peggy Sayers, of Windsor Locks, said expanding local offerings could boost Connecticut businesses as proposals advance for a casino in western Massachusetts.
Mary Drexler of the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling says it is worried about potentially exposing more people to gambling
-- Associated Press
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