Inside Massachusetts' likely first 3 sportsbooks

Today is Noodle's Day in memory of Noodles the pug.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is meeting on 13 of the 17 weekdays between Dec. 1 and Christmas to review applications from Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield and the Plainridge Park Casino. The commission will question each of them about their plans and issues like security and responsible gaming. Online sports betting isn't slated until March or so. Lowell officials are looking at lowering the default speed limit on city-owned streets from 30 mph to 25 mph. for pedestrians and cyclists. It's a safety concern. Studies show that pedestrians hit by cars get injured more often than people hit at speeds between 25 and 30mph.

Encore Boston Harbor is planning a main sportsbook with a few dozen betting kiosks, 70 TVs and a 10-by-123-foot video wall. Everett casino is also planning to scatter sports betting booths at bars, poker rooms, lounges and other areas around the casino. MGM Springfield has built a sportsbooks with stadium seating and 45-ft video walls. Plainridge Park Casino’s sports area won't be ready to open in late January.

Gibbons had sexual relationships with two members of the department during his previous two decades on the force. He is apologizing for "poor judgment"

Baker wants to change the bill to prevent the state's financial services regulator from considering student loan defaults. The bill will be sent back to the State House with an exemption that would effectively leave out money-related jobs like lending or brokering.