Friday, March 19, 2021 View web version
Today's Headlines
Page one

Coronavirus

As some states see a COVID-19 surge, Mass. cases stall at an ‘unacceptably high’ level

The current coronavirus outlook has improved in Massachusetts, but beneath the air of optimism lies a problem, epidemiologists caution: COVID-19 cases, after declining sharply in early February, have plateaued at an average of 1,500 per day, and the threat of another surge remains. Continue reading →

Politics

Cities hit hard by virus are underfunded relative to peers in federal stimulus

Antiquated methods of divvying up federal funds have left some of Massachusetts’ hardest-hit communities getting millions of dollars less than neighboring cities in the new federal relief law. The state has pledged to target additional funding to Chelsea, Everett, Methuen, and Randolph. Continue reading →

Education

Civil rights groups urge state to change ‘discriminatory’ vocational school admissions policies to lottery

The state’s dozens of regional vocational-technical schools consider grades, attendance, and disciplinary histories for admission. The Vocational Education Justice Coalition said those factors are subjective and unfair. Continue reading →

Commentary

After Atlanta slayings, this time needs to be different for Asian Americans

History keeps repeating itself because Asian Americans suffer from structural invisibility. This country needs to realize that many groups are targets of hate, and discrimination against Asian Americans counts. Continue reading →

Business

With remote work, employees lose those essential ‘in-between moments’

Research shows that casual chitchat can build trust, spark creativity, and boost morale — and lead to a happier, more productive workforce. Continue reading →

The Nation

Nation

Elizabeth Warren and AOC lay down climate challenge to Biden

Progressives in the House and Senate are behind a $500 billion proposal to shift US transportation away from fossil fuels and accelerate the process of making the US carbon neutral by 2050. Continue reading →

Politics

Walsh one step away from labor secretary after Senate votes to end debate on his nomination; confirmation expected Monday

Once confirmed, Walsh will step down as Boston mayor and be replaced by City Council president Kim Janey. Continue reading →

Nation

Biden expected to nominate former senator Bill Nelson to be NASA administrator

The Biden administration is expected to nominate former senator Bill Nelson to be the next administrator of NASA, according to multiple people with knowledge of the matter. Continue reading →

The World

World

Russia erupts in fury over Biden’s calling Putin a killer

President Vladimir Putin dryly wished President Biden “good health” on Thursday after the American leader assented to a description of his Russian counterpart as a “killer,” and long-running tensions morphed into a furious exchange of trans-Atlantic taunts. Continue reading →

World

German archbishop offers to resign after abuse criticism

A report commissioned by Germany’s Cologne archdiocese on church officials’ handling of past cases of sexual abuse found 75 cases in which high-ranking officials neglected their duties. The findings on Thursday prompted the archbishop of Hamburg to offer his resignation to Pope Francis. Continue reading →

World

Latest claim in the effort against Aung San Suu Kyi: A bag of cash

The Myanmar construction tycoon spoke in a faltering monotone, blinking fast and gulping occasionally for air. He said that over the past several years he had handed a total of $550,000 to Aung San Suu Kyi, the civilian leader of Myanmar who was ousted in a military coup last month. Continue reading →

Editorial & Opinion

OPINION

Gimme credit!

Ronald Reagan famously said, “There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit.” Except: Everyone cares. Continue reading →

EDITORIAL

Plymouth DA evades the sunshine

A week devoted to government transparency catches Timothy Cruz in its shadows. Continue reading →

OPINION

Biden puts a bull’s-eye on today’s lazy faux filibuster

A return to the stand-and-talk tradition would be an improvement. Continue reading →

Metro

Metro

Dick and Rick Hoyt: The power of the love between a father and a son

Their accomplishments are a life-affirming reminder that love and grit conquer all barriers. Continue reading →

WHAT SHE SAID

Don’t avert your eyes

It’s not clear whether the spa workers who were killed were actually involved in commercial sex. Yet as we lament how they died, let’s take an unflinching look at how the women were treated in life. Continue reading →

Metro

Man charged in random attacks in Waltham

The unprovoked attacks that targeted at least 10 men began in November near the Gardencrest apartment complex and later extended to the city’s downtown. Continue reading →

Sports

dan shaughnessy

Rick Pitino, basketball survivor, is back in the NCAA Tournament

He may not be fondly remembered here, but he made the Big Dance with an Iona team that played only 13 regular-season games and won the MAAC tourney as the ninth seed. Continue reading →

alex speier

What exactly does Jason Varitek do as the Red Sox ‘game planning coordinator’?

Traits he displayed as a player — meticulous preparation and the ability to distill massive amounts of information — make him well-suited to his new position. Continue reading →

Bruins notebook

Bruins and Sabres cancel morning skates; Sean Kuraly and Sabres staff member in COVID protocol

In a trying season, Bruins thus far have been relatively unscathed. Continue reading →

Business

Commentary

After Atlanta slayings, this time needs to be different for Asian Americans

History keeps repeating itself because Asian Americans suffer from structural invisibility. This country needs to realize that many groups are targets of hate, and discrimination against Asian Americans counts. Continue reading →

Business

With remote work, employees lose those essential ‘in-between moments’

Research shows that casual chitchat can build trust, spark creativity, and boost morale — and lead to a happier, more productive workforce. Continue reading →

Business

In the mayor’s race, some Boston business folks already have their candidate

No one has yet emerged as the “business candidate,” but business leaders tend to watch which way the political winds are blowing — i.e., who might actually win — before picking a horse in the race. Continue reading →

Obituaries
Arts & Lifestyle

MUDDLING THROUGH

Make the most of spring muck

There are plenty of ways to enjoy New England’s mud season. Here are some ideas. Continue reading →

ART REVIEW

As the ICA reopens, its long-term commitments are on full display

The museum shows off its strengths with an exhibition of works from the permanent collection. Continue reading →

Arts

Comedy audiences can head indoors, but music fans will have to wait

With shows scheduled as soon as this weekend, clubs are gearing up for the return of live entertainment. Continue reading →