The Boston Globe

All money, no sense in NCAA conference realignment

WATCH: Sports correspondent Bob Ryan breaks down the changing college sports landscape and explains why top programs are now leaving their conferences.

It's all money and no sense in the NCAA conference realignment

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State Representative Mike Connolly and his supporters gathered in front of the State House after he received notice that a petition to lift the statewide ban on rent control was certified by Attorney General Andrea Campbell.

Rent control in Mass. is one step closer to making it on the 2024 ballot

Rent control advocates are left to decide whether the divisive, sure-to-be-expensive fight is one they want to wage right now.

Here are the top colleges in Massachusetts, according to 2024 rankings from The Wall Street Journal
Four schools in Massachusetts were named among the top 10 colleges in the country by The Wall Street Journal, rankings that put a new emphasis on student outcomes, such as graduation rates and graduate salaries.

Boston radio legend Charles Laquidara reminisces about ‘The Big Mattress,’ his on-air antics, and the end of an era
At 84, Laquidara reflects on WBCN's “hippie dippy” heyday, his younger self's hopes to “change the world,” and whether he considers himself "the last DJ."

The beef brisket noodle bowl served at Worcester Commons on the UMass Amherst campus.

FOOD

Everyone knows UMass Amherst wins ‘best campus food’ year after year. Few know the dining halls are open to the public.

Here’s what it’s like to eat at the globally inspired Worcester Commons, which offers 12 stations in a kid-approved, all-you-can-eat buffet.

TABLES

Garrett Harker’s All That opens in Kenmore Square; Boqueria comes to the Seaport

Plus, the loss of a tiki legend — and other restaurant news you can use.

The Springfield Police Department headquarters building.

Gregg Bigda is the poster boy of police brutality in Springfield. But the city can’t — or won’t — fire him.

The city’s last, best hope is that a relatively new state commission created to address police misconduct will end the saga once and for all. But that’s likely wishful thinking.

Attorney General’s office gives nod to pursue ballot question to end MCAS graduation requirement

The question would ask voters to eliminate the MCAS graduation requirement and instead would allow students to receive diplomas by completing coursework that is consistent with the state’s academic standards and curriculum frameworks upon which the MCAS is based

Prosecutors seeking new indictment for Hunter Biden by end of September

Federal prosecutors are seeking to bring a new indictment against President Biden’s son Hunter by the end of September, according to court documents filed Wednesday.

Many kids are returning to schools without air conditioning. Should parents be concerned?
Exposure to high temperatures can have lasting impacts on children’s health and learning.

As forecasters issue heat advisory, some public schools cancel classes, let students out early

Retired doctor charged with drug trafficking, illegal gun possession after arrest aboard yacht in Nantucket Harbor

A retired doctor living in Florida is facing drug and gun charges after he was arrested Tuesday aboard his yacht in Nantucket, which police said contained firearms, cocaine, and ketamine, according to authorities and legal filings.

The number of out-of-state travelers seeking abortions in Mass. grew by 37 percent after Roe was overturned

New research from Brigham and Women’s Hospital shows patients came from as far away as Texas following the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization.

Autopsy conducted on Worcester teenager who died after eating spicy tortilla chip in social media challenge

What happens when you eat too many chili peppers?

Trump says he would ‘love to debate’ Meghan Markle

Racist message displayed on construction company’s electronic sign in South Boston; police investigating

A New Hampshire woman was driving on a Maine highway on Sept. 5 when this large shard of rusted metal smashed through her windshield, stopping only inches away from her face.

New Hampshire woman survives (very) close call on Maine highway

“It was sheer, blind, ridiculous luck,” said Mary McPeak, 73, of her subsidized apartment in Brookline.

High prices, years-long waitlists: Massachusetts needs more senior housing

In an inventory-starved market, the state's graying population faces some of the steepest hurdles in the country to secure an affordable place to live.

Former Woburn star Justin Flores (center) takes over at Everett, the winningest program in state history.

High school football: There’s change at the top for some of the area’s top teams. Star players are making it easier.

Everett (Justin Flores), Brockton (Jermaine Wiggins), and Central Catholic (John Sexton) are among the schools with new field bosses.

On Wednesday, the Archdiocese of Boston and its partner St. Francis House formally notified the BPDA about their plan to convert the shuttered Constitution Inn in Charlestown into affordable housing.

shirley leung

‘It’s good for the city’: Plan officially filed to convert shuttered Charlestown hotel to affordable housing

The Archdiocese of Boston and its partner St. Francis House on Wednesday formally notified the BPDA about their plan to convert the shuttered Constitution Inn into much-needed low-income housing, including some for formerly homeless people.

