Obama says end of Afghan war is near

After a secret trip to Afghanistan where he signed a security agreement with President Karzai, President Obama said the end of the Afghan war is within reach.

Top Romney aide quits in face of anti-gay sentiment

Richard A. Grenell, a gay man whose support for same-sex marriage infuriated social conservatives, has quit less than two weeks after he was hired.

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2012/05/01/BostonGlobe.com/Metro/Images/greenhouse_saugus1_metro.jpg Bodies found near school are being treated as homicide victims

Authorities identified one of the victims as a woman from Lynn and said the other was likely a close relative.

Patrick criticizes ‘racist’ immigration policies

Governor Deval Patrick lambasted the controversial immigration laws in Arizona and Alabama during a speech at Tufts University Monday.

Mass. lottery says it’s on track to break profit records

Treasurer Steven Grossman said the lottery’s projected profit for 2012 is $947 million, a conservative estimate that puts the 2006 record, $951 million, in easy reach.

Paul Pierce had 36 points as the Celtics tied their series with the Hawks at one game each.

Tami Chappell/Reuters

Game 2: Boston 87, Atlanta 80

Celtics’ fourth-quarter surge ties series with Hawks

Down by five points entering the fourth quarter, the Celtics came alive, outscoring the Hawks by 12 to tie the series, 1-1.

exclusive wednesday preview | food

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2012/04/26/BostonGlobe.com/Lifestyle/Images/Food_chicken_.jpg 8 recipes to celebrate a graduate or newlyweds

Spring entertaining is perfect for a buffet. Think of it as a chance for an indoor picnic with dishes served at room temperature and plates on laps.

To Grammar’s House

Yesterday’s gone

For the first time in more than four decades, Globe articles do not employ “yesterday, “today,” and “tomorrow.”

Boston starter Felix Doubront gave up five runs in four innings.

Oakland 5, Boston 3

Red Sox can’t rally against the A’s

The Red Sox were cold on a chilly night until the ninth, when they scored two runs but came up short against the Athletics.

Sports

Tags in this section:

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, left, lost to Bill Belichick and the Patriots in the AFC title game last season.

John Harbaugh backtracks from Patriots comments

The Ravens coach, who originally said the New England championships were “stained,” said his comments were misunderstood.

Metro

Tags in this section:

The Boston Globe headquarters on Morrissey Boulevard.

Globe’s paid circulation up for first time since 2004

Sunday circulation averaged 365,512 for the six month period that ended in March, up 2.5 percent for the same period a year ago, while average daily circulation rose 2.9 percent.

Business

Tags in this section:

Nation & World

Tags in this section:

Lifestyle

Tags in this section:

g cover

Love by the pound

The Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem is one of New England’s oldest and largest no-kill adoption shelters for cats and dogs.