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The Boston Globe

A residential street in Milton lined with single-family homes.

Milton vote next month will be a crucial test for state’s ambitious new housing law

Milton's zoning referendum next month will be the greatest test yet for the state's MBTA Communities law, which compels cities and towns with access to public transit to draw new zones that allow for more multifamily housing.

Tara Sullivan

It’s not easy following a coaching legend, so Jerod Mayo shouldn’t even try becoming the next Bill Belichick
Clearly, the job is hard enough. For Mayo, it’s made harder by doing it directly in his predecessor’s prodigious shadow.

Jerod Mayo

BEN VOLIN | ON FOOTBALL

Why would the Patriots hire Jerod Mayo? A lot of questions follow Robert Kraft’s decision.

Mayo was a terrific player, and may end up being a great coach, but his résumé is light with only five years of coaching experience.

See complete coverage of Belichick's departure

Heavy rains bring flooding to coastal and river areas in New England
Rivers are cresting, and high tides crashed over sea walls in coastal towns. Basements have flooded, roads have been closed, and power outages were reported.

On Ocean Blvd a man is overtaken by sea foam as it comes over the sea wall before high tide.

See photos of big waves and high coastal water from Saturday’s storm in New England

Forecast | Dave Epstein

A sunny start to Sunday then some rain and snow showers

Icy Iowa and New Hampshire might be warming to Haley. But can she steal support from Trump?
The wild weather in Iowa added another layer of difficulty as Nikki Haley sprinted to the finish.

Attendees pray during a Commit to Caucus event held by former President Donald Trump's campaign in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Dec. 2, 2023.

How Trump might destroy the decades-old playbook on how to win the GOP Iowa caucuses

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has done everything by the book in his courting of Iowa evangelicals. So why are they so drawn to Trump?

John Kerry, presidential envoy for climate, to depart Biden administration this winter

Kerry has served for three years as the special presidential envoy for climate in the Biden administration.

Shining a glaring light on surgery: technology that records every move aims to improve safety
Faulkner Hospital is trying out a system called the OR Black Box, which collects data to pinpoint missteps during operations.

Sometimes even the dead need a lawyer
The co-counsel representing families in the Harvard morgue thefts case has lots of experience in this troubling area of the law.

For-profit biomedical institute, backed by billionaires, launches in Cambridge to speed drug discovery
The institute will be led by cofounder Stuart Schreiber, a Harvard scientist who was also one of the founders of the Broad Institute.

School sues to stop housing development at Shawmut Red Line station in Dorchester
The BPDA board in November approved the 72-unit development at 150 Centre St., a site that’s currently home to the Fitzpatrick Bros. auto-body shop and an adjacent parking lot.

Artist Max Streicher's “Endgame (Nagg & Nell)” clowns are among the "Winteractive" pieces on display in downtown Boston.

Floating clowns and a unicorn: Art installations aim to draw more foot traffic to downtown Boston

After years of delays, Amtrak moves toward faster trains in the Northeast

The faster, more spacious trains are to replace those in the Acela fleet.

The seal pup was waddling on Polpis Road in Nantucket.

Three-week-old seal pup rescued on Nantucket

A defiant Netanyahu says no one can halt Israel’s war to crush Hamas, including the world court

Police identify victim in Brockton restaurant shooting

The Bears are sticking with coach Matt Eberflus, but will they do the same with quarterback Justin Fields?

Ben Volin | Sunday football notes

There are dark days ahead for the NFL teams that didn’t make the playoffs

Eight of the 18 teams have fired their head coach. Those that didn’t are making changes at coordinator and position coaches.

Bills-Steelers playoff game moved to Monday because of dangerous winter weather

How do I tell my husband the marriage is over?

"I ... think we both would be better off with other partners.”

Draymond Green hasn’t played since Dec. 12, when he swung and hit Phoenix's Jusuf Nurkic, the latest in a series of violent on-court incidents for Green that prompted an indefinite suspension.

