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7weather

School early releases in Mass. for Monday, Dec. 18

With almost 300,000 people without power throughout Massachusetts, a high-wind warning in effect until Monday night and downpours causing flooding in some parts of the state, some schools are sending students home early. Downpours and possible thunder persist in Eastern Massachusetts, according to the National Weather Service, and are moving northeast after noon. “A strong storm moving up the eastern seaboard will bring very strong winds, heavy rain and coastal flooding along the south coast today,” the National Weather Service website said. “Although conditions to improve late this afternoon and early tonight, it remains unsettled into Tuesday with clouds and perhaps a spotty shower.” Minor river flooding was reported shortly after noon Monday near Williamstown, Deerfield and Westfield and other rivers in Western Mass. were near flood stage, according to the National Weather Service’s river observations report. Minor flooding was also reported in Fitchburg. Good morning Gateway Families, I've spoken to some town highway superintendents as well as the bus company and several... Posted by Gateway Regional School District on Monday, December 18, 2023 At least two Western Mass. school districts have sent students home early due to flooding and transportation concerns. “I’ve spoken to some town highway superintendents as well as the bus company and several selectboard members. There is a real concern with road closures and detours continuing to worsen as rain and wind continues throughout the day. The goal is to get students home safely with sufficient time to navigate detours during daylight hours,” Gateway Regional School District Superintendent Kristen Smidy posted on Facebook at 10:20 a.m. Monday. “Because of this, the middle and high school will dismiss at 12:10pm. Elementary will dismiss at 2pm to give the first routes a little more time to navigate detours. Wrap around is canceled today along with all other after school activities. Afternoon PreK is also cancelled. All early dismissals, tardies and absences can be excused today.” Due to flooding and transportation concerns, HRHS will be dismissing all students at 11:30. Elementary schools will... Posted by Hampshire Regional Administrative Team on Monday, December 18, 2023 Hampshire Regional School District also sent students home early due to transportation concerns. Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has posted some safety tips on X, formerly known as Twitter, for those driving: Take it slow on the roads and be aware of fallen tree limbs/debris Never drive or walk through floodwater Avoid downed power lines and call 911 to report Call your utility provider to report a power outage The following public school districts have announced early dismissal for Monday, Dec. 18. These listings are updated regularly, click here to refresh. B Blackstone - Millville Regional School District — closed Monday F Foxborough Regional Charter School — Early dismissal Monday G Gateway Regional School District — Early dismissal Monday H Hampshire Regional School District — Early dismissal Monday T Triton Regional School District — Early dismissal Monday

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3entertainment

FanDuel promo code: Get $150 bonus for Bengals-Chiefs, Packers-Vikings

“I think engagement needs to start now,” said Robert Van Campen, who was elected to the City Council in November. “It probably should have started a long time ago. But amid talks that could bring Robert Kraft’s New England Revolution soccer team to the city, residents, advocates, and elected officials say the public has, so far, not had a chance to weigh in on the proposal for the stadium, which would draw thousands on game days, putting pressure on the city’s infrastructure. For more than a year, Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria and the Kraft Group have been promoting a plan to build a professional soccer stadium along the city’s Mystic River waterfront, near the Encore Boston Harbor casino and a potential entertainment complex. Advertisement Antonio Amaya Iraheta, executive director of Everett-based La Comunidad Inc., a nonprofit that supports Latino immigrants., is concerned that a stadium, once completed, would bring largely low-paying, part-time service jobs to a city grappling with rising housing costs. The median price for a single-family home in Everett is more than $600,000, compared to around $470,000 in 2019, according to Zillow. “If [workers] live in Everett, and they have a good-paying job, they don’t have to leave Everett,” he said. The Kraft Group and DeMaria are eyeing a roughly 45-acre parcel across Route 99 from the casino for the new stadium, a site now occupied by the shuttered portion of a power plant. Wynn Resorts, which owns the casino, purchased the power plant parcel in March from Constellation Energy for $25 million. Wynn Resorts supports the proposal to build a sports stadium at that location, said Michael Weaver, a spokesperson for the company. Adam Klionsky, a spokesperson for the New England Revolution, who currently play at Gillette Stadium on Foxborough, directed questions to the city of Everett. Advertisement DeMaria said last week that a public process on the stadium proposal would begin once state lawmakers approve legislation to remove the parcel from its status as a Designated Port Area, which limits nonindustrial uses. The change is needed before a stadium proposal could move forward. In 2022 and again this year, state lawmakers made at least two efforts to remove the stadium parcel from that site, but failed to complete the change, including one that was eventually dropped. Lawmakers have not approved any changes, including those included in a supplemental budget bill at the end of November. . “Everett is looking for the same opportunity to redevelop areas within its boundaries that surrounding communities have already enjoyed, such as the Seaport in Boston, Assembly Row in Somerville, and Kendall Square in Cambridge,” DeMaria said in a statement. “This legislation would create the opportunity for a stadium project proposal to be put forward and initiate the public input process for Everett residents and other interested parties.” A new stadium could transform that section of Everett, said Van Campen, who served as a city alderman about a decade ago. But there is concern about how it would affect traffic, he said. “There has to be full transparency, full community involvement, full engagement, community meetings,” Van Campen said. The proposed stadium has also drawn attention from the Conservation Law Foundation, which has advocated for greater scrutiny. “The proposed stadium may indeed be the highest and best use for this site — now a derelict and contaminated power plant site,” Jake O’Neill, a spokesperson for the environmental group, said. “But that should be decided in an open and transparent process that includes the voices of all affected communities.” Advertisement And a professional sports stadium would affect communities beyond Everett. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has raised concerns about the impact of such a project on Boston and expressed surprise it would be proposed without any outreach or conversation with the city. Cities that abut Everett could see increased traffic, more pedestrians, and demands on transportation infrastructure due to a stadium on game days. Some mayors of those cities said they had not had any direct talks with Everett about the project. “It was our experience in working with Everett on the casino development that the City of Everett will be front and center in making sure surrounding cities have a voice,” said Malden Mayor Gary Christenson, who expressed faith in Everett officials’ handling of the stadium proposal. Steve Smirti, a spokesperson for Medford Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn, said the mayor recently heard about the proposal, “and we are doing some research before we loop our internal team in for input.” State Senator Sal DiDomenico, an Everett Democrat and the Senate’s assistant majority leader, told Everett councilors during a Dec. 11 meeting that he had spoken to community organizations about the project. Location of proposed stadium in Everett Encore Boston casino Proposed stadium site Ryan Huddle/Globe Staff; Photo by USGS “We have an opportunity to turn the page on an industrial site and bring something to this community [that] will include opening up the waterfront for the first time in decades to the residents of Everett, who deserve better than having an industrial site on our waterfront,” DiDomenico told councilors. Advertisement DiDomenico said he is considering filing standalone legislation that would remove the roughly 45-acre site from its Designated Port Area. It would allow the public process to move forward under the state’s Chapter 91 law and through the state’s Environmental Policy Act Office, he said. “If the DPA is lifted, there’ll be a robust public process for community engagement on the next steps for this site,” he said. Paula Sterite, a longtime community advocate in Everett, said much of what people know about the stadium proposal is from news coverage, rather than from the city. Officials should be asking for feedback from residents to help shape any proposal, she said. “It’s happening in a vacuum,” Sterite said. Everett City Councilor Darren Costa said that given the scope of development, public involvement in the stadium is critical. Costa pointed to the recent sale of a nearly 100-acre Exxon tank farm in Everett to the Davis Companies, which has pitched a mixed-use development in the area. That would be on top of the stadium and Wynn’s proposed recreation complex along nearby Mystic Street. The complex proposal calls for erecting a pedestrian bridge over Route 99 to connect the casino with the recreation complex, which would include a theater, parking garage, and a two-story restaurant and retail building with an outdoor dining terrace, according to filings with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Advertisement “We’re building a whole new city, [and] people should have the opportunity to have input,” Costa said. Victor Matheson, a professor at College of the Holy Cross in Worcester who researches the economics of sports stadiums, said there can be drawbacks to such facilities. While they can fill up with thousands of fans on game days, he said, Major League Soccer stadiums typically host only about 25 games a year. That means they can sit empty for as many as 340 days, he said. “If it really is dockside prime real estate [in Everett] that people like the idea [of], you’re putting something in there that doesn’t get used very often,” Matheson said. “And the problem is, when it does get used, it gets used by 20,000 people. ... It’s this flood, and then nothing.” Jon Chesto of the Globe staff contributed to this report. John Hilliard can be reached at john.hilliard@globe.com.

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6sports

Steelers get best case scenario on All-Pro LB (report)

TJ Watt suffered what looked like a devastating knee injury in the third quarter of the Steelers’ 17-10 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday night. The All-Pro linebacker collided with teammate Montravius Adams and landed awkwardly. He remained down on the field in visible pain before being ruled out with a knee injury. Reports after the game indicated Watt — who joined his brother, JJ Watt, as one of only four NFL players to have more than one season with 19 sacks — suffered a Grade 3 MCL sprain that would sideline him for multiple weeks. It appears they got better news Sunday, though. BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. JJ Watt took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to provide an update on his younger brother. “Best case scenario for TJ. Grade 2 MCL sprain. Everything else looks pristine,” he posted. “Couple weeks of rest/recovery.” While still not ideal for the Steelers to be without one of their impact players, it’s a better diagnosis than initially feared. Grade 3 means the ligament is completely torn, while Grade 2 is only partially torn. The Steelers now are playing the waiting game to see whether more football is in store for them beyond Week 18. Pittsburgh did its job by winning Saturday. But now the team needs a loss from either the Buffalo Bills or Jacksonville Jaguars.

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1crime

FBI team who found Boston Bombing suspects aid in search for Maine shooting suspect, Pingree says

Next up in 5 Example video title will go here for this video

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2culture

What We Learned From Bogots Buses

Dear Headway reader, Recently, I traveled to Bogotá, Colombia, which is twice the size of New York, to report on a transit system that was once the envy of cities around the world. The system, a rapid bus network called TransMilenio, rolled out in 2000. Its buses weren’t as big or as fast as trains, but they were up and running in a fraction of the time and at a vastly lower cost. Millions of residents living in far-flung, formerly disconnected slums suddenly gained access to jobs and schools. The idea of rapid buses became the rage from Jakarta to Mexico City, and Enrique Peñalosa, the Bogotá mayor who cooked up the idea for TransMilenio, became a globe-trotting celebrity after his term ended. Grist Magazine even compared him to George Harrison and the Dalai Lama. Peñalosa is an outsized figure — literally; he is N.B.A. tall — with a gift for hogging the spotlight. But there was another colorful character whose contributions to TransMilenio I had to leave on the cutting room floor. Super Citizen Antanas Mockus served as mayor both before and after Peñalosa. A philosopher and mathematician by training, he first won election in a landslide, after being ousted as president of Colombia’s National University for mooning an auditorium full of booing student protesters. (He explained the dropping of his pants by citing the French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu’s concept of “symbolic violence.”)

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4politics

How Columbias President Has Avoided Fallout Over Israel-Gaza Protests

She might also have benefited from a bit of luck. When Congress invited her to a congressional hearing on antisemitism on Dec. 5 with her peers from Harvard, Penn and M.I.T., Dr. Shafik said she could not go. She told representatives that she had already planned to attend the COP28 climate conference in Dubai, where she introduced a panel about women leaders. The Congressional hearing did not go well. The University of Pennsylvania president lost her job and the Harvard president became mired in weeks of controversy. But instead of fighting for her job, Dr. Shafik was announcing a new initiative, called Values in Action, in which she called for informed debate, not “taunts and cruelty.” Still, she is walking a precarious path. Her call for compassion and respect, some students said, does not reflect what they say has been a repressive effort to rein in pro-Palestinian protesters that has gone farther than at other Ivy League universities: In November, Columbia’s administration made the extraordinary decision to suspend temporarily two pro-Palestinian student groups, Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace. “I just think the university is not identifying the proper threat,” said Deen Haleem, a third-year law student and a leader of Law Students for Palestine. “The current threat right now are the universities that are shutting down pro-Palestine speech.”

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1crime

Yarmouth husband, wife found guilty of child abuse charges

A Yarmouth couple was found guilty on Thursday of several child abuse charges after a seven-day trial in Barnstable Superior Court, Cape and Islands District Attorney Robert Galibois’ office announced. Brian Barnicle, 42, was found guilty of three counts of aggravated assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, three counts of assault and battery, two counts of reckless endangerment of a child, one count of strangulation and four counts of intimidation of a witness, Galibois’ office said in a statement. Crystale Barnicle, 43, was found guilty of two counts of reckless endangerment of a child and three counts of wanton/recklessly permitting bodily injury to a child under 14. Read more: Longmeadow woman sues Costco over spinal fracture after she tried to lift bulk water On several dates between 2016 and 2021, two victims were repeatedly physically abused by Brian Barnicle, Galibois’ office said. This included physical strikes using a belt, a cane and fists, and strangling. These assaults on the victims caused gashes, a black eye, physical discomfort, permanent marking and moments of unconsciousness. Crystale Barnicle did not strike either of the victims, Galibois’ office said. However, she was aware of the abuse, watched it happen and never attempted to intervene, call for help or remove the victims from “the substantial and unjustifiable risk of injury,” Galibois’ office noted. An investigation of the abuse ensued by Yarmouth police, but the Barnicles intimidated the victims and any witnesses involved, the district attorney’s office said. The statement added that Galibois wished to recognize the “courage of the victims and witnesses that testified before the court and jury on this case.” The Barnicles are due to return to Barnstable Superior Court for sentencing on Tuesday, Jan. 23.

4a2bb119c72478bd82d287963fb7ef03

1crime

Westfield police nab 3 youths for stealing pride flag from oft-targeted home

WESTFIELD — Police apprehended three boys last week suspected of stealing a Progress Pride flag from the front porch of a home on South Maple Street, the same home that has been targeted by vandals and thieves on five occasions in recent years. “An investigation is ongoing to determine if these three juveniles are responsible for the vandalism and larcenies” over the past year, said Police Capt. Steve Dickinson when he confirmed this week that three 15-year-olds, had been caught on Nov. 16 after the most recent incident. He also said the three teens will face charges, yet to be determined, in Juvenile Court. In the prior incidents, the last of which was reported in January, suspects were recorded on security cameras but couldn’t be identified. During each incident, including the most recent, the suspects were wearing dark hoodies and had their faces covered. However, before last week’s incident, an Apple AirTag was attached to one of the flags, which allowed police officers to track it to an area on Maplewood Avenue, Dickinson said. While the flag was not recovered, the attached tracking device did help officers determine the general direction in which the boys had fled. The incident began at 8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 16, when the owner of the South Maple Street home called to report they had recorded, on a security camera, several youths on the front porch stealing one flagpole and its attached flag, and damaging another flagpole that was flying a second flag, Dickinson said. Moments later, a neighbor of the targeted home called police and told them he saw the youths immediately after they had taken the flag and tried to talk to them, but they ran into some nearby woods, Dickinson said. When the first officer arrived, he spotted two boys running along South Maple Street toward Pleasant Street and gave chase, eventually catching up with one of them, Dickinson said, adding the officer suffered a minor knee injury during the chase. Another officer, while searching for the boys, spotted another riding a bicycle who fit the description provided to responding officers. After another brief chase, he took the boy into custody, Dickinson said. The two boys apprehended were taken to their respective homes. One of the boys an officer interviewed at his parents’ home identified the third teen involved. Dickinson applauded the “rapid response” of the officers that led to the three being identified as suspects in the incident. The Progress Pride flag is a symbol of LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance. It contains the rainbow pattern of the traditional pride flag, as well as symbols and colors representing transgender people, intersex people, people with HIV and AIDS, and racial minorities.

9cff5088a4c43ba8aaed3be120ef6ff5

2culture

Newborns celebrate first Christmas in style at Boston hospitals (photos)

Oh baby, these Boston newborns have the best holiday fashion in all the land. The infants of the newborn intensive care units (NICUs) at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Mass General for Children (MGfC) got to celebrate their first Christmas season in style. The annual tradition that started as a photo keepsake for families many years ago “has turned into a bright spot for patients and our community,” a spokesperson with the hospital told MassLive Thursday. Babies were adorned in holiday attire, including Santa and elf costumes. The infants also got to have their first encounter with Santa Claus, played by Dr. Kevin Raskin, chief of the Orthopedic Oncology Service at Massachusetts General Hospital. You can scroll through the gallery of holiday baby photos below:

61e1cb5f84b2ea662833a7b25b499a2e

6sports

Falcons vs. Saints: How to watch NFL week 12 for free on FOX

Jorge Alfaro is headed to the Windy City. The former Boston Red Sox catcher signed a minor-league deal with the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday, FanSided’s Robert Murray reported. The deal includes an invite to spring training. Alfaro signed a minor-league deal with the Red Sox in January ahead of spring training. He made a legitimate case to make the Opening Day roster. But Connor Wong beat out Alfaro and he began the year in Triple-A Worcester. After hitting .320 with six home runs in 43 games, Alfaro opted out of his contract June 1. A brief stint with the Colorado Rockies ended with him getting cut and back on the free agent market before re-signing with Boston on July 6 after Reese McGuire went down with an oblique strain. Alfaro struggled both at the plate and behind it, going just 2-for-17 before he was cut by the Red Sox. BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. Enter your email address here to receive the Fenway Rundown email newsletter in your inbox every Wednesday. The 30-year-old will now get a fresh start with the Cubs as he looks to revamp his career. He’ll join catchers Yan Gomes and Miguel Amaya — who are both on Chicago’s 40-man roster. In 1,710 plate appearances, Alfaro has slashed 253/.302/.393.

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3entertainment

Pentatonix brings Most Wonderful Tour of Year to Mohegan Sun

Pentatonix, one of the most Christmas loving musical groups of all time, will bring their “Most Wonderful Tour of the Year” to the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, on Thursday, Dec. 7. Showtime is 7 p.m. In tandem with the tour, Pentatonix, the supergroup of a cappella, has unveiled their 12th overall full-length and seventh holiday album, “The Greatest Christmas Hits.” The album features 23 of the band’s top holiday songs and eight new, never-before-heard tracks - including one holiday original. Last year, the three-time Grammy Award-winning and Daytime Emmy Award-nominated vocal quintet completed their biggest and most successful Christmas arena tour, selling out multiple dates across the country. Since emerging in 2011, the group — composed of Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola, and Matt Sallee — have reached unprecedented heights, toppling charts, selling 10 million albums worldwide, generating billions of streams, and performing everywhere from the White House and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to the Hollywood Bowl. Their catalog boasts back-to-back No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200, including the gold-certified “Pentatonix” from 2015 and platinum-certified “A Pentatonix Christmas” from 2016. They made history as the first a cappella act to win Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella at the Grammys in 2015 and 2016. A year later, they earned another Grammy in the category Best Country Duo/Group Performance for their duet with Dolly Parton on her song “Jolene.” Along the way, the collective also graced the stage of The Kennedy Center Honors for Tom Hanks, covering “That Thing You Do” as President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama watched from the crowd. They have also collaborated with Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus, and Lindsey Stirling, among many others. In addition to their appearances on late-night television talk shows, Pentatonix leapt onto the big screen with a cameo in the blockbuster “Pitch Perfect 2.” In an interview with The Republican, member Mitch Grassi talked about the tour, Christmas and more. Pentatonix will bring its "Most Wonderful Tour of the Year" to the Mohegan Sun Arena on Thursday, Dec. 7. Q. What can you say about “The Most Wonderful Tour of the Year”? A. This has been my favorite show that we have done so far. It is promoting the new record which is “The Greatest Christmas Hits.” We are giving audiences what they want in terms of crowd favorites which, in turn, happen to be our favorites, as well as new tracks from the album. We feature Kevin’s amazing, incredible, showstopping beat box thing and it is just an amazing show and I’m really proud of it. We do something very fun near the top of the show called the Wheel of Christmas. We have eight songs that we have arranged in the past years and spin the wheel and whatever the pointer lands on we have to do by singing a short version of the arrangement. It is the definition of live music, and sometimes we mess up, but I feel that a lot of the songs on the wheel are also crowd favorites. Q. How did you come to record seven Christmas albums? A. Well, fan reaction was a big part of it. Our first-ever Christmas project was called “PTXmas” in 2013. It was a little Christmas EP. We had a version of “Little Drummer Boy” and “Carol of the Bells” that we posted on YouTube and they went crazy viral. We were inspired to record Christmas music because Christmas music and a cappella go so well together. It’s about harmony and bringing people together in celebration, happiness, unity and family. We feel like those values are intrinsic to what we do as an a cappella group. When our “That’s Christmas To Me” album came out people really, really enjoyed it and it was our first record to go platinum. After that we were “wowed” and felt that people really loved our Christmas music. So, we figured let’s keep doing this and trying to make it bigger and better every year. We love Christmas and we all grew up absolutely adoring Christmas. Q. Did you ever think you would record so many Christmas albums and tours around them? A. No, I never thought that would be the case, but I’m very happy about it. I say this all the time to band members and people who are curious about it, that our Christmas tours are by far my favorite leg of the tour that we do every year. It is just so joyful and everybody in the crowd is happy and we are enjoying ourselves. We just really have a big love for Christmastime. And, I think now more than ever, especially with everything that has happened in the past few years and now in the world, that it is more important than ever to provide a safe space to smile and laugh and enjoy ourselves while escaping from the modern troubles we are all experiencing. Q. What does Christmas mean to you personally? A. Christmas was always a big deal to the Grassi family. We would go all out decorating together and I would frost cookies with my mom. I just remember it being a really magical, beautiful time of togetherness and happiness along with the excitement of waking up on Christmas morning and finding all those presents under the tree. Now, it is very different and has become part of what I do for work, but it doesn’t make Christmas any less sentimental. Every year after the tour is over, we all go home to spend time with our families for Christmas. Q. The Pentatonix sound is so unique, so full, that instead of just a cappella it feels as if there is instrumentation, too. How do you achieve that with no instrumental backup? A. We began cultivating the sound at a very young age, but it was really during 2011 that we started to perfect it. I don’t want to brag, but I think we have a collective of some of the best vocalists in the group. We are constantly thinking about how we can fill out our sound and make it as full as possible to make it listenable and enjoyable for our fans. We also have some amazing producers that we work with. Ed Voyer is one of the biggest producers and mixers and he has ingeniously cultivated our sound since the beginning, making it sound so huge. Q. What is your favorite Christmas song? A. My favorite Pentatonix Christmas song is “Mary, Did You Know?” We have done it for so long and the more we sing it, the more locked in we become. It is just a spiritual experience singing that song. As for my personal favorite, I really love both “Carol of the Bells” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” They immediately put me in the Christmas spirit. Q. You mentioned that you believed that your St. Paul concert at the Xcel Energy Center in Minnesota on Nov. 25 was probably your largest audience ever. So many of your concerts sell out, why is that? A. I think the biggest reason for that is what we talked about earlier - people wanting to enjoy themselves and the season by immersing themselves in a beautiful, happy experience. Also, I think a big part of it is that we are really enjoying ourselves on stage and audiences can see it on our faces. Christmas music is just so deeply imbedded in American culture. It is so sentimental and means so much to people young and old. It’s just a beautiful, symbiotic experience of love and joy. Q. What is your favorite Pentatonix Christmas album? A. I’m going to say last year’s “Holidays Around the World.” It was our most unique to date. It was influenced by so many sounds from around the world and we got to work with some amazing artists from all over the world. It just blew my mind and I think it is our most experimental Christmas album ever. Q. Is there someone’s Christmas music you love to listen to? A. What is so sentimental to me is Amy Grant. She had a Christmas album when I was a child and I just remember being so emotional when I listened to it. That’s the record my family puts on during the holiday and it immediately brings me back to that place.

