Bill pushes greater access to state budget

Open government advocates are hailing passage of a state budget transparency bill by a legislative committee this week.

The bill would establish a comprehensive state budget Web site that would detail, to anyone with a computer, all state revenue and spending.

Five activists honored with Paragon Awards

EDITOR'S NOTE: Due to a production error, an unedited version of this story appeared Friday with multiple spelling mistakes.

NORTHAMPTON - Four Paragon Awards will be presented to five individuals who all work in unique ways to serve their community. The awards, along with a list of honorable mentions, were announced this week by the Paragon Partnership.

Democrats sweeten health bill, plan Sunday vote

WASHINGTON - Historic health care change in the balance, Democrats plowed fresh billions into insurance subsidies for consumers on Thursday and added a $250 rebate for seniors facing high prescription drugs, last-minute sweeteners to sweeping $940 billion legislation headed for a climactic weekend vote.

Irish Catholic leader apologizes

LONDON - The head of the Catholic Church in Ireland apologized Wednesday for failing to tell police 35 years ago about an abusive priest who went on to molest more children before being convicted and imprisoned.

Democrats closing in on House votes for health care

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama and Democratic leaders saw momentum gather behind their sweeping health care legislation Wednesday, as they picked up commitments of support in the House from Democratic quarters where defections were most feared - liberals, abortion opponents and backbenchers.

Fiji cyclone damage called #overwhelming' leader says

SUVA, Fiji (AP) - Fiji has suffered overwhelming damage in a powerful weekend cyclone, the prime minister said Wednesday, as the first word of houses blown away, trees uprooted, and roads blocked trickled in from regions cut off since the storm.

Jobs bill OK'd, sent to Obama

WASHINGTON - Companies that hire unemployed workers will get a temporary payroll tax holiday under a bill that easily won congressional approval Wednesday in what Democrats hope is just the first of several election-year measures aimed at boosting hiring.