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BOSTON — The House failed to take a vote on a homeowner insurance reform bill late last as the Legislative session came to a close; there is a slim chance the bill could be voted on by year's end.

HOUSTON — Exxon Mobil reported the fattest operating profit in US corporate history yesterday but took a beating anyway — from politicians railing against Big Oil, drivers bleeding cash at the pump and investors who expected more.

Tucked into the environmental bond bill sent to Gov Deval Patrick yesterday were tens of millions of dollars in potential savings for Cape Cod towns facing massive wastewater projects.

WASHINGTON — The prospects for a quick economic recovery dimmed yesterday, with new data showing the economy grew at a slower-than-expected rate this spring despite some oomph from tax rebate checks — and actually shrank late last year.

HYANNIS — The walls are covered with paintings by an Irish artist. Frosted glass hangs behind the bar. The tables and seating are in several pieces, scattered on the floor.

BOSTON — Massachusetts security regulators accused Merrill Lynch of fraud yesterday for allegedly promoting the sale of auction-rate securities when they knew the investments were becoming increasingly unstable.

Alzheimer's Services of Cape Cod and the Islands will hold its 7th annual Auction and Reception from 3 to 7 p.m. Aug. 10 at Sweet Seasons Restaurant, Inn at Duck Creek, 70 Main St. in Wellfleet.

WASHINGTON — Rates on 30-year mortgages, which shot up last week to the highest level in nearly a year, dropped slightly this week following passage of a housing rescue bill.