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1crime

Man arrested, after pointing loaded ghost gun at Springfield officer

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Springfield Police have arrested a man after he pointed a gun at an officer in a Harriet Street apartment overnight. According to the Springfield Police Department, officers were conducting a follow-up connected to a domestic assault involving a gun and were looking for 30-year-old Joseph Morales-Dejesus when they received permission to enter the apartment he was staying in. When officers arrived at the apartment Morales-Dejesus walked into view with a loaded large-capacity ghost gun with an extended magazine in hand. Police said he pointed it directly at an officer before complying and tossing it away from him. Morales-Dejesus was arrested and charged with the following offenses: Firearm Violation with Three Prior Violent/Drug Crimes Firearm-Armed Assault in Dwelling Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Two Counts) Assault with a Dangerous Weapon Carrying a Loaded Firearm without a License Possession of a High-Capacity Magazine/Feeding Device Possession of a Firearm without an FID Card - Subsequent Offense Possession of Ammunition without an FID Card Threat to Commit a Crime Witness Intimidation Authorities also revealed Morales-Dejesus was convicted on firearms charges in 2019, numerous drug distribution charges in 2017 and several domestic related charges in 2020 including assault & battery on a pregnant female. Copyright 2023. Western Mass News (WGGB/WSHM). All rights reserved.

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0business

Davos puts Climate on the Back Burner

Here at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the most revealing discussions often happen not on the main stage, but at the myriad side events that transform this Swiss ski town into a high-minded networking event. Case in point: the annual luncheon hosted by Salesforce chief executive Marc Benioff, who is plowing some of his personal fortune into efforts to plant a trillion trees and protect the oceans. This afternoon, as a few hundred Davos attendees ate vegetarian fare under a geodesic dome, Benioff interviewed the OpenAI chief executive, Sam Altman, about his vision for the future. Altman, who is investing in fusion power along with artificial intelligence, described a world where energy was cheap and abundant enough to pull huge amounts of carbon from the atmosphere.

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6sports

At what point should college athletes be considered employees?

College Sports At what point should college athletes be considered employees? This month, NCAA President Charlie Baker suggested that the wealthiest athletic programs begin putting at least $30,000 annually into trust funds for at least half their athletes. Granting athletes employee status would bolster their standing in antitrust lawsuits and arm the highest-profile athletes, football and men’s and women’s basketball players, with the power to collectively bargain directly with universities for salaries and other rights. Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images LOS ANGELES — Brandon Outlaw sat on a witness stand for two days this week and described what it was like to play football at the University of Southern California. His fingerprints were scanned when he arrived for meals at the athletes’ dining hall to make sure he was there. He received text messages from anonymous class checkers, who on occasion asked him to send photos to verify he was indeed in class. He regularly urinated into a cup before practice and handed it to a member of the training staff, who would inform him if he was properly hydrated. After Outlaw conducted an interview with a student journalist, a coach reminded him that he had violated team policy by not clearing the interview with a school official. Advertisement: Outlaw, who graduated in December 2022 with a master’s degree in entrepreneurship and innovation, detailed an existence that bore little semblance to the romantic ideal of the college athlete. Instead, he described football as occupying close to 60 hours per week during the season and requiring him — with an athletic academic counselor’s assistance — to shoehorn his classes into windows that did not conflict with his countless football-related activities, which some days started at 6 a.m. The question at the heart of Outlaw’s testimony, at a National Labor Relations Board hearing, is a simple one that carries profound implications: Should college athletes be considered employees? If the answer is yes, it could be the death knell for the amateurism model that has remained a bedrock of college athletics as it has evolved into a billion-dollar business, allowing schools to pour money that might have gone directly to players into coaches’ salaries, glittering facilities and ballooning staffs. Granting athletes employee status would bolster their standing in antitrust lawsuits and arm the highest-profile athletes, football and men’s and women’s basketball players, with the power to collectively bargain directly with universities for salaries and other rights. The case threatens to “disrupt and transform more than 100 years of college athletics,” said Adam Abrahms, a lawyer representing USC, which, along with the Pac-12 Conference and the NCAA, is a defendant. Advertisement: Such disruption would be welcome, said Ramogi Huma, the executive director of the National College Players Association, an athlete advocacy group. Earlier this year, Huma filed the complaint with the NLRB on behalf of USC’s football and men’s and women’s basketball players. “The years of tradition we’re trying to stop is the tradition of exploitation, the tradition of double standards and the tradition of refusing to pay fair market value to employees,” Huma said Wednesday after the third day of the hearing. The proceedings are scheduled to continue in late January, when coaches and administrators may be called to testify, and conclude by the end of February. A ruling is not likely to come until later next year. The hearing, in Los Angeles, is but one salvo in an assault against amateurism that was supercharged in 2021 by a unanimous Supreme Court decision in which Justice Brett Kavanaugh characterized the NCAA as a price-fixing cartel. Players on the Dartmouth men’s basketball team have also gone before the NLRB to ask that they be considered employees; and a lawsuit, Johnson v. the NCAA, seeking to have athletes considered employees, is winding its way through federal court. Then there is a raft of antitrust suits, including House v. NCAA, a class-action grievance asking for $1.4 billion in damages (which the court could triple) for athletes in the top conferences. The athletes in that case argue that the NCAA’s previous restrictions on name, image and likeness rights unfairly deprived them from a share of television and social media revenue. Advertisement: These challenges have prompted the NCAA to repeatedly ask for an antitrust exemption from Congress, where they have seldom found a sympathetic ear. The lack of traction prompted Charlie Baker, a former Massachusetts governor in his first year as NCAA president, to suggest this month that the wealthiest athletic programs begin putting at least $30,000 annually into trust funds for at least half their athletes, an offering he hopes will get Congress to accede to narrow antitrust relief. “We all know this is a big public issue and people have opinions about college sports,” said Daniel Nash, the lead counsel for the Pac-12. “But this is an unfair labor practice case.” The stage in Los Angeles — far from the halls of Congress or august courtrooms with wood paneling and high ceilings — reflected that. The hearing took place in a conference room in a generic glass office building with the administrative judge, Eleanor Laws, seated in a portable box where she looked eye to eye across a table of more than a dozen lawyers. (About the only other people in the room were several members of the news media.) That a case would end up before the NLRB, which handles fair employment cases involving private businesses, has seemed inevitable since Jennifer Abruzzo, the board’s general counsel, invited a challenge two years ago by issuing a memo saying that the law would support classifying scholarship football players in the NCAA’s top division as employees. National College Players Association Executive Director Ramogi Huma testifies during a Senate Commerce subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020, on intercollegiate athlete compensation. – AP Photo/Susan Walsh The NLRB accepted Huma’s case, which has been broadened to include men’s and women’s basketball players as well as nonscholarship athletes, who are commonly referred to as walk-ons. The Pac-12 and the NCAA have been named as co-defendants so that any ruling would apply to both public and private schools that are part of those organizations. Advertisement: Over the opening days, Amanda Laufer, the lead attorney for the general counsel, sought to demonstrate through the testimony of two recent former walk-on football players, Outlaw and Kohl Hollinquest, that USC exerted extraordinary control over the athletes, even ones who were not being rewarded with scholarships or earning hundreds of thousands of dollars in endorsements like Caleb Williams, the team’s Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback. (Another subpoenaed witness did not show up for the hearing Wednesday. Laufer declined to identify the athlete, but subpoenas have been issued for other athletes.) In addition to the fingerprint monitoring of their dining hall attendance, the class monitors and the nearly daily hydration and weight checks, players were required to remain in the team hotel when they were on the road unless they left with the team — even if the game was many hours away. Laufer asked Outlaw if he could meet a friend for coffee? “No,” Outlaw said. Could he visit the Space Needle while the team was in Seattle? “No,” Outlaw said. Both players described a point system under the current head coach, Lincoln Riley, and his predecessor, Clay Helton, in which being late or missing meetings, meals, weightlifting sessions or classes would add up to punishment from the team. Outlaw testified that on Monday mornings, Riley would stand in front of the team and read a list of the previous week’s transgressions. For each one, every player would have to do one up-down, an exercise where players drop down to a pushup position then bounce back up. Advertisement: Outlaw, who ran track at the University of Virginia for four years before he transferred to USC and joined the football team, said that while some workouts are considered voluntary — the NCAA has hours restrictions on team activities — players are expected to participate. “They’d say things like, ‘No, this isn’t mandatory. You don’t have to do it,’” Outlaw said with a smile. “‘But it’s also not mandatory for us to play you in the fall.’” This contrasted with the picture that Abrahms had illustrated of football as an extracurricular activity that is part of the “institutional fabric” of the school. Athletes “don’t come to USC with the intention of punching a clock,” he added. Abrahms sought to make the point in his cross-examination that the players had gained skills like discipline and leadership from playing football that would benefit them long after college. Abrahms, Nash and Rick Pins, the lead counsel for the NCAA, tried to draw a connection in their questioning of Outlaw and Hollinquest between the demands of college football and those of high school football, where the players also had coaches, schedules and rules to follow. But Laufer noted that those are also characteristics of professional football. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.

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2culture

Westfield honors cemetery volunteers at monthly lunch for veterans

WESTFIELD — At the monthly veterans lunch in Tiger’s Pride on Dec. 6, Veterans Services Director Julie Barnes and Westfield Graves Officer Gene Theroux honored the eight volunteers who had completed 100 hours of service in Westfield cemeteries, under Theroux’s tutelage. Veterans receiving certificates were Norman Fioroni, Rafael Gonzalez-Colon, Stephen Griffin, Michael Janke, Thomas Johnson, Michael Pagliaro, Mark Platt and Robert Serra. Other volunteers were also recognized who started later and have not yet completed their hours.

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4politics

Opinion | The DeSantis Campaign Is Revealing What Republican Voters Really Want

If Ron DeSantis surprises in Iowa and beyond, if he recovers from his long polling swoon and wins the Republican nomination, it will represent the triumph of a simple, intuitive, but possibly mistaken idea: That voters should be taken at their word about what they actually want from their leaders. It was always clear, going into 2024, that a large minority of the Republican primary electorate would vote for Donald Trump no matter what — including, in the event of his untimely passing, for the former president’s reanimated corpse or his A.I. simulation. A smaller bloc strongly preferred a pre-Trump and un-Trump-like Republican; this has become the Nikki Haley constituency. This left a crucial middle bloc, maybe 40 percent of the party in my own guesstimation, that was Trump-friendly but also seemingly persuadable and open to another choice. These were those Republicans who mostly hadn’t voted for Trump in the early primaries in 2016, who had regarded him as the lesser of two evils during his tilt with Hillary Clinton, but who had gradually become more authentically favorable toward him over the course of his presidency — because of the judges he appointed, because of the strength of the economy, because they reacted against the hysteria of his liberal opponents, or just because of the alchemy of partisan identification. I talked to a lot of these kind of Republicans between 2016 and 2020 — not a perfectly representative sample, probably weighted too heavily toward Uber drivers and Catholic lawyer dads, but still enough to recognize a set of familiar refrains. These voters liked Trump’s policies more than his personality. They didn’t like some of his tweets and insults, so they mostly just tuned them out. They thought that he had the measure of liberals in a way that prior Republicans had not, that his take-no-prisoners style was suited to the scale of liberal media bias and progressive cultural hegemony. But they acknowledged that he didn’t always seem entirely in charge of his own administration, fully competent in the day-to-day running of the government.

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3entertainment

Beer Nut: A few brewing news and notes

As we approach the end of the year, I figured today would be a good day to clear off a few stray items of beer news and notes from my virtual desk. So let’s dive right in: Regular readers will know of my ongoing gloom over the news of Anchor Brewing Co. shuttering its operation in late summer. To employ the old phrase, it seems the death knell is “all over bit the shouting” – or more accurately, the bidding. According to a story in the San Francisco Chronicle, Anchor’s parent company, Japanese brewing giant Sapporo Holdings Ltd., is liquidating Anchor’s assets, and doing so in three separate sections: the land where the brewery was situated for the past 43 years, the Anchor brand and intellectual property rights (including recipes), and the brewery’s brewing equipment. Potential buyers can make offers on any or all three parts, but Anchor spokesperson Sam Singer informed the Chronicle that there are some interested parties who would like to keep all three sections together. The article noted that the most valuable facet of Anchor’s holdings is probably the 2.17-acre chunk of real estate, which was listed in October for $40 million. The sale of Anchor’s assets is being handled by Hilco Corporate Finance, an investment bank whose specialty is these such sales. Teri Stratton, Hilco senior managing director, told the Chronicle that she is “highly confident” that the Anchor brand will continue. For fans of the oldest craft brewery in the nation, that’s some good news just in time for the holidays. Next up is a beer (and wine) battle in Great Barrington, where Price Chopper/Market 32 is making a third attempt to snag the town’s sole remaining beer and wine license. The select board has already twice denied requests by the chain, but will hear a third application on Dec. 4. According to a story in the Berkshire Eagle, Price Chopper wants to sell alcohol as part of its Market 32 brand anchor store at Barrington Plaza. At previous hearings, Price Chopper officials previously told the board that it wants to be able compete with Big Y, which was granted an all-alcohol license in 2018. While that seems to be a fair argument, other liquor store owners have pointed out that Price Chopper is an out-of-state company and that local businesses should take precedence. I have no strong opinion on this sort of thing, but I usually side with the local folks. Liquor licenses are a hot commodity and it will be interesting to see how Great Barrington decides this ongoing series of attempts. Last and certainly least (but also the funniest) is a story about Cleveland-based brewery Saucy Brew Works, which brewed a University of Michigan version of its Stealing Signs Double Dry Hopped Hazy Pale Ale. The release of the brew was a clear poke at Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh, who has been embroiled in a sign-stealing scandal. The 6.5% ABV brew comes in a can featuring Michigan colors and a drawing of a man who certainly resembles Harbaugh. Michigan got the last laugh in the classic collegiate football rivalry, however. The Wolverines beat the Buckeyes 30-24 last weekend.

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3entertainment

Coming Soon: A George Santos Documentary Focusing on His Human Side

George Santos, the disgraced former congressman trying to parlay his notoriety into a cottage industry, is now participating in a documentary film project on his colorful lies, life and times. The film is being led by Jenner Furst, a successful documentarian whose projects include a Peabody-award winning documentary about Kalief Browder, a young Bronx man whose suicide after an extended detention on Rikers Island became a symbol of the breakdown in criminal justice in New York. Mr. Furst is also known for a documentary genre that he refers to as true comedy, and it is those stories — among them the Amazon docuseries “LuLaRich,” about a leggings-hocking pyramid scheme, and “Fyre Fraud,” which went behind the scenes of a high-end music festival that wasn’t — that have earned him a peculiar distinction. “I’m a scammer whisperer,” said Mr. Furst with a laugh. Of the two films, “Fyre Fraud,” which hit Hulu in 2019, was an especially big hit. One of two competing projects on the subject, it was the only one to interview the story’s ostensible villain, Billy McFarland, who had pleaded guilty to wire fraud and agreed to forfeit $26 million.

a80f955b76a6b01c1c93d5bba1e9be3e

4politics

How a Russian Barrage Evaded Ukraines Defenses to Wreak Deadly Chaos

For months, Ukraine’s use of powerful Western-supplied air-defense systems to repel Russian missile attacks has provided its citizens with some reassurance that a protective shield was effectively in place over big cities such as the capital, Kyiv. On Friday, that shield partly cracked. In one of the biggest air assaults of the war, Russia launched so many missiles that the Ukrainian defenses seem to have been overloaded. Faced with a complex barrage of different airborne weapons, the Ukrainian Air Force said it had shot down only 87 of the 122 missiles fired by Moscow, about 70 percent of the total, with all hypersonic missiles and many ballistic missiles evading interception. Serhii Kuzan, chairman of the research group Ukrainian Center for Security and Cooperation, was blunt. “It overwhelmed Ukrainian air defenses,” he said. To be sure, air defenses are imperfect and the magnitude of the barrage played an important part in the number of missiles to slip through. But the bombardment also showed how Russia has learned the best ways to evade Ukraine’s air defenses and hit the country hard, military experts and Ukrainian officials said.

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4politics

Gaza War Has Buoyed Egypts Leader Ahead of Presidential Vote

President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt woke up on Oct. 7 remarkably unpopular for someone considered a shoo-in for a third term — guaranteed by his authoritarian grip on the country to dominate elections that begin on Sunday, but badly damaged by a slow-motion economic collapse. The ensuing weeks have eclipsed all of that, with war displacing financial worries as the top item on many Egyptians’ minds, lips and social media feeds. For Western partners and Persian Gulf backers, the crisis has also highlighted Egypt’s vital role as a conduit for humanitarian aid to Gaza and a mediator between Israel and Hamas, the armed Palestinian group that led the attack on Israel on Oct. 7 and set off the war. Mr. el-Sisi, a former general with a knack for outlasting setbacks, appeared to have caught yet another break, one that has allowed him to position himself as a champion of the Palestinian cause at home and an indispensable regional leader abroad. In Cairo these days, a widespread boycott of Western companies associated with support for Israel has transformed the simple act of serving a Pepsi into a serious faux pas. Egyptians struggling to cover the basics after nearly two years of record-setting inflation have opened their wallets to help victims of the Gaza war.

d1bbe6a1fddc4ed13528483aee806bd0

7weather

Mild air starts the weekend, snow ends it for some

As the weekend approaches, New England has shifted gears in weather. A fast-moving southern stream disturbance is poised to bring changes, with dry and sunny conditions prevailing in the morning on Friday, but clouds will increase as the swift-moving system approaches from the southwest during the mid to late afternoon. This system will usher in a bout of light rain, beginning in western-central Massachusetts and Connecticut between 2 and 4 p.m. and spreading eastward into Rhode Island and eastern Massachusetts between 3 and 5 p.m. The accompanying southwest flow will elevate temperatures to unseasonably mild levels, peaking in the low to mid-50s across eastern Connecticut, Rhode Island, and eastern Massachusetts, while other areas can expect upper 40s. Get Boston local news, weather forecasts, lifestyle and entertainment stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC Boston’s newsletters. The night will remain damp, with light rain and mild temperatures, and the potential for areas of fog, particularly in Rhode Island and southeast Massachusetts. Saturday, some drying is expected after a few morning showers north of Boston as the departing disturbance leaves behind mostly cloudy conditions with temperatures into the 50s again. More showers are expected in the morning for northern New England, and northern Maine will see periodic light snow accumulating to one to three inches by Saturday night. That cold air in the far North Country sits behind a slow-moving cold front that will sag southward into southern New England Saturday night, but won't deliver enough cold air for a change to snow Sunday — except in northern New England. Ski and snowmobile country will find a change to snow from north to south and hilltop to valley Sunday into Sunday evening, meaning return trips from ski areas to southern New England are best started before sundown Sunday. The snow line should stop somewhere around the Berkshires and Monadnock Region to Lakes Region Sunday night into Monday morning, as precipitation is expected to taper sometime Monday. Our team has issued a First Alert Sunday due to expected heavy rain and downpours later this weekend. Stay with NBC10 Boston for the latest information. Thereafter, the midweek next week looks cool and dry before renewed showers are possible next Friday into Friday night, though from this early view our First Alert Team remains optimistic for conditions Saturday at Gillette Stadium for the Army-Navy football game, with highs in the middle 40s and likely dry conditions expected at this point.