Opinion

Former Roman Catholic Cardinal Theodore McCarrick appeared for a arraignment at Dedham District Court on Sept. 3, 2021, in Dedham.

JOAN VENNOCHI

With Catholic Church foot-dragging comes the chance to evade justice

A continuing lack of transparency about who is being disciplined and for what reason continues to dog the pope and the church he leads.

JEFF JACOBY

Only Sweden had the right COVID-19 response

KIMBERLY ATKINS STOHR

In the age of Trump, media must ditch the political horse race

Matthew Bernstein

‘Jury Duty’ series makes a strong case for Hollywood strikers

EDITORIAL

Latest Thomas financial filing shows he hasn’t learned much

News you can use

A technophobe’s guide to AI chatbots
While the risks are real, it’s becoming increasingly clear that systems like ChatGPT aren’t going anywhere. Are you ready to use them?

Things to do around Boston this weekend and beyond
Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are a few recommendations from Globe writers and critics, covering music, theater, comedy, museums, family events, and more.

COVID-19 levels are on the rise again in Mass. Here’s what to know.
As summer slides into fall and children around the state return to school, the uptick in COVID-19 that began in July is continuing, with hospitalizations now at a five-month high.

More recent News

Georgia judge rules that Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro can be tried together starting Oct. 23

The estimate from special prosecutor Nathan Wade came during a hearing Wednesday.

TELEVISION

One New Englander remains on ‘American Ninja Warrior,’ a high schooler from Lakeville
Teen who trains in Fall River goes for $1 million on “American Ninja Warrior” finale Monday

MUSIC REVIEW

At MGM Music Hall, a Beck and Phoenix pairing is where it’s at
Their co-headlining date in Boston, which also featured openers Weyes Blood and Sir Chloe, culminated with everyone onstage.

Texas AG Ken Paxton’s affair explains his illegal acts, former aide testifies at impeachment trial

An extramarital affair Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton had with a donor’s employee is at the center of his impeachment trial on accusations of corruption.

Biden administration cancels drilling leases in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

The US Interior Department on Wednesday canceled seven oil and gas leases in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge that were part of a sale held in the waning days of the Trump administration, arguing the sale was legally flawed.

No GOP challenger in sight, but Elizabeth Warren draws a Socialist opponent in Senate race

Socialist Brandon Griffin, a Whitman planning board member running to represent The Workers Party of Massachusetts, announced he will challenge Cambridge Democrat Elizabeth Warren in the 2024 race for US Senate.

Parents, educators defend Lexington schools’ diversity curriculum after petition

The “Serious Talks” curriculum has existed for more than a decade and highlights themes including disability, race, and gender identity. But an online petition created last month demands the curriculum be removed from Lexington schools.

Jimmy Buffett’s final live show was a surprise performance at a Rhode Island restaurant
The legendary singer-songwriter died this month following a long battle with cancer. His final performance was at the Sunset Cove in Portsmouth, R.I., on July 2.

As I See It

Last look at summer
“As I See It,” a new weekly photo column by Pulitzer Prize winner Stan Grossfeld, brings the stories of New England to Globe readers. This week, Grossfeld offers scenes from the waning days of summer on Nantucket.

DEVRA FIRST

Whopper-less her entire life, our critic tried one for the first time. Here’s what she thought.
Devra First had her first Whopper. It happened, like so many things in this country, because of a lawsuit.

Culture & Lifestyle

Dean Obeidallah (left) and Maysoon Zayid, founders of the Arab American Comedy Festival.

Arab American Comedy Festival takes the show on the road, with a first stop in Boston

Adam Chanler-Berat (center left), Salome B. Smith (center right), and the ensemble of "A New Brain" at Barrington Stage Company.

‘A New Brain’ with plenty of heart at Barrington Stage

Frontman Alex Turner and drummer Matt Helders perform with Arctic Monkeys at TD Garden Sunday night.

Reliable rockers from Arctic Monkeys at TD Garden

Speed-dating offers an alternative to getting stuck in a pattern of swiping on apps.

Less swiping, more face time: Niche speed-dating offers a specialized alternative to online romance

Special Projects

Boston thrives off the dreams of young people. But can they make it here?

