The Boston Globe

An illustration of spike proteins on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19. Scientists say mutations in these proteins can help some new variants to more easily evade a person's immunity from vaccination or prior infection.

A new Omicron variant, BA.2.12.1, has taken over in Massachusetts. Here’s what you need to know.

BA.2.12.1, first identified in New York, now accounts for 70 percent of new cases in Massachusetts, according to the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard.

A million empty spaces: Chronicling COVID’s cruel US toll

11 of 14 Mass. counties now have high levels of COVID-19, CDC reports; indoor masking recommended
“This is concerning,” said Dr. Sabrina Assoumou, an assistant professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine and an attending physician in the section of Infectious Diseases at Boston Medical Center. “There’s a lot of COVID around.”

Elizabeth Warren’s income jumped to $1.36 million last year after book advance
Senator Elizabeth Warren and her husband reported about $1.36 million in total income in 2021, a higher amount than in recent years due to a six-figure advance the senator received for her books “Pinkie Promises” and “Persist.”

Harvard president Lawrence Bacow earned more than $1.1 million in 2020

Leaked video shows Everett councilor making racially insensitive comments, adding to mounting backlash

A leaked recording of a private Zoom meeting among city officials shows a councilor joking about recruiting Black people to public events.

Duke student under scrutiny for graduation speech that bears striking similarities to Harvard student’s remarks
Some themes and turns of phrase in a May commencement speech by a Duke graduate seemed to closely mirror those used by then-graduating Harvard senior Sarah Abushaar in 2014. A Duke spokesman said Friday the university is investigating.

How do contraceptives work, and why are antiabortion advocates targeting them?

Some conservative politicians are targeting IUDs and the morning-after pill, saying life begins at conception.

Advocates unveil plans to bolster abortion access

Former Mass. correction officer arraigned in murder of girl in 1988

A former Massachusetts corrections officer was ordered held without bail here Friday after his arraignment for allegedly stabbing 11-year-old Melissa Tremblay to death in Lawrence in 1988.

Russia takes losses in failed river crossing, officials say

Russia suffered heavy losses when Ukrainian forces destroyed the pontoon bridge enemy troops were using to try to cross a river in the east, Ukrainian and British officials said in another sign of Moscow’s struggle to salvage a war gone awry.

Rand Paul stalls quick Senate OK of $40 billion Ukraine package

Federal agents executed a search warrant at Nathan Carman's residence in Vernon, Vt.

In Vermont, a house that, like the owner’s story, no one would buy

People in this part of Vermont are known for their live-and-let-live attitude. But the rumor and innuendo that trailed Nathan Carman made his house unsellable.

Runners and sunbathers at the Esplanade on the Charles River in 2011. (File)

It’s finally warming up. Here are 7 waterside spots around Boston to cool down

Here's a quick list of places around the city where you can sunbathe, sail, or take a dip, now that the temperatures are starting to climb.

9 of the best rooftop bars and restaurants around Boston

Jim C. and MaryKate K.

Dinner with Cupid

Blind date: ‘She dramatically talked with her hands and spilled a martini on me’

Will this dater find success after previously striking out with Cupid?

Opinion

IDEAS | LINDA RODRIGUEZ MCROBBIE

Our totally healthy true crime obsession

Don’t feel guilty about indulging in a genre that’s been around as long as storytelling itself.

Putin’s folly helps strengthen NATO

War. What is it good for? The armaments biz.

The next ‘Massachusetts Miracle’

The Supreme Court wants to abolish abortion rights. Republicans want to quash protests to save them.

Centering critical voices, debates, and evidence-based opinion to reframe the national conversation on racial equity and hasten a more racially just society.

Arts | Weekend reads

"1776" co-directors Diane Paulus and Jeffrey L. Page consult during a recent rehearsal.

ART’s ‘1776’ aims to give history a shake

Jessie Buckley in "Men."

Jessie Buckley: Now you see her, now you don’t

Al Franken

Al Franken is taking comedy seriously again

Arturo Sandoval will perform May 13 and 14 at Scullers.

Things to do around Boston this weekend and beyond

Back to Boston

Back to Boston

Welcome Back to Boston

Consider this our love letter to the city, a celebration of all it has to offer visitors and locals alike.

Explore the full feature ⟶

More recent stories

Jen Psaki is departing as White House press secretary. Here’s some of her memorable exchanges.
She didn’t use props to drive a point home. Resorting to insults wasn’t her style. Saturday Night Live hardly ever satirized her. And her presence was consistent.