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6sports

Wait, Josh Allens jersey has pockets? You can do that? | NickNacks

Here are some half-baked thoughts and knickknacks (AKA NickNacks) I came up with while watching the New England Patriots play the Buffalo Bills on New Year’s Eve: - I’ve seen the Patriots play in plenty of cold-weather games over the years. I don’t even bat an eye when I see a player with one of those hand-warmer pouches strapped around their waist, particularly quarterbacks. But I don’t know if I’ve ever noticed a player have pockets sewn into his jersey like Bills QB Josh Allen has (and has had for a least a couple of years). BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. - Allen could be seen tucking his hands right into slots sewn into the jersey right at his midsection, with what appears to be some warm lining inside the slots. It’s an unusual feature on a jersey. But apparently, they’ve been around for a long time. - As noted by Paul Lukas of UniWatch, it was once common for players to have pockets sewn right into their jerseys. In a piece he wrote for ESPN, Lukas notes that former Buccaneers equipment manager Frank Pupello introduced the idea of a removable hand warmer pouch back in the 80s. That pouch eventually gave way to the team-banded pouches we see many players wearing today. - As for the game itself, this game in Buffalo was chaos right out of the gate. Jalen Reagor popped off right away by taking the opening kickoff back 98 yards for a touchdown. It was the Patriots’ first kickoff return for a TD since 2018. - The play was also a mirror opposite of last year’s game in Buffalo, which opened with the Bills taking the game’s first kickoff back for a score. - Unfortunately for the Patriots, things went south quickly after that -- at least for Bailey Zappe the offense. - Zappe’s first pass attempt of the game was a quick throw to Mike Gesicki, which Bills DB Rasul Douglas saw coming from a mile away. After Douglas deflected it, Bills DL Ed Oliver came in for a brilliant diving interception. - On the ensuing drive, Douglas struck again, jumping a slant route to DeVante Parker for an easy interception. Zappe simply didn’t see Douglas jump the route. - Zappe’s disastrous start: 0-for-3 passing with two interceptions. - It wasn’t until the fourth drive of the game that Zappe finally completed a pass, hitting tight end Pharoah Brown out wide for a short gain. But that too turned into a turnover as Brown was stripped, with Buffalo recovering the fumble. - But Zappe wasn’t done with disastrous picks. In the second quarter, there was a clear miscommunication between him and Reagor. Zappe appeared to think Reagor was going to run a quick slant. Reagor looked to be running a deeper route. But the time Reagor turned to look for the ball, it had already been interception by -- once again -- Rasul Douglas. - Former Patriots running back James White was among those blaming Reagor. “That one is on the receiver! Have to run your (sight) adjust,” he wrote on social media. - Despite the offensive falling flat on its face, the Patriots stuck with Zappe. They also stuck around in this game, playing an impressively pesky game, especially after Zappe made it a 20-14 game after running it in from 17 yards out for his first rushing score. - There was some good news for New England. For as disastrous as the offense was, the defense did a heck of a job of limiting the damage. - For as bad a Zappe was, Allen wasn’t exactly lighting it up against a banged-up Patriots secondary. He started the game 0-for-6 passing. According to the CBS broadcast, that’s the longest he’s gone into a game without completing a pass. - The Patriots pass rush created some major problems for the Bills. Deatrich Wise recorded a big sack out of the gate. Meanwhile, rookie Keion White showed some impressive quickness to get into the backfield and prevent Allen from making magic. Then there was Mack Wilson, who’s continued to impress in his new role as an outside pass rusher. - Rookie cornerback Alex Austin got his first career interception against the team that drafted him earlier this year. The Patriots picked up Austin to provide some depth to their thinned-out secondary. So far, he’s stepped up with some big plays in extended playing time. - Things got a little worse along the offensive line. Rookie guard Atonio Mafi went down late in the second quarter, leading to rookie offensive lineman Jake Andrews playing his first NFL snaps. - Chad Ryland’s rocky rookie season continues. After a brilliant game-winner last week, Ryland hooked a 47-yarder before halftime. - Who brings a beach ball to a Bills game in late December? Apparently, someone did. You could see a beach ball flying up into the view of the camera. - To be fair, that’s better than other objects we’ve seen thrown around at Bills game.

2ba3ca508f7f4ccdc20f4966932c18a4

3entertainment

Mega Millions numbers: Are you the lucky winner of Fridays $140 million jackpot?

Are you tonight’s lucky winner? Grab your tickets and check your numbers. The Mega Millions lottery jackpot continues to rise after someone won the $395 million prize on December 8. Here are the winning numbers in Friday’s drawing: 5-23-26-38-44; Mega Ball: 25; Megaplier: 3X The estimated jackpot for the drawing is $140 million. The cash option is about $68.7 million. If no one wins, the jackpot climbs higher for the next drawing. According to the game’s official website, the odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 302,575,350. Players pick six numbers from two separate pools of numbers -- five different numbers from 1 to 70 and one number from 1 to 25 -- or select Easy Pick. A player wins the jackpot by matching all six winning numbers in a drawing. Jackpot winners may choose whether to receive 30 annual payments, each five percent higher than the last, or a lump-sum payment. Mega Millions drawings are Tuesdays and Fridays and are offered in 45 states, Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Tickets cost $2 each.

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2culture

Arts Beat: New venues, returning directors in local performing world in 2023

It has been a milestone year for several organizations. The Hartford Symphony Orchestra and the Springfield Symphony Orchestra both celebrated their 80th anniversaries. Goodspeed Musicals and Hartford Stage celebrated their 60th anniversaries. Jacob’s Pillow presented its 90th season of live dance performances. Hartford Symphony celebrated its anniversary announcing that its musicians had signed a new four-year agreement, and Maestra Cariolyn Kuan committed to three more seasons. Springfield’s Symphony emerged from the pandemic with Paul Lambert appointed as its CEO, and a two-year agreement with its musicians, although the SSO is moving forward without a music director. Under Lambert’s direction, the SSO gave a free Juneteenth concert, and is experimenting with start times to better accommodate its audiences.

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7weather

MA Braces For Storm: Weekend Timeline For Rain, Strong Winds

Weather MA Braces For Storm: Weekend Timeline For Rain, Strong Winds In the Boston area, rain is expected to arrive Sunday afternoon, with thunderstorms expected Sunday night. On Monday, Massachusetts will see more, potentially-heavy rainfall, and wind gusts as high as 38 mph during the day and continuing into Monday night.​ (Patch Graphics) BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS — Up to two inches of rain are expected to pour over Massachusetts over the next couple of days as the state braces for a storm coming up from the South. The National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook Friday for southern Connecticut, northeastern New Jersey, and southeastern New York. The storm is expected to move up the coast over the weekend and track inland Monday, bringing the potential for flooding. In the Boston area, rain is expected to arrive Sunday afternoon, with thunderstorms expected Sunday night. On Monday, the state will see more, potentially-heavy rainfall, and wind gusts as high as 38 mph during the day and continuing into Monday night. "Stay informed through the weekend," the National Weather Service Boston wrote on X. "The [Monday morning] commute will be slower than usual!" This Afternoon Sunny, with a high near 52. West wind 11 to 15 mph. Tonight Mostly clear, with a low of around 36. West wind around 8 mph. Saturday Partly sunny, with a high near 46. Northwest wind 7 to 9 mph becoming northeast in the afternoon. Saturday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 36. East wind 6 to 8 mph. Sunday A chance of rain, mainly after 2 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 54. Southeast wind 7 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Sunday Night Rain, with thunderstorms also possible after midnight. Low around 49. Breezy, with a southeast wind 10 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Monday Rain. High near 60. Windy, with a southeast wind 23 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Monday Night Rain likely, mainly before 9p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Breezy, with a southwest wind 13 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Tuesday A chance of rain after 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 44. Southwest wind 8 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 28. Northwest wind 11 to 14 mph. Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 40. Northwest wind around 14 mph. Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 29. West wind around 15 mph. Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 43. West wind 14 to 16 mph.

d9dbeb8c85854f9723f0d2f2a57106cd

0business

Four-bedroom home sells for $3 million in Concord

The spacious property located at 17 Musterfield Road in Concord was sold on Oct. 31, 2023 for $3,000,000, or $960 per square foot. The house, built in 1982, has an interior space of 3,125 square feet. This single-story home presents a roomy floor plan, featuring four bedrooms and five bathrooms. The home's outer design showcases a a gable roof frame, with roofing materials crafted from asphalt. Inside, a fireplace adds character to the home. The property is equipped with forced air heating and a cooling system. In addition, the house provides an underground/basement garage. Additional houses that have recently been purchased close by include: In August 2023, a 5,003-square-foot home on Westford Road in Concord sold for $4,100,000, a price per square foot of $820. The home has 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. A 5,814-square-foot home at 66 Spencer Brook Road in Concord sold in May 2023, for $3,985,000, a price per square foot of $685. The home has 5 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. Real Estate Newswire is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to generate analysis of data from Propmix, an aggregator of national real-estate data. See more Real Estate News

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1crime

1 dead in 3-car rollover crash on I-93 in Stoneham

A person has died as a result of a three-car rollover crash on I-93 in Stoneham Wednesday morning, according to Massachusetts State Police. State police tweeted that the crash happened on the northbound side of the highway near exit 26, and that a person had been ejected from a vehicle. According to the Stoneham Fire Department, three cars were involved in the crash. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation first tweeted about the crash shortly after 9 a.m. Two of the roadway’s righthand lanes were closed, it said, and drivers should expect delays. No further information about the crash, including the identity of the victim, has been released. State police said they would release more information about the crash “when appropriate.”

c1dd59ab0444343eeb7375282bc50b95

6sports

Celtics injury report: 4 starters listed vs. Raptors Friday

The Celtics will be very undermanned on Friday night for their game against the Raptors at TD Garden. On the heels of an overtime victory over the Pistons on Thursday night, Boston has listed eight players on their injury report including four of the team’s regular starters. The Celtics have already ruled out Al Horford due to rest, no surprise since he hasn’t played a back-to-back for two straight seasons. Kristaps Porzingis (left calf injury management) is also doubtful on the second end of the back-to-back, which will likely leave Boston without their top two bigs. Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta will handle the lion’s share of minutes at center without that duo while Lamar Stevens could see spot duty if Joe Mazzulla wants to go small against Toronto. Three key starters have been listed as questionable for Boston with an assortment of injuries. Jaylen Brown is questionable for the second straight game with a low back contusion. He sat out Thursday’s win with the same injury. Jason Tatum (sprained ankle) and Jrue Holiday (right elbow sprain) are also questionable for the contest on the heels of playing big minutes against the Pistons. BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. Boston will also be without rookie Jordan Walsh and two-way players Drew Peterson and JD Davison due to a G-League assignment, leaving Boston potentially without eight roster players for the matchup. The Raptors come into town with no rotation player on the injury report so Boston will see a stiff challenge as they attempt to extend their home winning streak to begin the season to 16 games. The Celtics have won four straight games overall and have beaten the Raptors in both head-to-head matchups this season. Boston and Toronto tip off at TD Garden at 7:30 p.m. ET Friday night.

a66b245d9979ed2d4efb6dfbe5c4f2ff

1crime

Boston man charged with assault in connection with hurting woman in front of children

A Boston man was met with several assault charges after he attacked and injured a woman in her apartment in front of her children on Monday, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden’s office announced Tuesday. Erick Arevalo, 23, was charged with armed assault with attempt to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (knife), assault and battery and assault and battery on a family or household member, Hayden’s office said in a statement. At around 12:21 a.m., Boston police received a domestic violence call at an apartment on Princeton Street, Hayden’s office said. Officers found a woman with multiple lacerations to her head, neck and one of her hands. She gave officers a description of her attacker, who left the apartment in her car, Hayden’s office added. Officers found that the attacker, Arevalo, struck a stone wall and three parked cars, left the vehicle and punched another person who yelled at him for striking the driveway. Police called Arevalo on his cell phone and arrested him in Brighton at around 1:40 a.m. “This was a brutal assault, made even worse by the fact that it occurred while the victim’s children were present in the apartment. The quick work by investigators with help from those with knowledge of what happened helped make for a quick arrest,” Hayden said in the statement. Judge Shelley Joseph ordered he be held on $5,000 bail. He is due to return in court on Feb. 12 for a probable cause hearing.

ef5189045634a56b258e93961a86872e

6sports

Report claims Celtics are still trying to trade this player

The 2023-24 season may be just around the corner for the Boston Celtics. But their roster could potentially still be in flux. The Celtics shipped out defensive talisman Marcus Smart for a package centered around big man Kristaps Porzingis. They also facilitated a sign-and-trade to move Grant Williams to the Dallas Mavericks. Malcolm Brogdon, who was originally included in the trade for Porzingis in place of Smart, has been rumored to be frustrated with the Celtics. A report from last week has maintained that Boston is not looking to trade Brogdon. However, “Celtics Beat” host Adam Kaufman has heard otherwise. In a recent episode of his show, Kaufman spoke of hearing “whispers” about the Celtics openly engaging in Brogdon trade discussions. “I have heard some whispers that they are still trying to trade (Brogdon) (…) Malcolm Brogdon is maybe not being actively dangled by the Celtics, but I believe he is absolutely on the trade block,” Kaufman said, via HoopsHype. The Celtics do have Derrick White and Jaylen Brown manning the starting guard spots. However, their guard rotation off the bench does not have much depth outside of Brogdon. Brogdon won the Sixth Man of the Year award last season with averages of 14.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. The oft-injured guard dealt with an elbow issue during Boston’s most recent playoff run.

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1crime

A Mother, a Daughter, a Deadly Journey: An Update

Listen and follow The Daily Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music This week, The Daily is revisiting some of our favorite episodes of the year and checking in on what has happened in the time since they first ran. With mountains, intense mud, fast-running rivers and thick rainforest, the Darién Gap, a strip of terrain connecting South and Central America, is one of the most dangerous places on the planet. Over the past few years, there has been an enormous increase in the number of migrants passing through the perilous zone in the hopes of getting to the United States. Today, we hear the story of one family that’s risking everything to make it across.

e95ab6517225b64c13fa31f67c057b9a

2culture

Family, Food and Memories From the Midwest - The New York Times

I was not raised in a family of cooks. My parents grew up in the Midwest, in the second half of the last century, during a period in which a great deal of culinary knowledge was lost. Our signature meals came out of cardboard or cellophane or, most often, some combination of the two. My dad who, for the region, is something of an epicure, loved to “spice up” boxed holiday stuffing by tossing it with lightly sautéed onions and peppers. My mom took many a weekday dinner out of the chest freezer in the basement. My first experience of what I would think of as “good food” — when I was around 10 years old — was a bacon blue cheese burger. The details of time and place are lost to me, but I still remember the euphoria of that first bite. I was transported, caught in a delirious tide of new textures and bright, tangy umami flavors, and I was determined to return. Though I could not tell the difference between cilantro and thyme (all small green things were interchangeable to me) and wasn’t familiar with any stovetop setting other than “high,” I spent many prepubescent hours in the kitchen attempting to recreate recipes from Alton Brown, Ina Garten and Giada De Laurentiis. I loved the way the chefs spoke about unfamiliar places. I loved how they whisked me to a world where it mattered how you cut an onion. My pursuit of culinary knowledge became an escape from the mundane, the provincial, the working class. Tossing a soft-boiled egg and nori into a bowl of rehydrated noodles, I could forget that I’d never had ramen that didn’t come out of a 30-cent packet. Pulling together a budget imitation of savory, ricotta-filled crepes, I could pretend the real thing wasn’t more than an hour outside of town. Cooking was freedom from poverty and suburban boredom. To the degree that it existed, my parents’ culinary snobbery manifested in taking extra care with one Midwestern staple: potatoes. My mom was raised on instant mashed potatoes and loathed them. Her small protest against the product was an overflowing bowl of russet potatoes next to the stove, which I don’t recall ever being empty in more than 18 years of cohabitation with her. And while my dad was happy to serve us frozen pizza, his face would twist with revulsion in the face of dried, flaky bits of tuber. Their disavowal of what was once a family staple instilled in me the realization that sometimes, something better to eat waited on the other side.

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3entertainment

FanDuel NFL promo code: Win $150 bonus for Cowboys-Dolphins, Patriots-Broncos

Sports Betting Dime provides exclusive sports betting content to MassLive.com, including real-time odds, picks, analysis and sportsbook offers to help sports fans get in on the action. Please wager responsibly. Football fans have a lot to look forward to on Sunday and our FanDuel NFL promo code will activate a 30-1 odds boost for any team to win its game. If you take advantage of this offer and bet $5 or more on any team’s money line, you’ll walk away with $150 in bonus bets if your team wins. FanDuel Sportsbook BET $5, WIN $150 BONUS BETS CLAIM OFFER 21+ and present in participating states. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. Sports bettors can lock-in a $150 bonus with a winning $5 bet on any team to win today. This 30-1 odds boost that you’ll get through this FanDuel NFL promo code offer is one of the biggest in the industry. You can wager on any team to win today, regardless of the odds. As things stand, the heaviest favorite will play on Sunday night, as the Broncos enter their matchup against the Patriots as a 7.5-point favorite. However, there are other games worth considering as well. Click here to register for this FanDuel NFL promo code offer and lock-in a 30-1 odds boost for any team. FanDuel NFL promo code: Win $150 bonus for Cowboys-Dolphins, Patriots-Broncos It’s crucial to note just how big a 30-1 odds boost is. 30-1 odds equate to +3000 odds, which means your winning $5 wager would result in a $150 bonus. At -360 odds on the money line, it would typically take a $540 wager on Denver to win a $150 return. However, with this promo you’ll only need to risk $5 to make $150 in bonus bets. If you’re looking for a more surefire bet, you could always opt to wager on one of Monday’s matchups. The Chiefs are a 10.5-point favorite, while the Eagles are a 13.5-point favorite against the Giants. No matter which game you choose, you’ll win a $150 bonus if your team wins its game. How to register with our FanDuel NFL promo code You’ll need to sign up for a FanDuel Sportsbook account to unlock this offer. Here’s how to register for a $150 bonus: Click here to unlock this FanDuel NFL promo code offer. Enter your name, address, phone number and date of birth. Choose a deposit method and add $10+. Navigate to the game of your choice. Wager $5+ on any team to win. If your first cash wager wins, you’ll earn a 30x return. These bonus bets will be eligible for use on any betting market in other NFL games and more. More offers The great news for all new and existing players is that FanDuel Sportsbook has a bevy of in-app promos and more. This includes the Sunday Funday promo, which will add a 25% profit boost token to your account. If your 3+ leg SGP/SGP+ wins, you’ll collect additional winnings. Plus, there are multiple featured same-game parlays for today’s NFL action. Click here to sign up for the latest FanDuel NFL promo code offer and secure a 30-1 odds boost for any team. FanDuel Sportsbook BET $5, WIN $150 BONUS BETS CLAIM OFFER 21+ and present in participating states. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. Get the latest sports betting news, advice and promos sent straight to your inbox. Enter your email here: Think you know Patriots football? Play the MassLive.com Prop Bet Showdown for a chance to win prizes! If you or a loved one has questions and needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call the Massachusetts Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org to speak with a trained specialist to receive support. Specialists are available 24/7. Services are available in multiple languages and are free and confidential.

98c43bdaa902610ad770d3754a1eb5e8

4politics

While Defending Trump, Ramaswamy Insists Hes More Electable in the Fall

On Monday he decried the criminal prosecutions Mr. Trump faces as “unconstitutional and disgusting” but indirectly suggested he would be more electable because the “system” would keep Mr. Trump from reaching the White House. “I’ve respected him more in this race than every other candidate because it’s the right thing to do,” Mr. Ramaswamy said. “He was a good president for this country. But our movement cannot end with him.” Mr. Ramaswamy has often praised the former president and promised to pardon him, should he be convicted — earning rare praise from Mr. Trump during his campaign. But in recent months, he has tried to position himself as younger and less embattled than the former president, whom he has described as “wounded,” on the trail, and in a recent interview with NBC News and The Des Moines Register. “You’ve got the future of ‘America First’ standing right here, fresh legs to lead us to victory in this war,” he said, suggesting that he would use his knowledge of the law to go further than Mr. Trump did in enacting popular conservative policies. Elaine Tillman, 68, came into Mr. Ramaswamy’s event at the Pizza Ranch in Le Mars undecided, with plans to attend a Trump rally on Saturday. But after hearing Mr. Ramaswamy speak, she said she planned to caucus for him instead.

b811478bf8fa0195e0ce0ee5f465d44d

3entertainment

In 2023, a farewell to some of TVs best shows

For one thing, a number of the best series left for good — or at least until some executive has the brilliant idea of rebooting or reviving them. We said farewell to “Succession,” whose fourth season was my No. 1 show of 2023. I was thankful creator Jesse Armstrong chose to wrap up the story of the Roy family instead of dragging it out for revenue’s sake, but simultaneously sad — especially since the final episodes were so strong, tinged to perfection with the show’s trademark cynicism and wit. I will miss it. The final arrangement of the characters, and the fate of the Roy empire, were perfectly ironical, in keeping with the tone of everything that came before. It was a masterful finish. Advertisement We also said goodbye to a few other shows that have elevated the scripted categories in recent years. “The Great,” “The Other Two,” “Reservation Dogs,” “Ted Lasso,” and “Never Have I Ever” went out on top, now waiting to be binged from start to finish by those who missed them the first time around. “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Barry,” and “Billions” left, too, arguably less cloaked in glory than in their earlier heights. And, after six seasons and a number of casts, “The Crown” is leaving this month, after having served as a TV institution of sorts since 2016. Peter Morgan’s epic, the story of a queen and her family, but also the story of 20th-century politics and media, has been a unique and ambitious — and triumphant — TV experiment in long-form storytelling. Devery Jacobs (left) and D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai in "Reservation Dogs." Shane Brown/FX This year also saw what may well be the beginning of the end of Peak TV, that phase of the industry that saw the number of annual releases rise and rise. There were 210 new English-language scripted series in 2009; in 2022, particularly due to the streaming revolution that began in 2013, the total grew to a whopping 599 series. And the number would be significantly higher if scripted foreign-language imports, so many of them released weekly on Netflix, were included. TV viewers — and TV critics — have been acutely aware of this profusion, as to-watch lists have become unmanageable and subscription-based outlets have become too numerous to keep track of. Many good shows have been lost in the shuffle. Advertisement The word “peak,” though, means the highest point, the maximum, and we may have reached that top and begun a leveling-off and even a decrease. The WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes certainly brought down the number of new shows this year, particularly on the networks, which had programming gaps aplenty that they filled with reality TV and game shows. Once production on almost all scripted series paused in the spring, the fall season — that time of year when there is generally a deluge of new material — was a big old bust. The entertainment machine idled, while actors reunited with former cast members for picket-line photo ops. But the larger indication that Peak TV — a term coined by FX’s John Landgraf in 2015 — is subsiding has to do with market saturation. Once Netflix started losing subscribers in 2022, and the streaming platform’s stock profile took a hit, the streaming industry in general took note. It looked as though the dream of unlimited growth potential was over. With Hulu, Max, Disney+, Amazon, Paramount+, Apple TV+, and Peacock all aggressively competing feverishly with Netflix for subscribers, there was a glut. For years, companies had been putting down new roots in the streaming space and throwing money at new projects in order to fill the coffers and attract subscribers. But in 2022 continuing into 2023, they started cooling down. Netflix even introduced an ad-supported plan after claiming it never would, a concession of sorts to the slowdown. Advertisement I’m hoping a sense of reason is somehow dawning on some of the services, as they think harder about which shows to fund. Perhaps they’ll aim to hold onto subscribers instead of churning out a broad quantity of series and miniseries in an increasingly difficult fight for new ones. So many shows have gotten lost in the years of Peak TV clutter; it’s time for a saner, more considered approach. The end of the mad dash for streaming money? The end of the too-much-TV era? I’m for it. Matthew Gilbert can be reached at matthew.gilbert@globe.com. Follow him @MatthewGilbert.

