New England News

It was a record breaking year for the state lottery in Massachusetts, as we hear from WAMC’s Paul Tuthill

State Treasurer Steven Grossman said Tuesday that the lottery pulled in an estimated $981 million in net profit during the state fiscal year that ended June 30. That was the highest profit in the lottery's 40-year history, eclipsing by $30 million the previous record set in fiscal year 2006.

Education officials in Massachusetts are stressing the importance of early childhood literacy when it comes to closing the achievement gap.  A pioneering reading proficiency program in Springfield has been nationally recognized.  WAMC”s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce has released its biennial assessment of the Vermont Legislature.

The Vermont Chamber’s  2011-2012 Legislative Report Card reviews roll call votes on amendments and bills regarding key economic development and business issues.  The Chamber’s priorities over this biennium include health care, energy, taxes and telecommunications issues, according to Chamber Lobbyist and Legislative Assistant Jessica Gingras.

Massachusetts gas prices continue to climb, rising nine cents per gallon in the last week. WAMC’s Paul Tuthill reports.

AAA Southern New England reported Monday that the average price of a gallon of self-serve, regular was $3.56.

It's the second straight week of rising prices after an identical nine cent per gallon increase the week before.

Massachusetts prices are also nine cents above the national average. But they're 18 cents lower than the statewide average a year ago at this time.