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The climate change inquisition

The climate change inquisition

Peggy Little

On March 29, the Attorneys General of 19 states announced their intent to conduct concerted state regulatory action against the fossil fuel industry, the American Legislative Exchange Council, and unknown, unnamed others described as "climate change deniers." The announcement represents an alarming escalation of the Martin Act investigation against Exxon Mobil begun last fall by New York, and a similar investigation by California – both right on cue with the next presidential election season.

This time, seven AGs gathered behind an "AGs United for Clean Power" banner, along with their "rock star" celebrity spokesman, Al Gore, to level charges of fraud, deceit and racketeering about "what energy companies knew about climate change and when did they know it." Gore went so far as to attribute recent natural disasters such as Hurricane Sandy and a storm in the Philippines — and even the movement of the Zika virus and its impact on human reproduction – to climate change. Not to generate hysteria, or anything.

UMass posts record financial aid but faces long-term budget gap
umass

UMass posts record financial aid but faces long-term budget gap

State House News Service

BOSTON — The University of Massachusetts spent more on student financial aid this academic year than ever before, thanks in part to the Legislature's recent approval of supplemental funding for the university system.

UMass increased the amount it provides in student financial aid by $20 million this year, the university said, bringing the total to a record $255 million. Financial aid from all sources also reached a high point for the system at $835.5 million.

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