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 Political View of Sen. Kennedy By Bob Oakes Listen to story (Real Audio) Sen. Ted Kennedy (AP file photo) BOSTON, Mass. - May 19, 2008 - Senator Ted Kennedy is in a Boston hospital, awaiting medical test results, after suffering a seizure over the weekend. His doctors say Massachusetts' senior senator is "not in any immediate danger." But the health scare is a serious concern for many in the world of state and national politics. At 76, Kennedy is the second-longest serving member of the Senate. He is a key figure in national Democratic Party politics. For a conversation about Kennedy's influence, WBUR's Bob Oakes speaks with our Democratic analyst Dan Payne, who writes for the Boston Globe. RELATED LINKS WBUR: Medical Perspective AP: Sen. Kennedy Awaits Test Results Cape Cod Times: Colleagues Comment    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.