WASHINGTON — An exhausted Senate gave pre-dawn approval Saturday to a Democratic $3.7 trillion budget for next year that embraces nearly $1 trillion in tax increases over the coming decade but shelters domestic programs targeted for cuts by House Republicans.

BOSTON — Six of the towers facing the budget ax serve Massachusetts airports.

BOSTON — He’s joining an effort to end a ban on out-of-state shipments of wine to Massachusetts.

BOSTON — A business-backed group asserts that the proposed tax represents a setback for the state’s tech industry.

BOSTON — The bill would encourage local law enforcement agencies not to participate in the federal Secure Communities program.

BOSTON — A growing regional dependence on natural gas, combined with supply constraints, is threatening its ability to guarantee electricity whenever and wherever it’s needed.

BOSTON — The system, uncertain about the Legislature’s timetable and preference for addressing the state’s long-term transit financing needs, is facing a $117 million budget gap.

BOSTON — Several of the candidates vying in the Massachusetts U.S. Senate campaign are struggling to define their position on the topic.

BOSTON — A sales tax on computer and data processing services and custom software is a little-known line item in Gov. Patrick’s 2014 budget proposal.

BOSTON — From a reality check on how much work is involved in growing large quantities of marijuana, to legal and financial aspects of operating a dispensary, members of the National Cannabis Industry Association educated potential investors and entrepreneurs.

BOSTON — Republican U.S. Senate hopeful Michael Sullivan said he agrees with airlines, flight attendants and air marshals who have voiced strong objections to the policy.

BOSTON — And roughly half of voters are generally receptive to the idea of paying $100 more per year in taxes to improve the conditions of roads and public transit in the state.

BOSTON — The bill would invest $13.7 billion over 10 years to deal with a backlog of deferred maintenance and needed improvements.

BOSTON — The object of the plan is to virtually end homelessness among veterans during the next three years.