(NECN: Michelle Brown) - Former Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin is stepping down as Governor of Alaska effective July 26.

The move has many speculating what is next in her political life.

In a hastily called press conference at her home in Wasilla, Alaska, Governor Sarah Palin announces she's resigning from office at the end of the month.

Palin said, "We know we can effect change outside government.”

Jim Rappapport---the former chairman of the Massachusetts Republican Party on Palin's announcement.

(NECN) - Alaska Governor Sarah Palin has announced her decision to resign from the Governor's office later this month.

In a press conference, Palin said the decision was in the works for quite some time and was based on doing what was best for her family.

It’s clear the national pressure and criticism may have also played a pressure.

She compared herself to a point guard who has been under a full court press nationally and asked the public to trust her in her reasons for her decision.

(NECN) - More than seven months after the presidential election, former Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin is sending shockwaves through the political world.

Palin announced today that she is stepping down at the end of the month. There has been a lot of speculation that she may run for president in 2012.

Thomas Whalen, a presidential historian and Boston University professor joins NECN for more on the announcement.

WASILLA, Alaska (AP) - Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin says she will resign from office July 26.

Her spokesman wouldn't say why Palin decided to step down, but the announcement stirred speculation that she would focus on a 2012 bid for the Republican nomination for president.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

(NECN: Washington, D.C.) - The first family will be celebrating two birthdays on Saturday -- the 11th of Malia Obama and the 233rd of the United States of America.

President Barack Obama took off on Marine One Friday morning to meet up with Mrs. Obama at Camp David.

Daughter Malia's 11th birthday will be celebrated on Saturday at the presidential retreat. Roughly 20 of Malia's friends will also be on hand for the celebration. Mr. Obama called the thought of being around so many women, "a little intimidating."

(NECN: Alison King) - This was Robert DeLeo on January 28th, the day he was elected Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

He had big plans back then.

DeLeo: Within our house, we will make cultural and procedural changes that will professionalize the way we do business.

And this was DeLeo on Wednesday -- four months later -- watching the governor sign the ethics reform bill.

In recent weeks DeLeo has also presided over the passage of pension reform, transportation reform and an on-time, balanced budget.

(NECN) - Jim Braude is joined by Jeffrey Berry on this segment of Broadside. He will fearlessly forecast the next contest for Governor of Massachusetts.

Berry says that although Governor Deval Patrick's poll numbers are still low, he is much better off now, than he was three months ago. Berry and Jim also discuss Patrick's possible opponents in the upcoming race.

(NECN: Jim Braude) - The event was classic Deval Patrick.

The "yes we can" governor is at his best when he has something to celebrate. In this case, signing the ethics reform bill.

And then Patrick pulled off one of his "mis-direction plays"

He threw praise to the "heroes" of the ethics bill.

But Patrick’s real target was the person he failed to mention. Senate President Murray, and everyone noticed.

So, give him points for legislative achievement --and-- payback, all in one afternoon. Yes, it's true.

(NECN: Brian Burnell, Norwich, Conn.) - Thunderstorms held down attendance at a health care forum hosted by congressman Joe Courtney in Norwich. This is his second in as many days and he had fresh ammunition in the battle for health care reform.

Rep. Joe Courtney, D-CT Second District: A front page story in the Hartford Courant today that demonstrates what is broken. Blue Cross-Anthem announced to the state of Connecticut today that its going to be seeking a 32-percent increase for premiums in the individual market.

(NECN) - Massachusetts House Speaker joins Jim Braude on Broadside. He talks about reforms in Massachusetts, including the ethics reform bill signed by Governor Patrick today.

DeLeo says that ethics reform was his number one priority since taking over as Speaker.

At the bill signing today, Patrick credited three "heroes" for getting the bill signed. They were his chief legal counsel, Ben Clement, House Majority leader Jim Vallee and House Speaker Robert DeLeo. Noticeably omitted: Senate president Therese Murray.