849fa76c98275652813f8528db5b6ec5

6sports

Robert Kraft explains why he didnt trade Bill Belichick

FOXBOROUGH – As it turns out, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick have more in common than their Patriots connections and Super Bowl titles. They’re also two people who owner Robert Kraft refused to trade. On Thursday, Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Belichick announced that they agreed to a mutual parting of the ways. This amicable split means Belichick will leave the Patriots with one year left on his contract. He’s expected to coach elsewhere next season and the Patriots won’t be trading or receiving any assets for the future Hall of Fame head coach. Although Kraft traded for Belichick when he hired him in 2000, the Patriots owner said he wasn’t willing to trade the longtime head coach this time around. On Thursday, Kraft said the reason he refused to trade Belichick was the same reason he didn’t want to trade Brady. For him, it comes down to loyalty. “It’s an interesting question and in our family, our businesses are all private and so we try to create a culture and an environment where people want to stay and stay long term,” Kraft said. “And yeah, I guess if you look at this as a transaction, he is so valuable, how we could extract something, I didn’t think that was right. And I didn’t think it was right for Tom Brady, who gave us 20 years. I don’t think it’s right for Bill. Each of them earned the right to be in a position where they should do what’s right for (them), given what they have done for this franchise.” BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. Trading a head coach isn’t common, but it’s happened twice with Kraft. In 1997, Kraft received the Jets’ third and fourth-round picks in 1997, a second-round pick in 1998, and a first-round in 1999 in exchange for head coach Bill Parcels. In 2000, Kraft sent a first-round pick to the Jets for the right to hire Belichick. In 2002, Raiders owner Al Davis traded Jon Gruden to Tampa Bay for a first-round draft pick in 2002, a first-round pick in 2003, and a second-round pick in 2004. Last year, the Denver Broncos traded a 2023 first-round pick and a 2024 second-round pick to the New Orleans Saints for the right to head coach Sean Payton. Time around, Kraft said he felt it was better to treat people like Brady and Belichick “fairly,” which is why he let both decide their future. “So, some people might criticize me for not extracting as much value and I understand that,” Kraft said. “But we just tried to do what we think is right for the proper values and ability to operate and try to get people who want to come and feel that we’re going to treat them fairly.”

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2culture

Styless 71 Most Stylish People of 2023

The “people” on this list — who are presented in no particular order — reflect the ways that the Styles desk defines its coverage: high and low; fun and serious; curious and open-minded; reveling in characters; appreciating the material world; inviting everyone to the party. Many were recognized for being Styles-ish, others for being stylish. (Several could not have done it without the help of stylists, costume designers and other crews.) Lots came from the worlds of politics, film, TV, music, sports and fashion. But a few caught our attention in less expected places, like courtrooms. Some had great hair. Some had singular accessories. One person had both — and was mistaken for a duchess in disguise. Certain people might surprise you or (we hope) inspire heated debate. After all, one thing they had in common is they made us talk: about what we wear, how we live and how we express ourselves. Michelle Yeoh

fdb3a61c9492b570370d27797cf182e7

2culture

Granite State of Mind: 5 things to know about the New Hampshire primary

Stop — It’s primary time. For the next week, the eyes of the nation’s political and chattering classes will be trained on New Hampshire, as this year’s crop of marquee Republican White House hopefuls — what’s left of of them ― and a handful of Democrats, descend on Massachusetts’ nearest northern neighbor for the first primary of the 2024 campaign cycle. The Jan. 23 contest, which comes on the heels of the frigid Iowa caucuses, will be make-or-break time for the GOP candidates looking to shake loose what appears to be former President Donald Trump’s chokehold on the Republican primary electorate. Meanwhile, supporters of President Joe Biden — notably including Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey — are trying to get Biden’s name onto the ballot as a write-in candidate. In an eyebrow-raising move, the nation’s 46th president took a pass on the Granite State’s plebiscite over a dispute whether New Hampshire or South Carolina should come first on the Democratic nominating calendar. With that in mind, here are five things to know about the New Hampshire primary. Why does New Hampshire go first? New Hampshire has kicked off the presidential primary calendar for more than a century, going first in 1920, after hosting its first primary in 1916, according to a history compiled by the League of Women Voters. And the grumbling about first-place status going to a state that is whiter and less representative than the nation as a whole, has continued pretty much unabated ever since. But the state’s small size and a populist political culture that prides itself on easy citizen access to elected officials has made it a logical stop for White House aspirants looking to build early momentum heading into such critical contests as the South Carolina primary in February, and the Super Tuesday primaries in March. Granite State voters also turn out in big numbers, as evidenced by the record-setting nearly 30% of registered voters who cast their ballots during the 2020 primary cycle, according to the League of Women Voters. It’s also a so-called “purple” state, which makes it prime territory among candidates looking to pick off support from independents and the opposing political party. Last year, Democrats tried to kick New Hampshire out of first place, as they attempted to move South Carolina to the front of the queue. True to their stubborn Yankee nature, Granite State political bosses weren’t having any of it. “The New Hampshire primary is democracy at its purest, as much as can be,” James B. Splaine, a former New Hampshire lawmaker who sponsored the 1975 vintage bill requiring the state’s top elections official to schedule New Hampshire’s primary at least seven days before another primary, told the Boston Globe in 2023. Who’s running? After cleaning up in Iowa on Monday night, Trump comes into New Hampshire as the prohibitive favorite in the primary pack. Trump held an average lead of 43.4% in the Granite State, with former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley was in second place at 30.3%, according to polling site FiveThirtyEight. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who came in second in Iowa on Monday night, narrowly edging Haley 21.2% to 19.1%, is in a distant third place in New Hampshire, with an average of 5.8%, according to FiveThirtyEight. As of Tuesday, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who took less than 1% support in Iowa, remains in the GOP nominating pack. Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who took 7.7% support in the Iowa caucus, suspended his campaign on Monday, throwing his support to Trump. And those are just the marquee names. In all, there are 24 Republican hopefuls on the New Hampshire GOP primary ballot, according to the League of Women Voters. On the Democratic side of the ledger, the party faithful will have their choice of 21 candidates, according to the League of Women Voters. That includes U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn., and the author Marianne Williamson. Though his name is not officially on the ballot, Biden leads handily in most public polls ahead of the Jan. 23 election. What does the primary mean to Nikki Haley? Heading into New Hampshire, both DeSantis and Haley will be doing everything they can to eat into Trump’s substantial polling lead and his enduring popularity among GOP primary voters — despite two impeachments, as well as the four criminal indictments and the civil actions pending against him. For Haley, the New Hampshire primary is a crucial test, particularly after her poor finish in Iowa on Monday. Haley has the backing of Granite State Gov. Chris Sununu, who has been marshaling his own forces in an effort to elevate the former South Carolina governor, the New York Times reported. Haley, for her part, has tried to tie Biden and Trump together, painting them as the out-of-touch standard-bearers of another political generation. “The question before Americans is now very clear: Do you want more of the same or do you want a new generation of conservative leadership?” Haley asked a crowd in a speech after the Iowa caucus, according to the Times. Haley runs strongest among college graduates and men, the former of whom tend to stay away from Trump, while the latter tend to gravitate to the former president, ABC News reported. What does the primary mean to Ron DeSantis? DeSantis, meanwhile, has had trouble building support in New Hampshire, where he has tried to portray himself as both more accomplished and more Trumpian than the rest of the GOP pack — just without the Trumpian levels of drama, according to Spectrum News. But if DeSantis has one thing going for him, it could end up being his second-place finish in the Hawkeye State. That’s because the candidate who wins Iowa doesn’t always do as well in New Hampshire, as Politico reported Tuesday. Republican also-rans Mike Huckabee, Rick Santorum and Ted Cruz each got the nod from Iowa voters during their respective White House bids, only to watch their candidacies collapse, the news organization reported. But is there room in the Republican primary field for a candidate who wants Trump’s popularity without all of Trump’s baggage? The short answer, according to NPR, is maybe not. And that’s where things could get problematic for DeSantis. “If Trump wins New Hampshire, he will be the first non-incumbent Republican to carry the first two states on the calendar since the caucuses gained prominence in the 1970s. Stopping him after that will become more difficult by the week,” Dan Balz wrote for the Washington Post on Tuesday. Who can vote in New Hampshire? According to the League of Women Voters, voters must cast ballots in the party where they’re registered: Republicans can only vote for Republicans, while Democrats can only vote in the Democratic primary. Voters who are undeclared can vote in either primary. And that’s a big deal because about 40% of New Hampshire voters are undeclared, according to the League of Women Voters, giving them an outsized say in the contest, and helping to set the tone for the primaries to come. “That’s really why candidates are trying to appeal in a broad way,” she said. “They’re not just appealing to R or D, they’re trying to capture these undeclared or independent voters,” Liz Liz Tentarelli, the president of New Hampshire league, said. And for new American citizens looking to participate, the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s Office has a dedicated voter guide, according to the New Hampshire Bulletin. How do you register and cast your ballot? You can either register to vote at the local town or city clerk’s office; at a local supervisors of the checklist meeting; at the polls on election day; or by mail using the absentee process if you are temporarily out of town or have a disability that prevents you from applying in person. Voters can contact their municipalities for registration deadlines, the Bulletin reported. On primary day, if you’re already registered to vote, at check-in, show the ballot clerk your photo ID and tell them your name and address. Once you receive a blank ballot, enter a voting booth to vote for the candidate(s) of your choice by completely filling in the oval, the Bulletin reported. Then, exit the booth and place your ballot in the ballot-counting device or hand it to the moderator to place in the ballot box, the online news organization reported.

e470b0be3b088b74b9b19ab7759c4b4c

4politics

MBTA announces service changes along Green Line in January - Boston News, Weather, Sports

BOSTON (WHDH) - Green Line riders can expect a new series of service changes heading into the new year following a recent announcement from the MBTA. The T previously outlined some of the upcoming changes. With its announcement on Thursday, though, the agency adjusted some of its timeline. The biggest impact will be felt on the C and D branches between North Station and Kenmore station, where service will be suspended for 23 days in January beginning on Jan 3. The stretch will reopen for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday weekend before closing again from Jan. 16 through Jan. 28. Service on the B branch between North Station and Babcock Street and on the E branch between North Station and Heath Street will also be suspended during the same timespan. A series of shorter service suspensions is scheduled on the Green Line Extension throughout January. The T has been overhauling its system, completing maintenance across each of its lines. Approached about this latest round of changes, riders on Thursday shared their reactions. “Unfortunately, not having faith is just a really sad baseline now,” said rider Oren Bazer. “It’s just a part of the mentality going into the Boston commute,” Bazer continued. “I think that’s probably going to inconvenience a lot of people,” said rider Anna Bonazoli after hearing about new changes. The T has apologized to riders for various shutdowns. At the same time, officials have described work as being critical to modernize the system. Rider Koy Zimmermann on Thursday said the system “is a little old.” Zimmermann continued, saying the system “could use some renovation.” “I think it’s needed,” Zimmermann said. “Boston’s old. Everybody knows that. So, you need to shut it down to repair it every once in a while.” The T has said its goal is to eliminate all current speed restrictions for trains by the end of 2024. (Copyright (c) 2023 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

ddab0ef35060b0bf13adeec6d1ffd329

6sports

Patriots get another reminder of their failure at drafting WRs

Jerod Mayo isn’t just looking at external candidates to fill his defensive coordinator vacancy. Current defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington will also be getting an interview for the opening, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS. The 34-year-old has been with the Patriots since 2017, and was awarded his own position group two years later. Covington began with outside linebackers in 2019 and has been coaching the defensive line since 2020. BetMGM BET $5, GET $158! BONUS BETS CLAIM OFFER Promo code: MASS158 STATES: MA, KY, AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms and Conditions. 21 years of age or older to wager. MA Only. New Customer Offer. All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets. Bonus bets expire 7 days from issuance. In Partnership with MGM Springfield. Play it smart from the start with GameSense. GameSenseMA.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org. Just last season, Mayo himself said he’d learned quite a bit from working with Covington. “Coach Covington, he’s taught me a lot,” Mayo said in 2022. “He’s climbed the ranks so he’s seen it all from drawing cards to running a room. He’s one of those guys that really tries to gain the heart, the mind and the soul of the players. I think all the guys respect him. He’s also played on the offensive side of the ball so he knows a lot about that as well. Definitely a huge resource for this team.” Before jumping into the coaching world, Covington played college football as a wideout for Samford, an FCS school in Alabama. Highly thought of within the walls of Gillette Stadium, Covington has landed on NFL Network’s “Future Coaches To Watch” list in back-to-back seasons. He also interviewed for defensive coordinator jobs with the Cardinals and Chargers last offseason. Covington is the fourth known candidate for New England’s defensive coordinator opening, as Mayo is also reportedly interviewing Saints LB coach Michael Hodges, Broncos DBs coach Christian Parker and Panthers LB coach Tem Lukabu.

734ece4b57b617e4706eed2b0b66e465

2culture

Opinion | What the Child Care Crisis Does to Parents

On a Saturday morning last May, Julia Sachdev, a mother of a 2-year-old and 4-year-old, woke up to an email from her children’s preschool. The school — which her children adored and had been in operation for over 50 years — announced that it would be closing in a month. In the following days, she and her husband scrambled to find an alternative that was a reasonable driving distance from their home. Most of the places they reached out to had long waiting lists. Some said their waiting lists were full. Some never even called them back. “It was so stressful,” reflected Ms. Sachdev. “There was this suffocating anxiety that ruled my day. I couldn’t concentrate on other things. It kept me up at night.” The Sachdevs’ experience is far from unique. For years, American parents — regardless of family roles, paid work status, geography or income — have struggled to find and maintain stable child care. Research shows that roughly half of Americans live in child care deserts, meaning that they have limited or no access to care.

ec59892298a659048735fe7cfe339090

6sports

How much snow for Patriots vs. Jets?

FOXBOROUGH — Forecasters believe Sunday’s Patriots season finale against the Jets could bring some snow to Gillette Stadium. It’s only Wednesday as of this publication, so take things with a shaker of salt — kickoff isn’t for four more days — but let’s take a glance at where things are now. With a nor’easter heading towards New England, the Weather Channel currently forecasts 3 to 5 inches for Foxborough on Sunday, while Accuweather has the total at 4 to 8 inches. A lot will depend on the rain/snow line, as some mixing is possible in Southern New England. BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. One person who definitely isn’t checking the forecasts yet? Bill Belichick. The Patriots coach went on a hilarious rant in 2014 about how little he trusts meteorology reports in New England. “Look, I’m not saying I could do it better than them,” Belichick said. “I’m just saying they’re wrong a lot. That’s a fact. They’re wrong a lot. We all make mistakes. I’m not being critical of them, I’m just saying I don’t think you can go based on that. “My experience of going with the forecast in this area two days before the game, I mean I’d bet a lot that they’re wrong, just based on history because they’re almost always wrong. An hour before the game, maybe. You might have something to work with there. I think (if) you start game planning for what the weather is going to be and you game plan wrong, you’ve wasted a lot of time.”

db189d4b2a7b7df533f33102880e86d2

3entertainment

Edible Neighborhood Emerges At Little Wanderers Gingerbread House Contest

BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Nearly 200 residents took part in a holiday competition for a great cause on Sunday morning. 35 teams competed in The Home for Little Wanderers 2023 Gingerbread House Decorating Contest at the Mandarin Oriental in the Back Bay. While the contestants created a neighborhood of houses with sugar shingles, CEO of Little Wanderers Lesli Suggs said they hope to raise $100 thousand for at-risk children. “For children in public schools, early childhood, young adults who are aging out of care, we provide those critical services to ensure that children have the opportunity to grow up in safe and loving families,” said Suggs.

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0business

MBTA crews clean up historic streetcar after vandals deface 50s trolley

Local News MBTA crews clean up historic streetcar after vandals deface ’50s trolley The old-school orange trolleys are some of the most iconic symbols of Boylston Station (aside from the Boylston Squeal, of course). A recent effort to clean up a historic PCC streetcar at Boylston Station removed not only graffiti, but also several years of carbon dust, according to MBTA streetcar operator and Carmen's Union Local 589 delegate Scott Page. Scott Page/Courtesy Photo A few days after vandals targeted a historic streetcar at the MBTA’s Boylston Station last November, Scott Page’s inbox started pinging. The messages from fellow T workers had a common theme: “How can we fix this?” “I kept getting messages from streetcar operators who were saying, you know, ‘This doesn’t look good. This is our history; this is something that we take pride in,’” said Page, the Green Line delegate for the Boston Carmen’s Union Local 589. “And when you roll into Boylston and there’s graffiti on the side of the car, that’s disheartening.” Advertisement: So Page reached out to Ryan Coholan, the T’s chief operating officer, and together they made a plan to clear away the graffiti. It took about a dozen volunteers from the MBTA and Keolis four hours, and “a lot of elbow grease,” according to Page, but the crew managed to get the streetcar cleaned up on Dec. 30. “I could not have asked for a better end of 2023,” Page said. “I think what sometimes people don’t realize is just how many people there are who work here and care about not only what we do, but care about how this place looks and how it runs. And to have people give up their own time to come out and try to clean up something that’s really valuable to not only us, but the riders we serve — I think that was great.” MBTA Transit Police previously asked for the public’s help identifying three people of interest in the Nov. 12 vandalism, sharing photos of the individuals on social media. Transit Police Supt. Richard Sullivan told Boston.com last week that the department has no update in the case. ID Sought re: Vandalism at the MBTA's Boylston Station midnight 11/12 on historic trolley. Recognize these subjects of interest? Pls contact our CIU at 617-222-1050 w/any info you have. You can remain anonymous. TY pic.twitter.com/kSEKDppO18 — MBTA Transit Police (@MBTATransitPD) November 24, 2023 According to Page, the orange PCC streetcar — one of two historic streetcars that sit on a side track at Boylston — was built in 1951 and predates the MBTA itself by more than a decade. A group of Local 589 volunteers fully restored the streetcar in the late 1970s, and it was used for novelty trips throughout the 80s and 90s before it was retired around 1998. Advertisement: “It has a history of sort of being preserved to celebrate the work that we do,” Page said. Graffiti artists have targeted the historic Boylston streetcars before, with T employees notably launching a similar cleanup effort in 2014 after the PCC streetcar and an older Type 5 car were tagged. A group of volunteers met up on Dec. 30 to clean graffiti off a historic streetcar at Boylston Station. Left to right: Bryan Snow (MBTA), Ronnie Mosley Jr. (MBTA), Brandon Barlow (Keolis), Scott Page (MBTA), MBTA General Manager Phil Eng, Nick Tomkavage (MBTA), Richie Phipps (MBTA), and Alicia Gomes (MBTA). – Scott Page/Courtesy Photo There were some logistical challenges to the cleanup this time around (Boylston notably lacks running water), but the volunteers were ultimately able to remove both the graffiti and several years of carbon dust. Among the volunteers was MBTA General Manager Phil Eng, who “took a particular interest” in some well-preserved 1990s-era advertisements inside the streetcar, according to Page. “I want to express my sincere gratitude to the employees who volunteered their time during the holidays to remove the graffiti and make the trolley shine again,” Eng said in a statement. “We should be proud of the MBTA’s history as we look forward to a bright future.” In addition to highlighting the T’s history, Page believes the cleanup effort could also be seen as one way for T and union leaders to feed workplace morale. “The fact that I got phone calls from people saying, ‘I want to come and help and clean this thing,’ that to me was kind of heartwarming,” he said.

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1crime

Biden Commutes Drug Sentences for 11 and Expands Marijuana Pardons

President Biden said he would commute the sentences of 11 people who had been jailed for nonviolent drug offenses and pardon convictions for marijuana use and possession on federal lands as part of a broader effort by his administration to address racial disparities in drug sentencing. Each of the clemency recipients would have been eligible for shorter sentencing under current laws, Mr. Biden said in a statement on Friday. Their original sentences — characterized by the president as “disproportionately long” — ranged from decades to life in prison for attempting to distribute drugs, including cocaine and methamphetamine, according to a list published by the White House. Mr. Biden also said that he had pardoned more offenses involving possession of marijuana under federal law and D.C. law, which builds on his decision last year to pardon thousands of people who had been convicted of marijuana possession under federal law. The new pardons would apply to people found guilty of using or attempting to possess marijuana on federal lands, in addition to simple possession, according to a presidential proclamation issued on Friday. Such offenses are outnumbered by those at the state level, which Mr. Biden does not have the authority to pardon.

bedc0506f159f5a4824cfdfbc2e8707d

2culture

Ask Amy: Is it OK that Im mad at my husband for allowing his mom in our bedroom?

