A billionaire from the Midwest and deep-pocketed interest groups from as far away as Oregon have taken over the ballot measure process in Massachusetts, stacking the odds against the kind of grassroots political activism it was intended to empower, a review by the New England Center for Investigative Reporting finds. There are no caps on how much a person or organization can contribute to a ballot measure campaign in Massachusetts, despite clearly defined limits for state and federal elections. The unlimited ability to pump millions into ballot measures gives an unfair edge to well-heeled special interests, critics say. [continues 1658 words]
The common cold remedy Sudafed might someday soon be harder to buy - thanks to your local real estate agent. The Massachusetts Association of Realtors is backing a Beacon Hill proposal to move the popular nasal decongestant out of drug-store aisles and put it behind pharmacy counters. The Realtors don't have a grudge against the cold medicine. Rather, Sudafed is a key ingredient helping fuel an illicit drug craze sweeping the country - hooking teens and literally wrecking homes. Drug dealers are stocking up on Sudafed to convert it into crystal methamphetamine, or ``crystal meth.'' [continues 237 words]
