“A bill that would ban the sale of sugary drinks and junk food in school vending machines and school stores is gaining momentum in the Legislature, as Massachusetts combats a troubling rise in childhood obesity rates. The House passed it in January, after nearly a decade of debate on similar bills that went nowhere. Now, Senate President Therese Murray has thrown her support behind the effort and is optimistic that members will embrace it in a scheduled Senate vote today. ‘We haven’t heard anything negative from members,’ Murray said in an interview. ‘Obviously, everyone is very alarmed about the high level of diabetes and obesity rates. It’s a crisis.’” (03/11/10)