Dear Amy: I’m a woman in my 70s. My (slightly older) partner “James” and I are both retired university professors who met after our respective spouses died. We’ve been together for almost seven years and have made each other happy, which is a great blessing. James has three children, the eldest of whom is a daughter. She has made it clear that she doesn’t like me in her dad’s life. She either ignores me completely when the entire family gets together, or she makes snarky and unkind remarks to me. At Thanksgiving at her house, she completely ignored both her father and me. Somehow that did it for me, and I told James that I’d had enough and I wasn’t going back — but that I would never stand between him and his family. He decided that he, too. was unhappy with her behavior and said he’d rather be with me than put up with her. I reached out to the daughter and said it would be nice if we could just get together to talk and clear the air. I have had no response from her. It would be easy to ignore all this, but I am afraid that she will now blame me for alienating her dad from the family, and the situation could potentially get worse. I believe that these things can be discussed rationally, but without her willingness to respond to my outreach, I don’t know what else to do. I would appreciate your thoughts. – Struggling Dear Struggling: You’ve made a rational and proportional choice – to stay away from this particular daughter. Your partner’s choice is more complicated, in part because he has other children. If you both stay away from all family gatherings, then his eldest would succeed in alienating this father from all of his children, and yes – you would be blamed. It is sophisticated, but somewhat lopsided, for you to reach out to this daughter, offering to talk this through. Where is her father? This rude daughter, who is looking for reasons not to like you, might take your choice to contact her (instead of her father doing so) as evidence that you are controlling him. This, of course, is the opposite of your intention. I think it is vital that “James” – and you – continue with fulsome relationships with his two other children. He – not you – should contact this daughter and describe his concern and bewilderment over her behavior. (For instance, “Why do you ignore me? This hurts my feelings and worries me.”) He should tell her that he loves her, that he wants to have a positive relationship with her, and invite her to communicate openly and honestly. He should also state that you and he are happy, and that you are good to – and for – one another. Dear Amy: Right after the Christmas holiday (when I had gone back to work) I got a call at work from my husband, “Brad,” who was home and not working for the week. He told me that he had mentioned to his folks that he was going to try to go through his clothing and other possessions in order to reduce the clutter and basically clean up our small home. While he was on the phone with me, he mentioned that his parents were currently at our house and that his dad was mopping the kitchen floor and his mom was in our bedroom, going through the closet. I know I shouldn’t be upset about this, but I am. Our bedroom seems like it should be a private space. I also feel self-conscious about the fact that it was probably messier than I would have left it, if I’d known they would be there. My husband does not understand why I got upset about this, and I’m seeking a gut-check from you. – Messy MS Dear Messy: As someone who tidies up for the twice-monthly cleaner, your account makes me cringe. Yes, your bedroom should be a private space. And yes, you are justified in feeling embarrassed that your in-laws were invited in to go through possessions and mop the floor without your knowledge. Dear Amy: “Concerned Parents’” fear of having their son join the military is why, when some people tell me, “Thank you for your service,” I clearly hear the unspoken second part of the sentence: “I am so glad none of my family had to serve.” – Mike, Vietnam Veteran Dear Mike: Absolutely. And service members who entered the military as part of the draft made a unique sacrifice. (You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.) ©2024 Amy Dickinson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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5science

Whats With All the Different Salts? Heres How to Use Them.

What defines kosher salt is its large, coarse grains. The term is a shortening of koshering or kashering salt, because its traditional use is to remove the blood from meat, as required by Jewish dietary laws. The large salt crystals draw out blood without dissolving much, which keeps the meat from becoming oversalted. And the coarse grain is perfect for making a salt crust, a traditional method for cooking whole fish that results in especially tender, juicy flesh. Like table salt, most kosher salt is industrially produced. It isn’t iodized, but might contain anticaking agents, which will be listed on the label. The two dominant brands on the market, Morton’s and Diamond Crystal, are manufactured using different processes, which makes them extremely dissimilar. Morton’s has dense, heavy cubes that pack together tightly in a measuring spoon. Diamond Crystal, the darling of professional chefs, is shaped into light flakes that remain somewhat separate. When measured by volume (teaspoons, tablespoons, pinches), Morton’s is twice as salty as Diamond Crystal (see this chart for more salt comparisons). Substituting one for the other can wreak havoc on your recipe, rendering a dish too salty or not salty enough. Weighing solves this problem, because all salts can be used interchangeably by weight. Common Sea Salt Most inexpensive sea salt is industrially produced from seawater. It can be processed into fine granules like table salt, or coarser cubes to be either used in a salt grinder or added directly to pasta water, soups and stews. Sea salt is sometimes coated with anticaking agents, but, since it doesn’t usually contain iodine, it can have a cleaner flavor than table salt. Fine sea salt is often used in baking because of its ability to dissolve quickly, and can be used in place of table salt in cooking. Traditional Sea Salts Built on age-old traditions, sea salts like fleur de sel, sel gris and flaky salt are all made by evaporating seawater, either in the sun in warm climates, or by boiling. They can have a variety of trace minerals that add character, color and texture. But because they’re usually expensive and don’t have a uniform crystal size or salinity, they’re not often called for in recipe ingredient lists. Used as finishing salt, traditional sea salts can bring plenty of textures and flavors to the table.

078016668f79511a0b2fc17207e12d89

4politics

Lauren Boebert, Far-Right Firebrand, Is Switching House Districts in Colorado

Now that abortion is restricted and affirmative action is hobbled, the conservative legal movement has set its sights on a third precedent: Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council. The 1984 decision, one of the most cited in American law but largely unknown to the public, bolstered the power of executive agencies that regulate the environment, the marketplace, the work force, the airwaves and countless other aspects of modern life. Overturning it has been a key goal of the right and is part of a project to demolish the “administrative state.” A decision rejecting Chevron would threaten regulations covering — just for starters — health care, consumer safety, government benefit programs and climate change. (My colleague Charlie Savage has written more on the possible implications.) After three and a half hours of lively arguments on Wednesday that appeared to divide the justices along the usual lines, it seemed that the court’s conservative majority was prepared to limit or even eliminate the precedent.

845e06963d4a23174d6850dd4d5ace9d

2culture

Woman rescues 12 bunnies found abandoned in Wilbraham woods

A local community has helped house 12 bunnies that were found abandoned in the Wilbraham woods last week, and it all started from a Good Samaritan who stopped to rescue the rabbits during her afternoon hike. “The community really pulled together to get the word out and the experienced bunny people came forward to support,” Maureen Callahan told MassLive on Friday, Dec. 29. The Wilbraham resident was walking her dog at Fountain Park when, at around 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 28, she noticed several animals hopping in and out of the base of a crate. As she got closer, Callahan realized it was a box of 12 bunnies that she believed someone had abandoned in the woods. Maureen Callahan, a Wilbraham resident, found a box of 12 bunnies hopping around Fountain Park during her hike on Thursday, Dec. 28.Maureen C. “I put the word out on the Wilbraham Forum page and people have been very responsive,” Callahan said. “I’ve been reaching out to as many bunny rescues as I can.” On Thursday, Jan. 4, Callahan said all of the bunnies have either been taken in by animal shelters or people who responded to her post. One of these people was Samantha Quesnel, another Wilbraham resident. “I took in two of the females that may be pregnant,” Quesnel told MassLive Tuesday. “They are so sweet and docile and I am so mad that these babies were left out there like that.” Quesnel, who already has three rabbits of her own, wanted to give the bunnies “happy loving homes,” and she knew that she could provide that. Quesnel said the bunnies have gotten better under her care. “They are both very skinny and need to gain some weight, they had some scratches and bite marks on them but have both been healing great,” she explained on Thursday. “They love to eat which is great and really show how thankful they are with all the love they give.” One of the bunnies found abandoned at Fountain Park in Wilbraham.Samantha Quesnel Quesnel plans on keeping the bunnies, that she is waiting to name until she better understands their personalities. Meanwhile, three other bunnies were taken in by Everybunny Counts Rabbit Rescue in Ellington, Connecticut. The non-profit organization has two boys — Twizzler and Zachary — and a girl named Cannoli. “They are very happy in their foster homes for the time being,” Rebecca “Becky” Bernardo, who is president of Everybunny Counts Rabbit Rescue, told MassLive via email Thursday. She said the bunnies were illegally dumped and that the rescue team at Everybunny Counts helped round up the rabbits after animal control declined to intervene. Wilbraham Animal Control deferred MassLive to Wilbraham police for comment on the matter, including whether the incident is being investigated as a criminal matter. Wilbraham police did not immediately respond to MassLive’s request for comment. “Twizzler, Cannoli, Zachary and the other buns are safe. Unfortunately, they are in rough shape,” Everybunny Counts wrote in a Facebook post. “Zachary has scabbed and cut ears, a cataract, potential deafness and Cannoli (and likely all the other females from this group) is pregnant.” Bernardo said each rabbit will need several months to recover before they are sprayed/neutered and available for adoption. Each bunny will require a minimum of $400 in veterinary care, she added. Everybunny Counts is looking for donations to help cover the cost of the bunnies’ upcoming veterinary costs. People can donate by clicking here.

50eaf0f1207015c2ba0d26db775bf4a9

3entertainment

Catfish: The TV Show: How to watch new episode on MTV for free Nov. 21

After Jass gets a tattoo of Lillian’s name, Jass discovers her pictures and name are fake in a new episode of “Catfish: The TV Show” airing on Tuesday, November 21 on MTV. Nēv, Kamie and special guests are serving up freshly caught Catfish as they journey through the dark waters of the internet to peel back the digital masks of scammers, lovers and liars in an all-new episode airing on Tuesday at 8 p.m. EST on MTV. Viewers looking to stream the new episode can do so for free by using Philo, FuboTV, DirecTV and Sling. Philo, FuboTV and DirecTV all offer free trials for new users and Sling offers 50% off your first month. According to a description by FuboTV, in the newest episode airing on Tuesday, “after Jass gets a tattoo of Lillian’s name, Jass discovers her pictures and name are fake.” According to MTV, the show “tackles the mystery and complexities of dating in a digital world. The hour-long series follows Nev Schulman, whose own online love drama was the subject of the ‘Catfish’ film, and director-filmmaker Max Joseph as they take viewers on a deeply personal journey that goes inside the stories of young people as their online-only romantic relationships collide with first-time, real-life encounters. Here is a look at “Catfish: The TV Show” from MTV Catfish’s YouTube Channel: How can I watch “Catfish: The TV Show” without cable? An all-new episode will premiere on Tuesday at 8 p.m. EST on MTV. Viewers looking to stream the new episode can do so for free by using Philo, FuboTV, DirecTV and Sling. Philo, FuboTV and DirecTV all offer free trials for new users and Sling offers 50% off your first month. What is Philo? Philo is an over-the-top internet live TV streaming service that offers 60+ entertainment and lifestyle channels, like AMC, BET, MTV, Comedy Central and more, for the budget-friendly price of $25/month. What is DirecTV Stream? The streaming platform offers a plethora of content including streaming the best of live and On Demand, starting with more than 75 live TV channels. What is FuboTV? FuboTV is an over-the-top internet live TV streaming service that offers more than 100 channels, such as sports, news, entertainment and local channels.

2736f5686528d6bf0a2f61a40f4863bc

3entertainment

Jennifer Lawrence mouths audacious message into camera at the Golden Globes

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2culture

Date for 2024 Boston Pride Parade announced

The date for the largest Pride celebration in New England has officially been announced. Boston Pride 2024 will be held on Saturday, June 8, the event said in a Instagram post Monday, Jan. 8. This is the second year that the organization Boston Pride For The People (BP4TP) is hosting the celebration. “We are thrilled to be back for a second year helping our City and region celebrate the LGBTQ+ community’s vibrancy and joy,” Adrianna Boulin, president of BP4TP, said in a statement according to NBC10 Boston. “We are committed to creating a Pride that is built by us and for us, that reflects and honors our rich culture and diversity,” Boulin continued. The Boston Pride Parade returned to the city last year for the first time since 2019. The parade was put on hold following the COVID-19 pandemic. It did not return in 2022 after restrictions loosened. Read More: Boston Pride Parade marks its comeback in Copley Square after hiatus since 2019 The parade’s original nonprofit organizer, Boston Pride, also dissolved in 2021 amid a boycott over issues of race and transgender inclusion, and complaints of excessive commercialization of the parade, MassLive previously reported. No new organizer picked up the event in 2022. More than 1 million people attended the parade in 2023, NBC10 Boston reported. This year’s parade will start in Copley Square and make its way through the South End before finishing at Boston Common. Read More: How to find the best sledding spots in the Greater Boston Area Two festivals will take also place throughout the day including an all ages festival on Boston Common and a 21-plus festival at Boston City Hall Plaza, according to NBC10 Boston. BP4TP is also seeking volunteers to help with the event. Volunteers will have to attend weekly committee meetings from January to June. Applications will be accepted until Saturday, Jan. 13. Click here to apply.

cb05f9894938afc63b55d4a696e76c93

4politics

Opinion | Denying the Gender-Based Violence of Oct. 7 Helps No One

In Israel and Gaza, war is being fought as wars have long been: with bodies and steel, on land and from the sky. Around the rest of the world, though, the Israel-Hamas war is being waged with propaganda, protest and social media posts, declarations and dismissals, all too often by ideologues speaking to an audience primed to believe them. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the too-long silence about, downplaying and even outright denial of the sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas. Allegations of sexual violence on Oct. 7 were raised early on. But the attacks that day were so shocking and the casualty figures so high and the mission to figure out who was dead and who was kidnapped so urgent that it seems Israeli investigators prioritized identifying victims over in-depth forensic examinations. Stunned recovery teams made every effort to offer dignified treatment of the dead, often failing to photograph the bodies as they were found. Many victims, in accordance with traditional Jewish funeral customs, were buried as soon as possible.

a0df371268b24ce3f37c74a458ca676e

2culture

They Cant All Be Nominated for Best Picture, Can They?

The good news is that it’s been a great year for movies. The bad news is that, now, the battle for best picture will be bloodier than ever. With such a wide field of acclaimed contenders, plenty of worthy films will be dealt a bad hand when the Oscar nominations are announced on Jan. 23. Even today’s self-imposed assignment to narrow the list to the 10 likeliest nominees proved a harrowing task; instead, I have hedged with an unlucky 13. Ahead of the Golden Globes on Sunday, and the bellwether industry nominations next week from the producers’ and actors’ guilds, here are the current contenders with the most viable shot at a best-picture nomination, ranked in descending order according to their certainty. Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster biopic has the feeling of an old-fashioned sweeper: It’s a highbrow film and a populist hit — exactly the sort of movie Oscar voters and general audiences should be able to agree upon. Still, this race isn’t sewn up. Recent best-picture winners tend to tug more at the heart than at the head, and there are a slew of contenders that can make a more effective case for that organ. And though Nolan has been nominated five times before, he has never been able to convince voters to actually hand him the Oscar: Even when he directed “Dunkirk” (2017), the sort of technically stupendous World War II movie that should have been a slam-dunk for the academy, voters flocked to the warm and cuddly Guillermo del Toro (“The Shape of Water”) over the crisp, professorial Nolan.

18303d47a505e7af69e2c335650ebd75

6sports

Emotional Lions QB reacts to Detroits 1st division title since 1993

Christmas came early for the Lions. For the first time since 1993, Detroit is NFC North champions. The last time the Lions won, it was known as the NFC Central. The Lions defeated the Minnesota Vikings, 30-24, on Christmas Eve to become division champs just two seasons after finishing 3-13-1. After the game, quarterback was emotional speaking to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. “It’s pretty exciting, man,” Goff told Pelissero. “It really is. It’s been a lot of hard work. A long time coming. We got a special group. We really do and this was hard for me. It wasn’t pretty at the end, but we got it done.” BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. Goff came to the Lions in 2021 via trade with the Los Angeles Rams for Matt Stafford. The quarterback was part of the 3-13-1 team and helped rebound them to 9-8 in 2022. Now he and Detroit are playoff bound and division champions. “It’s emotional. But, it’s just the beginning for us. It’s the first check mark for us,” Goff told Pelissero. “I get emotional thinking about all the guys that went through 3-13, that went through 1-6 early last year and now stand here.” This is the first time the Lions are back in the playoffs since 2016. Now, they’ll look to end their NFL-worst postseason win drought, which spans 31 seasons. The Lions are back in action Saturday when they travel to Dallas to take on the Cowboys in Week 17.

b17f42a0a863d3a7d972d0a1788c4bde

6sports

Bill Belichick set to tackle new job on Saturday

Bill Belichick will be the guest picker on ESPN’s “College GameDay” ahead of Saturday’s Army-Navy game at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots coach will join Rece Davis, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee, Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso on the weekly show. The group typically provides their picks for the college football games on the schedule that day. With Army-Navy the only FBS game on tap, there won’t be much heavy lifting for Belichick & Co. As for his pick, that might seem fairly obvious. Belichick grew up in Annapolis. His father Steve served in the Navy during World War II and coached football at Navy for 30-plus years. $200 INSTANT BONUS DRAFTKINGS MASS CLAIM OFFER BET $5, GET $200 BONUS BET FANDUEL MASS CLAIM OFFER BET $50, GET $250 BONUS CAESARS MASS CLAIM OFFER $1,000 FIRST-BET BONUS BETMGM MASS CLAIM OFFER MA only. 21+. Gambling Problem? If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234 MA Gambling Helpline. MA only. 21+. Gambling Problem? If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234 MA Gambling Helpline. Patriots long snapper Joe Cardona, a Naval Academy graduate, was a guest on MassLive’s “Eye on Foxborough” podcast this week. He spoke about the Belichick connection with Navy football, as well as the Midshipmen being his favorite college team. “I’ve been able to talk with Coach Bill a good amount about Navy football throughout my time here,” Cardona said. “But I think there’s no question who his college team is. He spent a lot of time in that program. We definitely take a lot of pride in our Annapolis ties.” The historic matchup between Army-Navy is set to take place for the first time in New England on Saturday. Kickoff from Gillette Stadium is 3 p.m. EST. NFL fans can wager online on Massachusetts sports betting with enticing promo codes from top online sportsbooks. Use the FanDuel Massachusetts promo code and the DraftKings Massachusetts promo code for massive new user bonuses.

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4politics

Burundis President Says Gay People Should Be Stoned

Burundi’s president said that gay people in his country should be stoned, amid a widening crackdown against L.G.B.T.Q. people in the East African nation that is adding to the anti-gay sentiments sweeping across the region and the wider African continent. While President Evariste Ndayishimiye’s remarks do not have the force of law, they are an escalation of provocative statements directed at L.G.B.T.Q. people elsewhere by African government officials. Mr. Ndayishimiye said that gay people should not be accepted in Burundi, a conservative nation where consensual same-sex intimacy among adults can already be penalized with up to two years in prison. “I think that if we find these kinds of people in Burundi, it is better to take them to a stadium and stone them,” Mr. Ndayishimiye said on Friday during an event in the country’s eastern Cankuzo Province, where he answered questions from journalists and members of the public. “That’s what they deserve.”

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0business

Single family residence sells in Westfield for $1 million

The spacious property located at 175 North Road in Westfield was sold on Nov. 13, 2023 for $1,025,000, or $292 per square foot. The house, built in 2003, has an interior space of 3,512 square feet. This single-story house provides a generous living space with its four bedrooms and five baths. On the exterior, the house is characterized by a gable roof design, featuring roofing made of tiles. The property is equipped with radiant heating and a cooling system. Additional houses that have recently been sold close by include: A 3,344-square-foot home at 109 North Road in Westfield sold in November 2022, for $700,000, a price per square foot of $209. The home has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. On Russellville Road, Westfield, in August 2023, a 1,080-square-foot home was sold for $305,000, a price per square foot of $282. The home has 3 bedrooms 1 bathroom. In December 2022, a 1,080-square-foot home on Russellville Road in Westfield sold for $160,000, a price per square foot of $148. The home has 3 bedrooms 1 bathroom. Real Estate Newswire is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to generate analysis of data from Propmix, an aggregator of national real-estate data. See more Real Estate News

141a010baff0eeaa846cda572a4260cf

6sports

Bailey Zappe has mixed feelings on Patriots losing Malik Cunningham

FOXBOROUGH — It was bittersweet for Bailey Zappe to lose a member of his quarterback room this week. With an open spot on their 53-man roster, the Ravens signed Malik Cunningham — who was very well-liked in the Patriots locker room — off New England’s practice squad. On Wednesday morning, Zappe lamented losing Cunningham, but expressed excitement about the chance he’s getting in Baltimore. BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. “He’s a great teammate,” Zappe said. “Of course, I was upset that he’s not going to be here with us anymore. But I was also excited that he was getting an opportunity somewhere else. I believe he signed to the 53, so that’s a great opportunity for him. I texted him, I wished him all the best and told him to stay in contact. He’s a great guy.” An undrafted free agent, the Patriots outbid a number of suitors to land Cunningham’s services, but then didn’t have a clear vision for the dual-threat quarterback out of Louisville. They tried to convert him to wideout, but did so half-heartedly with quarterback reps and special teams roles sprinkled in as well. Ultimately, he was active for three games with the Patriots, serving as the backup quarterback in all of them. Bill Belichick said New England tried to keep Cunningham, but didn’t offer specifics and said the 25-year-old simply chose the Ravens. “They sold him on the opportunity,” Belichick said. “The offense. He and Lamar (Jackson). Certainly their offense suits Malik better than probably any other offense in the league does, as a quarterback.” Zappe wasn’t the only Patriots player disappointed to see Cunningham go. A number of them took to social media with messages after learning of his signing with Baltimore. Trent Brown: “(Malik) go flourish where your talent is respected lil bradda (sic).” Matthew Judon: “Nah, nah, nah. Bring bro back. Lil (bro) about to go crazy.” Deatrich Wise: “Excited to what the future holds for you” Kayshon Boutte: “Go be great family.” Demario Douglas: “Know I’m sick brudda. Go be great.”