Representative Katherine Clark backs Maura Healey in race for governor
Clark’s endorsement offers Healey a high-profile supporter as the state party’s June convention nears and public polling shows Healey outdistancing both her Democratic opponent, state Senator Sonia Chang-Díaz, and potential Republican challengers.

Home of the Week: For $685,000, an East Boston condo with sleek, smart features
The second-floor unit offers two bedrooms and two baths.

Black News Hour

Episode 11: Guests discuss the intersectionality of being Black and Asian
The Globe’s Greg Lee and Allana Barefield cohosted this month’s episode of “Black News Hour” and discussed with guests the intersectionality of being Black and Asian during AAPI Heritage Month.

Read more from Black News Hour

CONNECTIONS

I unwittingly put my pen pal at risk when I visited him in Soviet-era Romania
Recently, I learned that my trip in the 1970s was considered a "stain" on the file Romanian authorities kept on my friend and his family.

Tara Sullivan

Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman will bring his youthful enthusiasm — and unwavering confidence — to Game 7
No one had more to prove than the 23-year-old goalie in Game 6, because no one was less of a known quantity in this first-round series than the second-year pro.

The Globe turns 150

150 years of The Boston Globe
Scenes from a century and a half, as covered by the Boston Globe.

Explore the full feature ⟶

Recommended reads

Prices for single-family homes in Massachusetts surged nearly 28 percent between 2019 and 2021.

THE BIG IDEA | KARA MILLER

The housing divide is pulling Massachusetts apart

In areas where people talk a lot about fixing inequality, like Boston, real estate prices have erected higher and higher barriers between existing and aspiring homeowners.

Parents are grappling with an ‘impossible’ baby formula shortage
Nearly half of the normal supply of baby formula is out of stock nationwide, forcing families to travel far for supplies or ration what they have.

THE GREAT DIVIDE

A Mattapan mother says her son was in medical distress but BPS delayed calling 911
Boston Public Schools said it is examining the school’s response.

Scientists unveil first-ever picture of supermassive black hole at center of Milky Way
A team of scientists that included researchers from Harvard on Thursday unveiled the first-ever picture of the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy.

video

Culture & Lifestyle

Is the all-inclusive resort in Mexico booked through Priceline really all inclusive?

Help! My all-inclusive hotel in Mexico is only half-inclusive

Gina Gagliano is the new executive director of the Boston Book Festival, which will take place Oct. 29 this year.

Under new director Gina Gagliano, the Boston Book Festival announces return to Copley Square this fall

Celeste Rapone, "Spring Couple," 2021.

At the ICA, ‘A Place For Me’ breathes new life into an old art form

"Ricky Ford - Langston Hughes House, Harlem. New York 2008."

Saxophonist Ricky Ford crosses the ocean for a jazz tribute to Langston Hughes in Roxbury

Special Projects

Top Spots to Live in Greater Boston in 2022

A guide to 36 Greater Boston communities where demand — and prices — are surging.

Into the Red illustration.

Into the Red: How the Globe will cover climate change

To report on the most pressing issue of our time, the Globe’s climate team is expanding and rethinking its coverage.

Jeneé Osterheldt

A Beautiful Resistance

Black joy, Black lives, as celebrated by culture columnist Jeneé Osterheldt.

‘On the Street’: The changing face of Greater Boston neighborhoods

The changing face of Greater Boston neighborhoods.

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Opinion, ideas, and commentary

To ensure every American has access to water and the Internet, stop selling utility data to ICE

"So many unknowns in a time of medical fragility help false notions to proliferate and leave pregnant women susceptible to misinformation."

IDEAS | EMILY DREYFUSS & CATESBY HOLMES

What to expect when you’re expecting? A host of disinformation.

Readers respond to an antisemitic incident with advice from personal experience

Then-gubernatorial candidate Danielle Allen smiles as she arrives to a press conference on Feb. 2.

It shouldn’t be this hard to run for governor

Bret Bero claims the open-ended nature of the lieutenant governor’s job is appealing.

Meet Bret Bero — rhymes with ‘hero’ — a candidate for lieutenant governor

IDEAS | MARISSA CONRAD

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Metro

Former Mass. correction officer arraigned in murder of girl in 1988

A former Massachusetts corrections officer was ordered held without bail here Friday after his arraignment for allegedly stabbing 11-year-old Melissa Tremblay to death in Lawrence in 1988.