Gary Washburn | Sunday basketball notes

Latest suspension gave Draymond Green time to reflect, and he’s finally realized he has a problem

The Warriors forward hasn’t played since Dec. 12, when he hit Phoenix’s Jusuf Nurkic, the latest in of a series of violent on-court incidents.

Opinion

Fog enveloped the Harvard Bridge as pedestrians walked along Massachusetts Ave. over the Charles River on Dec. 26, 2023.

Harvey Silverglate

To restore trust, Harvard Corporation must make these changes

Without radical change at the top, the reputation and quality of one of the nation’s premier educational institutions will continue to sink.

Is Nikki Haley up to it, or will she ‘get smoked’?

Tara D. Sonenshine

US and allied strikes on Houthi targets were necessary

IDEAS | THE EDITORS

Help us reimagine downtown Boston

We’re poised to enter a whole new phase in the race for president

2024 election illo

The Stump: Audio dispatches from James Pindell on the campaign trail

Listen to the latest updates from Globe political reporter James Pindell as he outlines what to watch as presidential contenders enter the final sprint to the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary.

More recent News

US military strikes another Houthi-controlled site after warning ships to avoid parts of Red Sea
The U.S. military has struck another Houthi-controlled site in Yemen that they have determined was putting commercial vessels in the Red Sea at risk.

Who are the Houthis and why is the US attacking them?

‘He was my brother and I loved him.’ Third teen dies after rollover crash on Morrissey Boulevard
A 17-year-old from Roslindale died Tuesday at a Boston hospital, where he was being treated for severe injuries sustained in the Jan. 4 crash, State Police said Friday.

clemson 89, boston college 78

Boston College men’s basketball, minus Quinten Post, falls to No. 21 Clemson
The Eagles' leading scorer, along with two teammates, was out with a stomach flu. BC slipped to 10-6 overall and 1-4 in the ACC.

Globe Santa soars to the top, and beyond with record-breaking year
Globe Santa had a record-breaking tally this year of $1,767,228.42 in donations from 7,944 donors.

In 100 days, the Israel-Hamas war has transformed the region. The fighting shows no signs of ending.
Sunday marks 100 days that Israel and Hamas have been at war.

It seems like hardly anyone still cares about COVID. Does it matter?
Doctors differ on the question, with some saying long COVID remains a significant risk, while others say that concern is overblown.

Recommended reads

Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, who has since pulled out of the race, spoke at a campaign event in Rindge, N.H., last month.

The kids are meh: Apathy among younger voters in New Hampshire fits a national trend

Young people said that while they may be interested in the primary, they feel their peers are either not engaged in the process or are simply disillusioned with the two front-runners.

dan shaughnessy

Reading between the lines at Bill Belichick’s Patriots farewell, and other thoughts
There was nothing “mutual” about his parting with the Patriots, and the intrigue may be just beginning.

MATTHEW GILBERT

Amid some deserving Emmy nominees, snubs, surprises, and head scratchers
There were surprises and snubs aplenty when nominations were announced Wednesday.

‘Just to eff with her’: Roots of eBay stalking case finally revealed amid criminal settlement
An agreement announced Thursday between the California e-commerce giant and the US attorney's office in Boston settled new criminal charges over the stalking and harassment of a Natick couple while shedding fresh light on the origins of the debacle.

Culture & Lifestyle

Company One Theatre cofounders Shawn LaCount and Summer L. Williams at their office at the Boston Center for the Arts. The theater company is about to embark on its 25th season.

As Company One launches its 25th season, its reputation for innovation is reaping rewards

Bebe Wood attended a "Mean Girls" photocall at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills on December 4, 2023, in Los Angeles. She stars as Gretchen Wieners in the new movie musical adaptation.

Bebe Wood on making Mass. her ‘home base’ and updating ‘Mean Girls’ for Gen Z

In this April 10, 1985 file photo, Madonna performs in Seattle as she opened her first national tour.

