Massachusetts lawmakers have launched debate on the state’s most sweeping expansion of gambling in four decades, even though Gov. Deval Patrick has vowed not to sign the measure without changes.

Deval Patrick – Massachusetts – Casino – Gambling – Games

A 48-year-old construction worker who was pulled from the rubble after an explosion at a Norfolk condominium has died.

Norfolk – Construction worker – England – Oceania – Norfolk Island

Lawmakers are planning to vote on compromise measures to expand gambling in Massachusetts, overhaul the criminal records system and create a sales tax holiday during the last day of formal legislative sessions for the year.

Massachusetts – Gambling – Sales tax – United States – Accounting

It’s certainly been hot in New England this summer, but how hot? The National Weather Service says there were 10 days in which temperatures hit 90 degrees or higher in Escorts Boston in July. The record for the month was 15, set in 1994.

New England – Escorts Boston – National Weather Service – United States – FarmVille

An ambitious intercity rail system in New England is intended to reduce air traffic congestion, get cars off the highways and spur economic development. But high-speed trains will be slow in coming, transportation officials said Thursday.

New England – United States – High-speed rail – Traffic congestion – Travel and Tourism

The following recalls have been announced: –Certain alfalfa sprout products by Specialty Farms of Bridgeport, Conn., because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria Monocytogenes, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. No illnesses have been reported.

Immune system – Alfalfa – Listeria – Old age – Infection

A woman hospitalized in critical condition after sitting for a month with deep bedsores in a recliner soaked with her waste died Thursday, on her 81st birthday, prosecutors said. Five family members who lived with her face various elderly abuse charges and could see upgraded charges.

Medical state – Health – Police – Conditions and Diseases – People

Supporters of slot parlors at the state’s race tracks have argued that “racinos” can provide a jolt of revenue to the state within a year, but that has not always been the case elsewhere.

Massachusetts – Race track – United States – Recreation – Sports

An elderly woman has died after being found with deep bedsores from sitting for a month in a recliner soaked in her own waste.

Violence and Abuse – Business – Elder – United States – Holidays