Federal officials have withdrawn a proposed slow zone for ferries, ships and large boats along the U.S. East Coast, after months of heated criticism from Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and other coastal communities. Whale conservationists lamented the move as a major loss, saying the proposal was a “much needed” effort to protect critically endangered North Atlantic right whales from extinction.

Republican Gov. Phil Scott will introduce legislation that would create clearer legal standards for when a defendant can be held without bail. He said the provision will address a practice that his administration has coined “catch and release.”

The Health Incentives Program (HIP) now only offers $20 per family, compared to $40-to-$80 previously. Farmers and advocates say, without restored funding, they will have to reduce winter market options.

The lawsuit by Rye Harbor Lobster Pound against the Pease Development Authority and Geno Marconi comes following years of disputes over crowds, parking and alleged unfair targeting of its operations.

The New Hampshire Supreme Court Justice’s legal team is releasing statements from witnesses — including former Gov. Sununu, who told authorities he didn’t believe her comments during a private meeting crossed any lines.

The group, which is calling for policies to create “housing abundance” for Vermonters of all income levels, says it won’t take any money from developers.

Deborah Weymouth, president and CEO of Manchester Memorial Hospital, Rockville General Hospital, and Waterbury Hospital, is expected to tap into the hospitals’ own funds to finance their functioning during the bankruptcy process.

Prince Edward Island's top elected officials led a delegation to New England this week stressing the importance of cross-border trade and cooperation.