WBUR Newsroom Election 2008 CommonHealth Blog Radio Boston Blog Boston Weather Climate Connections BBC World News NPR Top Stories NPR's Morning Edition NPR Topics: Books NPR Topics: Movies Fresh Air All Things Considered Marketplace Submit a News Tip RSS Feeds Podcasts Geothermal: Hot New Energy Source? By Curt Nickisch Listen to story (Real Audio) A new power plant in Icleand. Photo shows pressure testing a geothermal well at the plant. (Photo by Sean Carberry) BOSTON, Mass. - January 22, 2007 - Governor Deval Patrick says he wants Massachusetts to become a leading developer of renewable energies. For many people, that probably means wind and solar power. But a sweeping new MIT study out today says policymakers are overlooking geothermal energy, despite its huge potential. WBUR's Business and Technology reporter Curt Nickisch delves into geothermal energy. RELATED LINKS The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Geothermal Program The MIT Report is online at the US Dept. of Energy's Geothermal Technologies Program MIT Report: Graphics Showing Temperatures at various depths (pdf) Warming to Thermal When it comes to alternative energy, the small island nation leaves bigger countries out in the cold.    From The WBUR Newsroom Comparing Jobless Benefits BOSTON, Mass. (July 25, 2008) As jobless claims rise, people get more unemployment benefits in Massachusetts than in most other states. We compare what it's like for someone in Lawrence with their counterpart across the border in Salem, New Hampshire. From Pump to Pew BOSTON, Mass. (July 25, 2008) A church in West Bridgewater is giving out free raffle tickets to parishioners. The prize: a 50-dollar gas card...and more people in the pews. Strain of Stressful Finances BOSTON, Mass. (July 25, 2008) The faltering economy puts stress on individuals and families, and may lead to a rise in people with mental health issues. We talk with one doctor from Mass. General about the trend and what to do about it. The Bard is Back in Boston BOSTON, Mass. (July 25, 2008) The Bard is back: Shakespeare on the Common returns to the outdoor stage with a full schedule of free shows this summer.