Madonna taught me the word ‘virgin.’ And then some.

Do you have a favorite cat-centric book, movie, or artwork? Share it in the comments.

The cat’s out of the bag . . . and onto the page, screen, and canvas

Special Projects

Beyond the Gilded Gate

People in and around Boston are being challenged, in ways never before, to address the region's unprecedented housing crisis.

stuart landing page illustration

Nightmare in Mission Hill

The story of how a murder in Mission Hill — the Carol Stuart shooting — terrorized and wounded a community of innocent people.

Photo Illustration

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.

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Opinion, ideas, and commentary

Activists at a press conference organized by the Not Above the Law and Declaration for American Democracy coalitions to mark three years since the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the US Capitol.

For Trump, every day is Opposite Day

In 2007, the Obamas greeted crowds in Springfield, Ill., after his speech to announce his candidacy for president.

Forget #CoupleGoals. Michelle Obama is talking (again) about relationship realities.

Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie delivered remarks during a campaign event on Wednesday where he announced he was suspending his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination. His exit leaves the field without its most vocal Trump critic.

For once, Chris Christie eases congestion — this time, on the GOP ballot

New England Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel returned an interception 55 yards for a touchdown against the New York Jets in Foxborough on Sept. 21, 2003, as head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady cheered him on.

Thanks for the memories, coach Belichick

IDEAS | Evan Selinger & Brenda Leong

Getting AI ready for the real world takes a terrible human toll

When accidents happen: True stories from an ICU

Ernesto Barbieri and Jess Ruliffson

When accidents happen: True stories from an ICU nurse

Metro

Heavy rains bring flooding to coastal and river areas in New England

Rivers are cresting, and high tides crashed over sea walls in coastal towns. Basements have flooded, roads have been closed, and power outages were reported.

Forecast | Dave Epstein

A sunny start to Sunday then some rain and snow showers

Saturday's rain storm has resulted in power outages in some locations. A coastal flood warning is in effect for areas throughout New England, and inland flooding is possible.

Edward Jay Epstein, investigative journalist and skeptic, dies at 88

The reporter straddled the establishment and the skeptical world of doubt beyond, delighting in puncturing accepted narratives and, in some cases, the media outlets that gave them life.

Globe Santa soars to the top, and beyond with record-breaking year

Globe Santa had a record-breaking tally this year of $1,767,228.42 in donations from 7,944 donors.

Sports

Woburn's Jack Lee (left, No. 12) celebrates the completion of his hat trick with a late third-period goal for the Tanners in their 5-2 victory over Belmont in boys' and girls' doubleheader between Middlesex League foes Saturday at Bentley Arena.

ON HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY

Jack Lee, Woburn boys spoil ‘Celebration of Belmont hockey,’ a boys’ and girls’ doubleheader between Middlesex League foes

The No. 12 Tanners had plenty to celebrate, as junior forward Jack Lee had a hat trick in a 5-2 Middlesex League Liberty win. The Belmont and Woburn girls battled to a scoreless draw.

Besides scoring a team-high 18 points, Boston College guard Jaeden Zackery (right) vied for a loose ball with Clemson's Chase Hunter in an ACC road loss Saturday.

clemson 89, boston college 78

Boston College men’s basketball, minus Quinten Post, falls to No. 21 Clemson

The Eagles' leading scorer, along with two teammates, was out with a stomach flu. BC slipped to 10-6 overall and 1-4 in the ACC.

Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown walked off the field with an injury during the first quarter of the regular-season finale against the Giants.

Eagles won’t have injured receiver A.J. Brown for wild-card game against Buccaneers

Brown won't play Monday night after injuring his right knee in last week’s regular-season finale loss to the Giants .

