The Boston Globe

Outside consultant recommends changes to BPS operations to get buses to run on time

The recommendations come as BPS is struggling to implement a state-ordered district improvement plan that requires BPS to get at least 95 percent of buses to school on time each month, a benchmark it has yet to meet.

YVONNE ABRAHAM

Horrible things happen in Cohasset, too
Though it really shouldn’t, the fact that the Walshes are apparently wealthy adds another layer of intrigue to this unfolding story.

Search continues for missing Cohasset woman; husband searched how to dispose of a body
Authorities are continuing to search Wednesday for 39-year-old Ana Walshe, the Cohasset mother of three who went missing Jan. 1 and whose husband is currently jailed in connection with the case.

Ana Walshe’s husband has a history of chasing the good life — with other people’s money

What made Brian Walshe so believable? “His likability, communication, his reassurance,” prosecutors said. Walshe was a skilled con man.

Investigators find hacksaw, blood evidence More coverage of the Ana Walshe case

Breaking

Jeff Beck, guitar god who influenced generations, dies at 78
Jeff Beck, a guitar virtuoso who pushed the boundaries of blues, jazz and rock ‘n’ roll, influencing generations of shredders along the way and becoming known as the guitar player’s guitar player, has died. He was 78.

A view of the Deer Island waste water treatment plant in Boston.

Tracker: See the latest levels of coronavirus in Boston-area waste water

A yellow barn in Topsfield was matched in color from the surrounding field during a summer drought in the region in August 2022.

‘Boston is losing the frozen season’: 2022 was one of Massachusetts’ hottest years on record, analysis shows

Red Sox chairman Tom Werner (center) was flanked by Rafael Devers and Chaim Bloom at Wednesday's press conference at Fenway Park.

peter abraham | on baseball

Tom Werner says ownership’s ‘heart and soul is with the Red Sox,’ and the team is not going to be sold

The Red Sox chairman addressed the team's last-place finish, Chaim Bloom's performance, Fenway Sports Group's plans, and other matters at the Rafael Devers press conference.

Red Sox make it official with Rafael Devers on the 10-year extension

What may have caused the FAA computer outage, and could it happen again?
It’s still unclear why the NOTAM system went down, or what was done to bring it back up. But there's no evidence that the problem extends to other portions of the air traffic control system.

A top executive at Chelsea Soldiers’ Home made $217,000 last year, collecting significant overtime
The significant pay bump has raised questions because the claimed overtime implies a workload that some Chelsea staffers find implausible and because the director, Shereda Grossett, is known as an ally of the home’s embattled superintendent, Eric Johnson.

Developer Don Chiofaro plans to launch a $100 million refresh to the public spaces of International Place, the two-tower downtown office complex, starting as soon as this month. The changes will include revamped lobbies and entrances for both One and Two International Place, additional restaurant and retail space, and a renovated interior atrium — dubbed “IP Commons” — that keeps the buildings’ signature water feature.

International Place, a mainstay of the Financial District, to get a $100 million new look

The investment will cover refreshed lobbies and entrances for both One and Two International Place, which were completed in 1987 and 1992, respectively.

People walked among the trees in Lynch Park in Beverly.

Forecast | Dave Epstein

More rain and mild air coming, but there’s a sliver of hope for winter enthusiasts

Seasonable weather continues today with a blend of clouds and sunshine and afternoon highs in the upper thirties.

Pedro Pascal in HBO's "The Last of Us."

TELEVISION REVIEW

In ‘The Last of Us,’ horror and humanity at the end of the Earth

Like the best post-apocalyptic stories on TV, the extraordinary new HBO drama finds moments of deep feeling in the midst of ugliness and disaster.

Look for scenes of a dystopian Boston in ‘The Last of Us’

Traffic jams Route 93 South in Boston.

Boston traffic ranked fourth worst in the world, study says

The average Boston driver spent 134 hours stuck in traffic last year, making the famously gridlocked city the fourth worst in the world in 2022 in terms of bumper-to-bumper delays, according to an annual study from the company INRIX.

Customers say cheers with glasses of sake at The Koji Club in Boston, the city’s only sake bar.

Better suburban restaurants. Higher menu prices. More kelp. These are the predicted food trends for 2023.

We talked with chefs and experts around town to hear what they are thinking about, and what they expect to see happen in the industry this year.

Opinion

Brian Walshe of Cohasset was charged on Monday with impeding the investigation into his wife Ana’s disappearance.

IDEAS | ANTHONY AMORE

Brian Walshe and the art of the (sloppy) con

Before he came under suspicion in the disappearance of his wife, he was arrested for selling fake Andy Warhols. Art forgery and murder have more in common than you might think.