Baby boomers and Gen Xers benefited from economic conditions that do not exist for millennials. And by many measures, the path ahead for Gen Z is even more fraught.

Boston, MA—12/14/2022 - Commuters wait for the T to arrive at Ruggles Station. (Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff)

Boston doesn’t work if the T doesn’t work

With the MBTA engulfed by issues, everyday riders are feeling the pain.

Brittany Tee, Soomaiiah Quraiishi, and Reina Morales Rojas are among thousands of people thought to be missing from Massachusetts.

How the missing become the uncounted

Inside the government’s flawed approach to finding missing persons.

Two Weeks in America

We sent a dozen journalists on the road across this complex country. They found it’s better than you think.

FROM OUR PARTNERS

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Opinion, ideas, and commentary

Paraprofessional Odessa Ellis, second from left, a Burke graduate, passes a backpack to a student while monitoring the metal detector at Jeremiah E. Burke High School in the Dorchester on Jan. 11, 2023.

EDITORIAL

With schools opening this week, Boston needs to finish safety plan and resolve questions about role of police

The remains of the bridge that connected Quincy to Long Island.

Brendan Little

Long Island is a haven worthy of our most vulnerable

But it isn’t about money, not really. Combined, the stipends for the music department’s graduate students cost Brandeis about $300,000 a year. The university’s annual operating budget is well over a thousand times that.

Eric Chasalow and Emily Frey

Why is the music PhD program being cut from Brandeis?

Members of the Philippine Coast Guard participated in a maritime exercise with Japan and the United States in the South China Sea in June.

IDEAS | STEPHEN KINZER

Too often, military defense comes off as offense

President Biden and Vice President Harris at a White House event Tuesday, where they discussed Medicare's new program to negotiate drug prices.

JEFF JACOBY

Of course it’s not racist to criticize Kamala Harris

"This city is special," the author writes, "and Boston, so restrained in emotion, deserves to hear this more often."

IDEAS | OMER AZIZ

My farewell love letter to Boston

Metro

NH POLITICS

Fourth-graders to design N.H.’s ‘I Voted’ stickers

Current fourth-graders won’t be old enough to vote in a presidential election until 2032 or later, but New Hampshire officials have found a way to involve them in the democratic process much sooner.

YVONNE ABRAHAM

Back to school, back to battle

The wave of conservative efforts to control what students are taught and what books they can read — part of Republican attempts to goose turnout among suburban voters — is lapping on even our progressive shores.

As forecasters issue heat advisory, some public schools cancel classes, let students out early

Public schools in multiple communities across Massachusetts announced closures and early dismissals Wednesday through Friday because of the high temperatures and humidity, while other systems urged students and families to be careful in the heat.

Many kids are returning to schools without air conditioning. Should parents be concerned?

Exposure to high temperatures can have lasting impacts on children’s health and learning.

Sports

Cohasset junior captain Tess Barrett (right), a University of Maryland commit, dribbles the ball down field against a Carver defender. Barrett had five goals and a pair of assists for Cohasset in a 9-0 victory at Carver on Wednesday.

HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS' SOCCER NOTEBOOK

For Cohasset’s Tess Barrett, soccer is not just a game, it is her life’s passion

“I would not trade it for the world. Since the first time I touched the ball, I fell in love,” said the 5-foot-6-inch junior captain who committed to the University of Maryland this summer.

Nick Bosa was voted the top defensive player in the NFL last season when he led the league with 18½ sacks.

NFL notebook

49ers make Nick Bosa the NFL’s richest defensive player ever

ESPN first reported the extension and said it was worth $170 million over five seasons with $122.5 million guaranteed.

patriots

Devin McCourty was not a fan of Matt Patricia’s ‘experiment’ as Patriots’ offensive play caller

Patricia, who was the de-facto offensive coordinator last season, is now a senior defensive assistant with the Philadelphia Eagles.

US Open

Daniil Medvedev beats the heat and Andrey Rublev to reach US Open men’s semifinals

red sox

Red Sox prospect Marcelo Mayer won’t play again this season

Red Sox at Rays | 6:40 p.m. (NESN)

Game 140: Red Sox at Rays lineups and notes

Business

Google reaches tentative settlement with 36 states and DC over alleged app store monopoly

The agreement, cited in a court filing late Tuesday by both sides, is subject to approval by the state attorneys general and the board of directors of Google’s parent company, the execution of an agreement, and court approval.