It’s not easy following a coaching legend, so Jerod Mayo shouldn’t even try becoming the next Bill Belichick

BRUINS NOTEBOOK

In a good sign for Linus Ullmark and the Bruins, injured goalie takes ice at morning skate

Peter Abraham | Sunday baseball notes

Time in the business world helped Joe Martinez forge a path back into baseball

Business

Milton vote next month will be a crucial test for state’s ambitious new housing law

Milton's zoning referendum next month will be the greatest test yet for the state's MBTA Communities law, which compels cities and towns with access to public transit to draw new zones that allow for more multifamily housing.

US military strikes another Houthi-controlled site after warning ships to avoid parts of Red Sea

The U.S. military has struck another Houthi-controlled site in Yemen that they have determined was putting commercial vessels in the Red Sea at risk.

For-profit biomedical institute, backed by billionaires, launches in Cambridge to speed drug discovery

School sues to stop housing development at Shawmut Red Line station in Dorchester

magazine

‘God, I wish I hadn’t seen that’: On the trail of Bigfoot in the Berkshires

This week's daters: Grace and David

Dinner with Cupid

Blind date: ‘I got a little lost . . . and was almost late’

Bart Hanson lives with his family and North Reading and makes his living as a poker professional.

YouTube poker player Bart Hanson just can't stop winning

Boston is too expensive, everyone agrees. So what’s keeping you here?

metro

Dr. Douglas Smink spoke in an operating room at Faulkner Hospital about the system that operates like the black box on an aircraft.

Shining a glaring light on surgery: technology that records every move aims to improve safety

Three-week-old seal pup rescued on Nantucket

Colombian immigrant wins first scholarship named for Irishman who came to Boston in 1921

sports

Draymond Green hasn’t played since Dec. 12, when he swung and hit Phoenix's Jusuf Nurkic, the latest in a series of violent on-court incidents for Green that prompted an indefinite suspension.

Latest suspension gave Draymond Green time to reflect, and he’s finally realized he has a problem

Bills-Steelers playoff game moved to Monday because of dangerous winter weather

Coco Gauff says the pressure is off as she enters the Australian Open as a Grand Slam champion

business

A section of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 that is missing panel on a Boeing 737-9 MAX in Portland, Ore.

US intensifies oversight of Boeing, will begin production audits after latest mishap for planemaker

Some Americans will get their student loans canceled in February as Biden accelerates his new plan

Biden administration to fine oil and gas companies for excess methane

politics

Amtrak's Acela train has been kept in service well beyond its expected retirement in 2016. Alstom is building a new set of trains for Amtrak's Northeast Corridor.

After years of delays, Amtrak moves toward faster trains in the Northeast

How Trump might destroy the decades-old playbook on how to win the GOP Iowa caucuses

John Kerry, presidential envoy for climate, to depart Biden administration this winter

Nation

Republican presidential candidate former UN ambassador Nikki Haley greeted an audience member after speaking at an event in Ankeny, Iowa, on Thursday.

Icy Iowa and New Hampshire might be warming to Haley. But can she steal support from Trump?

Edward Jay Epstein, investigative journalist and skeptic, dies at 88

A weekend of ferocious winter weather could see low-temperature records set in the US heartland

World

Antiwar and antigovernment protesters held Israeli flags during a demonstration in Tel Aviv Saturday, after almost 100 days of war between Israel and the militant Hamas group in Gaza.

A defiant Netanyahu says no one can halt Israel’s war to crush Hamas, including the world court

China failed to sway Taiwan’s election. What happens now?

Ecuador’s attorney general took on drug gangs. Then chaos broke out.

opinion

A fan in the hall moves air at the James Otis Elementary School in East Boston, one of Boston’s non-air conditioned schools, on Sept. 8, 2023.

The challenge of closing BPS buildings, and what Boston can learn from D.C.

Healey’s midyear spending cuts are a brutal tug at the safety net

People of Lynn can tell you what it’ll take to stem rise in violence

lifestyle

The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. is welcomed with a kiss by his wife, Coretta, after leaving court in Montgomery, Ala., on March 22, 1956.