Ana Walshe story — another missing white woman dominates the news

Harvard’s rejection of human rights leader sends chilling message

Kimberly Atkins Stohr

Democrats have an advantage over a weakened McCarthy — but will they use it?

The future for Kevin ‘The Conceder’ McCarthy

Thumbnail for We've Been Here Before with Dr. William Horne.

The Emancipator

We’ve Been Here Before: Insurrections and White Supremacy

As we remember and assess the damage of the January 6th Insurrection on America today, it’s valuable to take a hard look at the impact and consequences that white conservative election denialism played in our shared history.

High Med. Low

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Special reports

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

Members of the 2001 Patriots team that won the franchise’s first title.

Darkness on the edge of the Patriots dynasty

The 2022 Top Places to Work in Massachusetts

More recent News

THE GREAT DIVIDE

In Woburn, a diversifying school district works to become more welcoming
For Kafui Kemeh, a Black high school senior in Woburn, life in the suburbs has brought the quality education her family sought, but the isolation and racism she has experienced as one of the very few Black students in her classes weigh on her.

‘No election is safe’: Amid rise of election deniers, Mass. House speaker’s decision to delay 2 Democrats’ swearing-in touches nerve in party
Massachusetts House Speaker Ronald Mariano’s decision to delay the swearing-in of two Democratic representatives-elect, and appoint a special committee to review the “legal issues” raised in their narrow victories, has quickly sparked fissures in the state’s dominant party.

ANALYSIS | JAMES PINDELL

The enduring feature of Trumpism can be found in the House rules package
The mere fact that Republicans are debating the future of military spending — and doing so with some power in Washington — it is a stunning reversal of GOP orthodoxy.

Recovering Bills safety Damar Hamlin is released from Buffalo hospital

Hamlin had been transferred Monday to the local hospital from an ICU in Cincinnati, where he had been for a week following his collapse.

Maine man who allegedly attacked NYPD officers hoped to travel to Afghanistan and be a ‘suicide bomber,’ court documents say

The Wells, Maine, man who allegedly attacked three NYPD officers with a long knife on New Year’s Eve near Times Square initially hoped to travel overseas to “ally himself” with the Taliban, according to legal filings.

New York Representative George Santos refuses to resign despite political pressure

Representative George Santos, swarmed by reporters at the Capitol on Wednesday, flatly rejected the call for him to resign, saying, “I will not.”

Boston Globe Spotlight Team

Send The Boston Globe a confidential news tip
Do you have a tip about something that needs to be investigated? Do you have documents or data we should dig into? We want to hear from you.

Recommended reads

Aaron Pressman and Sabrina Shankman at Donut Dip in West Springfield while on their journey traveling New England in EVs.

We drove around New England looking for EV chargers (and the best doughnuts). It was easier than we expected.

Two reporters. Two electric cars. Given Tesla’s charging network advantage, we expected the Kia would have more issues on the road — and we were right.

A debt limit fight could cause financial chaos and push the economy into recession, experts warn
The economic fallout would be even worse if, unlike in previous showdowns, Congress doesn’t ultimately raise the limit in time to avoid a first-ever US government default on its bills.

Dry January can kick-start healthy habits that last beyond the month, experts say
Who wouldn't like to save money, feel better, lose weight, and sleep well? The specialists we talked to say the benefits are "pretty remarkable."

Jeneé Osterheldt

My home was never a house. It was a dog named Peppermint Patty.
A dog’s love is unconditional and then some.

video

Culture & Lifestyle

Edward Burtynsky, " Manufacturing #17, Deda Chicken, Chicken Processing Plant, Dehui City," 2005

Photographs that don’t so much confront scale as embrace it

Ben Affleck was spotted serving up beverages at a Dunkin' location in Medford.

Ben Affleck serves up Dunkin’ orders at Medford drive-through

Dan Prior and Aimee Doherty in "Preludes" at Lyric Stage Company of Boston.

Lyric Stage’s ‘Preludes’ doesn’t lead anywhere special

Harry Hamlin and Alexandra Daddario in "Mayfair Witches."

‘Mayfair Witches’ doesn’t stir a very potent brew

Special Projects

Two Weeks in America

Two Weeks in America

We sent a dozen journalists on the road across this complex country. They found it’s better than you think.

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

Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy receives the gavel from House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries after McCarthy was elected speaker on Jan. 7.

Kimberly Atkins Stohr

Democrats have an advantage over a weakened McCarthy — but will they use it?

US Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has said she will play a big role under Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who will give her “a lot of power and a lot of leeway.”

Kevin McCarthy’s allies may imperil his speakership more than his opponents

Representative Kevin McCarthy, a Republican from California, right, spoke with Representative Matt Gaetz, a Republican from Florida, in the House Chamber at the US Capitol on Jan. 6.

