Federal Charges: Six people, including an alleged ringleader from Fall River, face charges in a Massachusetts sham-marriage scheme that prosecutors say arranged hundreds of marriages for green cards and brought in more than $6 million. Boston Schools: A Research Bureau report says Boston’s non-exam high schools have not ensured all students master grade-level work. It urges consistent performance measures and a review of struggling schools; Superintendent Mary Skipper says the district is already working on secondary education. Transit: Boston plans five free bus routes outside MBTA service, while a $130 million federal grant advances East-West Rail, with construction targeted for 2027 and Boston service by 2030. Health Care: Dana-Farber’s planned $1.7 billion Boston cancer hospital is among the region’s major health investments; a new state fund also offers $162 million for rural hospital upgrades. State Politics: Lawmakers rejected Gov. Maura Healey’s proposed gas-tax holiday. Voters face a slate of ballot questions on Nov. 3, including proposals on public records, election-day registration and conservation funding. Cape Cod: A Falmouth nonprofit is renovating a free retreat where grieving families can stay for a week; it hopes to welcome its first guests in 2028.