CPCS is offering $500-per-case bonuses to private lawyers in Suffolk and Middlesex to reduce a mounting backlog, but defenders say permanent pay and staffing fixes are required.

The New England Police Benevolent Association demanded Mayor Brian A. DePeña resign after a video and alleged secret audio from inside Lawrence City Hall surfaced; the union wants recordings preserved and an investigation.

The Massachusetts DPU ordered income‑based tiers for energy discounts and opened a probe into delivery charges as lawmakers and advocates warn of higher bills. Regulators say the moves aim to curb volatility while balancing climate goals.

At a Worcester Chamber forum, panelists warned that a proposed statewide rent‑control question could shrink property values and strain municipal budgets.

A Boston coalition urged lawmakers to pass a Massachusetts Survivors Act to let courts consider abuse in sentencing and allow incarcerated survivors to seek resentencing.

At a March 31 State House hearing, Secretary Bill Galvin urged same-day voter registration while town clerks warned of costs, staffing needs and long lines.

A Boston federal judge ruled the Trump administration unlawfully canceled parole for migrants who used the CBP One app and ordered DHS to reverse mass revocations. The decision restores status for those covered by the order.

A state grant that helps people returning from prison is threatened as the FY27 budget shifts money into a new job‑training program, putting housing and treatment services at risk.

Auburn police posted a plain‑language explainer about the state’s new live‑fire firearms safety course and who will need it as the April 2 rollout approaches.

The Whitman Select Board advanced a library‑only tax override after a tense budget briefing — a failed question could decertify and close the Whitman Public Library. Voters may face the decision this spring.

A new FERC order cuts the allowed transmission profit in New England and could funnel about $1 billion back to ratepayers. Regulators and utilities now have to sort how refunds will be processed through ISO‑NE settlements.

State letters say four firms funneled $19,500 into Carlo DeMaria’s 2025 campaign; regulators required companies to pay about $39K and return the funds.

U.S. Attorney Leah Foley has created a Benefit and Voter Fraud Team and a statewide tip line to pursue alleged SNAP, MassHealth and child-care subsidy fraud. Federal prosecutors say more charges are expected.