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The Boston Globe

Alabama executes a man with nitrogen gas, the first time the new method has been used

Alabama has executed a man with nitrogen gas, putting him to death with a first-of-its-kind method that once again put the U.S. at the forefront of the debate over capital punishment

Governor Healey drops degree requirements from most state job listings
Healey made the announcement at a business event in Newton, with the aim of spurring private-sector employers to follow her lead.

celtics 143, heat 110

Balanced, relentless Celtics pour it on the Heat in Miami
Seven players scored in double figures and the Celtics became the first team in NBA history to have five players hit at least three 3-pointers and three 2-pointers.

Republican National Committee pulls resolution declaring Trump as the ‘presumptive 2024 nominee’

If approved, the measure would have further solidified Donald Trump’s control of the party and its operation at a time when former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley is still competing against Trump for the GOP nomination.

Donald Trump testifies for less than 3 minutes in defamation trial and is rebuked by judge

Forecast | Dave Epstein

‘Strong probability’ of accumulating snow this weekend
It’s been an incredible pattern of storminess so far this winter as rounds of precipitation soak New England.

Weather look-ahead: Five things to know through the weekend

State panel calls for further review of proposed Dana-Farber, Beth Israel partnership

Teacher at Saugus Middle High School arrested on drug charge after ‘suspicious substance’ found in faculty bathroom, police say

Striking Newton teachers rallied outside the Newton Education Center on Wednesday.

Teachers increasingly willing to put up with costs of strikes to gain better pay

Over the last two years, Massachusetts has experienced the biggest uptick in teachers strikes in decades. Now, Newton is the latest district to grapple with a strike, which began Jan. 19.

Newton Public Schools closed Friday for sixth straight day due to teachers strike

State law requires that Newton Public Schools make up for the days missed during the teacher strike.

Newton teachers remain on strike. How do students make up the missed school days?

As the Newton strike drags on, what will it mean for students? Families may not welcome the answer.

Steward’s medical devices were repossessed. Weeks later, a new mother died.
Some patients of the nine-hospital system say they have struggled to access care, with doctors blaming Steward's financial problems as the cause.

At the only active hospital left in Brockton, patients fear Steward financial crisis could spell more trouble

MATTHEW GILBERT

From ‘The Sopranos’ to ‘Succession’: Ranking the 10 best HBO drama series
For more than a quarter-century, the cable channel has set a standard of excellence for longform storytelling. These are the 10 shows that rise to the very top.

Music teacher Michael Coelho conducts the orchestra during a rehearsal at Ipswich High School in Ipswich Thursday.

Ipswich ‘instructor in life’ and music scores Grammy nomination for second time

Michael Coelho, a Fall River native who teaches in the Ipswich Public Schools, was the only New Englander to reach the final round for the Grammy Music Educator of the Year Award.

Bruins captain Brad Marchand was checked into Senators goalie Joonas Korpisalo in the first period.

Bruins 3, Senators 2 (OT)

Bruins squander 2-0 lead, spend too much time in penalty box, yet still beat Senators in overtime in Ottawa

David Pastrnak and Trent Frederic also scored for Boston.

A wave of kids and preteens are frequenting retail stores like Sephora and Ulta in search of expensive skincare products.

‘Skincare kids’ are everywhere right now. Should parents be concerned?

“There’s no problem with kids taking care of their skin,” said one Rhode Island dermatologist. “It becomes a problem when they feel that they need an expensive, multi-step skincare regimen.”

Luz Echeverry is paid as a personal care attendant to assist her mother, also Luz Echeverry, in Lawrence. The governor's proposed budget could restrict who is eligible for the home care program. (Local 1199 SEIU)

Can Healey’s budget proposal ease the health and social services staffing crisis in Mass.?

Mental health services also got a boost, but a home care program is facing cuts that worry advocates for the disabled.

Opinion

Icicles hung from an electric vehicle parked at a charging station in Oregon on Jan. 17.

IDEAS | MICHELINE MAYNARD

Broken chargers, frozen cars: The EV market is getting crushed

It’s not clear automakers really had their hearts in the EV revolution.

Can Donald Trump control his inner caveman?

High-potency marijuana carries health risks

KIMBERLY ATKINS STOHR

Deepfake political messaging is light-years ahead of the law. It’s past time to change that.

IDEAS | HOWARD AXELROD

College students’ fastest-vanishing freedom? Curiosity.

More recent News

Historic church collapses in New London, Conn., no injuries reported, officials say
No deaths or injuries were reported in the collapse at the First Congregational Church in downtown New London, which happened around 1:30 p.m., though a search was ongoing, authorities said.

In surprise vote, board rejects controversial Johnston solar farm proposal
“It was the vote we all hoped for,” said Matt Landry, an attorney for the residents. “They made the right decision.” Green Development LLC.’s lawyer, John O. Mancini, said he was disappointed but plans to appeal the decision.