14 events happening in and around Boston on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

How do I tell my husband the marriage is over?

From embracing a mess to Somerville staycations, here’s how local parents want to kick off the new year

food & dining

In this April 21, 2021 file photo, a delivery man bikes with a food bag from Grubhub in New York.

AG’s office settles with Grubhub for $3.5 million over inflated delivery fees during pandemic

I finally got a seat at Sally’s Apizza, and here’s what I found

Revival Café + Kitchen plans a Watertown opening; Makaroni Pasteria launches at High Street Place

travel

Despite the weather (rain), this winter could be the perfect time to visit London.

Winter in London is cold and rainy, but it’s also a great time to visit. Here’s why.

What it’s like to rent a winter RV and head off with friends down the famed Powder Highway

These New England ski resorts are re-inventing the ski vacation

Arts

During her State of the City address, Mayor Michelle Wu (pictured, as a child) talked about the value of free museum trips in Chicago, where she grew up. She announced a free museum pilot for Boston in her speech.

Michelle Wu doubles down on the politics of ‘free,’ from the MBTA to museums

At 93, American artist Faith Ringgold is finally getting her due

Floating clowns and a unicorn: Art installations aim to draw more foot traffic to downtown Boston

Books

In ‘The Wisdom of Plagues,’ Donald G. McNeil Jr. has some ideas to share about preventing the next pandemic. You might not like them.

The disappointments of age take a dark turn in Katia Lief’s ‘Invisible Woman’

Author readings around Boston through Jan. 20

Movies

Bebe Wood attended a "Mean Girls" photocall at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills on December 4, 2023, in Los Angeles. She stars as Gretchen Wieners in the new movie musical adaptation.

Bebe Wood on making Mass. her ‘home base’ and updating ‘Mean Girls’ for Gen Z

John Sayles talks about his ‘Lone Star’ state of mind

Norma Barzman, blacklisted screenwriter, dies at 103

Television

Ayo Edebiri in "The Bear." The Dorchester native is nominated for supporting actress, comedy series, for her work on the FX show, which is also nominated for outstanding comedy series.

Emmy Awards: How to stream all of the nominees for outstanding drama, comedy, and limited series

Expect ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ to go out on a wry note

How to watch this year’s Emmy Awards

music

Andris Nelsons conducting the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Hall on Thursday.

‘Stride,’ ‘Rite,’ and a left-hand concerto make for a hot-blooded evening with the BSO

Madonna taught me the word ‘virgin.’ And then some.

Blacklisted on the West Bank, Basel Zayed has settled into his new musical home in Boston

Theater/Dance

Company One Theatre cofounders Shawn LaCount and Summer L. Williams at their office at the Boston Center for the Arts. The theater company is about to embark on its 25th season.

As Company One launches its 25th season, its reputation for innovation is reaping rewards

Music from the Sole’s ‘I Didn’t Come to Stay’ comes to party

A mix-and-match score of 70-plus songs makes ‘Moulin Rouge!’ pop

Health

Nurse Michele Kaine tends to Rodolfo Almeida of Providence at The Miriam Hospital's new Stephen and Diana Lewinstein Center for Innovative Cancer Research, a clinical area where patients will receive investigational cancer treatments.

Ryan T. Conaty for the Boston Globe

Top 6 health care stories to watch in Rhode Island in 2024

CVS to launch new pharmacy reimbursement model aimed at simplifying drug pricing

Many Americans ration insulin to save money. One nonprofit is trying to make the life-saving drug more affordable.

Obituaries

Edward Jay Epstein, at his home in Manhattan circa 2010.

Edward Jay Epstein, investigative journalist and skeptic, dies at 88

Alexis Smith, artist with eclectic eye on American culture, dies at 74

Lynn Yamada Davis, whose cooking TikToks delighted millions, dies at 67