AM Briefing: Chief Justice Has Crime Bill Concerns; Menino Clarifies Chick-fil-A Stance

Happy Friday. Top local stories and what we're watching today:

-- The state's top judge is warning that a crime bill passed by the Legislature does not appear to allow for judicial discretion, and could clog the court system if enacted. [Boston Globe]

-- Massachusetts lawmakers yesterday passed a foreclosure prevention bill.

-- The Legislature yesterday ratified the Mashpee Wamanoag's casino compact with the state.

-- Boston Mayor Thomas Menino acknowledged yesterday that he has no authority to block Chick-fil-A from opening in the city, but maintained that he is opposed to the chain's stance on gay marriage.

-- Independent New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has endorsed Sen. Scott Brown in the Republican's re-election campaign.

-- Investigators are trying to figure out what caused a mill fire in Charlton, which injured six firefighters and caused about $2 million in damage. [NECN]

-- Massachusetts already had an official sport (basketball), and now it has an official "team sport" too: volleyball. [Springfield Republican]