Ron Agrella

Passenger on derailed Connecticut train describes violent collision, acts of kindness

boston.com — Scott Bartelson, a passenger on the Connecticut commuter train that derailed Friday night, was making his familiar daily commute to his hometown of Stratford, Conn. when chaos erupted. "Right as the conductor was taking my ticket, the train went right off the tracks," said Bartelson, who estimated the train was traveling 40 to 50 miles per hour.

20 to 25 injured as Conn. commuter trains collide

boston.com — FAIRFIELD, Conn. (AP) - A New York-area commuter railroad says two trains have collided in Connecticut. Police say that 20 or more people were injured, but that there were no fatalities.

Candice Glover wins 'American Idol', Kree Harrison named runner-up

boston.com — South Carolina's Candice Glover took home the title of Season 12 champion on "American Idol" tonight after a hard-fought battle against Tennessee country girl Kree Harrison. Check out highlights from both girls' performances on Wednesday night below. The finale show was packed with stellar moments, including duets by competitor Angie Miller, who made it to the show's top three.

BAA invites 2013 non-finishers to run 2014 Boston Marathon

boston.com — The Boston Athletic Association has invited runners who were prevented from finishing the 2013 Boston Marathon because of the bombings near the finish line to participate in the 2014 Boston Marathon. "The opportunity to run down Boylston Street and to cross the finish line amid thousands of spectators is a significant part of the entire Boston Marathon experience," BAA executive director Tom Grilk said in a press release.

Markey, Gomez slam IRS on alleged scandal

boston.com — US Senate hopefuls Edward J. Markey and Gabriel E. Gomez on Wednesday joined the bipartisan chorus ripping the Internal Revenue Service over the agency's reported targeting of small-government groups for greater scrutiny.

Senate budget tempers Patrick’s transportation and education push

boston.com — State Senate leaders unveiled a $33.92 billion annual budget today that boosts spending on services for the elderly and special education, but falls well short of Governor Deval Patrick's plan to provide universal access to childcare and broadly expand the state's aging transportation network.

Mashpee Wampanoag release new casino rendering

boston.com — New renderings of a planned tribal casino by the Mashpee Wampanoag show a sparkling curved glass hotel, as part of an updated design to the tribe's gambling resort proposal for Taunton. The new renderings come the week the state gambling commission is expected to discuss a schedule for accepting and reviewing bids from commercial casino companies in Southeastern Massachusetts, a move the tribe has bitterly opposed.

New restaurant news including openings and closings

boston.com — Courtesy Bronwyn Restaurant Union Square already has fancy cocktails, delicious donuts, fine dining, and craft beers. All it was missing was a destination for sausage, pretzel, and Pilsner fans. Joining a string of buzzworthy hot spots in Somerville's Union Square is Bronwyn, a restaurant and bar from the owners of T.W.

Andrew Ference out tonight

boston.com — Andrew Ference will not play tonight because of an undisclosed injury. Ference did not make the trip to Toronto yesterday. Ference is considered day-to-day, said Claude Julien. "Didn't make the trip for the right reasons," Julien said. "We're heading back home tonight, one way or another. He's a day-to-day."