The Boston Globe

Billy Griggs walks the property of his family farm on Aug. 31, 2022. The town of Billerica is threatening to foreclose on Griggs Farm, a local landmark, for nonpayment of taxes.

At Billerica’s last working farm, a battle over $300,000 in unpaid taxes divides the town

To hear Billy Griggs tell it, his property — 25 acres of farm land on the edge of the Concord River — is over-assessed and overtaxed. But his decision to stop paying property taxes has residents split. Some think Billerica should cut the 73-year-old some slack. Others say it's only fair that Griggs pay up like everybody else.

primary elections

Maps: Takeaways from the town-by-town results in Tuesday’s primaries
See how your community voted in several key races.

See more primary election coverage

Samson Racioppi (center) addressed attendees as rain started to fall at the second annual Refounding Fathers Festival in Auburn last month.

On the North Shore, a moderate Republican bests ‘Super Happy Fun America’ leader in write-in contest

C.J. Fitzwater is poised to secure the Republican nomination for the First Essex District House seat after his write-in campaign trounced that of Samson Racioppi, an activist who organized the 2019 “Straight Pride Parade” in Boston.

Andrea Campbell, Democratic candidate for Attorney General, made her entrance at her primary night event at Marina Bay in Quincy.

Campbell beats Liss-Riordan in AG race

She fended off a late $9 million spending blitz by her wealthy opponent.

See full results

Gov. (D)

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Gov. (R)

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Attorney general (D)

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Suffolk DA (D)

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Lt. gov. (D)

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Lt. gov. (R)

See full results from elections across Mass.

‘Here’s how school is going to help you’: Boston Public Schools team knocks on doors, encourages students to return

Volunteers fanned out across Roxbury, Dorchester, and Jamaica Plain Wednesday, visiting more than 400 homes of school-aged children who are not enrolled ahead of the first day of school on Thursday.

Amid uncertainties, Boston Public Schools reopens doors to new school year

Boyfriend of mother of Elijah Lewis, 5-year-old N.H. boy found dead in Mass., to plead guilty to manslaughter
Joseph Stapf plans to plead guilty to manslaughter and other charges in connection with the death of 5-year-old Elijah Lewis, who was found dead in Abington last October.

Two hikers plead guilty to reckless conduct and fined after dangerous White Mountains hike led to rescue

Two men who had to be rescued from Franconia Notch State Park in New Hampshire’s White Mountains after wandering off the hiking trails in June with no equipment have pleaded guilty to reckless conduct charges stemming from their misadventure, authorities said Tuesday.

Big change could be coming to The Middle East on Mass. Ave in Cambridge
Development plans propose a six-story hotel with basement and ground-floor music venues, along with a restaurant and bar on the top level. The ground floor would also include three retail spaces.

Robert Brown to step down as Boston University president after 17 years
Robert Brown joins a growing list of college presidents who have announced their departures in the past year.

Police in Canada say they arrested final suspect in stabbing rampage

Most of our pickers think this is the year Josh Allen and the Bills can get over the hump.

The Globe staff predicts the 2022 NFL season

How many wins will the Patriots have? Which team wins the Super Bowl? We've got our selections for division champs and more.

On the eve of the season, here’s how the Patriots’ position groups shape up

Yes, another one of these is recommended to protect against COVID-19. But officials say from now on, it may just be once a year.

Biden administration says the ‘once-a-year’ shot phase of the COVID-19 pandemic has arrived

Officials are hailing the approval of updated booster shots that target the two most prevalent Omicron subvariants, and say the country is entering a new pandemic phase when most people will only need to get annual vaccinations, as they do with the flu.

Former president Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama unveiled their official White House portraits during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on Wednesday.

Here they are: Obamas unveil their White House portraits

Former president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle returned to the White House on Wednesday for the unveiling of official portraits with a modern vibe: him standing expressionless against a white background and her seated on a sofa in the Red Room wearing a formal light blue dress.

‘Obama Portraits Tour’ lands at MFA for seventh and final stop

Opinion

There’s a new Democratic team on top in Massachusetts — and that’s Maura Healey and Andrea Campbell.

The state’s new political power duo — Maura Healey and Andrea Campbell

Tuesday’s primary establishes them as Democratic stars.

In victory, DA Kevin Hayden still has a lot to prove

ABDALLAH FAYYAD

Suffolk County DA race was a loss for voters

How to get Massachusetts through the next drought

IDEAS | BARBARA WALLRAFF

May I have a word: When you’re not exactly lucky, but it could have been a lot worse

Education | Kimi Waite

The great resisters of Japanese American history have a powerful story to tell
History shows us Asian Americans have consistently engaged in resistance against injustices by challenging systemic racism as far back as 1879, but ongoing anti-critical race theory campaigns and backlash from the far right demonstrate the struggle for an antiracist education continues.