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7weather

Massachusetts weather: Powerful storm to bring damaging winds, flooding

Don’t put away your raincoat just yet. A powerful storm is expected to sweep through Massachusetts from Sunday to Monday, bringing with it damaging winds, flooding and, potentially, thunder. Tranquil, largely dry weather is forecast Saturday before the storm arrives late Sunday. A warm front will bring increased temperatures to Massachusetts, with highs expected to reach 51 degrees in Hyannis, 52 degrees in Boston, 49 degrees in Worcester, and 48 degrees in Springfield, according to the National Weather Service. What forecasters have described as a “multi-hazardous” storm system is expected to arrive Sunday night and last into Monday morning, pummeling the state with damaging winds, coastal and river flooding, dangerous sea conditions and thunder. Monday afternoon, a few snow showers across northwestern Massachusetts are possible as the storm departs. A powerful storm is expected to impact southern New England late Sunday into Monday. There are multiple hazards, including: wind, flooding rain and coastal flooding. Dangerous conditions for mariners, too. Get more details at: https://t.co/DkpsCt4qyP. pic.twitter.com/DDNFzFOuVb — NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) December 9, 2023 The first half of Sunday leading up to the storm will be a transition period. Mainly dry weather is forecast, but a few spot showers may develop. Winds should grow in intensity during this time as well, hovering around 15 to 25 miles per hour before stronger winds arrive overnight, the Weather Service said. One of the chief concerns about the looming storm is the potential for powerful winds. Confidence remains high for strong to damaging winds across southern New England. A high wind watch remains in effect for the Cape and Islands, including the Elizabeth Islands and Block Island. Cape Cod could see wind gusts as high as nearly 58 mph, according to the Weather Service. Because of the growing confidence for strong wind gusts over local waters, a storm watch remains in effect for all marine areas off the coast of Massachusetts. Storm force winds and waves as high as 8 to 15 feet are a possibility, the Weather Service noted. “Very strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility,” the Weather Service said. “Mariners should prepare to remain in port, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe conditions before conditions deteriorate.” Rain totals will hover between 1 and 2 inches, with the greatest amounts expected in eastern Connecticut, central Massachusetts and Rhode Island. There is a 30% chance of rainfall exceeding 4 inches in southern Hartford County in Connecticut and northeastern to southern Worcester County in Massachusetts, according to the Weather Service. A flood watch has been issued and continues for all of northern Connecticut and central to western Massachusetts. The commonwealth could experience poor drainage because of leaves and debris blocking storm drains and urban flooding. Some areas in the western part of the state could see minor river flooding as well, the Weather Service said. The Weather Service remains alert to the potential for coastal flooding Monday morning in southern Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. Forecasters’ greatest confidence in coastal flooding is in and around Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island, where a coastal flood watch has been issued. Thunder is also a possibility overnight Sunday, as the storm system has more “spring-like qualities,” the Weather Service noted.

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2culture

Opinion | Theres Not Just One Way to Be Japanese

I spent much of my young life proving how Japanese I was. I would grow angry when people praised my impeccable Japanese. Too often I felt I didn’t belong in my own society. It was all too much. Always standing out felt so suffocating that at 19 years old, I moved to New York. Japan was closed off from the Western world until the late 1800s. For much of the country’s history, mixed-race children were uncommon, particularly outside Tokyo. In the post-World War II era, derogatory words like “ainoko” and “konketsuji” were used to describe children born of a Japanese and foreign parent. It wasn’t until the 1980s that interracial marriages became more common.

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1crime

Groton school on lockdown after student threatens to bring gun

A student’s threat to bring a gun to a Groton high school on Tuesday resulted in a lockdown of the campus while police conducted a sweep, Massachusetts State Police told MassLive. At around 11:18 a.m., Groton police requested a Massachusetts State Police K9 unit after a student made the threat. State Police sent three K9 unit teams, three dogs and their handlers, “specially trained to detect residue related to ballistics (and) firearms,” State Police said. By 1:15 p.m., Groton police said no firearms were found and announced that students would be released from school at the normal dismissal time, according to a post on Facebook. Just under 20 minutes later, the K9 units and handlers finished their sweep and left the campus, State Police said. Read more: Boston man pleads guilty to fatal stabbing of man protecting girlfriend Groton police will continue to investigate the matter, as they are aware who the student who made the threat is, State Police added.

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6sports

Western Mass. Boys Basketball Super 7: Seven schools represented on 2023 list

Andrew Mabry is one of two returning Super 7 players this winter.

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6sports

Boys Basketball Scoreboard: Patrick McLaughlin scores 1,000th career point for Wahconah & more (video)

The Wahconah Warriors are used to hearing the name Patrick McLaughlin mentioned when highlighting the boys basketball team, as he’s been one of the program’s cornerstones for the past few years. Thursday night’s matchup against West Springfield was no different, as McLaughlin scored 26 points, one being the 1,000th of his career.

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6sports

How tanking Commanders could impact Patriots

FOXBOROUGH – The Washington Commanders will reportedly keep “a lot” of their veteran players on the bench this weekend when they take on the Dallas Cowboys. The Patriots, meanwhile, almost certainly won’t approach their final game like they want to lose. The difference in approach could have huge ramifications on the 2024 NFL Draft order. On Wednesday, Bill Belichick was asked if he would play younger players this weekend against the New York Jets. “We’re going to get ready to play the guys that deserve to play against the Jets,” Belichick said. “I think they all want to play.” That won’t be the case for the Commanders, who are starting quarterback Sam Howell. On Thursday, JP Finlay of NBC 4 Sports tweeted, “I get the vibe a lot of Commanders veterans won’t play this weekend.” The Commanders are currently slotted into the No. 2 pick behind the Chicago Bears, who gained the top selection from Carolina. A loss for Washington on Sunday gives them the likelihood that they’ll stay in that second slot. Considering the top three prospects are quarterbacks Caleb Williams and Drake Maye as well as receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., Washington is trying to put their franchise in position to draft a potential generational player. BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. The Patriots draft slot is less certain. At 4-12, they’re currently in position to draft at No. 3. Their strength of schedule (.518) put them behind Washington (.515), but ahead of Arizona (.562). All three teams enter this final game with the same record. A win for the Patriots over the New York Jets makes things complicated. There are three teams behind them with 5-11 records. The watch to watch for is the New York Giants, who have the edge in strength of schedule (.511). In the event the Patriots win, but the Commanders, Cardinals, and Giants lose, the Patriots could theoretically fall to No. 5. The problem there is that Washington and the Giants could draft a quarterback. The same goes for the Bears, who are reportedly debating whether they should keep Justin Fields or draft Williams out of USC. With the fifth pick, the Patriots could very well be out of the running for the top two quarterbacks (Williams and Maye), but someone like LSU’s Jayden Daniels could still be in play. The Patriots would also be in a position to take one of the top offensive tackles, which is a need. With the Jets starting third-string quarterback Trevor Siemian on Sunday, the Patriots are favored to win this matchup. Players inside Gillette Stadium sat they’re focused on finishing their season on a high note. “Yeah, we’ve continued the same message of playing for each other,” Bailey Zappe said on Thursday. “We understand that in the NFL, not everybody’s going to be on the team next year. People are going to be in different spots. So, this is going to be the last game that all these guys on the same team are going to be together. So, I think that’s something that’s setting in. And, I think going into Sunday, we’re going to have a kind of energy of ‘we’re going to play for one another and kind of go out there and try to put something together’.”

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0business

Boston Scientifics pulsed field ablation device matches standard of care in AFib trial

Dive Brief: A closely watched clinical trial of Boston Scientific’s pulsed field ablation (PFA) device has met its primary endpoint . Boston Scientific published the data in The New England Journal of Medicine . The ADVENT study found Boston Scientific’s Farapulse is as safe and effective as the standard of care in atrial fibrillation, although BTIG analysts said a death in the PFA arm may “distract from overall safety.” Despite that concern, analysts at BTIG and other companies were enthusiastic about the results, with the team at RBC Capital Markets forecasting “conversion of 80%-90% of the market over a 2-3 year period.” Dive Insight: PFA is a minimally invasive procedure that uses electrical pulses to scar heart tissue, preventing atrial fibrillation. Boston Scientific has subjected Farapulse to a more rigorous clinical development program than its main PFA rivals Johnson & Johnson and Medtronic, who ran single-arm studies, according to BTIG analysts. Unlike its rivals, Boston Scientific compared its device to standard of care radiofrequency or cryoballoon ablation. The approach has delivered data that show PFA is at least a match for existing AFib treatments and could drive the transformation of electrophysiology. “With PFA offering a faster ablation approach that is at least as effective and safe as the standard of care even though operators had little experience with the new technology, we expect U.S. electrophysiologists will adopt PFA as enthusiastically as their peers in Europe,” the BTIG analysts wrote in a note to investors. Investigators randomized more than 600 people to undergo PFA or thermal ablation. Off-drug treatment success after 12 months was 73% in the PFA arm and 71% in the thermal arm, showing Farapulse is non-inferior, but not statistically superior, to the standard of care. The hit on the non-inferiority primary endpoint and miss on the superiority secondary endpoint largely matched analyst expectations, although the team at J.P. Morgan highlighted the numerical advantage of the PFA arm as a positive surprise. The study also found PFA procedure times were significantly shorter and less variable than thermal ablation procedures. On the safety front, investigators reported six adverse events in the PFA cohort and four adverse events in the control group. That topline safety finding hides a mix of positives and negatives for Farapulse. The main negative is that one patient in the Farapulse arm died. Analysts at Truist spoke to two key opinion leaders about the death. Neither expert was concerned because the event was “not device related/specific.” The experts also cited the “extensive experience with Farapulse in Europe” as evidence of the safety of the device. The main positive in the safety data is the rate of post-ablation narrowing of the pulmonary veins at three months. The rate in the PFA arm was 0.9%, compared to 12% in the thermal ablation cohort. Analysts at RBC and Stifel noted the potential for the results to get better as operators gain more experience with the technology. Boston Scientific is analyzing whether outcomes improved as physicians gained experience using Farapulse throughout the course of the trial, according to the Stifel analysts. Even without improvements, analysts think PFA is capable of disrupting the electrophysiology market. Abbott, which is lagging behind the PFA front-runners, may have the most to lose. The analysts at Truist think Boston Scientific has the most to gain, especially in the near- to intermediate-term, “given its early mover advantage with Farapulse and limited existing EP share position, and we think this data supports share gains from existing ablation modalities,” they wrote in a note to investors. ADVENT data should support approval by the second half of 2024, they added.

d3164ff21b17d360e0ffb1663708eef0

1crime

Police say they're looking for a crew that attacked several people at random on Mission Hill

Boston Police report they are seeking help to find for four men they say "attacked several people at random in the Mission Hill Area and robbed another victim, taking his cellphone" on Dec. 1. Police did not specify where on Mission Hill, but surveillance photos of the four were taken on the plaza in front of the Stop & Shop at Brigham Circle. Police described the suspects: Suspect 1: Light skinned Male, wearing a blue/maroon Nike hooded jacket, white hoodie underneath, light colored pants with dark “S” on right leg red “M” on left, and white sneakers Suspect 2: Short light skinned male, with dark curly hair, wearing a dark hoodie, and light jeans Suspect 3: Light skinned male, wearing a gray hoodie, black pants with rips, and white sneakers with black on outer Suspect 4: Black male, wearing a black hooded puffer coat, navy hoodie, navy sweatpants, and white/gray New Balances Anyone with information can contact detectives at 617-343-4275 or the anonymous tip line by calling 800-494-TIPS or by texting TIP to CRIME (27463).

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0business

See all homes sold in Suffolk County, Nov. 19 to Nov. 25

The following is a listing of all home transfers in Suffolk County reported from Nov. 19 to Nov. 25. There were 3 transactions posted during this time. During this period, the median sale for the area was a 1,964-square-foot home on May Street in Jamaica Plain that sold for $1,200,000. Dorchester 99 Adams Street, Dorchester, $989,000, 4,161 square feet, $238 per square-foot, nine bedrooms and three bathrooms. Jamaica Plain 6 May Street, Jamaica Plain, $1,200,000, 1,964 square feet, $611 per square-foot, six bedrooms and three bathrooms. Revere 169 Campbell Ave., Revere, $1,295,000, eight bedrooms and four bathrooms. Real Estate Newswire is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to generate analysis of data from Propmix, an aggregator of national real-estate data. See more Real Estate News

79aae9055385360295632cd33bf63be2

6sports

Source: Patriots hiring Jerod Mayo as next head coach

The Patriots have hired linebackers coach Jerod Mayo to become their next head coach, a source confirmed to the Herald. Mayo, 37, becomes the youngest head coach in the NFL and the 15th in Patriots franchise history. He recently concluded his fifth season as a coach at any level, having rejoined the organization as an assistant in 2019. Mayo has spent the entirety of his NFL career in New England, where first played from 2008-2015. The team is expected to hold a press conference next week to announce Mayo’s promotion. According to a source, during a renegotiation of Mayo’s contract last January, the Patriots included a clause that established a succession plan if and when the franchise parted ways with Bill Belichick. That clause allows Mayo to succeed Belichick without the Patriots conducting a full head-coaching search under normal league rules. Belichick and owner Robert Kraft announced a mutual parting of ways Thursday. The Patriots are likely to begin a search for the next head of their personnel department, a job Belichick also held during his 24-year run as coach. ESPN first reported Mayo’s hiring. This story is developing …

53cd585c0f56395609bd4b3c1490c52e

4politics

Iranian Navy Says It Seized an Oil Tanker Off the Coast of Oman

Iran’s Navy said it had seized a vessel loaded with crude oil off the coast of Oman on Thursday after an armed group wearing military-style uniforms and black masks boarded the ship. The vessel, previously named the Suez Rajan, was involved last year in the U.S. government seizure of Iranian oil that was being transported in violation of American sanctions. The ship eventually unloaded the oil and continued to sail, but under a new name, St. Nikolas. “This vessel stole Iran’s oil under the order of the U.S. and transported it to American shores,” the Iranian Navy said in a statement, which was carried on state media. Iran claimed the ship was an American tanker, but the Greek company that manages the St. Nikolas said the vessel was no longer American-owned. A spokeswoman for the Pentagon’s Central Command said the United States military was monitoring the situation but had no further immediate comment. The incident came at a moment of heightened tensions in Middle Eastern waters after weeks of attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, located on the other side of side of the Arabian Peninsula. The Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen has pledged to prevent any vessels from reaching Israel until it ceases its bombardment of Gaza.

006d06d6ae63e87ae46c6936b37cb85f

6sports

Titans QB forces fumble after fumbling ball on wild play

TOWSON, MD - Massachusetts (4-2) mounted multiple comeback attempts in the second half but fell 81-71 to Towson (4-5) on Wednesday evening in Maryland. Key to the second-half comeback attempts was sophomore Keon Thompson who scored a career-high 19 points, all in the second half. Thompson shot an efficient 5-of-10 from the field, while converting three and-one layups. Freshman Robert Davis Jr. Also got in on the action, setting his career-high in points (11) and made three-point attempts (3). The newcomer, known for his shooting, played a career-best 23 minutes on the night. Senior Matt Cross was once again a factor, contributing 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field. The Tigers were led by Christian May, who collected a game-high 27 points. Breaking Down The Action Matt Cross put the Minutemen on the board and gave them their first lead of the game (3-2) with a corner three off a Rahsool Diggins assist at the 19:19 mark. Rahsool Diggins banked in a three (6-8) to break a 2:30 scoreless streak and bring UMass back within a basket at 16:49. After the Tigers jumped out to an 11-point lead, Diggins made a contested layup (10-19) at 12:35 to pull the Minutemen within single digits. Coming off the bench, Jaylen Curry gave UMass a spark as the freshman guard converted on a three-point play at 9:11. 58 seconds later, Curry picked out Rob Davis Jr. who knocked down his first three of the night, cutting the Towson advantage to 16-22 with 8:13 remaining in the first half of play. After an offensive rebound from Daniel Hankins-Sanford, Rahsool Diggins knocked down his second three of the game with 3:45 left in the first half. Matt Cross rounded out the first half scoring for UMass with his third bucket of the game at the :32 second mark and the Minutemen went into the locker room trailing Towson 27-36. Coming out of the break, Cross scored the first basket for UMass at 19:33 to make it a 29-37 contest. Keon Thompson recorded his first points of the game, converting on back-to-back and-one opportunities to pull UMass within five at the 18:06 mark. Continuing to be a difference maker in the second half, Thompson finished his third three-point play with 16:14 remaining in the game. Davis Jr. connected on his second three of the contest to cut the Towson lead to seven (49-56) at 12:50. Thompson drove to the basket and finished through contact to add to his 13 second half points with 10:37 remaining in the game. Davis Jr. recorded his third basket to give him a career-high eight points and cut the Tigers lead to five (55-60). After a Robert Davis Jr. steal, Jayden Ndjigue found Thompson who sunk one from beyond the arc to give him a career-high 17 points. The final buzzer sounded with the score 66-56. New Kids On The Block Robert Davis Jr. led all newcomers in scoring with a career-high of 11 points. Marqui Worthy had a team-best plus/minus of 14 in 18 minutes of play. Daniel Hankins-Sanford and Jayden Ndjigue led the Minutemen with eight rebounds apiece. Ndjigue dished out a team-high four assists. Numbers To Know 3: Keon Thompson converted three and-one plays in the first four minutes of the second half. 8 : Jayden Ndjigue recorded a career best eight rebounds for the second game in a row. 19: Thompson led UMass in scoring with a new career-high of 19 points on 5-10 shooting. 34: The Minutemen outscored Towson in the paint, 34-32. 70: UMass shot 70% from the free throw line for the second time this season, going 14-20. Year Two Under Coach Martin Massachusetts Head Coach, Frank Martin now holds a 19-18 record at the helm of the Minutemen. Martin now holds a 307-219 collegiate career mark. Series History

2edb2fd4f932f355386e4f47a540592c

1crime

Man accused of stabbing mother to death at NH home

A police officer who brutalized a 22-year-old Black man with an expandable baton during an arrest seven years ago was convicted by a French court on Friday of “intentional violence” in one of the country’s highest-profile cases of police abuse. The young man, Théo Luhaka, sustained a four-inch tear to his rectum after the police subdued him during an identity check while he was cutting through a known drug-dealing zone in his housing project in a suburb northeast of Paris. Two other officers who assisted in the arrest were also found guilty at the court in Bobigny, a suburb northeast of Paris, in a decision that was, however, unlikely to fully satisfy either police unions or anti-police brutality activists. The officer who wielded the baton was sentenced to a one-year suspended prison sentence, meaning he will serve time only if he commits a new crime within a given time frame and a court then orders the full sentence to be served. The two other officers were sentenced to three-month suspended sentences. The sentences were less than what prosecutors had requested.

8e09e64fc7ec60ed6fd7aaf5d0b25893

2culture

Heiress Seeks 50 Austrians to Give Away $27 Million

In the coming days, about 10,000 Austrians will find an invitation in their mailboxes from an heiress asking for their help spending 25 million euros, or about $27.4 million, of her inheritance. It is not a scam or a clever marketing gambit. Rather, the heiress, Marlene Engelhorn, said it was an attempt to challenge a system that has allowed her to accumulate millions of euros in the first place. Ms. Engelhorn, 31, grew up in Vienna and for years has been campaigning for tax policies that would redistribute inherited wealth and address structural economic inequality. Without those tax laws in place, she is turning to the public to decide how her money should be spent.

532400a47d5749275414c0f25a081779

1crime

The Guns Were Said to Be Destroyed. Instead, They Were Reborn.

When Flint, Mich., announced in September that 68 assault weapons collected in a gun buyback would be incinerated, the city cited its policy of never reselling firearms. “Gun violence continues to cause enormous grief and trauma,” said Mayor Sheldon Neeley. “I will not allow our city government to profit from our community’s pain by reselling weapons that can be turned against Flint residents.” But Flint’s guns were not going to be melted down. Instead, they made their way to a private company that has collected millions of dollars taking firearms from police agencies, destroying a single piece of each weapon stamped with the serial number and selling the rest as nearly complete gun kits. Buyers online can easily replace what’s missing and reconstitute the weapon. Hundreds of towns and cities have turned to a growing industry that offers to destroy guns used in crimes, surrendered in buybacks or replaced by police force upgrades. But these communities are in fact fueling a secondary arms market, where weapons slated for destruction are recycled into civilian hands, often with no background check required, according to interviews and a review of gun disposal contracts, patent records and online listings for firearms parts.

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1crime

Boston, Cambridge police seek person of interest in multiple assaults

Crime Boston, Cambridge police seek person of interest in multiple assaults The person allegedly used a knife to attack two victims in Porter Square. Boston and Cambridge police are looking to identify a person who allegedly assaulted two people in Porter Square last week. The person of interest allegedly used a knife to attack the victims on the evening of Jan. 4, Cambridge Police shared on Facebook yesterday. The two victims were left with non-life-threatening injuries. The Cambridge Police Department shared three images of the suspect captured by security cameras in the area. He’s also a person of interest in “multiple” other assaults in Boston and Cambridge, according to Cambridge Police. Police urged anyone with information on the suspect to contact the Cambridge Criminal Investigations Unit anonymously at 617-349-3370 or online at cambridgepolice.org/TIPS. Community members may also call the Cambridge Police Department at 617-349-3300.

a301516a8a9953ed146b105b11eef84f

0business

Mass. State Lottery winner: $100,000 prize won at sandwich shop on New Years Day

A lottery player who went to a sandwich shop on New Year’s Day won a $100,000 prize, the Massachusetts State Lottery announced. The prize was from the daily “Mass Cash” drawing, and the winning numbers for the drawing were 14, 15, 24, 28 and 33. The lottery player who won $100,000 had bought their winning ticket from a sandwich shop in Raynham called Coletti’s Market. Additionally, a lottery player in Massachusetts won $50,000 during the Powerball drawing on Monday. The winning numbers for the drawing were 12, 21, 42, 44, 49 and Powerball: 1, and the Massachusetts lottery player who won $50,000 bought their winning ticket in Lowell from a store called Country Farms. Overall, there were at least 299 lottery prizes worth $600 or more won or claimed in Massachusetts on Monday, including five in Worcester. The Massachusetts State Lottery releases a full list of all the winning tickets each day. The list only includes winning tickets worth more than $600.

