BOSTON — Several Massachusetts communities are waiting to hear whether their bylaws banning medical marijuana dispensaries will be upheld by the state.

BOSTON — House lawmakers are prepared to meet Gov. Deval Patrick part of the way in the governor’s request for $1.9 billion in new revenue for transportation and education.

BOSTON — The governor says he might support a modest gas tax hike as part of his overall state spending plan.

BOSTON — The university economists said that the investments are critical to the state’s long-term economic health.

BOSTON — Dental hygienists with advanced training could perform certain procedures now reserved for dentists, under a bill that supporters believe would improve access to oral health care for low-income Massachusetts residents and underprivileged children.

BOSTON — Ed Markey is pressing the Transportation Security Administration to abandon its new policy allowing passengers to carry small knives onto planes.

BOSTON — Gov. Deval Patrick has signed an executive order which he said will give disabled veterans “opportunity to succeed and grow” in the state.

BOSTON — The tax showdown is taking shape, sooner than maybe expected.

WASHINGTON — the first lady encouraged the industry to put better labels on food, limit marketing of unhealthy foods, and do more to promote healthy foods.

BOSTON — The governor defended his ambitious tax and spending goals, while also voicing openness to compromise.

BOSTON — The governor in his state budget request has called for a net tax increase of $1.9 billion to pay for transportation and education improvements.

BOSTON — Lawmakers are facing pressure to act quickly in light of the potential for another round of steep MBTA fare hikes.

BOSTON — The governor included an additional $550 million in education spending in his proposed budget for the new fiscal year.

BOSTON — The T says it could be forced to raise fares by as much as one-third or make dramatic service cuts unless the state comes up with more funding.