Experience the second-annual Globe Summit virtual conference September 14-16
Register for free here

Orange Line shutdown

‘Disturbed and disappointed’ lawmakers want answers after federal officials slam state agency over T oversight failures

State lawmakers invited the head of the department of public utilities to testify before their panel on whether the DPU is “motivated enough” to fulfill its duty to monitor MBTA safety.

Read the full FTA report on MBTA safety issues
Skewed priorities left the MBTA with too few workers, too little training, and weak safeguards, the Federal Transit Administration found.

24 findings the FTA made in its scathing report on the T

The MBTA cut bus service because it doesn’t have enough drivers. In Lawrence, higher pay has led to more drivers and more frequent service.

The MBTA is in crisis, shutting down an entire subway line for much-needed repairs and slashing subway and bus service. But in Lawrence, where riders are already enjoying free service, the bus system is about to get a whole lot more convenient.

Your guide to the MBTA’s Orange Line shutdown
The Orange Line is shut down until the morning of Sept. 19. Find shuttle bus routes, schedules, and guides to navigate Boston.

Pick your stops: Find an alternative Orange Line route

globe 150 magazine cover

150 years of The Boston Globe

Scenes from a century and a half, as covered by the Boston Globe.

More recent stories

Brian McGrory to step down as Globe editor
McGrory, who started at the Globe in 1989 and worked as a reporter, editor, and columnist before being named to the top newsroom job, will become chair of Boston University’s journalism department.

THE FINE PRINT

Live near the coast? There’s insurance for that.
With the National Weather Service predicting above-average hurricane activity this year, this might be a good time to think about coastal property insurance.

SJC considers lobbying by federal felons, like former House speaker Sal DiMasi

On Wednesday, the state’s highest court heard arguments over whether DiMasi, 77, of Methuen, should have been forced to wait a little longer to embark on his new career, based on a state law that bars people convicted of certain state crimes from registering as lobbyists until 10 years after their convictions.

LOVE LETTERS

I’m leaving for college; he’s starting work. Can our love endure?
For the letter writer, “The feeling [from this relationship] is something out of a Nicholas Sparks film.”

dan shaughnessy

Keeping an eye on the stumbling Yankees and Mets is entertaining right now
It's a Boston sports tradition to root against all things New York, and the Big Apple's baseball teams have both seen big division leads dwindle.

Apple unveils iPhone 14 with camera upgrades, satellite feature
The satellite service will let users send SOS messages without a cellular connection.

Apple maintains prices on new iPhones despite inflation

Recommended reads

Boston-based insurer John Hancock will end its lead sponsorship of the Boston Marathon after next April's race.

After nearly 40 years, John Hancock to step back from sponsorship of Boston Marathon

“Although our sponsorship will come to an end, we intend to make our final race as principal sponsor a special one," said Marianne Harrison, chief executive of the Boston-based life insurer.

Biden will speak about cancer initiative during visit to Boston next week
President Biden will travel to Boston on Monday to deliver remarks on a major cancer fighting initiative, the White House said.

Here’s what you need to know about ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ and the drama surrounding it
At the moment, the upcoming thriller starring Florence Pugh, Harry Styles, and Chris Pine is making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Railroad company bulldozes thousands of trees, enraging residents worried about the impact on water supply
A local railroad company asserted its right under an arcane federal law that allowed it to ignore local and state environmental rules and Hopedale residents are enraged about the environmental threats and what they consider bullying by the company.

video

Culture & Lifestyle

The UK company Pelorus hosts a James Bond role-playing adventure for $500,000.

Bigger, longer, more elaborate, farther-flung: Some pre-wedding parties are costing more than the Big Day

Jody Adams.

Jody Adams reflects on her new Greek restaurants, the future of Harvard Square, and her work ethic

Van Morrison performs at Tanglewood.

At Tanglewood, Van Morrison makes moments count

Rammstein set the stage ablaze with pyro theatrics at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field Aug. 31.

Rammstein prepares to set Gillette Stadium ablaze

Special Projects

Back to Boston

Welcome Back to Boston

Consider this our love letter to the city, a celebration of all it has to offer visitors and locals alike.

Top Spots to Live in Greater Boston in 2022

A guide to 36 Greater Boston communities where demand — and prices — are surging.

Jeneé Osterheldt

A Beautiful Resistance

Black joy, Black lives, as celebrated by culture columnist Jeneé Osterheldt.

‘On the Street’: The changing face of Greater Boston neighborhoods

The changing face of Greater Boston neighborhoods.

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Opinion, ideas, and commentary

There’s a new Democratic team on top in Massachusetts — and that’s Maura Healey and Andrea Campbell.

The state’s new political power duo — Maura Healey and Andrea Campbell

The election party for Suffolk County district attorney candidate Kevin Hayden at the SoWa Power Station on Sept. 6.