UAW chief says union to strike any Detroit automaker that hasn’t reached deal as contracts end next week

A strike against all three major automakers — General Motors, Stellantis, and Ford — could cause damage not only to the industry as a whole but also to the Midwest and even national economy, depending on how long it lasted.

Biden administration cancels drilling leases in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Bryant Gumbel’s ‘Real Sports,’ HBO’s longest-running show, will end after 29 seasons

magazine

PERSPECTIVE

Patients still discriminate against health care workers of color. Why don’t more hospitals ban it?

MISS CONDUCT

How to get a guest with a ‘lack of social graces’ to fall in line

Salmon Tray Bake With Harissa and Roasted Pepper Sauce

COOKING

Sheet pan recipes using salmon, chicken, or sausages make for easy school night dinners

Globe Magazine

It's all money and no sense in the NCAA conference realignment

Rent control in Mass. is one step closer to making it on the 2024 ballot

Boston radio legend Charles Laquidara reminisces about ‘The Big Mattress,’ his on-air antics, and the end of an era At 84, Laquidara reflects on WBCN's “hippie dippy” heyday, his younger self's hopes to “change the world,” and whether he considers himself "the last DJ."

Everyone knows UMass Amherst wins ‘best campus food’ year after year. Few know the dining halls are open to the public.

Garrett Harker’s All That opens in Kenmore Square; Boqueria comes to the Seaport

Gregg Bigda is the poster boy of police brutality in Springfield. But the city can’t — or won’t — fire him.

Attorney General’s office gives nod to pursue ballot question to end MCAS graduation requirement

Prosecutors seeking new indictment for Hunter Biden by end of September

Many kids are returning to schools without air conditioning. Should parents be concerned? Exposure to high temperatures can have lasting impacts on children’s health and learning.

Retired doctor charged with drug trafficking, illegal gun possession after arrest aboard yacht in Nantucket Harbor

The number of out-of-state travelers seeking abortions in Mass. grew by 37 percent after Roe was overturned

Autopsy conducted on Worcester teenager who died after eating spicy tortilla chip in social media challenge

Trump says he would ‘love to debate’ Meghan Markle

Racist message displayed on construction company’s electronic sign in South Boston; police investigating

New Hampshire woman survives (very) close call on Maine highway

High prices, years-long waitlists: Massachusetts needs more senior housing

High school football: There’s change at the top for some of the area’s top teams. Star players are making it easier.

‘It’s good for the city’: Plan officially filed to convert shuttered Charlestown hotel to affordable housing

With Catholic Church foot-dragging comes the chance to evade justice

Only Sweden had the right COVID-19 response

In the age of Trump, media must ditch the political horse race

‘Jury Duty’ series makes a strong case for Hollywood strikers

Latest Thomas financial filing shows he hasn’t learned much

News you can use

A technophobe’s guide to AI chatbots While the risks are real, it’s becoming increasingly clear that systems like ChatGPT aren’t going anywhere. Are you ready to use them?

Things to do around Boston this weekend and beyond Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are a few recommendations from Globe writers and critics, covering music, theater, comedy, museums, family events, and more.

COVID-19 levels are on the rise again in Mass. Here’s what to know. As summer slides into fall and children around the state return to school, the uptick in COVID-19 that began in July is continuing, with hospitalizations now at a five-month high.

More recent News

Georgia judge rules that Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro can be tried together starting Oct. 23

TELEVISION One New Englander remains on ‘American Ninja Warrior,’ a high schooler from Lakeville Teen who trains in Fall River goes for $1 million on “American Ninja Warrior” finale Monday

MUSIC REVIEW At MGM Music Hall, a Beck and Phoenix pairing is where it’s at Their co-headlining date in Boston, which also featured openers Weyes Blood and Sir Chloe, culminated with everyone onstage.

Texas AG Ken Paxton’s affair explains his illegal acts, former aide testifies at impeachment trial

Biden administration cancels drilling leases in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

No GOP challenger in sight, but Elizabeth Warren draws a Socialist opponent in Senate race

Recommended reads

Parents, educators defend Lexington schools’ diversity curriculum after petition

Jimmy Buffett’s final live show was a surprise performance at a Rhode Island restaurant The legendary singer-songwriter died this month following a long battle with cancer. His final performance was at the Sunset Cove in Portsmouth, R.I., on July 2.

As I See It Last look at summer “As I See It,” a new weekly photo column by Pulitzer Prize winner Stan Grossfeld, brings the stories of New England to Globe readers. This week, Grossfeld offers scenes from the waning days of summer on Nantucket.