The future for Kevin ‘The Conceder’ McCarthy

Surely George Santos, the newly seated New York Republican, isn’t the only House member whose behavior merits scrutiny from the independent panel set up precisely to handle that kind of investigation.

Drain the swamp? New GOP majority defangs ethics panel instead.

Desks where lawmakers sit in the House Chambers at the Massachusetts State House.

Legislators should be free

West Virginia guard Erik Stevenson fouled Kansas State guard Tykei Greene during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game on Dec. 31,

IDEAS | WILLIAM DEVINE

The business of college sports deserves to collapse

Metro

Harvard Medical School and Partners in Health receive $50 million to launch Paul Farmer Collaborative

A $50 million donation from the Cummings Foundation will create the Paul Farmer Collaborative, an international partnership between Harvard Medical School and the University of Global Health Equity, a health sciences school in Rwanda co-founded by Dr. Paul Farmer, the late global health champion.

THE GREAT DIVIDE

Outside consultant recommends changes to BPS operations to get buses to run on time

The recommendations come as BPS is struggling to implement a state-ordered district improvement plan that requires BPS to get at least 95 percent of buses to school on time each month, a benchmark it has yet to meet.

Horrible things happen in Cohasset, too

Though it really shouldn’t, the fact that the Walshes are apparently wealthy adds another layer of intrigue to this unfolding story.

What may have caused the FAA computer outage, and could it happen again?

It’s still unclear why the NOTAM system went down, or what was done to bring it back up. But there's no evidence that the problem extends to other portions of the air traffic control system.

Sports

Croatia's Marin Cilic will not be returning to Australian Open after announcing his withdrawal because of a knee injury.

Former finalist Marin Cilic out of Australian Open due to knee injury

Cilic, 34, was a runner-up in Melbourne in 2018 when he lost to Roger Federer in the final.

Roquan Smith was the NFL’s third-leading tackler this season.

Ravens sign star linebacker Roquan Smith to a five-year contract extension

Smith arrived in a midseason trade and helped the Ravens secure a playoff spot with a stout defensive effort down the stretch.

Lamar Jackson missed the final five games of the regular season.

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson still absent from practice; hopes for dramatic return for playoffs fading

The Baltimore star hasn't practiced since injuring his knee in a Dec. 4 win over Denver.

Dolphins rule out Tua Tagovailoa for Sunday’s playoff game vs. Bills

peter abraham | on baseball

Tom Werner says ownership’s ‘heart and soul is with the Red Sox,’ and the team is not going to be sold

boston marathon

Reigning champ Evans Chebet among those who will compete against Eliud Kipchoge in Boston Marathon men’s field

Business

What may have caused the FAA computer outage, and could it happen again?

It’s still unclear why the NOTAM system went down, or what was done to bring it back up. But there's no evidence that the problem extends to other portions of the air traffic control system.

Korean solar company plans to build $2.5 billion plant in Georgia

If realized, the company’s plans could bring some of the supply chain for solar energy, which is largely based in China, to the United States.

Making opioid addiction treatment available at pharmacies may dramatically increase positive outcomes, study shows

IRS backlogs continue as Republicans mount offensive

magazine

In 1848, an enslaved couple fled to Boston in one of history’s most daring escapes

Fish Poached in Tomato-Garlic Broth

Recipes: Three healthy — and flavorful — fish dishes for the New Year

When redesigning the central room on the third floor of this Queen Anne Victorian, the architect opened the low ceiling and added bookshelves that follow the slope.

Home design inspiration: Incorporating travel treasures into a cozy family room

The New Members Show opens at the Copley Society of Art on January 12.

YOUR WEEK AHEAD

Five things to do for fun in and around Boston, Jan. 9-22

metro

Democrat Margaret Scarsdale, center, blamed the delay on swearing her in as the state representative for the First Middlesex district in part on "election denialism."

‘No election is safe’: Amid rise of election deniers, Mass. House speaker’s decision to delay 2 Democrats’ swearing-in touches nerve in party

Maura Healey taps Massachusetts Business Roundtable leader, Walsh alum, as labor secretary

Boston traffic ranked fourth worst in the world, study says

sports

Bill Belichick's staff will be on hand at this year's Shrine Bowl in Las Vegas in February.

Patriots staff will get inside intel on draft prospects as coaches in Shrine Bowl

MIAA basketball finals will make a return to the Tsongas Center

Patriots assistant Jerod Mayo wants to be an NFL head coach. Will it happen during this hiring cycle?

business

A CVS pharmacy store in San Francisco, Calif.

