The Boston Globe

Access, limits on criminal records in Mass.

The state’s new online system for criminal background checks provides easier access for employers, but limit their searches of criminal history to 10 years back.

Blue Cross plan targets abuse of painkillers

Blue Cross Blue Shield is launching a policy to curb abuse by significantly limiting the amount of pain medication most patients can receive without prior approval from the insurer.

Female candidates key to Democratic Senate

From Mass. to Hawaii, Democrats are leaning heavily on their party’s women to retain control of the Senate, which they now control by a razor-thin margin.

New Yorkers open their wallets for Brown

Senator Scott Brown collected more itemized campaign donations from New York City than from any other city in America during the first three months of this year, an analysis shows.

Most of the employees at FreeCause, a Boston technology company, wear headphones at work.

Pat Greenhouse/Globe Staff

Firms debate headphone use at the office

There is a growing debate on whether plugging in to your own personal soundtrack increases workplace productivity or undermines communication.

Bob Ryan

Right from start, Celtics could do no wrong

When you make 33 of your first 49 shots, there’s a pretty good chance you’re going to win the game, and that’s what the Celtics did in Game 4 against the Hawks.

Web app Giza 3D offers virtual tour of Pyramids

Giza 3D, a free interactive Web app being launched Tuesday, will offer the virtual explorer an animated passage through millennia-old tunnels and tombs.

City Council questions cost of school plan

The Boston City Council is questioning the swelling costs of a School Department plan that calls for relocating or expanding several popular schools and opening two new ones.

G cover

Delving into female memory loss

New research is showing that although memory does decline during the early part of menopause, it bounces back later in most women.

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Globe Insiders

Globe Talk | May 23, 6 p.m.

A conversation with Ben Mezrich

The New York Times best-selling author discusses his novels “Bringing Down the House” and “The Social Network.”

BostonGlobe.com exclusives

Bernadette Peters talked to us on the phone from New York about singing, Sondheim, “Smash,” shows, and her love for animals.

Bernadette Peters eyes enchanting evening with Pops

“The health consequences of being in a violent relationship are profoundly significant,” said nurse Annie Lewis-O’Connor. “These are women who can’t get to work, can’t take care of their kids.”

G Force

Care for abused women

James Mercer (shown at the Coachella music festival in Indio, Calif) led the Shins Friday at the Citi Wang Theatre.

Music Review

Indie rock fans take a shine to the regrouped Shins

Daily Dose

3 parental mistakes that lead to playground injuries

Power play: the 2012 Summer movies preview

Though Trinidad Ramkissoon still considers himself to be a member of his ‘‘second family,’’ he has spent the past couple of years distancing himself from the world gangs represent.

A second act for a boy named Trinidad

These drawings, from a vintage building plan book, show the suburban ranch in all its glory.

globe magazine | Top Spots to Live

Ranch housing style makes a comeback

Barbara Quintiliani performs Verdi’s Requiem, a signature work in her repertoire. in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Barbara Quintiliani’s most serious challenge yet

Growing demand for spiritual directors

Certificate programs gaining popularity

Sunday Hockey Notes

On Bruins power play, there must be movement

Sunday Baseball Notes

Mariano Rivera’s injury throws curve at AL East teams

Sports

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Game 4: Celtics 101, Hawks 79

Both Paul Pierce and the crowd were pumped after Rajon Rondo hit a fourth quarter shot.

Celtics push Hawks to the brink

Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo and the Celtics had a breakout performance, crushing the Hawks 101-79 to take a 3-1 lead in their first-round playoff series.

Metro

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A walker dressed as the 1950s TV character Gumby was among the thousands who trekked 20 miles to raise funds in the 44th annual Walk for Hunger in Boston Sunday.

Project Bread looking to do more with aid

As more than 43,000 participants raised $3.6 million at Sunday’s Walk for Hunger, which is put on by Project Bread, the nonprofit is planning to go beyond handouts.