Few Republican challengers in races for Legislature

Even as Beacon Hill Democrats weather a patronage scandal, nearly three-quarters of ­incumbents will face no ­Republican opposition this fall.

Romney says US doesn’t need stricter gun laws

Mitt Romney said stricter gun laws could not have stopped the killing of a dozen people by a gunman at an Aurora, Colo., movie theater last week.

Boston schools chief pares plan to extend day by 45 minutes

In an abrupt shift, Superintendent Carol Johnson retreated from a sweeping proposal to add 45 minutes to elementary, middle, and K-8 schools.

Rebecca Inver Moffa of the Rozalia Project steered Hector the Collector, an underwater robot, on Jamaica Pond.

Essdras M Suarez/ Globe Staff

Jamaica Pond trash unearthed by environmental group’s robot

The Vermont-based group unearthed all manner of trash from the bottom of Jamaica Pond, thanks to a remotely operated robot.

Children ages 10 to 12 participated in a mandatory swimming lesson at the Boys & Girls Club in Roxbury.

Tamir Kalifa for The Boston Globe

Mandatory swimming lessons a lifeline in Boston

The Boys & Girls Club of Boston is aggressively combating drowning deaths — especially among black and Hispanic children, who are at a significantly higher risk.

Yvonne Abraham

Future Boston breaks the Menino rule

The group wants to make Boston a little friendlier to its younger residents, but it doesn’t want Mayor Thomas M. Menino’s help. They say he’s part of the problem.

Amanda Palmer said her Kickstarter fund’s success will expand her tour’s ambition.

Fans kickstart Amanda Palmer’s album, tour

The Dresden Dolls singer-songwriter from Lexington is pioneering a new indie music model by raising nearly $1.2 million on Kickstarter.

Dan Shaughnessy

Patriots camp stirs Super Bowl hopes

The Patriots have the longest championship drought in Boston. We are overdue. It’s time for another Super Bowl victory. And it all starts Thursday at Gillette.

Sports

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Rangers 5, Red Sox 3

Bobby Valentine saw some things Wednesday that made him scratch his head.

Rangers do enough against Beckett, Red Sox

The Rangers, who have scored the most runs in baseball, used a squeeze bunt to score a run against the Red Sox Wednesday night. A wild pitch accounted for another.

Nation & World

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