US research boat hits right whale off coast

Governor Deval Patrick said yesterday that he hopes the State House can soon reopen to the public a plaza that features a statue of President Kennedy. "We really want to open it; it's a lovely corner of the grounds," Patrick said during a press conference and Earth Day event. The area has been restricted since security was increased after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Patrick said security and handicapped access complicate opening the area to the public.

Suffolk Downs executives said yesterday that they are prepared to build the first phase of a gaming development within four months if the Legislature approves casino gambling. Race track owners said they would be able to quickly deliver revenues to the state from slot machines while they worked to build a more expansive development. The proposed timeline is similar to one Suffolk Down executives presented to Governor Deval Patrick in 2007 when they were vying to build a casino. But Patrick's effort to legalize casino gambling failed in the House. This time Suffolk Downs has teamed up with Wonderland Greyhound Park in Revere to pursue a gambling facility if the Legislature approves slot machines or casinos later this year.

The National Park Service has awarded $8.3 million in federal stimulus money to Acadia National Park for road repair and park improvement projects. Senator Olympia J. Snowe, Republican of Maine, said specific projects include demolition of abandoned buildings and roads, replacement of deteriorated safety and information signs, and repair of damaged culverts and headwalls along roads. Funds will also be used to rehabilitate roads and parking areas at the Schoodic Education and Research Center. Calling Acadia a state and national treasure, Snowe said she is proud to see funding go toward improving and protecting one of America's most visited national parks. (AP)

A Northampton physician has announced plans to challenge US Representative Richard E. Neal, Democrat of Springfield, in next year's congressional election. Jay Fleitman says he will run in the Republican primary for the state's Second Congressional District, which includes Springfield and parts of Worcester County. Fleitman said he is opposed to the policies of the Obama administration and the Democratic-controlled Congress, which he said is spending recklessly and mortgaging the hopes of future generations. Fleitman is board certified in internal, pulmonary, and sleep medicine and lives in Northampton with his wife. Neal has served in the House since 1988. (AP)

The lighthouse station on Isle au Haut, which was run as an inn for more than 20 years, is on the market. Jeff and Judi Burke bought the neglected property in 1986, renovated it, and operated it as the Keeper's House Inn and drew guests from around the world. Jeff Burke said the couple, both 66 and living in Prescott, Ariz., cannot keep up the Maine property by themselves or have their assets tied up in it. The property, which includes 700 feet of deep water frontage, is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is listed for $2.2 million. Not included is the automated lighthouse itself, which is owned by the town of Isle au Haut. (AP)