Rhode Island, the only New England state that hasn’t yet legalized same-sex marriage, is poised to join its neighbors.

BOSTON — The budget approved by the House Ways and Means Committee would increase spending by nearly 4 percent over current year levels.

BOSTON — Massachusetts risks losing hundreds of millions of dollars in gambling revenue if the state’s gambling commission votes to open up the southeastern region to commercial casino developers, the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe warns.

WASHINGTON — Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida said a bipartisan deal on immigration legislation would need tough enforcement and even stricter penalties for those who came to the United States illegally.

BOSTON — The state Senate on Saturday overwhelmingly approved the latest version of a contentious transportation financing overhaul that aims to pump billions of dollars into the state’s aging and debt-ridden transportation system over the next several years.

BOSTON — The measure approved Saturday was one of dozens of proposed amendments to a transportation finance bill being considered by senators.

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Senate, meeting in a rare Saturday session, weighed the latest version of a contentious bill that would pump more dollars into the state’s aging and debt-ridden transportation system.

BOSTON — “It’s like the story of the three bears,” Sen. Karen Spilka said, explaining Beacon Hill’s tax-transportation debate.

BOSTON — His comments open the door to a middle path that could avoid his veto.

BOSTON — “By identifying what a living wage is in Massachusetts, we can have a positive impact on families,” Murray told business leaders Thursday.

BOSTON — President Obama proposed changes that would trim Social Security and Medicare benefits.

BOSTON — The operating budget for Fiscal Year 2014 would represent a 5.6 percent increase over current spending levels.

BOSTON — The proposal would boost state spending by nearly 3.9 percent over current levels. Patrick had sought a 6.9 percent increase in total spending.

BOSTON — The current Senate version of the bill calls for dedicating about $120 million in additional revenues to transportation.