In victory, DA Kevin Hayden still has a lot to prove

In choosing either Ricardo Arroyo or Kevin Hayden, voters may have felt they had to pick their poison.

ABDALLAH FAYYAD

Suffolk County DA race was a loss for voters

A car accident in Uherský Brod, Czech Republic, 1980.

IDEAS | BARBARA WALLRAFF

May I have a word: When you’re not exactly lucky, but it could have been a lot worse

The US Supreme Court Building is seen through a temporary security fence on June 23 in Washington, DC.

Oyez! Oyez! Let the public hear the Supreme Court’s arguments and opinions in real time.

“My ovaries, like me, are only 37, still working hard to regulate my mood, metabolism, and sleep cycle. I’d like to hang on to them for as long as possible.”

IDEAS | MARISSA CONRAD

The medical gamble of my life

Metro

Sexual assault of a patient alleged at Eleanor Slater Hospital

An internal investigation is underway and the State Police and regulators have been notified of an alleged sexual assault of one patient by another at the Adolf Meyer building in Cranston.

SJC considers lobbying by federal felons, like former House speaker Sal DiMasi

On Wednesday, the state’s highest court heard arguments over whether DiMasi, 77, of Methuen, should have been forced to wait a little longer to embark on his new career, based on a state law that bars people convicted of certain state crimes from registering as lobbyists until 10 years after their convictions.

‘Here’s how school is going to help you’: Boston Public Schools team knocks on doors, encourages students to return

Volunteers fanned out across Roxbury, Dorchester, and Jamaica Plain Wednesday, visiting more than 400 homes of school-aged children who are not enrolled ahead of the first day of school on Thursday.

Arroyo concedes defeat after hard-fought Suffolk district attorney race

Incumbent Kevin R. Hayden declared victory shortly before midnight Tuesday after the Associated Press called the race in his favor, but Arroyo initially declined to concede while he waited for thousands of mail ballots to be tallied.

Sports

Matt Judon led the Patriots with 12½ sacks last season.

2022 patriots preview

The Patriots defense: Can they pick up the pace this season?

It was a stated goal of the team to get faster, and this group should have the potential to rise as one of the best in the NFL.

St. John's Prep senior safety Joenel Aguero, a nationally-ranked recruit who committed to the University of Georgia, headlines a crop of talented players from Massachusetts who will be playing Division 1 college football next fall.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL | 2022 PREVIEW

These college-bound football recruits prove Massachusetts is a resource with untapped potential

"Nobody thinks of Massachusetts as a football state, but we’re showing the whole country that we’re producing some dogs up here," said St. John's Prep safety Joenel Aguero, who is committed to Georgia.

Patriots quarterback Mac Jones has carried himself like a leader ever since he arrived as a rookie.

Patriots notebook

Mac Jones named one of Patriots’ six captains

Jones is joined by perennial captains Matthew Slater, Devin McCourty, and David Andrews, as well as Ja’Whaun Bentley and Deatrich Wise Jr.

After nearly 40 years, John Hancock to step back from sponsorship of Boston Marathon

Frances Tiafoe beats Andrey Rublev; first US man in US Open semifinal in 16 years

2022 patriots preview

On the eve of the season, here’s how the Patriots’ position groups shape up

Business

IRS will look into setting up a free e-filing system

It’s a landmark step toward overhauling the way most Americans file their taxes and ending years of domination of tax prep by private corporations.

FAA finalizes safety rule change sought after 737 Max crashes

The Federal Aviation Administration issued new rules Wednesday designed to guarantee the independence of engineers employed by Boeing and other aviation companies tasked with performing safety oversight on the government’s behalf.

Apple maintains prices on new iPhones despite inflation

Brian McGrory to step down as Globe editor

magazine

However you become a parent, caring for a baby dramatically changes your brain

Is there a polite way to ask houseguests to kick in some money?

Chocolate Biscotti With Pistachios, Almonds, and Dried Cherries

Recipes: Chocolate and cocoa powder combine for intensely rich desserts

15 picture-perfect treats for under $20 at Boston restaurants

metro

A stunning view from Mount Washington Wednesday morning.

Breathtaking Mount Washington photos capture sunrise

At Billerica’s last working farm, a battle over $300,000 in unpaid taxes divides the town

On the North Shore, a moderate Republican bests ‘Super Happy Fun America’ leader in write-in contest

sports

Max Scherzer missed nearly two months earlier in the season with a left oblique strain.

Mets place Max Scherzer on 15-day IL with left oblique injury

Game 138: Red Sox at Rays lineups and notes

Jets QB Zach Wilson likely out until Week 4, Joe Flacco to start Sunday

business

Boston-based insurer John Hancock will end its lead sponsorship of the Boston Marathon after next April's race.