11 of 14 Mass. counties now have high levels of COVID-19, CDC reports; indoor masking recommended

“This is concerning,” said Dr. Sabrina Assoumou, an assistant professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine and an attending physician in the section of Infectious Diseases at Boston Medical Center. “There’s a lot of COVID around.”

Harvard president Lawrence Bacow earned more than $1.1 million in 2020

That was a slight decrease from the previous year, according to the university’s latest financial filing.

Best things to do in RI this week: May 13-20

You’ll have the best times! Check out WaterFire, Spring Fest, Blue Man Group, and “Beyond van Gogh.”

Sports

Charlotte North and the Boston College women's lacrosse team defeated Syracuse in the national championship in 2021.

College lacrosse

Can the Boston College women’s lacrosse team defend its national title?

“We know what we’re capable of. It’s all about showing up in the moment.” player Caitlynn Mossman said ahead of BC's opening game in the NCAA Tournament.

Nick Pivetta is 0-2 with a 5.52 ERA in three appearances on the road this year.

Red Sox at Rangers | 8:10 p.m. (NESN)

Game 32: Red Sox at Rangers lineups and notes

Nick Pivetta will be on the mound when the Red Sox open a three-game series at Texas Friday night.

All WNBA teams have a decal on their home courts featuring the initials of Brittney Griner and her jersey number 42 in support of Griner, who was detained at the Moscow airport on February 17 by authorities who said they found vape cartridges allegedly containing hashish oil in her luggage.

Detention of WNBA’s Brittney Griner in Moscow extended for 1 month

Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, was detained at a Moscow airport in February after vape cartridges containing oil derived from cannabis were allegedly found in her luggage,

Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman will bring his youthful enthusiasm — and unwavering confidence — to Game 7

Does the departure of the Red Sox’ hitting coach have anything to do with their offensive malaise?

Game 7 of Bruins-Hurricanes series set for Saturday afternoon

Business

Harvard president Lawrence Bacow earned more than $1.1 million in 2020

That was a slight decrease from the previous year, according to the university’s latest financial filing.

Federal judge orders Internet providers to block Israeli website that illegally streams movies

Some say the unusual ruling could help the entertainment industry battle online piracy.

MIT, Harvard scientists find AI can recognize race from X-rays — and nobody knows how

Elon Musk sows doubt over his $44 billion Twitter takeover

magazine

How do we offer guests a drink when hosting, without drinking ourselves

What age should kids start doing chores? Younger than they do now.

Spanish-Style Flatbread With Roasted Peppers, Artichokes, and Prosciutto

Recipes: With the right fillings, flatbreads make a satisfying meal

An A.D. Makepeace solar array in Wareham.

A solar battle in sleepy Wareham is pitting environmentalists against each other

metro

The "Superman Building," center, stands in downtown Providence, R.I., on March 27, 2013.

Rhode Island business news: May 2022

Who’s ready for outdoor dining on Federal Hill in Providence? It’s here

PiANTA: A new plant-based restaurant blooms on Federal Hill in Providence

sports

Jimmy Butler and the Heat will face either the Celtics or the Bucks in the Eastern Conference finals.

If the Celtics advance to face the Heat, the Eastern Conference Finals will begin Tuesday

Owen Hoffman lifts No. 4 Hingham boys’ lacrosse past Duxbury in double-overtime thriller

The Bruins always knew they might have to go the distance with the Hurricanes. Up next? Game 7.

business

Endeavoring to keep meatpacking plants open, a cabal of meatpacking companies and trade organizations promoted unfounded fears of a US meat shortage in spite of concerns of coronavirus transmission between workers, a House report released Thursday alleged.

Meatpackers played up ‘baseless’ shortage to keep plants open despite COVID risks, House report alleges

Senator to introduce bill giving Big Tech its own federal watchdog

Biden under fire for FDA’s delay in fixing baby formula shortage

politics

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts, speaks with members of the media following the Senate Democrats policy luncheon at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on March 8, 2022. MUST CREDIT: Bloomberg photo by Al Drago.

Elizabeth Warren’s income jumped to $1.36 million last year after book advance

Sign up for ‘Beyond Roe,’ a weekly newsletter chronicling what’s next in the battle over abortion rights

Jen Psaki is departing as White House press secretary. Here’s some of her memorable exchanges.