00bb00b297e4deb6d8c7b44f56390a4d

6sports

West Springfield claims Berkshire Holiday Tournament with three first-place finishes

The West Springfield wrestling team put on a dominant performance Wednesday, taking first in the 2023 Berkshire Holiday Tournament. The Terriers had three first-place finishers and accumulated a total of 268 points — more than a hundred over second-place finisher Athol (153.50) and third-place finisher Monument Mountain (135). Mount Everett, which took seventh place with 77.5 points, also had three first-place finishers in the tournament.

468be50267e7cf36e8414d3f5b605b71

6sports

NFL announces date for Patriots-Jets season finale

The Patriots will be hosting the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium in the 2023 season finale on Sunday at 1 p.m., the NFL announced. There was a chance the game could have been played on Saturday, but the league opted for the early time slot on Sunday. The Steelers vs. Ravens (4:30 p.m.) and Texans vs. Colts (8:15 p.m.), games with playoff implications, drew the two Saturday slots. The 4-11 Patriots and 6-10 Jets have nothing to play for, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few interesting storylines. BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. Most notable, it’s possible this could be Bill Belichick’s final game at the helm of the Patriots. While team owner Robert Kraft hasn’t uttered a peep about the future of his head coach, there’s been plenty of speculation that Belichick could be on his way out. The Patriots, who were beaten by the Buffalo Bills Sunday, 27-21, are assured of a last place finish in the AFC East for the first time in 23 years. The result of the game also has consequences for the Patriots in terms of draft selection. They currently sit with the third overall pick. They can’t get the first overall selection, that belongs to the Bears (from Carolina), but they could move up with a loss. They could also drop as far as No. 7 with a win depending on what happens in other games. NFL fans can wager online on Massachusetts sports betting with enticing promo codes from top online sportsbooks. Use the FanDuel Massachusetts promo code and the DraftKings Massachusetts promo code for massive new user bonuses.

4ac8c86862c948ec0369da61389e2051

1crime

10-Year-Old Arrested for Public Urination Was Treated Like an Adult Criminal, Lawyer Says

The mother of a 10-year-old Mississippi boy who was arrested after urinating behind her car is refusing to sign a probation agreement because the terms that were set are of a severity typically reserved for adults, the family’s lawyer said Thursday. The 90-day probation agreement stipulated that the boy, Quantavious Eason, who is Black, would have to submit to random drug tests, observe an 8 p.m. curfew and meet with a probation officer once a month, among other requirements, according to Carlos Moore, the lawyer. The boy would also be required to write a two-page report on Kobe Bryant, Mr. Moore said. Latonya Eason, the boy’s mother, had initially agreed to the probation during a hearing in Tate County Chancery Court on Dec. 12, but upon reading the full terms and consulting with Mr. Moore this week, she decided not to sign and instead to fight for the charge to be dismissed, he said. NBC News reported on the case this week. “This boy is not a criminal,” Mr. Moore said. “He should not have to go through all of this.” The legal battle stems from an encounter that Quantavious and his mother had with the police on Aug. 10 in Senatobia, Miss., a small city 40 miles south of Memphis, Tenn. The family, which lives in a neighboring county, believes the manner in which the police treated the boy stemmed from racism.

d93aad23bfba4a08a68aba2f5cef72be

6sports

Where to buy tickets for Eastern Michigan vs. South Alabama Ventures Bowl

South Alabama will play Eastern Michigan in the 68 Ventures Bowl. Both teams are 6-6. The Jaguars will play on their home field at Whitney Hancock Stadium. They’re seeking their first bowl win. Eastern Michigan won its last two games to become bowl eligible. The Eagles are 2-4 all-time in bowl games. South Alabama is led by wide receiver Caullin Lacy, who has 91 catches for 1,316 yards. Eastern Michigan has one of the MAC’s best punters in two-time all-conference first-teamer Mitchell Tomasek. The game will be Dec. 23 at 7 p.m. ET. Fans looking to attend this college football game in person have plenty of options and can shop around at StubHub and *VividSeats. *New customers who purchase tickets through VividSeats can get $20 off a $200+ ticket order by using the promo code MassLive20 at checkout.* If you need to travel outside your local area to get to this game, head over to TripAdvisor, VRBO, Marriott or Booking.com for deals on everything from car rentals to airfare to hotels. Who: Eastern Michigan vs. South Alabama When: 7:00 PM, December 23, 2023 Where: Hancock Whitney Stadium Stream: fuboTV (free trial); or Sling; or DirecTV Stream Tickets: StubHub and *VividSeats. Gear: Shop around for jerseys, shirts, hats, hoodies and more at Fanatics.com Sports Betting Promos: Football fans can wager online on Massachusetts sports betting with enticing promo codes from top online sportsbooks. Use the FanDuel Massachusetts promo code and the DraftKings Massachusetts promo code for massive new user bonuses. RELATED CONTENT: South Alabama stays home to face Eastern Michigan in 68 Ventures Bowl By The Associated Press South Alabama will play Eastern Michigan in the 68 Ventures Bowl. Both teams are 6-6. The Jaguars will play on their home field at Whitney Hancock Stadium. They’re seeking their first bowl win. Eastern Michigan won its last two games to become bowl eligible. The Eagles are 2-4 all-time in bowl games. South Alabama is led by wide receiver Caullin Lacy, who has 91 catches for 1,316 yards. Eastern Michigan has one of the MAC’s best punters in two-time all-conference first-teamer Mitchell Tomasek. South Alabama (6-6, Sun Belt) vs. Eastern Michigan (6-6, Mid-American Conference), Dec. 23, 7 p.m. ET LOCATION: Mobile, Alabama TOP PLAYERS South Alabama: WR Caullin Lacy, 91 catches, 1,316 yards, seven touchdowns. Eastern Michigan: Mitchell Tomasek, a two-time All-MAC first-teamer, averaged 45.3 yards and is the only FBS punter with two 70-plus yarders this season. NOTABLE South Alabama; Gets to play on its home field at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Earned second Power Five win in program history, beating No. 22 Oklahoma State, 33-7. Eastern Michigan: Won its last two games to become bowl eligible, winning in double overtime against Akron and 24-11 over Buffalo. LAST TIME First meeting. BOWL HISTORY South Alabama: Making fourth bowl appearance and first in consecutive seasons; 0-3 in bowl games. Eastern Michigan: Has 2-4 record in bowl games. Played in Mobile’s bowl game in 2021, losing 56-20 to Liberty. ___ Get alerts on the latest AP Top 25 poll throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football The Associated Press contributed to this article

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6sports

Players to Watch: Longmeadow, Pope Francis girls hockey to face off for first time this winter

The two girls hockey programs in Western Massachusetts will face off for the first time this winter Friday night at Smead Arena. Pope Francis and Longmeadow are both off to strong starts this season, with the Cardinals standing at 8-3-1 in Division I and the Lancers at 6-2 in Division II. Last winter, the programs tied in their first meeting before Pope Francis won the second. Ahead of the 5 p.m. puck drop between the two programs, get to know the top players for each team.

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1crime

Mast snaps aboard historic Maine schooner, killing 1 and injuring 3

The top portion of a mast snapped toppled on a historic excursion vessel, killing one person and injuring others aboard the Grace Bailey schooner off the coast of Maine, officials said Monday. One person died from injuries and three people were transported to hospitals on Monday, the Rockland Fire Department said. A helicopter transported one of the three injured, while the other two were transported via ambulances, fire officials said. Images posted online showed the vessel with its main mast splintered. The Grace Bailey is part of the state's so-called windjammer fleet, a collection of historic sailing vessels that take people on excursions up and down the coast. According to the Portland Press Herald, the schooner is partly owned by actor Marc Evan Jackson, star of shows like "The Good Place" and "Brooklyn Nine-Nine." Get New England news, weather forecasts and entertainment stories to your inbox. Sign up for NECN newsletters. The Grace Bailey is 118 feet long and can carry 29 passengers, according to an official website. It was built in Long Island, New York, in 1882.

ec27c520abd53a600a885e21af0b2de2

3entertainment

Cookies for the Holidays

Above are the seven developers (including myself!) behind all the magic. Eric, whose holiday cookies are as nostalgic as they are evocative; Melissa, whom many consider to be the GOAT (her gingerbread blondies do not disprove that); Sue, whose precise technique and gorgeous flavors always shine; Samantha, who not only developed her own showstopper but also styled all of the cookies for the photo shoot; me, who [insert something nice about Vaughn here]; Yewande, whose cookies are always as stylish as they are brimming with flavor; and Sohla, who has more fun in the kitchen than anyone I’ve ever met and is a baking genius. Though I supervise the video team, I also develop recipes and appear on camera, so I’m in on Cookie Week from the ground floor up. I get asked a lot of questions about the process behind it all: When do we start? What is the brainstorming process like? How do you come up with the ideas? Here are some demystifying facts and figures: Every July we start throwing around ideas (begrudgingly, because it’s still summer and we don’t want to think about the holidays yet). We then approach our Cookie Week squad with a request for four or five ideas each, and from there our editors narrow the list to one that exhibits every cookie quality we look for. It takes weeks of working and reworking, going back for more pitches, and helping the developers to get their cookies just right. I have fond memories of testing out different icing techniques one day in our cooking studio with my pal Samantha, until finally landing on one that felt glamorous and vibrant, yet completely doable for home bakers.

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2culture

Need a Home for 80,000 Puzzles? Try an Italian Castle.

Meet the Millers, George and Roxanne, proprietors of the world’s largest collection of mechanical puzzles: physical objects that a puzzler holds and manipulates while seeking a solution. In total, the Miller collection — an accumulation of collections, and collections of collections — amounts to more than 80,000 puzzles. It comprises some five thousand Rubik’s Cubes, including a 2-by-2-by-2 rendering of Darth Vader’s head. And there are more than 7,000 wooden burr puzzles, such as the interlocking, polyhedral creations by Stewart Coffin, a Massachusetts puzzle maker; they evoke a hybrid of a pine cone and a snowflake and are Mr. Miller’s favorites. Mrs. Miller is fond of their 140 brass, bronze and gold puzzle sculptures by the Spanish artist Miguel Berrocal; Goliath, a male torso in 79 pieces, is “a puzzle that all puzzlers lust after,” she said. Until recently, the Miller collection resided at Puzzle Palace in Boca Raton, Fla., filling their mansion and a museum (a smaller house) next door. Puzzles occupied even the bathrooms. Then last year, on a whim, the Millers bought a 15th-century, 52-room castle in Panicale, a hamlet in central Italy. They packed their puzzle collection into five 40-foot shipping containers and, for their own transit, booked a cruise from Miami to Rome. Before sailing away in April, the Millers went on a two-month road trip — “a last hurrah,” Mr. Miller called it — visiting puzzler friends from coast to coast. Along the way they accumulated more puzzles. In Garden Grove, Calif., they loaded up a cargo van with 58 boxes from Marti Reis, who donated her collection of folksy punning puzzles by the designer RGee Watkins, such as Diamond Ring, a dime with a metal ring passing through the coin’s center. The puzzle maker Lee Krasnow, who has production facilities in Portland, Ore., and Grand Rapids, Mich., met the Millers at a puzzle party on the outskirts of Austin, Texas, and hand-delivered his famed Clutch Box. Made from exotic hardwoods and precision machined metals, it opens with a subtle unlocking mechanism; the goal is simply “the thrill of having opened it,” Mrs. Miller said. And then, “if you’re daring,” Mr. Krasnow added in an email, the goal is “to fully disassemble it into about 40 individual pieces.”

cb8febc7e5a3796288a8e1da86bbed58

6sports

Is there any chance Mac Jones get another shot at QB for Patriots?

A stretch of dry weather across Massachusetts is on track to carry on through most of Friday, but forecasters believe this will not last going into Saturday. The start of December is expected to be dry and sunny most of the day, according to the National Weather Service. Conditions should stay this way until between 2 and 4 p.m., when forecasters say a storm system will roll over parts of Western and Central Massachusetts, and Connecticut, bringing rain along with it. Read more: Aurora could be seen Friday as large solar flares head toward Earth The storm is then expected to spread over Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island between 3 and 5 p.m., forecasters said. With the added moisture in the air, forecasters said temperatures are likely to be in the mid-50s throughout the region. The average temperature for Dec. 1 is typically between 43 and 48 degrees, forecasters said. The highest chances (55%) for rain in Greenfield should happen at around 6 p.m., while Lowell, Worcester and Springfield can expect a 50% chance of rain at that same time, according to a weather service post on X, formerly known as Twitter. [Weekend Forecast] Despite rain in the forecast, there will be many hours of dry weather, beginning this morning & again Saturday. Friday evening & late Sunday appear to be the wettest time periods. The chart below indicates the probability of rain every 3 hrs Fri thru Sun. #MAwx pic.twitter.com/BqOvqrk83M — NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) December 1, 2023 In other parts of Massachusetts, the highest likelihood of rain should peak at 9 p.m. or at midnight. The former is the case in Boston, at 45%, and Provincetown at 40%. The latter is expected in Hyannis, at 50%, New Bedford at 45% and Nantucket at 55%. Rainfall totals are expected to be a tenth to a quarter of an inch. But unlike most weekends this year, the rain is not expected to stick around going into Saturday. Forecasters said they anticipate it being “mainly a dry day, (with) just lots of clouds.” While a cold front is expected to follow, warm surface air is expected to stick around after the rain is gone, leaving temperatures in the low to mid-50s, with temperatures dropping slightly in the northwest into the high 40s. Just when you thought it was out, the rain is expected to pull itself back in time for a “soggy Sunday into Monday,” forecasters continued, with the heaviest amount of precipitation falling overnight. Models vary, but forecasters believe rainfall totals could be between three-quarters of an inch to an inch and a quarter. Temperatures Sunday and Monday are expected to be seasonable in the 40s and in the upper 40s and low 50s along the south coast. Starting Tuesday, conditions are expected to quiet down through the rest of the week, forecasters said. Throughout this time, they predict temperatures will stay seasonable in the 30s with lows in the 20s at night.

281c35e41f71000a72317158468b239e

6sports

IR, PUP, NFI. What do all of those NFL roster designations mean?

NFL IR, PUP, NFI. What do all of those NFL roster designations mean? There are so many roster designations in the NFL. Here's what they mean. Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Elandon Roberts (44) is driven off the field after an injury against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Las Vegas. Hamstring pulls, ligament tears and ankle sprains can be as formidable an opponent for NFL teams as a high-scoring offense or stingy defense. (AP Photo/David Becker) AP NFL players compete all offseason and through training camp to make the active roster of their current team — or perhaps even elsewhere. But staying there isn’t easy. Especially with injuries a constant factor in such a physical sport. When the regular season begins, each team can have up to 53 players on its active roster. That comes after three cutdowns during the summer from the 90-player rosters with which teams open training camp. Players could end up having other roster designations as teams try to upgrade positions or compensate for injuries at certain spots. But what do they mean — to the players and teams? Advertisement: INJURED RESERVE Officially, it’s called the reserve/injured list but is commonly referred to simply as IR. Teams place players on this list when they have a football-related injury and will need to miss at least a few weeks. Players on IR don’t count against the active roster. If a player is placed on this list before the regular season begins, he’s forced to miss the entire year. The same used to be the case if a player went on IR during the regular season, but the rules have been tweaked and amended a few times in recent years. Starting last year, players need to miss a minimum of four games. NFL teams can designate up to eight players to return from IR during the season, and an individual player can be so designated twice. When a player is cleared to practice, it activates a 21-day window during which the player must be activated to the 53-man roster or be placed on season-ending injured reserve at the conclusion of that three-week period. They could also be released or traded. PHYSICALLY UNABLE TO PERFORM Players put on the active/physically unable to perform list — or PUP — at the start of training camp have football-related injuries, like those on IR, but count against the active roster. Advertisement: These players can participate in all team activities other than practice and can be activated at any point during camp when they are medically cleared. A player can’t be placed on the PUP list after he has practiced once or played in a preseason game. Players on the active/PUP list could be moved to the reserve/PUP list during roster cutdowns. If placed on the reserve/PUP list, a player wouldn’t count against the active roster and must sit out the first four games. NON-FOOTBALL INJURY Players who are injured outside of football — perhaps working out on their own in the offseason or doing a recreational activity — or have a long-term illness not associated with playing, are placed on this list. Rookies still recovering from injuries suffered in college often are placed on the NFI list to start their careers. If a player remains on NFI after the final roster cutdowns, he’ll have to sit out the first four games. RESERVE/SUSPENDED Players who are suspended by the NFL for violating league rules are placed on this list and don’t count against the roster limit. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WAIVED AND RELEASED? Players with less than four seasons of NFL time accrued are waived — meaning they are subject to waivers and can be claimed by other teams. If they go unclaimed after the 24-hour waiver period, they become a free agent. Advertisement: A player can accrue a season if they are on a team’s 53-man roster for at least six games. Players with four or more seasons accrued are considered vested veterans and are not subject to waivers, so they become free agents immediately when they are released. This is the case until the NFL trade deadline in October. After that period, all players regardless of their veteran status are subject to waivers. Players can also be waived/injured, which means the player can be claimed by another team or revert to his original team’s IR list after the claiming period. The team can then decide whether it wants to move forward with the player or release him with an injury settlement.

0d549f5f93ead13d2606f17ab5590fc4

4politics

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu's 2nd State of the City speech

AND THE DUDLEY. AND THIS IS OUR DEMOCRACY AT WORK. WE ARE CINDY FOR ALL VOICES TONIGHT A STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS STARTED WITH ATTENTION AWAY FROM THE STAGE. PROTESTERS INTERRUPTED MAYOR MICHELLE WU JUST AS THE ADDRESS WAS GETTING UNDERWAY. SOME CARRIED A PALESTINIAN FLAG. OTHERS HUNG A BANNER FROM THE BALCONY. OUR POLITICAL REPORTER SHARMAN SACCHETTI IS LIVE AT THE MGM MUSIC HALL RIGHT NOW WITH THE DEMONSTRATORS AND WHAT THE MAYOR HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE STATE OF THE CITY TONIGHT, SEAN ED SEVERAL OF THOSE PROTESTERS WERE ARRESTED. IT’S UNCLEAR TONIGHT WHAT THEY’LL BE CHARGED WITH, BUT WE DO UNDERSTAND THEY WILL BE IN COURT TOMORROW MORNING. AS FOR THE MAYOR, SHE MOVED RIGHT AHEAD WITH HER SPEECH. GOOD EVENING. BOSTON. MOMENTS INTO THE MAYOR’S SPEECH. PRO-PALESTINIAN PROTESTERS SHOUT AND UNFURL A BANNER. SEVERAL OF THEM ARE ARRESTED. THIS IS OUR DEMOCRACY AT WORK. WE ARE A CITY FOR ALL VOICES. AS THE MAYOR MOVING AHEAD, TAKING A VICTORY LAP FOR CLEARING TENTS FROM MASS AND CASS, SETTLING THE POLICE CONTRACT, FILLING. THOUSANDS OF POTHOLES AND LANDING BOSTON A SEAT ON THE MBTA BOARD. THE STATE OF OUR CITY IS STRONG, MAYOR WU, PLEDGING TO TACKLE THE HOUSING CRISIS BY CHANGING ZONING RULES TO TURN SPACES LIKE BASEMENTS AND GARAGES INTO HOMES. AND SHE SAYS HER PLAN TO TURN EMPTY OFFICE SPACE INTO HOMES IS WORKING. WE LAUNCHED AN OFFICE TO RESIDENTIAL CONVERSION PROGRAM THAT’S ALREADY ATTRACTED PROPOSALS TO TURN EIGHT DOWNTOWN BUILDINGS INTO HOUSING, THE MAYOR ALSO PLANNING THOUSANDS OF NEW PUBLIC HOUSING UNITS IN THE NEXT DECADE, AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WILL PROVIDE MORE THAN $100 MILLION A YEAR TO MAINTAIN THEM. MAYOR WU SAYS SHE’S MAKING BIG INVESTMENTS IN SCHOOLS. TEN MAJOR CAPITAL PROJECTS ARE UNDERWAY. THE MAYOR BECAME EMOTIONAL TELLING A STORY ABOUT HER MOTHER BRINGING HER TO A MUSEUM AS A CHILD. ON A DAY WHEN IT WAS FREE. AND IN THIS MOMENT, THIS MOM WITH NO MONEY AND NO WORDS IN THIS LANGUAGE, FEELS LIKE THE BEST MOM ON EARTH BECAUSE SHE HAS GIVEN HER DAUGHTER THE WORLD FOR A DAY. MY MOM HAS HAD SOME CHALLENGES IN HER LIFE WITH MENTAL HEALTH AND I’M SO GRATEFUL TO HER FOR HER EXAMPLE OF STRENGTH AND THE REASON THE MAYOR BROUGHT THAT UP, SHE SAYS. NOW ALL FAMILIES WILL BE ABLE TO GO TO BOSTON MUSEUM. SEVERAL OF BOSTON’S MUSEUMS AND TH Advertisement Boston mayor pushes through protests to deliver State of the City speech focused on homes, schools Share Copy Link Copy During her second State of the City speech on Tuesday night, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu outlined her plans for the year ahead, emphasizing the theme of home and emphasizing her plans to address the housing shortage. She also spoke at length about addressing challenges for Boston Public Schools.Before she could get through the customary greetings to family members and elected officials, however, Wu faced chants and protests. Two people were escorted out past the stage with a Palestinian flag and others unfurled a banner from the upper seats. "This is our democracy at work. We are a city for all voices," she said as security led the pair with the flag away from the stage. When she got back on track, Wu opened her speech by noting the celebration of Boston’s first-ever Pop Warner national champions and using their persistence as a metaphor for the whole city.“The grit, courage, and deep sense of community that drives us to overcome the impossible—for the people we love and the place we call home. It’s that spirit that the world needs most right now, when so much feels impossible: peace and safety, prosperity and stability; pride in our democracy, and hope for a tomorrow with a little more light.”Wu returned to the MGM Music Hall at Fenway, the site of her first State of the City speech last year, to present her second speech on Tuesday night. After the introductory ceremonies, her remarks began around 7:30 p.m.Tuesday's speech was also Wu's opportunity to highlight her achievements at the midpoint of her first term. On that list, she included the removal of encampments in the troubled neighborhood known as Mass and Cass, a new contract with the city’s police union, and a ban on using fossil fuels in new city buildings. During last year's speech, Wu renewed her call for the city to get a seat on the MBTA Board. As she pointed out Tuesday, that became law through a change embedded in a state budget and Wu appointed a board member in September.Wu also spoke about her restructuring of the Boston Planning and Development Agency and the launch of what she called “the first comprehensive rezoning in decades.” She also said that the city’s office-to-residential conversion program has attracted proposals to turn eight downtown buildings into housing. “The State of our City is strong. Not because the challenges that remain are simple or small. But because they’re big, and they matter, and we are rising to meet them. And that starts with housing, because home is the place where everything starts.”In the year ahead, Wu pledged to eliminate barriers to help multigenerational families build accessory dwelling units and set a goal of identifying locations for 3,000 new public housing units to be built over the next decade. Rent control was not a part of Wu’s pitch this year, but she did speak about launching a new fund to make apartment buildings more affordable and prevent the properties from being scooped up by private investors. She set a goal of protecting 400 family homes in the year ahead. Nearly a quarter of Wu’s speech was focused on education, a topic that was being closely watched in light of a recently published long-term facilities plan that cited the need to "consolidate or combine schools."“After decades of underfunding, we’re building and renovating schools to reflect our students’ aspirations: state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts spaces, locker rooms befitting the City of Champions,” Wu said. “Today, ten major BPS capital projects are underway—as many as were built in the last 40 years, combined.”Wu also touted use of a $20 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to add 50 electric school buses to the city’s fleet. Wu promised in the year ahead to begin work on “restoring Franklin Park to its fullest potential” by hiring a park administrator, expanding the maintenance staff and renovating the park’s stadium.“We’re excited to renovate the historic White Stadium at Franklin Park into the first sports venue in the country that will co-house a pro sports team and a public school athletics program,” Wu said. Starting February, the mayor announced, all Boston Public School students and their families will get free admission at the Museum of Fine Arts, the Institute of Contemporary Art, the Museum of Science, the Boston Children’s Museum, the New England Aquarium, and the Franklin Park Zoo on the first and second Sundays of each month. A Boston police spokesperson said several protestors arrested at the State of the City would have charges filed. They were expected to be arraigned in Boston city court on Wednesday.