CVS is exploring a $10 billion-plus acquisition of Oak Street Health

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt to buy testing company

International Place, a mainstay of the Financial District, to get a $100 million new look

politics

Representative George Santos departed Capitol Hill on Wednesday.

Long Island GOP calls for Santos to resign

Jill Biden has cancerous lesions removed, White House says

New York Representative George Santos refuses to resign despite political pressure

Nation

British guitarist Jeff Beck.

Jeff Beck, guitar god who influenced generations, dies at 78

School lawsuits over social media harm face tough legal road

California’s onslaught of storms is far from over. Will it ever end?

World

On Wednesday, a group of scientists reported the amount of excess heat stored in the planet's oceans reached a record high in 2022. The water's temperature change is a strong indicator of climate change.

Ocean heat surged to another record-high temperature in 2022

Polish officials say WWII trove of Jewish objects is a rare find

Ukraine says mining town holding out against Russian assault

opinion

The new memoir by Prince Harry was on display at a Waterstones bookstore in London on Jan. 10.

Royal secrets, lies, and the weight of families

May I have a word: Two ways we cling to fantasy

The future for Kevin ‘The Conceder’ McCarthy

lifestyle

Quinta Brunson arrives at the 80th annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

Photos of stars arriving on the red carpet at the 80th Golden Globes

Dry January can kick-start healthy habits that last beyond the month, experts say

My home was never a house. It was a dog named Peppermint Patty.

food & dining

Customers say cheers with glasses of sake at The Koji Club in Boston, the city’s only sake bar.

Better suburban restaurants. Higher menu prices. More kelp. These are the predicted food trends for 2023.

Che! Empanadas for the win

Unlocking Mediterranean secrets on ‘Life of Loi’

travel

Another section of Newport's famous Cliff Walk was damaged in a December 2022 storm. The area is near where a portion of the walk collapsed in March 2022.

Another section of Newport’s Cliff Walk crumbles, city will expand study of area

Europe will soon allow phone calls on flights. Will the US be next?

Akaash Singh is on Team Travel Agent and wants to flush his phone but can’t

Arts

Edward Burtynsky, " Manufacturing #17, Deda Chicken, Chicken Processing Plant, Dehui City," 2005

Photographs that don’t so much confront scale as embrace it

In ‘Playing on a Loop,’ video artist Maggie Stark captures life’s revolutions

Portland Museum of Art announces architects for $100 million expansion

Books

Laura Zigman’s ‘Small World’ is a love letter to a sisterhood forged through disability and death

Comedic and caffeinated, Kashana Cauley’s debut novel, ‘The Survivalists,’ may give you the jitters

Poet Laureate Ada Limón uses poetry as a way of tuning in to the world

Movies

Tom Cruise stars as Captain Pete "Maverick" Mitchell in Paramount Pictures' "Top Gun: Maverick."

If you saw these movies at home, here’s your chance to see them the right way

Belmont World Film’s 20th Family Festival fosters a love of film for young audiences

‘Corsage’: All about Elisabeth

Television

Martin Luther King Jr. addressed the crowd at the Patrick Campbell School in Roxbury during a visit to Boston on April 22, 1965.

NBC10, Globe present special on the Kings’ time in Boston

In ‘The Last of Us,’ horror and humanity at the end of the Earth

Watch out for scenes of a dystopian Boston in the new HBO show ‘The Last of Us’

music

Instruments are arrayed in a studio at the Sound Museum in Brighton. Musicians will have to leave the building by March 1, but the city has announced a plan to provide temporary rehearsal space at the former Beasley Media Group building on Morrissey Boulevard in Dorchester.

Mayor Wu announces interim plan for displaced tenants at Brighton’s Sound Museum

Undeterred by the threat of a flat tire, singer Cass McCombs is rolling into town

Foo Fighters, The Lumineers, and Paramore to headline Boston Calling

Theater/Dance

Dulcé Sloan performs four shows this weekend at Off Cabot Comedy in Beverly.

Outside of ‘The Daily Show,’ there’s another Dulcé Sloan

Lyric Stage’s ‘Preludes’ doesn’t lead anywhere special

A new view of a classic movie inspired choreographer Stefanie Batten Bland’s ‘Look Who’s Coming to Dinner’

globe local

The Argument: Should Massachusetts expand tolling to alleviate traffic congestion?

Watertown Boys & Girls Club is a success story

Lesson learned: Don’t draw conclusions until you give it a try

Obituaries

Cardinal Pell, shown in 2017, was convicted and then acquitted of sexual abuse in his native Australia.

Cardinal Pell, whose convictions were overturned, dies at 81

Constantine, the former and last king of Greece, dies at 82

Charles Simic, US poet laureate who won a Pulitzer and taught at UNH, dies at 84