BEDFORD, MA-The Massachusetts Port Authority intends to clear vegetation on land near Hanscom Field, a local airport whose land abuts this town and Lexington, Lincoln and Concord. But the local conservation commissions want more of a say in the agency's Veggie-Management Plan.

BOSTON-The cost of the Big Dig, the massive highway construction project in the heart of the city, goes up again and could go up even further in the coming weeks. Both the federal and the state legislature will not provide any more funds for the project.

NORTH ANDOVER, MA-Lucent Technologies, the struggling manufacturer of telecommunications equipment, will layoff an additional 20,000 people. The company, which just sold its optical-fiber manufacturing business, employs 7,600 in this state.

BOSTON-A Catholic community center being developed here in South Boston has stirred up a controversy as mayoral candidate Peggy Davis-Mullen contends that the center is replacing low-income housing units. The city maintains that affordable housing will be developed on the site.

BOSTON-As part of the $23-million deal, Fairmont Hotel & Resorts Inc. will manage the hotel for the next 50 years. The new owner will also renovate the property, which opened in 1912.

BOSTON-The most recent site reportedly being considered as the Boston Red Sox's new home is right next to South Station here. This is the latest in a series of potential sites that bidders for the team are contemplating.

BOSTON-Fears that a senior housing complex planned by B'nai Brith would leave no room for parking and would add density to an already crowded neighborhood have led local residents to oppose the project.

BOSTON-The Boston Redevelopment Authority releases the eight proposals it received to develop Hayward place, a 37,380-sf parking lot located in the heart of downtown right near the Boston Common.