‘Turtleboy’ blogger seeking evidence of accuser’s possible impairment in domestic assault case, court filing says
Aidan Kearney, who’s charged with domestic assault and battery of a former girlfriend, wants discovery evidence in the case and details on anything investigators may have offered in exchange for her cooperation, legal filings show.

State House commemorates International Holocaust Remembrance Day as local survivor tells her story
“If we believe that we are all God’s children, we have to treat each other like we are God’s children,” said Magda Bader, a Holocaust survivor.

Charles Fried, former judge and US solicitor general who changed course on abortion, dies at 88
Decades after trying to persuade the US Supreme Court to overrule the right to abortion in most instances, Mr. Fried wrote in 2021 that overturning Roe v. Wade now "would be an act of constitutional vandalism — not conservative, but reactionary."

Falcons hire Raheem Morris as coach — so where does that leave Bill Belichick?
Belichick had two interviews with the Falcons, but they will go with the Rams defensive coordinator.

Ben Volin: If Jerod Mayo means what he says, Patriots fans should be concerned about the future

Recommended reads

Cooper Flagg, a 6-foot-9 basketball player from Maine, turned 17 in December and will not play his first minute of college basketball for months. But he's already captured attention from the basketball world, including NBA stars Jayson Tatum and LeBron James.

The NBA’s hottest prospect is a 17-year-old from Maine. Meet Cooper Flagg.

Flagg’s rise has been accompanied by two recurring questions: How good is he really? And how did this happen?

Naomi Biden, daughter of Hunter Biden, calls out Fox News host for ‘ugly’ remarks about family
The president’s granddaughter, Naomi Biden, called out Fox News host Jesse Watters late Wednesday for “ugly” remarks he made about her family during a segment on border security. “This crosses the line,” she wrote on social media.

County sheriff’s office defends response to warnings about Lewiston shooter
The independent commission charged with investigating Maine’s deadliest shooting heard from the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office, which has been criticized for its handling of explicit warnings about the shooter.

Graphic images of the Vietnam War helped shape public opinion. Is social media doing the same for Gaza?
Some see social media as an uncensored alternative to traditional news outlets, offering seemingly raw firsthand accounts and footage straight from the front lines.

Culture & Lifestyle

Jeffrey Wright arrived at the 29th Critics Choice Awards on Sunday, Jan. 14, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif. The actor recently took to social media to reminisce about his days at Amherst College.

Amherst is ‘where it all began’ for Oscar nominee Jeffrey Wright

Simone Zimmerman holds up American and Israeli flags she made when she was a child at a Jewish day school in Los Angeles.

‘Students do not like being censored’: ‘Israelism,’ a new doc with New England roots, is film flashpoint

28NORMANJEWISON

Scenes from a career: Remembering Norman Jewison

Callum Turner (left) and Austin Butler in "Masters of the Air." The nine-part Apple TV+ series, a companion to "Band of Brothers" and "The Pacific," premieres Friday.

A mission (mostly) accomplished in ‘Masters of the Air’

Special Projects

Ashfield, MA 06/13//2023, At Sanderson Academy, books in a fourth-grade classroom.

Suzanne Kreiter\Globe staff

Lost in a World of Words

Learning to read is the greatest gift a school can give a child. And yet, in Massachusetts, outmoded teaching methods leave thousands of students struggling to gain this critical skill.

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.

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

A woman held up a flag during a Donald Trump campaign rally at the Rochester Opera House on Jan. 21, in Rochester, N.H. In an independent survey, 70 percent of "elites" surveyed expressed confidence that government officials will do the right thing most of the time, while less than 25 percent of the general public has that kind of trust.

America’s elites live in a world of their own

Governor Maura Healey last week proposed legislation that would lead to tax hikes estimated to cost more than $150 million a year.

Read Maura Healey’s lips: No new taxes. Except...

Nikki Haley arrives to speak to supporters at a primary election night rally in Concord, N.H., on Jan. 23.

Nikki Haley and the mean boys of the GOP

A fishing boat headed out to sea from the Gloucester harbor in April 2020.

Something’s fishy about the new conservative attack on federal regulators

Migrants were taken into custody by officials at the US-Mexico border, Jan. 3, in Eagle Pass, Texas.

MARCELA GARCÍA

What has Biden gotten right and wrong on immigration?

When accidents happen: True stories from an ICU

Ernesto Barbieri and Jess Ruliffson

When accidents happen: True stories from an ICU nurse

Metro

Weather look-ahead: Five things to know through the weekend

Snow is possible late into the weekend as forecasters work to fine tune the details.

In surprise vote, board rejects controversial Johnston solar farm proposal

“It was the vote we all hoped for,” said Matt Landry, an attorney for the residents. “They made the right decision.” Green Development LLC.’s lawyer, John O. Mancini, said he was disappointed but plans to appeal the decision.