Nation

With COVID numbers on the rise, the CDC is recommending that most residents of Massachusetts go back to wearing masks in indoor public spaces.

11 of 14 Mass. counties now have high levels of COVID-19, CDC reports; indoor masking recommended

As the US approaches 1 million COVID-19 deaths, chronicling the virus’ cruel toll

5,576 confirmed cases and 16 deaths. See the latest COVID-19 data from Mass.

World

Russian army Sergeant Vadim Shishimarin, 21, was seen during a court hearing in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Friday, May 13, 2022. The trial of a Russian soldier accused of killing a Ukrainian civilian opened Friday, the first war crimes trial since Moscow's invasion of its neighbor.

Ukrainian trial begins for first Russian soldier accused of war crimes

Russia takes losses in failed river crossing, officials say

At least 11 dead and 38 rescued after boat capsizes off Puerto Rico

opinion

The Constitution does not rule out a system in which rotating panels of appeals judges are brought in to hear Supreme Court cases.

To fix the Supreme Court, randomly choose new justices for every case

To ensure every American has access to water and the Internet, stop selling utility data to ICE

Meet Bret Bero — rhymes with ‘hero’ — a candidate for lieutenant governor

lifestyle

Runners and sunbathers at the Esplanade on the Charles River in 2011. (File)

It’s finally warming up. Here are 7 waterside spots around Boston to cool down

On abortion, listen to women

He says I’m weak and pathetic

food & dining

One of the dishes on the menu at Bonanno is grilled branzino (European bass) in olive oil.

Who’s ready for outdoor dining on Federal Hill in Providence? It’s here

PiANTA: A new plant-based restaurant blooms on Federal Hill in Providence

In new digs, with a new proprietor, Waltham’s Il Capriccio still soars

travel

Peyton Place author Grace Metalious is remembered with books, photos, and a typewriter at Gilmanton Winery & Vineyard.

A perfect afternoon at Gilmanton Winery

Museum hopping is one way to get to know the Granite State

Help! My all-inclusive hotel in Mexico is only half-inclusive

Arts

Celeste Rapone, "Spring Couple," 2021.

At the ICA, ‘A Place For Me’ breathes new life into an old art form

6 art-school stars from around Boston to watch in 2022

Can art inspire environmental action?

Books

An artistic revolution by the seaside in ‘The Shores of Bohemia’

Reading about war and wartime with Phil Klay

Love and time travel in Emma Straub’s ‘This Time Tomorrow’

Movies

The filmmakers' children at White Sands, N.M., in "Nuclear Family."

DocYard ends its season with ‘Nuclear’ option

‘The Automat’: A tribute to ‘the house that nickels built’

Jessie Buckley: Now you see her, now you don’t

Television

In 1972, the sitcom "Maude" broke ground with a two-part episode about Maude's decision to have an abortion at age 47. From left: Bea Arthur, Bill Macy, and Adrienne Barbeau.

TV shows that understood a woman’s right to choose

For Dick Wolf, series renewals continue apace at NBC, CBS

Podcast goes behind the scenes at ‘SNL’

music

Elvis Costello performs with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival on May 5. He also played a set with his band, The Imposters.

From the New Orleans Jazz Fest to New England: 13 electrifying artists there who’ll be coming here

‘Pussy riot’ band member dresses as food delivery worker to escape Russia, goes on tour to support Ukraine

Saxophonist Ricky Ford crosses the ocean for a jazz tribute to Langston Hughes in Roxbury

Theater/Dance

"1776" co-directors Diane Paulus and Jeffrey L. Page consult during a recent rehearsal.

ART’s ‘1776’ aims to give history a shake

Moving through trauma in Jean Appolon Expressions’ ‘Traka,’ a world premiere at the ICA this weekend

American Repertory Theater to present ‘Life of Pi’ during its 2022-23 season

globe local

Sign up for ‘Beyond Roe,’ a weekly newsletter chronicling what’s next in the battle over abortion rights

Pilgrim descendant named first female sexton of Old North Church

Episode 11: Guests discuss the intersectionality of being Black and Asian

Obituaries

Gino Cappelletti on the sidelines of a October 2009 game in Denver.

Gino Cappelletti, original Boston Patriot and team broadcaster, dies at 89

Bruce MacVittie, ubiquitous character actor, dies at 65

John Leo, columnist who took aim at liberal pieties, dies at 86