New leaders try to fix Mass. Probation Department
Almost three years after the patronage scandal, the agency is still trying to erase the legacy of cronyism, secrecy, and ineptitude from 12 years under John J. O’Brien.
MBTA could have 1 bidder for $1 billion rail contract
One of the two companies competing to provide commuter rail service is threatening to drop out of the bidding for the largest contract in Massachusetts history.
Planet Fitness grows with ‘judgment-free’ gyms
Executives and members tie the company’s rapid growth to its affordability and focus on nurturing a grunt-free zone.
Craig Hacker for the Boston Globe
Broken City
Kansas district shuns compromise
Tim Huelskamp is a passionate conservative, and the voters in western Kansas strongly support him and his views.
Dan Shaughnessy
At this rate, will the Red Sox ever lose?
Worst to first. Two games into the season, this is the theme of the 2013 Red Sox.
Daniel Conley jumps into Boston mayoral contest
The Suffolk district attorney formally launched his bid with more than $866,000 in his campaign coffers and the muscle of almost 20 years in elected office.
Tech Lab
Apps to manage your e-mail on smartphones
These apps replace the standard e-mail software found on smartphones, and include enhancements to keep your inbox in line.
Globe exclusives
Spotlight Report: Driven to the Edge
Spotlight Report
A nine-month Globe investigation of Boston’s $1 billion taxicab industry found widespread corruption.
Sports
celtics 98, pistons 93
Celtics clinch playoff berth
Jeff Green scored a game-high 34 points, and the Celtics beat the Pistons, 98-93.
Metro
Former Romney aides lend hand to Mass. Senate hopefuls
Alumni from Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign have dispersed to rival camps in the three-way Republican race for the Senate nomination
Columnists
Nation & World
Experiment believed to detect evidence of dark matter
An MIT experiment reported to have found preliminary evidence of dark matter, the mysterious substance that makes up about a quarter of the universe.
Politics
Conn. Senate OK’s tough new weapons rules
Connecticut approved sweeping new restrictions on weapons and large-capacity magazines, a response to last year’s Newtown shooting.
Business
Worcester Airport happy to have JetBlue
There is hope JetBlue will revitalize an airport that has repeatedly lost service, but some are skeptical that the airport will generate enough passengers to be self-sustaining.
Arts
Stage Review
Amelia Broome masters Maria Callas at New Rep
In Terrence McNally’s “Master Class” at the Arsenal Center for the Arts, Broome may not channel the opera singer, but she masters the role.
Style
Bargain Bin
Traveling tailor shop provides custom clothing
Ami Albernaz runs down specials and sales at area stores and shops, including Indochino’s traveling tailor shop in Back Bay.
Globe Insiders
Editorial Event | April 17
Editorial Event: Video tips with Dina Rudick
Editorial Event: Video tips with Dina RudickAttend a session on photography and videography with the host of BostonGlobe.com’s “Back Story” series.