Boston Globe Today | January 17, 2024

WATCH: Wednesday's episode. Stories include: What’s behind Boston’s bagel boom, and does anyone even care about COVID? And does it matter? Watch →

Patriots introduce Jerod Mayo to succeed Bill Belichick

WATCH: How is the new head coach different from his predecessor? And who will be the team’s GM? Columnist Tara Sullivan weighs in. Watch →

Your essential guide to renting a car

WATCH: Do you need the add-on insurance? Who’s at fault if the car breaks down? Consumer advocacy columnist Sean P. Murphy has tips to avoid bumps in the road. Watch →

Nation

Cancer deaths are falling, but there may be an asterisk

The number of new cancer cases ticked up to more than 2 million in 2023, from 1.9 million in 2022, according to the American Cancer Society’s annual report. Continue reading →

Nation

Judge threatens to boot Donald Trump from courtroom over loud talking as E. Jean Carroll testifies

Judge Lewis A. Kaplan told the former president that his right to be present at the trial will be revoked if he remains disruptive. Continue reading →

Nation

Trump lawyers say document shows he kept ‘Q’ clearance for nuclear secrets

The revelation came in a legal filing late Tuesday night in which Trump’s attorneys urged Judge Aileen M. Cannon to force prosecutors to produce more information about the evidence they have about the former president. Continue reading →

World

US to return Houthis to terrorism list

The Biden administration will designate Yemen’s Houthi militia as a terrorist organization, partly reimposing penalties it lifted nearly three years ago on the Iran-backed group whose attacks on regional shipping traffic have drawn a US military response. Continue reading →

World

Iran says missile strikes show it will be ‘tough and decisive’ with foes

After hitting targets in neighboring Pakistan, Iraq, and Syria with missiles, Iran talked tough Wednesday, playing up — to friends and foes alike — not only its military capabilities but its determination to strike enemies at will. Continue reading →

World

China told women to have babies, but its population shrank again

It has offered them sweeteners, like cheaper housing, tax benefits, and cash. It has also invoked patriotism, calling on them to be “good wives and mothers.” Continue reading →

OPINION

NH voters deserve better from Donald Trump

The former president doesn’t seem to believe he owes it voters in the Granite State to participate in debates or engage in the kind of retail politics the state is known for. Continue reading →

Opinion

Pharmacy deserts in Black and Latino communities are harming residents

There is no lack of evidence on who is impacted by pharmacy closures, but it’s unclear what solutions cities like Boston are developing to prevent future closures. Continue reading →

EDITORIAL

City Council should reverse course, accept $13 million federal counterterrorism grant

The Boston Marathon bombing of 2013 was a reminder that the region needs to be prepared for terrorism — and that attackers don’t care about municipal boundaries, Continue reading →

K-12

Healey proposes major investment in reading instruction

Governor Maura Healey proposed Wednesday night a five-year plan to bolster early literacy efforts, underwriting high-quality reading curriculum and teacher training with an initial $30 million investment. Continue reading →

THE GREAT DIVIDE

Bloomberg to fund expanded partnership between BPS’ Kennedy Academy for Health Careers and Mass General Brigham

The investment is the largest philanthropic gift Boston Public Schools has ever received. Continue reading →

Crime & Courts

Man sentenced to life in prison with possibility of parole for murder in 2021 racist attack in Belmont

Dean Kapsalis was convicted last May of second-degree murder. In January 2021, he ran over Henry Tapia with his car in what prosecutors have called “a racially motivated murder.” Continue reading →

CELTICS 117, SPURS 98

Celtics easily sink Spurs, move to 20-0 at home

Boston stretched their franchise-record home start by taking care of rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama and San Antonio in a low-stress contest. Continue reading →

Tara Sullivan

With his father no longer Patriots coach, the question is: Should Steve Belichick stay or should he go?

He could leave his job and follow his father to his next football stop. Or he could remain on the staff of the only NFL employer he’s ever known. Continue reading →

CELTICS NOTEBOOK

Joe Mazzulla reflects on job after sudden death of Warriors assistant coach

The Celtics head coach reacts to the passing of 46-year-old Golden State assistant Dejan Milojević from a heart attack. Continue reading →

innovation beat

VC market tumbles for second straight year

Biotech and climate tech startups were a bright spot in the downturn. Continue reading →

Housing

Both Healey and Wu say we need to tackle the region’s housing crisis. Here’s how that’s going.

The housing crisis has finally grabbed the attention of top elected officials such as Governor Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, and 2024 could prove a crucial year for efforts to dig out of the shortage. Continue reading →

Technology

Definitive Healthcare CEO out after three rounds of layoffs

Jason Krantz, the founder of the Framingham health data firm, is returning on an interim basis. Continue reading →

Obituaries

Zvi Zamir, Israeli spy chief in a critical period, dies at 98

As the director of Israel’s Mossad spy agency, Zvi Zamir led a violent campaign to crush Palestinian terrorism after 11 Israelis were killed at the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics. Continue reading →

Obituaries

Roy Calne, pioneering British organ-transplant surgeon, dies at 93

He developed and practiced many of the operating techniques involved in transplantation, while at the same time working to identify what drugs would get the body to accept a new organ. Continue reading →

Obituaries

Former NFL quarterback Norm Snead dies at age 84

Mr. Snead was a four-time Pro Bowl selection, playing mostly for Washington and Philadelphia. Continue reading →

Television

Watch Lexington native Rachel Dratch compete in ‘Celebrity Jeopardy!’ semifinals

The former "Saturday Night Live" star faced off against Mo Rocca and Heather McMahan Tuesday night. Continue reading →

Documentaries

‘In the Whale’ and ‘Inundation District’ tackle two separate horrors from the deep

The two documentaries, directed by Boston Globe reporter David Abel, are screening around New England. Continue reading →

Movies

Bebe Wood on making Mass. her ‘home base’ and updating ‘Mean Girls’ for Gen Z

The "Mean Girls" star and occasional Bay State resident opens up about playing the always "fetch" Gretchen Wieners in the new musical movie. Continue reading →