Historic church collapses in New London, Conn., no injuries reported, officials say

No deaths or injuries were reported in the collapse at the First Congregational Church in downtown New London, which happened around 1:30 p.m., though a search was ongoing, authorities said.

County sheriff’s office defends response to warnings about Lewiston shooter

The independent commission charged with investigating Maine’s deadliest shooting heard from the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office, which has been criticized for its handling of explicit warnings about the shooter.

Sports

After his team absobred a 143-110 drubbing against the Celtics, it wasn't difficult for Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra to figure out what went wrong. “What went wrong is we faced a very potent offensive team that’s been doing this for several months now,” he said.

Gary Washburn | On basketball

‘They put us in our place:’ The Celtics showed Erik Spoelstra and the Heat who’s the hottest team in the NBA

"They put us in our place and you do have to respect the body of work they’ve done so far in this season," said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra of the Celtics.

Derrick White (15 points) was one of seven Celtics to score in double digits against the Heat.

celtics 143, heat 110

Balanced, relentless Celtics pour it on the Heat in Miami

Seven players scored in double figures and the Celtics became the first team in NBA history to have five players hit at least three 3-pointers and three 2-pointers.

Bruins captain Brad Marchand was checked into Senators goalie Joonas Korpisalo in the first period.

Bruins 3, Senators 2 (OT)

Bruins squander 2-0 lead, spend too much time in penalty box, yet still beat Senators in overtime in Ottawa

David Pastrnak and Trent Frederic also scored for Boston.

HS girls' basketball: Lynn Classical 53, Lynn English 44

Seniors Lauren Wilson and Linda Jallow combine to rally Lynn Classical girls’ basketball in a Greater Boston League victory over Lynn English

Kristaps Porzingis downplays left ankle sprain after leaving win vs. Heat

celtics notebook

For the fourth year in a row, Celtics’ Jayson Tatum is an All-Star starter

Business

UN: Global trade is being disrupted by Red Sea attacks, war in Ukraine, and low water in Panama Canal

The UN trade body sounded an alarm Thursday that global trade is being disrupted by attacks in the Red Sea, the war in Ukraine, and low water levels in the Panama Canal.

In surprise vote, board rejects controversial Johnston solar farm proposal

“It was the vote we all hoped for,” said Matt Landry, an attorney for the residents. “They made the right decision.” Green Development LLC.’s lawyer, John O. Mancini, said he was disappointed but plans to appeal the decision.

At the only active hospital left in Brockton, patients fear Steward financial crisis could spell more trouble

State panel calls for further review of proposed Dana-Farber, Beth Israel partnership

magazine

Cooper Flagg, a 6-foot-9 basketball player from Maine, turned 17 in December and will not play his first minute of college basketball for months. But he's already captured attention from the basketball world, including NBA stars Jayson Tatum and LeBron James.

The NBA’s hottest prospect is a 17-year-old from Maine. Meet Cooper Flagg.

‘Death doulas’ and the audacious act of dying well in America

My friend’s driving terrifies me. Get me out of the passenger seat!

If Minnesota can redesign a problematic state seal in 3 months, why can’t Massachusetts?

metro

Striking Newton teachers rally outside the Newton Education Center on Wednesday.

Newton Public Schools closed Friday for sixth straight day due to teachers strike

Teachers increasingly willing to put up with costs of strikes to gain better pay

State House commemorates International Holocaust Remembrance Day as local survivor tells her story

sports

Heading into Thursday night’s game against the Bruins, Brady Tkachuk had 144 goals, 312 points, and 588 penalty minutes in five-plus seasons.

Senators captain Brady Tkachuk ‘a carbon copy’ of his power forward father

Led by a steady group of seniors, Sandwich boys’ hockey poised to ship up to Boston for another Garden party

This weekend marks the first time Boston University and Boston College meet as the top-ranked men’s college hockey teams

business

Americans have shown a continued willingness to spend freely despite high interest rates and price levels that have frustrated many households.

US economy grew at a surprisingly strong 3.3% pace last quarter, pointing to continued resilience

Governor Healey drops degree requirements from most state job listings

Orsted buys out Eversource’s stake in Sunrise

politics

Senator Chris Murphy the Democrats' chief negotiator on the border security talks, speaks with reporters at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024

Senate deal on border and Ukraine at risk of collapse as Trump signals opposition

Biden returns to deteriorating bridge to tout achievements

It’s boom times for Obamacare. Will they last?

Nation

The William C. Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Ala., in 2016. The state is planning to execute Kenneth Smith at the prison with a method that has never been tried before, nitrogen hypoxia.

