AM Briefing: Former Probation Aides Granted Immunity; Sentencing Overhaul Moves Forward

Good morning. Top local stories and what we're watching this Wednesday:

-- Two one-time aides to former Probation Commissioner John O'Brien have been granted immunity in exchange for testimony about alleged patronage practices. [Boston Globe]

-- A legislative committee yesterday approved an overhaul of the state’s criminal sentencing laws that would bar parole for three-time violent offenders while also reducing some mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenders.

-- House lawmakers are expected to vote today on a casino compact between the state and the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe for the proposed facility in Taunton.

-- The state's horse racing industry will see changes now that it's under control of the new Massachusetts Gaming Commission. [Boston Herald]

-- Two Republican congressmen are demanding answers about whether politics influenced the FAA's approval of the Cape Wind project. [Associated Press, via MassLive]

-- The federal judge presiding over the case of reputed Boston crime boss James “Whitey” Bulger has refused to step aside.

Sports:

-- Former Boston slugger Kevin Youkilis homered as the White Sox topped the Red Sox.