Nation

Drug overdoses soared to a record 93,000 last year

Deaths from drug overdoses soared to more than 93,000 last year, a staggering record that reflects the coronavirus pandemic’s toll on efforts to quell the crisis and the continued spread of the synthetic opioid fentanyl in the illegal narcotic supply, the government reported Wednesday. Continue reading →

Politics

US to begin evacuating Afghans who aided American military

The Biden administration said Wednesday that it is prepared to begin evacuation flights for Afghan interpreters and translators who aided the US military effort in the nearly 20-year war. Continue reading →

Politics

In wake of president’s assassination, Ayanna Pressley calls for deportation moratorium for Haitians

With tensions mounting in Haiti after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, Representative Ayanna Pressley and leaders of the House Haiti Caucus are urging the Biden administration to do more to provide immigration relief to Haitian families in the United States. Continue reading →

World

Europe unveils plan to shift from fossil fuels, setting up potential trade spats

In a seminal moment in the global effort to fight climate change, Europe on Wednesday challenged the rest of the world by laying out an ambitious blueprint to pivot away from fossil fuels over the next nine years, a plan that also has the potential to set off global trade disputes. Continue reading →

World

Parents who never stopped searching reunite with son abducted 24 years ago

For nearly 24 years, the father crossed China by motorbike. With banners displaying photos of a 2-year-old boy flying from the back of his bike, he traveled more than 300,000 miles, all in pursuit of one goal: finding his kidnapped son. Continue reading →

World

Brazilian leader admitted to hospital for persistent hiccups

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was admitted to a hospital on Wednesday to determine what is causing hiccups that have lasted for days, according to a statement from the President’s office. Continue reading →

EDITORIAL

Biden needs to act, not speak, on Cuba

The current crisis in the island nation could be eased if President Biden carried through on a policy he has espoused since he was vice president. Continue reading →

OPINION

From the ’Quin to the streets — two Bostons

For all the talk of change and equity, Boston remains stubbornly the same in one way: There are two, very unequal cities. Continue reading →

OPINION

How reality TV can overcome its race problem

Caught between reality and entertainment, these shows have an opportunity to simultaneously fulfill their social responsibilities and produce more compelling TV. Continue reading →

Metro

The GOP-led hysteria over antiracist education has arrived in Massachusetts

As they so often do, Republicans have severed the phrase from its actual meaning and used “critical race theory” to describe any antiracist teaching, diversity and inclusion efforts, and discussions of racism, period. Continue reading →

Metro

‘It made everybody cry’: Northampton residents push to save beloved cherry trees set to get axed in street project

Residents still do not know exactly when the seven Kwanzan Japanese cherry trees are scheduled to be removed from a quite residential street, but their advocacy is continuing to the very end. Earlier this week, roughly 60 neighbors endured the rain to attend a Zen ordination ceremony that blessed the trees. Continue reading →

Politics

DCF is discriminating against immigrant families by not providing interpreters, advocates tell federal officials

The complaint filed by Lawyers for Civil Rights and the Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice accuses the Department of Children and Families of depriving non-English speaking parents of “meaningful language access” — a potential violation of federal civil rights law. A DCF spokeswoman said Wednesday it would review the complaint. Continue reading →

Celtics

‘I’m coming to work’: Yam Madar, the Celtics’ latest international mystery man, says he’s ready to shine

He has played in the Israeli Basketball Premier League since he was 17 and last year emerged as a legitimate NBA prospect. Continue reading →

Tara Sullivan

Boston Renegades dedicated to winning a third straight championship, and other thoughts

The powerhouse semi-pro women’s football team advanced to face the Minnesota Vixen, the reward for their 63-3 semifinal victory over the Tampa Bay Inferno. Continue reading →

red sox

With All-Star break behind them, Red Sox turn their attention to making a push for the playoffs

The first-place Red Sox open the second half Thursday against the Yankees, and play 18 straight against AL East foes. Continue reading →

Commentary

Lee Pelton has a bold vision for The Boston Foundation, but you’ll need to wait for the details

In a recent hour-long interview at the Boston Public Library, the former Emerson College leader and new chief executive of the Boston Foundation dropped some tantalizing hints of how the foundation under his leadership would be different from that of his predecessor Paul Grogan. Continue reading →

Business

‘Time’s up’: The economy is back open and landlords want their rent money

As the pandemic eases, more retailers, restaurants, and other small businesses are being pushed to pay back rent that accumulated last year. Continue reading →

Business

Rail officials push 15-year plan to boost Northeast Corridor

As Congress eyes an infrastructure package, a coalition of transportation agencies and Amtrak on Wednesday released a 15-year plan of rail improvements for the congested Northeast Corridor that would boost daily train routes and significantly speed travel on Acela express lines. Continue reading →

Obituaries

‘Laredo’ actor William Smith dies at 88; played cowboys, brawlers

With his chiseled, mustachioed face and bulging biceps, William Smith was a constant, rugged presence on screen in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, amassing nearly 300 credits. Continue reading →

Obituaries

Edwin Edwards, roguish Louisiana governor, dies at 93

His lovable-rogue persona tended to overshadow genuine achievements. He was credited with helping to shape the modern Democratic Party by advocating racial inclusiveness and with streamlining Louisiana's outdated government. Continue reading →

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MOVIES

A dozen summer movies set in New England

These 12 flicks, available for streaming at home, capture the essence of summer in New England. Continue reading →

Music

Asleep at the Wheel goes round and round

A 50-year anniversary tour brings the band to Natick. Continue reading →

MUSIC

Harry Styles announces new tour and TD Garden show in October

The 27-year-old singer-songwriter and former One Direction star will play TD Garden in October. His special guest on the US tour will be Jenny Lewis. Continue reading →