Drop in gifts, questions over future for Murray

Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray’s fund-raising has plummeted since his highly publicized auto accident and entanglement in the Chelsea housing scandal last year.

Mitt and Ann Romney enjoyed some Bailey’s Bubble ice cream with their family as they continued their vacation Monday inWolfeboro, N.H.

Charles Dharapak/Associated Press

Romneys put tiny N.H. town in the spotlight

With the Romney clan vacationing at their lakeside compound, Wolfeboro residents are getting a taste of what a Mitt Romney presence would feel like should he become president.

As Rep. Tierney continued to deny any knowledge that his brothers-in-law were involved in illegal activity, some constituents were skeptical and insisted that he must have known more than he is letting on.

Some backers skeptical about Rep. Tierney’s assertions

As the eight-term incumbent faces persistent questions over whether he knew about his in-laws’ illegal gambling operation, even long-time backers say they have their doubts.

Scenic artist Joshua Wells applied final touches to the Hatch Shell on Tuesday while others checked camera angles in preparation for Wednesday’s July Fourth concert and festivities on the Esplanade.

JOHN TLUMACKI/GLOBE STAFF

Fireworks displays are 1,000 years in the making

Modern displays like the annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular have benefited from years of advances in chemistry and circuitry.

In Taunton, a feeling of angst over defense cuts

The Pentagon’s request to cut $334 million from a contract with General Dynamics this year threatens hundreds of jobs, and has left Taunton feeling helpless.

Hyde Square in Jamaica Plain is now using the brighter fixtures equipped with LEDs, or light-emitting diodes.

New Boston LED streetlights a glaring concern

A multimillion-dollar project will replace all of the roughly 60,000 electric streetlights with more efficient fixtures, but critics say the new lights are too bright.

Hundreds of hotel rooms planned for Boston

In all, the city could potentially add more than 4,000 hotel rooms, an expansion that could attract more conventions and rein in climbing room rates.

Residents of Isle au Haut (above) and other Maine outposts use housing grants to attract neighbors and preserve communities.

Maine islands using grants to attract new residents

A $3 million statewide initiative is using affordable housing to bolster year-round island communities, which have dwindled from about 300 to 15 over the past century.

Business

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General Motors’ sales rose 16 percent, with strong demand for the Chevy Malibu and Volt electric car. Ford’s overall sales rose 7 percent.

June auto sales surge to 1.3m

Sales of new cars and trucks surged in June and eased concerns that Americans would be turned off by slower hiring and other scary headlines.

Politics

“I regret having brothers-in-law. But you don’t get to choose those things in life,” said Rep. John Tierney in a news conference on Tuesday.

Rep. John Tierney denies in-laws’ claims

The congressman said he believed his brothers-in-law were running a legitimate online gambling business until he later learned from authorities that they were breaking the law.

Nation & World

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The Air Force’s C-130s can drop 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant on a blaze within seconds.

Air Force planes get OK to help corral fires

Air Force tanker planes returned to the flight line for firefighting missions Tuesday after a deadly weekend crash, bringing much-needed reinforcements to a strained fleet.

Food & dining

Food | Travel

Vendors at the Torvehallerne Market offer all sorts food, from cupcakes to traditional Danish open-face sandwiches (right).

Copenhagen’s Torvehallerne Market draws tourists and locals

The 10-month-old market is a treasure trove of foodstuffs and the first of its kind in Copenhagen. About 80 indoor stalls offer wares from Denmark and from around the world.