News Minute: Here's the latest Massachusetts news from The Associated Press - NEWS10 ABC: Albany, New York News, Weather, Sports

News Minute: Here's the latest Massachusetts news from The Associated Press

BOSTON (AP) - Defense attorneys for reputed gangster James "Whitey" Bulger have asked a judge to delay opening statements in his racketeering trial so they can investigate a claim that law enforcement protected a hit man who is expected to be a star prosecution witness. The defense says John Martorano, who admitted killing 20 people, has committed crimes since his release from federal prison and has been shielded from investigation.

BOSTON (AP) - State officials are seeking a commitment from banks to approve at least 10,000 mortgages for first-time homebuyers over the next five years. Governor Deval Patrick on Monday announced the Massachusetts Home Ownership Compact. It calls on lenders to originate mortgage loans for buyers with household incomes that fall below the median income in their geographical areas.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) - Springfield police are investigating the city's ninth homicide of the year and the third in the same neighborhood in less than three weeks. Police say 19-year-old Christian Graves was found shot outside a home in the city's Forest Park neighborhood at about 11:15 p.m. Saturday.

BOSTON (AP) - A new poll shows Democrat Edward Markey winning the backing of 48% of voters compared with 41% for Republican Gabriel Gomez as the state's special U.S. Senate election heads into its final two weeks. The Suffolk University poll released today also shows 10% of voters undecided.

BOSTON (AP) - The price of a gallon of gasoline in Massachusetts has dropped by a penny for the second consecutive week. AAA Southern New England reported today that self-serve, regular is down to an average of $3.49 per gallon.

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