DEVRA FIRST Whopper-less her entire life, our critic tried one for the first time. Here’s what she thought. Devra First had her first Whopper. It happened, like so many things in this country, because of a lawsuit.

Culture & Lifestyle

Arab American Comedy Festival takes the show on the road, with a first stop in Boston

‘A New Brain’ with plenty of heart at Barrington Stage

Reliable rockers from Arctic Monkeys at TD Garden

Less swiping, more face time: Niche speed-dating offers a specialized alternative to online romance

Special Projects

Boston thrives off the dreams of young people. But can they make it here?

Boston doesn’t work if the T doesn’t work

How the missing become the uncounted

Two Weeks in America

FROM OUR PARTNERS

Opinion, ideas, and commentary

With schools opening this week, Boston needs to finish safety plan and resolve questions about role of police

Long Island is a haven worthy of our most vulnerable

Why is the music PhD program being cut from Brandeis?

Too often, military defense comes off as offense

Of course it’s not racist to criticize Kamala Harris

My farewell love letter to Boston

Metro

Fourth-graders to design N.H.’s ‘I Voted’ stickers

Back to school, back to battle

As forecasters issue heat advisory, some public schools cancel classes, let students out early

Many kids are returning to schools without air conditioning. Should parents be concerned?

Sports

For Cohasset’s Tess Barrett, soccer is not just a game, it is her life’s passion

49ers make Nick Bosa the NFL’s richest defensive player ever

Devin McCourty was not a fan of Matt Patricia’s ‘experiment’ as Patriots’ offensive play caller

Daniil Medvedev beats the heat and Andrey Rublev to reach US Open men’s semifinals

Red Sox prospect Marcelo Mayer won’t play again this season

Game 140: Red Sox at Rays lineups and notes

Business

Google reaches tentative settlement with 36 states and DC over alleged app store monopoly

UAW chief says union to strike any Detroit automaker that hasn’t reached deal as contracts end next week

Biden administration cancels drilling leases in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Bryant Gumbel’s ‘Real Sports,’ HBO’s longest-running show, will end after 29 seasons

Patients still discriminate against health care workers of color. Why don’t more hospitals ban it?

How to get a guest with a ‘lack of social graces’ to fall in line

Sheet pan recipes using salmon, chicken, or sausages make for easy school night dinners

Pot prices have tanked. Dispensaries are closing. Is a great crash coming?

metro

The latest political news in Rhode Island

Boston radio legend Charles Laquidara reminisces about ‘The Big Mattress,’ his on-air antics, and the end of an era
At 84, Laquidara reflects on WBCN's “hippie dippy” heyday, his younger self's hopes to “change the world,” and whether he considers himself "the last DJ."

Many kids are returning to schools without air conditioning. Should parents be concerned?
Exposure to high temperatures can have lasting impacts on children’s health and learning.

A technophobe’s guide to AI chatbots
While the risks are real, it’s becoming increasingly clear that systems like ChatGPT aren’t going anywhere. Are you ready to use them?

Things to do around Boston this weekend and beyond
Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are a few recommendations from Globe writers and critics, covering music, theater, comedy, museums, family events, and more.

COVID-19 levels are on the rise again in Mass. Here’s what to know.
As summer slides into fall and children around the state return to school, the uptick in COVID-19 that began in July is continuing, with hospitalizations now at a five-month high.

TELEVISION

One New Englander remains on ‘American Ninja Warrior,’ a high schooler from Lakeville
Teen who trains in Fall River goes for $1 million on “American Ninja Warrior” finale Monday

MUSIC REVIEW

At MGM Music Hall, a Beck and Phoenix pairing is where it’s at
Their co-headlining date in Boston, which also featured openers Weyes Blood and Sir Chloe, culminated with everyone onstage.

Jimmy Buffett’s final live show was a surprise performance at a Rhode Island restaurant
The legendary singer-songwriter died this month following a long battle with cancer. His final performance was at the Sunset Cove in Portsmouth, R.I., on July 2.

As I See It

Last look at summer
“As I See It,” a new weekly photo column by Pulitzer Prize winner Stan Grossfeld, brings the stories of New England to Globe readers. This week, Grossfeld offers scenes from the waning days of summer on Nantucket.

DEVRA FIRST

Whopper-less her entire life, our critic tried one for the first time. Here’s what she thought.
Devra First had her first Whopper. It happened, like so many things in this country, because of a lawsuit.