All of the headlines from today's paper.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Today's Headlines

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Technology

Online child exploitation is spreading like a ‘tidal wave.’ Police can’t keep up.

Threats once confined to the physical world are now on children’s laptops, their gaming systems, and the phones they carry in their pockets — and investigators can't keep up. Continue reading →

Politics

From constant compliments to golden statues, Trump’s second term takes praise to new heights

Since returning to office, President Trump hasn’t just solidified his grip on Republican politics. He has inspired, encouraged, and, at times, outright demanded to be showered with homage. Continue reading →

Media

Why are millions of dollars flowing through a two-person Lexington news outlet? A look at the newsroom’s unorthodox business.

While the “Local News Hub” program has helped the Observer pay for its own local reporting, some of its leaders are questioning whether it should continue. Continue reading →

Globe Magazine

Could patient portals be less baffling and more helpful? A cartoon explainer.

They empower us, and baffle and scare us, too. Could they deliver test results in a more useful way? Continue reading →

In 1970s Boston, young hustlers made easy money selling smart term papers to college students

“I don’t think helping people be lazy and cheat is a noble thing. I think it was just we were looking for a way to make some money to get by ... It was not our finest hour.” Continue reading →

I’m a single mom. Here’s why I can’t wait to be an empty-nester.

I wouldn’t trade the past 20 years for anything. Now my kids are ready for a world of new experiences — and so am I. Continue reading →

The Nation

Nation

Archaeologists find Egyptian mummy buried with the ‘Iliad’

Archaeologists working in Egypt have discovered a remarkable combination of Homeric epic and Egyptian ritual: a 2,000-year-old mummy with a papyrus fragment of the "Iliad" sealed in a clay packet outside its wrappings. Continue reading →

Nation

North America’s largest commuter rail system shuts down as workers strike

The Long Island Rail Road ceased operations early Saturday morning after five unions representing about half its workforce walked off the job. Continue reading →

Nation

Eating healthy? No, they’re eating biblically.

Alternative diets focusing on simpler foods are finding popularity, even when their proponents don’t actively consider themselves part of the MAHA movement. Continue reading →

The World

World

Trump says a top Islamic State leader was killed in a US-Nigerian mission

President Trump said late Friday that US and Nigerian forces had killed one of the Islamic State group's highest-ranking leaders in an operation in Africa, where the United States has been targeting Islamic militants who the president says are killing Christians. Continue reading →

World

Israel says it killed the leader of Hamas’ military wing, one of the architects of Oct. 7 attacks

It comes as the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains fragile. Continue reading →

World

Congolese report constant burials as deaths in new Ebola outbreak reach 80

At least 80 people have died in Congo’s new Ebola disease outbreak in the eastern Ituri province. Continue reading →

Editorial & Opinion

Letters

Where to for the Chappaquiddick Ferry?

With the longtime owner-operator retiring, island residents are grappling with the question of who will take over the island's connection to Martha's Vineyard. Continue reading →

Letters

Misuse of school timeouts raises questions

Offering calming spaces where students can regulate their emotions is an important strategy for promoting student well-being and maintaining a productive learning environment. Continue reading →

Editorials

‘Ghost networks’ make finding mental health care harder

State should enforce law requiring insurers to maintain accurate provider directories Continue reading →

Metro

Massachusetts

‘Like a small war’: Rowing coach recounts boating just feet from Cambridge shooting

Anton Prodan, whose family fled Ukraine, said from his vantage on the Charles River on Monday, Memorial Drive looked like a battlefield. Continue reading →

Massachusetts

How did the alleged Memorial Drive shooter obtain a gun?

How did a man with a lengthy rap sheet come to possess a powerful weapon which he used to wreak havoc on one of the region’s busiest roads? Continue reading →

Higher Education

A buoyant mood, and some dark humor, at soon-to-close Hampshire College’s commencement

Graduates were euphoric as the last major commencement of Hampshire College. Continue reading →

Sports

Golf

Alex Smalley takes two-shot lead, but he has strong field of pursuers going into final round of PGA Championship

Smalley made six birdies over his last 10 holes for a 2-under-par 68. Continue reading →

Bruins

The playoffs are what it’s all about in sports, but which are the best?

From seven-game series to sudden-death shootouts, from starting pitchers to red-hot goalies, from miracle catches to lockdown defenses, the playoffs highlight them in unique and memorable ways. Continue reading →

Red Sox

Willson Contreras’s two-run homer the big hit Red Sox needed in win over Braves

His two-out, two-strike, two-run shot in the eighth put Boston ahead, turning Payton Tolle’s gem into a win. Continue reading →

Business
Ideas
Obituaries

Obituaries

Claire Maurier, the narcissistic mother in ’400 Blows,’ dies at 97

She also had supporting roles in “La Cage Aux Folles” and "Amélie." Continue reading →

Arts & Lifestyle

Restaurants

A new Waltham taqueria serves ‘some of the most authentic’ Mexican food around

Overstuffed shrimp tacos, braised beef birria, smoky housemade salsas, and more. Continue reading →

Restaurants

This week’s most notable new restaurant openings around Boston

Beer garden season kicks off, and the Seaport gets a slice shop. Continue reading →

Music

Inside the ‘Lincoln’ symphony that Philip Glass pulled from Trump’s Kennedy Center

The composer’s Symphony No. 15, about the fragility of Democracy, will premiere at Tanglewood in July. Continue reading →

Travel

Travel

The best of Maine, on the cheap. (Yes, it’s possible.)

We wanted to know: Is it still possible to have a fun Maine getaway without spending a bundle? Continue reading →

Travel

These Maine innkeepers are charming thousands on Instagram — and pioneering a golden age for B&Bs

Wolf Cove Inn in Maine is a social media success story in rural hospitality. Continue reading →