After nearly 40 years, John Hancock to step back from sponsorship of Boston Marathon

‘I thought I was going to die that day’: HubSpot cofounder recounts snowmobile accident that changed his life

Big change could be coming to The Middle East on Mass. Ave in Cambridge

politics

Former president Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama unveiled their official White House portraits during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on Wednesday.

Here they are: Obamas unveil their White House portraits

Elected officials, police chiefs on leaked Oath Keepers list

See full results from the 2022 Mass. primaries

Nation

Former ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft spoke to reporters before the start of the Kentucky Farm Bureau Ham Breakfast at the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville, Ky., Aug. 25.

Trump ambassador launches campaign for Ky. governor

South Carolina judge rules against use of firing squad and electric chair

Trump ruling lifts profile of judge and raises legal eyebrows

World

Canadian officials were outside the location where a stabbing victim was found in Weldon, Saskatchewan, Canada, on Tuesday.

Police in Canada say they arrested final suspect in stabbing rampage

Bolsonaro turns Brazil’s bicentennial into campaign rally

Putin mocks West, says Russia will press on in Ukraine

opinion

A bridge on Soldiers Field Road in Allston tore off the roof of a moving truck on Sept. 1. MassDOT briefly closed the road to inspect the bridge but found no structural damage.

There once was a roadway named Storrow …

Care work needs rebranding — and an influx of money

If Democrats and Republicans want primaries, they can pay for them

lifestyle

Love Letters S7E1

Bill & Jen’s Excellent Adventure

Should I have considered couples therapy?

Live performances and a season brimming with entertainment on display at the Greater Boston Arts Expo

food & dining

The Middle East, on Mass. Ave. in Cambridge's Central Square.

Big change could be coming to The Middle East on Mass. Ave in Cambridge

Recipe: Mom’s old-fashioned tuna casserole gets a boost and an update with spicy white beans

From ugly to yummy to belly

travel

The UK company Pelorus hosts a James Bond role-playing adventure for $500,000.

Bigger, longer, more elaborate, farther-flung: Some pre-wedding parties are costing more than the Big Day

Cindy Fitzgibbon on being a weather nerd, that rum drink, and getting to Armenia

Can I get a refund for this Priceline car rental?

Arts

Kurt Reynolds, "Light Falling On The Stairs," wood, paint, fabric, linoleum, synthetic plastic, bisque, paper, 2022.

In Provincetown show, Kurt Reynolds sculpts stories out of objects

Tangled up in blue at Provincetown Art Association and Museum

At the MFA, the liveliness of ‘Stillness’

Books

Kathryn Lasky's "Light on Bone" imagines artist Georgia O'Keeffe as an amateur crime solver.

Georgia O’Keeffe, amateur sleuth? In Kathryn Lasky’s latest novel, it works

Peter Straub, literary master of the supernatural, dies at 79

Sterling Lord, premier literary agent, is dead at 102

Movies

Al Pacino (left) and James Caan in "The Godfather."

What to do with a movie-challenged month? A Cape Cod theater goes old school

‘Loving Highsmith’ celebrates the talented Patricia Highsmith

Here’s what you need to know about ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ and the drama surrounding it

Television

Rosa Salazar plays a bride turned murder suspect in "Wedding Season" on Hulu.

‘Wedding Season’ is well worth the investment

Hillary and Chelsea Clinton are with Her, and Her, and Her, in ‘Gutsy’

Norman Lear starts his second century with ‘Clean Slate’

music

From right: Gemma Chan, Harry Styles, Sydney Chandler, director Olivia Wilde, Chris Pine, Florence Pugh, and Nick Kroll pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film "Don't Worry Darling" during the 79th edition of the Venice Film Festival on Sept. 5, 2022.

Here’s what you need to know about ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ and the drama surrounding it

Rammstein prepares to set Gillette Stadium ablaze

Aerosmith all-timers: 10 favorite shows from decades of covering the band

Theater/Dance

Wesley T. Jones (left) as Keith Watson and Elena Hurst as Hector Tobar in "Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992," at American Repertory Theater.

In a riveting ‘Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992,′ a disparate community speaks its truths

In Anna Deavere Smith’s ‘Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992,’ the voices of a shattered city

Jacob’s Pillow festival closes with mighty Miami City Ballet

globe local

Aerial view of the newly reopened Cypress Field next to Brookline High School.

Brookline reopens Cypress Field following renovation

Newton South’s Mock Trial team seeks ‘attorney coach’ for coming year

MetroWest: A region with prosperity and inequity

Obituaries

Mr. Straub also collaborated on two novels with Stephen King.

Peter Straub, literary master of the supernatural, dies at 79

Former Patriots lineman, college coach Guy Morriss dies at 71

Frank Drake, who led search for life on other planets, dies at 92