Alabama executes a man with nitrogen gas, the first time the new method has been used

Republican National Committee pulls resolution declaring Trump as the ‘presumptive 2024 nominee’

Donald Trump testifies for less than 3 minutes in defamation trial and is rebuked by judge

World

A photo released by the Russian Investigative Committee on Thursday shows the wreckage of a military transport plane near Yablonovo, Belgorod region of Russia, that Moscow said was carrying Ukrainian prisoners of war and was shot down by Kyiv's forces. All 74 people on board were killed.

Ukraine searches for answers on Russian plane crash

US is watching North Korea for signs of lethal military action

Britain is lobbying US Republicans on Ukraine. Here’s why.

opinion

Former president Donald Trump at his primary night watch party in New Hampshire on Jan. 23.

Trump goes full grump in N.H. primary victory speech

Read Maura Healey’s lips: No new taxes. Except...

A discount for the right skin color

lifestyle

The first faux option is to go electric.

How to fake a fireplace

I feel angry, sad, embarrassed, betrayed …

Dorchester’s ‘Renovation Husbands’ are in a home design ‘Battle on the Mountain’ on HGTV

food & dining

Blue Ribbon Brasserie, which has opened in the former Eastern Standard space.

At Blue Ribbon Brasserie, a New York name makes a play for Kenmore Square

Old Wives Tale will bring oceanic drinks to the Encore; get Botox with your brunch in the Back Bay

The James Beard 2024 restaurant and chef award semifinalists list is out. Here are the region’s nominees.

travel

The Four Seasons Hotel Boston has launched its new Winter Enchantment Suite package and Very Important Kids (VIK) experience for young visitors. Children receive a golden “kids-only” key (pictured here) that opens a toy closet tucked behind a secret door. The stay also includes a hotel-wide scavenger hunt.

A Very Important Kid experience, an epic cruise around Africa, and an alpaca travel blanket

Jeffrey T. Kelly on playing the villain, loving ‘Ted Lasso,’ and the joy of a smooth-wheeled suitcase

Help, my bed & breakfast doesn’t have a bathroom!

Arts

From left: William Matthew Prior, "Nancy Lawson, Boston," 1843. Shelburne Museum, Vermont, museum purchase, acquired from Maxim Karolik; William Matthew Prior, "William Lawson, Boston," 1843. Shelburne Museum, Vermont, museum purchase, acquired from Maxim Karolik.

An underappreciated American art form conjures history from the void

At MoMA, An-My Lê's photos show the presence, and continuing power, of the past

Carl Andre, austerely minimalist sculptor, is dead at 88

Books

Allen Guelzo, author of "Our Ancient Faith."

For those depressed by current politics, Allen Guelzo’s ‘Our Ancient Faith’ provides hope based in history

My tenants tormented me. I found relief in a story about a woman tormented by her tenants

Local bestsellers for the week ended Jan. 21

Movies

Herbert "Cowboy" Coward participated in the "Hillbilly Blood" portion of the Discovery 2014 Summer TCA in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Herbert Coward, known for ‘Toothless Man’ role in ‘Deliverance,’ dies in North Carolina highway crash

Ava DuVernay and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor are equal allies in ‘Origin’ vision

‘Students do not like being censored’: ‘Israelism,’ a new doc with New England roots, is film flashpoint

Television

From ‘The Sopranos’ to ‘Succession’: Ranking the 10 best HBO drama series

‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’ adaptation arrives in May on Peacock

A mission (mostly) accomplished in ‘Masters of the Air’

music

Music teacher Michael Coelho conducts the orchestra during a rehearsal at Ipswich High School in Ipswich Thursday.

Ipswich ‘instructor in life’ and music scores Grammy nomination for second time

BSO president Chad Smith and music director Andris Nelsons give glimpse into new era for the orchestra

How ‘Saltburn’ — and Barry Keoghan’s nude dance — resurrected a 23-year-old song and turned it into an American hit

Theater/Dance

Jim Ortlieb is the maestro of "Stand Up If You're Here Tonight" at the Huntington's Maso Studio.

‘Stand Up If You’re Here Tonight’ defies definition, and that’s a very good thing

Playwright Samuel D. Hunter ponders ‘The Existence of God,’ and the existence of hope

At Central Square, a play that explores a tricky father-son-robot relationship

Health

Rhode Island Hospital, the state's largest hospital, in Providence.

After years of deferring investments, R.I.’s largest hospital owner is planning $3.5b in new improvements

Dana-Farber cancer researchers moving to retract one paper, correct others in broad investigation of manipulated data

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

Obituaries

Mr. Fried, shown in his office at Harvard in 1995, joined the law school faculty in 1961.

Charles Fried, former judge and US solicitor general who changed course on abortion, dies at 88

Bill Hayes, longtime star of ‘Days of Our Lives,’ dies at 98

Herbert Coward, known for ‘Toothless Man’ role in ‘Deliverance,’ dies in North Carolina highway crash