Nation

Lasers, waffle fries, and the secrets in pterosaurs’ tails

Above the shores of prehistoric seas and lakes, pterosaurs roamed the skies. They were feathered creatures that ranged in size from pigeons to planes, and the first vertebrates known to have been able to fly. And for millions of years, they had long tails ending in a prominent flap of skin called a vane. Continue reading →

Nation

As Trump slashes federal jobs, Alabama’s ‘Rocket City’ braces for impact

“You want to use an analogy, it’s almost like launching a rocket that’s not proven,” said a brewery owner. “You don’t know what’s going to happen, but something is going to happen.” Continue reading →

Politics

Trump moves with dizzying speed on his to-do list. But there are warning signs in his first month.

Here's a look at President Trump's first four weeks back in office, where he's moved at record speed to redefine the US. Continue reading →

World

Have you seen this pilgrim? Lost in the throngs of the Kumbh Mela.

Indian officials are spending hundreds of millions of dollars to ensure the safety of Kumbh Mela pilgrims, an undertaking whose immense challenges became clear last month when 30 pilgrims died in a stampede. Continue reading →

World

Israel and Hamas complete their latest exchange as ceasefire’s first phase has just 2 weeks left

Saturday marks the sixth exchange of hostages and Palestinian prisoners since the ceasefire was finalized. Continue reading →

World

Zelensky calls for ‘armed forces of Europe’ as EU leaders bristle at new US policies on Ukraine

“I really believe that time has come,” Zelensky said Saturday. “The armed forces of Europe must be created.” Continue reading →

Five things to do around Boston, Feb. 17 - 23

Enjoy free admission at the ICA, watch champion street snowboarders face off, and more. Continue reading →

For sale: Homes on streets with optimistic-sounding addresses

Hope? Why not? Start every day on a positive note at these houses south of Boston. Continue reading →

Removing a window improved the kitchen layout in this deck house

Getting rid of a large hood looming over the center island also opened up the room. Continue reading →

LETTERS

Kudos to a columnist who calls it like it is

I want to extend particular kudos to Renée Graham for calling it like it is, no small feat in this new era of fealty. Continue reading →

LETTERS

Bring back Bibliophiles — it was like a book club every Sunday

It broadened my knowledge of books from so many different genres. I know there are many other readers who feel the same way. Continue reading →

LETTERS

Golden opportunity for Mass. to reenvision graduation standard

"After MCAS, I noticed children being less interested generally in learning and, particularly, in participating in class," writes one observer. Another advises moving toward a more competency-based model for tracking learning. Continue reading →

Cambridge and Somerville

The YIMBY movement has a major win in Cambridge, even as many neighbors cry foul

Eliminating single-family zoning was a massive win for those who cheer: "Yes in My Backyard!" Still, skeptics abound. Continue reading →

Politics

Americans once embraced Ukraine’s fight against Russia. Trump appears ready to abandon it.

Daria Bogatova, a PhD candidate at Boston University, said she doesn't blame Americans for losing interest in her country. But now, "it’s life and death." Continue reading →

Crime & Courts

Suspended investigator texted prosecutor about ‘[expletive] Jackson’ after first Karen Read trial

State Police Trooper Michael Proctor was referring to Alan Jackson, one of Read’s Los Angeles-based lawyers. Continue reading →

Sports

A Boston gang feud exploded into an epidemic of violence, until some of those responsible helped find a way to stop it

The story of Boston's Cape Verdean war has never been fully told or understood, in large part because the players involved haven’t talked much about it — until now. Continue reading →

On the Olympics

The Winter Olympics are less than a year away. Here’s how things are shaping up in Milan and Cortina.

Following Beijing’s sterile and soulless fortnight in 2022, the Milan-Cortina Games represent a return to what has passed for normal in a time of geopolitical upheaval and climate change. Continue reading →

Dan Shaughnessy

Signing of Alex Bregman shows the good old Red Sox are back, and other thoughts

The commitment to Bregman — even if it’s only for a year or two — makes the rest of the team better. Continue reading →

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IDEAS

J.D. Salinger’s pirates: An irresistible literary mystery, and the story of an obsession

On the hunt for illicit editions of the books J.D. Salinger never wanted us to read. Continue reading →

IDEAS

Science is in trouble. And not just because of Trump.

The crisis of confidence in scientific institutions can’t be blamed solely on politics. Continue reading →

Obituaries

Maria Teresa Horta, the last of Portugal’s ‘Three Marias,’ dies at 87

A Portuguese feminist writer, Maria Teresa Horta helped shatter her conservative country’s strictures on women. Continue reading →

Obituaries

N.C. Democratic activist and onetime US ambassador Jeanette Hyde has died at age 86

Jeanette Hyde and her late husband, Wallace, were a political power couple, opening their home to state and national Democratic candidates. Continue reading →

Obituaries

Gyalo Thondup, political operator and brother of the Dalai Lama, dies at 97

A prominent figure in Tibetan society and politics, Gyalo Thondup was called the second-most influential person in that small, increasingly isolated Himalayan territory Continue reading →

TV REVIEW

‘The White Lotus’ returns with an impeccable cast, to diminishing returns

The actors assembled are great, but where else can the show go with this premise? Continue reading →

Movies

Ireland is producing an entertainment renaissance — and we’re here for it

Irish stars are reenergizing music, movies, TV, books, and more. Continue reading →

Art Review

Has John Wilson’s time arrived? He’s been here all along.

At the MFA, a new exhibition takes stock of the overlooked Boston artist's career. Continue reading →

SURVEY SAYS

Looking to stretch out on your next flight? These are the Boston routes where you are most likely to find an empty row.

A study found that flights to and from Boston are fuller than the national average. But here are the ones least likely to be full. Continue reading →

TRAVEL

Walking through history and Savannah’s stories of slavery

A 90-minute walking tour details the city’s role in promoting slavery throughout the South and the driving force of faith to survive and triumph over it. Continue reading →

Real Estate

‘You can’t put the New England Patriots into a blind trust’: Josh Kraft’s mayoral bid raises concerns about conflicts

Should Kraft win the city’s highest office, his ties to his family and its businesses will be hard to ignore. Continue reading →

Real Estate

Beyond bargains: The social impact of free-stuff groups

"Freecyling" is an easy way to shed things you don’t want to move or furnish your new home without trashing the planet. Continue reading →