Commuter rail to test new ticket plan

Transportation officials plan to test a new ticket-purchasing procedure at three commuter rail stations heading outbound next week, to measure the best way to collect fares. Called "Buy Before You Board," the campaign will require commuter rail passengers to buy tickets before they board the train, rather than from a conductor onboard. The campaign will rotate shifts at the North, South, and Back Bay stations. A spokesman for the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Co. said officials have received complaints that conductors during rush hour do not have time to collect all tickets on board, allowing some passengers to ride for free.

House and Senate lawmakers released last night a final compromise version of a state budget that relies heavily on new taxes and using money from the state's rainy day fund. The final $28.2 billion spending plan was released just days after lawmakers approved a dollar-per-pack increase in the state cigarette tax and a proposal to close several so-called corporate tax loopholes. The budget authorizes a $310 million withdrawal from the rainy day fund. It includes $935 million in local aid to cities and towns and increases local education funding by about $223 million to $3.95 billion. The budget heads to the floor of the House and Senate tomorrow for a vote. (AP)

Governor Deval Patrick is launching a five-week, 11-date town hall meeting tour of the state. Patrick said the meetings are open to the public and are meant to help make state government as accessible as possible. He also plans to hold four public meetings with his Cabinet in locations outside the State House. The governor said he wants to give the public a chance to offer observations and ideas on issues from education law changes to healthcare. The first town hall meeting will be held Tuesday in Salem. (AP)

Two Brockton residents face a number of prostitution charges after state and federal agents swooped down on an alleged brothel in Wellesley. A nine-month investigation by a task force of undercover officers from 15 Norfolk County police departments with help from the FBI and Immigration and Customs Enforcement resulted in the arrests of Ying Hu and William Eastwick, both 43, on charges of operating a house of prostitution at an apartment at 4 Cedar St., Wellesley police said. Detectives began their investigation in the fall after learning that an illegal massage parlor had moved from Newton to Wellesley, police said.

State public health officials are warning residents to take precautions after mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus were found Friday in a pool in Worcester. "The recent rains and hot weather have increased mosquito populations," said Dr. Alfred DeMaria Jr., an epidemiologist for the Department of Public Health. Officials suggested that people consider rescheduling evening and early morning activities; wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and socks; apply insect repellent; drain any standing water near homes; and install or repair screens. They also asked that people report dead crows, bluejays, or robins, because they may be a sign that the virus is circulating among birds in the area.

An 18-month-old girl was injured Tuesday night when she fell 30 to 40 feet from a window of her apartment, police said. Francy Paulino apparently pushed on the screen, which gave way. She was listed in grave condition yesterday at Massachusetts General Hospital, said Lawrence police Detective Thomas Cuddy. Paulino's mother, Josefina Martinez, 49, was on the apartment's front porch when her child fell from the second-floor window about 7:20 p.m., he said. Cuddy said Lawrence police are investigating the fall, along with State Police detectives assigned to the Essex district attorney's office. The Department of Social Services is conducting an independent investigation, Cuddy said.