MONTPELIER, Vt.

Vermont outlaws smoking in cars carrying young kids

The state of Vermont is now the seventh to outlaw smoking in cars that are carrying young children.

The law that took effect Tuesday also bans smoking on all state property, in hotel rooms, and on the property of hospitals or secure residential recovery facilities owned or operated by the state.

It also bans tobacco products at schools and child care centers.

The law contains an exception for the Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington, which can permit smoking in designated areas.

Under the law, smoking will be prohibited in cars carrying children younger than 8. Drivers will be subject to fines up to $100.

PROVIDENCE, R.I.

Governor signs bill to end straight-ticket voting

Straight-ticket voting will no longer be an option on Rhode Island ballots starting next year under legislation signed by Gov. Lincoln Chafee.

The governor’s office said Tuesday the Democrat has signed legislation that abolishes the so-called master lever. Bills were sponsored by Sen. David Bates and Rep. Joseph Shekarchi.

An earlier version of the bill would have made the change in time for November’s elections, but it was amended to take effect beginning in 2015. The legislation calls for the secretary of state’s office to conduct a voter outreach effort.

Efforts to abolish the master lever have stalled in recent years.

Critics have long said it is undemocratic and confusing to voters. About a quarter of Rhode Island voters in the 2012 elections used it, the vast majority for Democrats.

SALEM, N.H.

Three Vermont men face felony riot, more charges

The cases of three Vermont family members have been bound over to superior court on charges they assaulted police at a New Hampshire amusement park when they were told to leave their knives in the car.

The Perry family tried to enter Canobie Lake Park in Salem on June 16. Police said they became belligerent and when two officers responded, they yelled profanities.

After several warnings, an officer told one man he was under arrest and tried to handcuff him, leading to a fight that injured two officers.

WMUR-TV reports a judge Tuesday determined the state had enough evidence to prosecute 23-year-old Joshua Perry of Sutton, Vermont; 18-year-old Brian Perry of Lyndonville, Vermont; and 45-year-old Elmer Perry of Lyndon, Vermont. The charges include felony riot, resisting arrest, and others.

BOSTON

Marathon runners raised millions for nonprofits

Runners participating in the Boston Marathon on behalf of nonprofit organizations raised more than $38 million this year.

The record $38.4 million raised on behalf of more than 300 charities nearly doubled the $20 million raised for charity in 2013.

The April 21 race was the first since two bombs exploded near the finish line of the 2013 marathon, killing three and wounding more than 260.

The majority of the fundraising runners gained entry through the Boston Athletic Association and sponsor John Hancock’s charity programs, which give official entry numbers to runners so they don’t have to qualify through traditional means.

The BAA, which organizes the marathon, made special allocations for The One Fund, the charity founded to help victims of the bombing, and a charity named after 8-year-old victim Martin Richard.

WOONSOCKET, R.I.

Woman faces child abuse charges in alleged beating

A 26-year-old Woonsocket mother faces child abuse charges after neighbors called police to say she was beating a 10-year-old boy and dragging him down a sidewalk.

The Woonsocket Call reports residents along First Avenue called police to report the incident Saturday night.

Aisha Walters was arrested and charged with second-degree child abuse and disorderly conduct.

Police say she also was wanted on an outstanding warrant for failing to appear in court. She was being held in lieu of bond. The child was released to relatives.

— From news service reports