Reform's reach for 'trust': Kocot offers inside account of Legislature's long-awaited ethics legislation

Today, Gov. Deval Patrick is expected to sign into law reforms to the state's ethics, lobbying and campaign finance disclosure laws. The long-awaited corrections come on the heels of Beacon Hill scandals involving ethics violations and public corruption charges that have led to the resignations of three consecutive House speakers.

Minnesota high court confirms victory for Al Franken in Senate fight

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The Minnesota Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered that Democrat Al Franken be certified as the winner of the state's long-running Senate race, paving the way for a resolution in the seven-month fight over the seat.

Bill seeks records checks of ice-cream truck drivers

State lawmakers will consider legislation today that would ban convicted sex offenders from working on ice cream trucks, an iconic symbol of summertime. State Sen. Michael R. Knapik, R-Westfield, is the measure's chief sponsor and says the bill is designed to broaden the reach of the state's criminal offender records laws and to protect children.

Turnpike toll hike scrapped; governor to sign budget

BOSTON (AP) - The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority has eliminated a planned toll hike hours before Gov. Deval Patrick signs a state budget that includes a 25 percent hike in the state sales tax.

The Turnpike board met Monday morning and approved a budget that relies on $100 million from the sales tax increase rather than a planned toll hike set to take effect July 1.

State lawmakers reach deal on ethics reform bill

BOSTON (AP) - Massachusetts legislative leaders have reached agreement on a final version of a bill to toughen state ethics standards.

A person with knowledge of the discussions who spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of the announcement said a press conference is planned later Wednesday to unveil details of the bill.

AWOL South Carolina governor acknowledges affair in Argentina

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - After going AWOL for seven days, Gov. Mark Sanford admitted Wednesday that he'd secretly flown to Argentina to visit a woman with whom he'd been having an affair. He apologized to his wife and four sons and said he will resign as head of the Republican Governors Association.

Massachusetts approves lean $27.4 billion budget

BOSTON - The Massachusetts Legislature approved a $27.4 billion budget Friday that makes steep government service cuts and raises taxes. Gov. Deval Patrick immediately threatened to veto a 25 percent sales tax hike included in the budget unless lawmakers first approve a final version of an ethics reform bill.