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4politics

Trump in Maine: Election official boots former president from ballot

The reception from voters is indicative of the north-south, urban-rural divide that has created a cultural and political gulf among many Maine residents. For some Republicans and Trump supporters in the upper part of the state, Thursday’s decision by Secretary of State Shenna Bellows to label Trump an insurrectionist is an affront to their rights that also sets a dangerous precedent. For many Democrats, it was a relief. AUGUSTA, Maine — The decision by Maine’s secretary of state to bar former president Donald Trump from the state’s Republican primary election rippled through the state Friday, drawing the ire of Republicans and the support of Democrats, and raising eyebrows among some constitutional scholars. Advertisement For Margaret Graham, who was returning her son’s Christmas gift at an Auburn Mall shoe store Friday, Trump’s affiliation with the US Capitol attack on Jan. 6, 2021, seems obvious. “Just because he wasn’t convicted doesn’t mean he wasn’t a part of it,” said Graham, a 64-year-old Sabattus resident who mostly votes for Democrats. Amy Gove, a retired tour guide who said she has been a Republican “forever,” said voters should be allowed to vote. “I just think that anybody who has not been through the court system should not be penalized for anything,” said Gove, 76, who was shopping at an Augusta Hannaford’s grocery store. “It’s the old, ‘You’re not guilty until you’re proven guilty.’” Bellows’s decision injected Maine in the national debate about Trump’s eligibility just months ahead of the state’s March 5 primary. After a hearing on Dec. 15 involving parties challenging Trump’s eligibility as well as Trump’s lawyers, Bellows said Trump had violated Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, a Civil War-era provision that prohibits those who “engaged in insurrection” from holding office. She said Trump violated the clause because of his role in the Jan. 6 attack, when a mob stormed the US Capitol as Congress was certifying the results of the 2020 presidential election. Advertisement The attack was preceded by a rally where Trump told a crowd of his supporters that the election was stolen and urged them to “fight like hell.” Trump now faces federal charges over his efforts to take power. In an interview Friday, Bellows said the constitution’s qualifications for president “are requirements, not a menu,” but acknowledged that her decision isn’t a final one. According to state law, a challenger or Trump himself can appeal her decision to a Maine Superior Court within five days of the ruling, meaning at some point next week. Her decision won’t go into effect until the Superior Court rules on an appeal, or the time to appeal has expired. “My job is to follow the law,” she said. “If the courts make a different decision, I will abide by that.” The situation underscores the inconsistent patchwork of ballot access among the 50 states. While dozens of lawsuits have been filed nationally to disqualify Trump from the ballot, the Maine case is the first in which a secretary of state — not a court — decided to bar Trump from the ballot. In another 14th Amendment case, a Michigan judge ruled that Congress, not the judiciary, should decide whether Trump can stay on the ballot. That ruling is being appealed. In Oregon, the liberal group Free Speech For People filed a lawsuit seeking to remove Trump from the ballot there. Advertisement And a Colorado court recently ruled 4-3 that Trump was ineligible for the White House — the first state to do so. Other lawsuits have surfaced in Florida and Arkansas. In New England, Massachusetts’ and Rhode Island’s top election officials have affirmed that Trump will appear on primary ballots if he qualifies. Nicholas Jacobs, a government professor at Colby College in Waterville, said that to some political scientists, Bellows’s decision amounts to “constitutional hardball,” where acts that are technically legal may “fly in the face” of the stability the US Constitution is meant to ensure. As a result, the electorate may grow more divided and possibly more distrustful of how elections are run. “This is fueling a longstanding narrative of ‘the two Maines,’ ” Jacobs said. “There is a political group that caters to the newcomers in the south of the state, then the rest of Maine. That is a pretty tragic consequence of this.” Jeffrey Selinger, a political professor at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, said while constitutional qualifications to serve as president are often “clear and easy,” such as a candidate being at least 35 years old, the clause in question in the Maine case contains ambiguity. If a critical mass of people lose faith in the legitimacy of an election that doesn’t include a leading GOP candidate, it can be “corrosive,” Selinger said, causing what he described as a “rupture [in trust] that is not easy to mend.” Advertisement “If it became a common sense among a majority of people that a legitimate candidate who is popular was denied access to the ballot and as a result, someone else won, it’s hard to predict how that grievance would be expressed,” he said. While most states have a winner-take-all policy, Maine and Nebraska divide electoral votes based on the winner in each of its congressional districts, and then reserve two at-large votes based on the statewide popular vote. Trump won one of Maine’s four electoral votes in 2016 and in 2020. Many Mainers who disagree with Bellows said Trump not being on the ballot would limit their rights. “People feel [Bellows] is not in a position to unilaterally take away someone’s right to be on the ballot,” said Kerry McKim, chair of the Hancock County Republican Party. “I think it sets a dangerous precedent for our elections and how free and open they really are.” Hancock County is in Maine’s Second Congressional District, which voted for Trump in both 2016 and 2020. Bridget Barrows, a registered Republican who owns a property management business, doesn’t closely follow political news or events, and didn’t vote in the last two presidential elections. But she said voters should have the ultimate decision on Trump. “I have friends that would vote for Trump and I have friends that would not, and I don’t really pay attention either way,” said Barrows, who is 40. “But I do feel bad that my friends who would vote for him can’t. I don’t think that’s fair.” Advertisement Bridget Barrows, 40, said: "I do feel bad that my friends who would vote for him can’t. I don’t think that’s fair.” Michael G. Seamans Dana Pooler, a retiree living in Vassalboro, is a lifelong Republican who supported Trump in 2016 and 2020. He called Trump the “best president we’ve ever had.” Pooler, 69, said he planned to vote for Trump in the primary, and he’s deeply upset that he might not have the chance to do so. “It’s unconstitutional,” he said. “I think it’s against the law, she has no right to do that.” Zachary Toth, a commercial plumber living in Oxford, said he sent Bellows a long message on Facebook expressing his concern. He said if Trump were facing insurrection charges, or a conviction, he would feel differently. “I think that anybody who is sworn to uphold and defend the Constitution can look at this and see that it’s not constitutional,” Toth, 34, said. “He’s never been convicted of it.” Zachary Toth 34, of Oxford, said: I think that anybody who is sworn to uphold and defend the Constitution can look at this and see that it’s not constitutional." Michael G. Seamans But Jim Webb, a retiree who describes himself as a “flaming liberal,” said the law is clear: Trump can’t be on the ballot. “It’s called the 14th Amendment. We can’t choose what amendments we decided to obey,” Webb said in an interview in Augusta. “There are interpretations, but that’s our secretary of state’s interpretation of the 14th Amendment. Period, end of argument.” Brenna Giannetti, a homemaker from the Portland suburb of Windham, also said she was happy with Bellows’s decision. Although Giannetti typically votes for Democrats, she said she voted for Trump in 2016 because she was looking for a positive change. But his time as president flipped her opinion. ”He cooked his own goose,” Giannetti, 54, said. “He definitely does not belong running for office, let alone being in office.” Samantha J. Gross can be reached at samantha.gross@globe.com. Follow her @samanthajgross. Niki Griswold can be reached at niki.griswold@globe.com. Follow her @nikigriswold.

1b6f046ff0a0997d370a6bb9ef91b57b

0business

Low pay could hamper new MassHealth doula services, advocates say

Massachusetts’ state-funded health care system, MassHealth, announced Friday they will offer doula services for pregnant, birthing and postpartum people next spring. But many advocates remain concerned about potential barriers for doulas, including low reimbursement rates and MassHealth not offering reimbursement for travel. Doulas are individuals who are trained to support a birthing person before, during and after pregnancy. They provide emotional, physical and educational support. Kate Symmonds, staff attorney at the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, said while the rate of pay that MassHealth is offering may be what some doulas are currently charging in the Commonwealth for their care, it’s not enough to ensure the long term stability and success of MassHealth’s program.

8df111a7b294b12de8528c8c152e51c3

4politics

This Years Iowa Caucuses are Ice-Cold

It’s the Friday before Caucus Day, and in any other year, Iowa would be humming: candidates racing across the state, answering questions in living rooms, coffee shops and high school gyms. Last-minute get-out-the-vote speeches. Volunteers knocking on doors and handing out leaflets on street corners and in shopping malls. Not this year. Iowa was shut down today, under the threat of a worst-in-a-decade forecast of blinding blizzards and bitter cold. The high temperatures of zero predicted earlier this week now seem positively toasty, compared with what is promised for the days and nights ahead. Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida, soldiered out for one event Friday morning before throwing in the shovel, so to speak. Nikki Haley, the former United Nations ambassador, scratched her in-person schedule, moving the campaign from living rooms to Zoom. Donald Trump is due here on Saturday; stay tuned. “This is about the worst weather I remember for the Iowa caucuses,” said Gordon Fischer, a former Democratic Party state leader, who has lived in Iowa for 40 years.

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1crime

Jeffrey Epstein court documents released with names unsealed

1. How relevant is this ad to you? Video player was slow to load content Video content never loaded Ad froze or did not finish loading Video content did not start after ad Audio on ad was too loud Other issues

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3entertainment

How to watch On Patrol: Live new episodes for free Dec. 1-2 on Reelz

The Reelz series “On Patrol: Live” continues with new episodes on Friday, Dec. 1 and Saturday, Dec. 2 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT both evenings, going for three hours apiece. Those without cable can catch the latest installments of “On Patrol: Live” for free through either Philo or DirecTV Stream, each of which offer a free trial to new users. According to the show’s IMDb description it “follows the everyday lives of police officers on patrol from diverse departments across America,” and is hosted by Dan Abrams, Sean “Sticks” Larkin and Curtis Wilson. The series premiered in July 2022, according to a trailer for the series, in which Larkin explains the series take “an unfiltered look at what police officers do,” with Wilson adding “anything can happen, when it’s live.” Reelz added that police departments featured on the show represent every region of the country from the North to the South and from the East Coast to the West Coast and everywhere in between including rural, urban and suburban areas. How can I watch “On Patrol: Live″ on Reelz without cable? You can watch the series through Reelz on Philo or on DirecTV Stream, each of which offer a free trial for new users. What is Philo? Philo is an over-the-top internet live TV streaming service that offers 60+ entertainment and lifestyle channels, like AMC, BET, MTV, Comedy Central and more, for the budget-friendly price of $25/month. What is DirecTV Stream? The streaming platform offers a plethora of content including streaming the best of live and On Demand, starting with more than 75 live TV channels.

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4politics

What supporters and detractors said of Claudine Gays resignation

Gov. Maura Healey’s new chair of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, who just engineered the ouster of executive director David Gibbons, faced accusations of being a “stumbling block” to diversity while she was a top official in Boston Mayor Martin Walsh’s administration. Emme Handy, former Chief Financial Officer under Walsh, came under fire after a long-awaited 703-page city report found that few city contracts went to businesses owned by people of color. The findings were so bad that the head of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts called on Handy and another top Walsh official to be fired and called them “stumbling blocks” to diversity. “Bold leadership is required to immediately correct this systemic problem,” the council said in a statement reported by the Bay State Banner. Despite that, Handy, who has since left city government, was picked by Healey to chair the MCCA in a board shakeup that eventually led to Gibbons – who made $316,000 in 2022 – agreeing to a “mutual” parting of the ways on Tuesday even though he has a year left on his contract. The Herald first reported that the shake-up was pending and that Healey would likely replace Gibbons with someone of her choosing. “During this transition to new leadership, the Board will continue its critical work to foster diversity, equity and inclusion at the MCCA,” Handy said in a statement. “The Board has an expansive and positive vision for the Authority and is committed to launching a transparent and inclusive search to identify the next Executive Director who will share that vision and bring it to life.” The big question now is will Healey and the board lead a real nationwide search for someone with convention experience or pick a politically-connected candidate like City Councilor Michael Flaherty, who is on the MCCA board and is angling to get the plum executive director job. The MCCA is one of the crown jewels of the Massachusetts hackerama and has long been known as a patronage haven. But the board will now be under pressure to pick someone of color to replace Gibbons, who actually wasn’t politically connected and was a hospitality executive when he took over the top job eight years ago. But he earned the ire of Flaherty and state Sen. Nick Collins with some of his development decisions and has had a target on his back for the last year. Gibbons and Handy tangled earlier this year over the executive director’s plan to develop a chunk of land owned by the MCCA in South Boston. That plan was nixed by the newly appointed board just last week, in an at times tense meeting during which Handy said the process for choosing a project developer was not transparent and would need to begin again. Gibbons’s fate was also sealed by a report commissioned by the MCCA earlier this year that found that Black and Hispanic employees were stuck in the lower echelon of the MCCA organization and “tend to feel isolated or marginalized.” The report commissioned by the MCCA to address allegations of racism also found that under Gibbons the authority was “much more focused on financial bottom line” than on racial inclusion. But the report found that some explosive allegations, like the MCCA discriminating against Black vendors, were unfounded.

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6sports

Chiefs Andy Reid admits WR was offsides after calling play embarrassing

Andy Reid has changed his tune on Kadarius Toney’s offsides penalty. The wide receiver was lined up with the center before he caught a lateral pass from Travis Kelce. Toney ran into end zone and appeared to give the Kansas City Chiefs a lead in the final minutes of their game against the Buffalo Bills. The officials ruled Toney was offsides, which negated the touchdown. The Chiefs ultimately lost, 20-17 at Arrowhead Stadium. After the game, Reid was upset with the call and the fact he didn’t receive a warning from the referees. “It’s a bit embarrassing in the National Football League for that to take place,” Reid told reporters. “Normally, if it’s even close, you get a warning. I don’t know. I didn’t have a protractor out there. I’ve been in the league for a long time. Haven’t had one like that.” BET ANYTHING GET $250 BONUS ESPN BET CLAIM OFFER MASS 21+ and present in MA, NJ, PA, VA, MD, WV, TN, LA, KS, KY, CO, AZ, IL, IA, IN, OH, MI. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. Maybe if Reid had that protractor, he would have seen what many others who tuned in saw. But the Chiefs coached admitted Toney was indeed offsides when he met with reporters Monday. “Listen, normally he looks over to the sideline and just gets an OK,” Reid said. “And on that, he just happened not to. So that would be the coaching. Just make sure you check with the guy on the side just to see if you’re aligned. I mean, he’s not lining up offsides on purpose. “He was two inches or an inch from being legal. You can argue both sides of it for both teams. ... I guess the league is trying to clean that up, from what I heard. I don’t know. Whatever.” NFL official Carl Cheffers told pool reporter Matt Derrick of Chiefs Digest that a warning is given out at the discretion of the referees. And because Toney was being offsides was “egregious,” it was “beyond a warning.” Reid admitted he wasn’t making excuses or blaming the refs for making the call. But admitted he was “disappointed” because Reid has a “good working relationship” with the officials and didn’t get any communication from them Sunday. “Do we need to line up right? Yeah,” Reid told reporters. “We can’t put it in the officials hands.” The Chiefs have to put it behind them, though, and prepare for their next AFC opponent when they travel to Gillette Stadium on Sunday to take on the New England Patriots.

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4politics

Survey: Children in state struggling to access behavioral health care

It’s the perfect post-pandemic storm: an increase of children needing behavioral health care and a decrease in available clinicians. A survey conducted by the Association for Behavioral Healthcare found that children in the state are waiting longer for behavioral health services. For instance, there is an average wait of 20.5 weeks for families seeking in-home therapy with MassHealth (the state’s Medicaid program), and those with private health insurance must wait even longer with an average of 26.5 weeks for those types of services. The survey said clinician shortages are hampering children’s ability to receive behavioral health help. “Massachusetts has an impressive system of home- and community-based mental health services for families with public and commercial health coverage, but that system is on paper only,” said the report released in December describing the survey results. “Children are suffering because we are failing to invest in services and in the workforce.” Association for Behavioral Healthcare is an organization that represents over 80 community-based mental health and addiction treatment organizations. Its survey, which it conducted in July, was answered by 30 organizations that run 208 sites across Massachusetts and found that “as many as 3,300 families were waiting to receive services at the end of Fiscal Year 2022.” Lydia Conley, president and CEO of the Association for Behavioral Healthcare, explained that if children are not given the resources when they initially need them, the children’s needs can become acute while waiting for care. In response to the federal litigation Rosie D. v. Romney, the state created the Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative for children with MassHealth to provide services such as in-home therapy and behavioral health services. In 2019, a similar standard of services was required for those with private insurance, called Behavioral Health for Children and Adolescents. The Association for Behavioral Healthcare survey notes that due to unclear guidelines from private insurance companies, “There is less incentive to accept families with commercial insurance, creating a two-tier system as to who accesses and receives CBHI services within the Commonwealth.” Meanwhile, the number of children the system is treating has not returned to pre-pandemic levels, the survey found. “To date, utilization of these services has not rebounded, due to diminished provider capacity. ... By the end of May 2023, respondents reported approximately 32% fewer children and families than pre-pandemic levels received these same services,” the report says. Wages for clinicians are a factor, the survey noted. Many of the services provided by Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative are based in an in-home setting to involve family members and caretakers. These appointments are often conducted on nights and weekends and present more complexities than in-office appointments, yet the wages paid are significantly lower than those for in-office or remote clinicians. As of August 2023, state officials have invested $70 million into the initiative, but Conley said, “it is not sufficient to elevate salaries to attract and keep staff.” As a result, about 756 staff positions are sitting vacant, and difficulties finding financing and staff have caused program closures. Between the 2019 to the 2023 fiscal years, the report said, six in-home behavioral services programs, 15 therapeutic mentoring programs and 17 in-home therapy programs have closed. In addition to the state’s Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform, the Association for Behavioral Healthcare provided specific recommendations in order to meet the needs of families in the communities. It suggested providing sustainable rates for clinicians, paying a rate differential for non-English services, eliminating provider referrals, investing in outpatient services, implementing loan repayment awards and scholarships to attract and retain clinicians and reducing unnecessary administrative work for clinicians. Katherine Mague, senior vice president of Behavioral Health Network, confirmed that as one of the organizations that reported to the Association for Behavioral Healthcare’s survey and provides services to youths in both Hampden and Hampshire counties, the findings are spot on. “There was an exodus of staff during the pandemic and hiring back has been hard,” Mague said. “Kids come in with much more acute conditions now than before. This is a real mental health crisis and it’s now harder to do the work with many more needing it.” If you or someone you know is looking for help, call or text the Behavioral Health Help Line at 833-773-2445.

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4politics

Opinion | Want to Tax the Rich for Real? Pay Attention to This Supreme Court Case.

At the founding of the Republic, the Constitution gave Congress a broad power to “lay and collect taxes” of all kinds. The Constitution required only that taxes be “uniform” and that “direct taxes” — taxes like a head tax that it makes sense to apportion to the states by population — be apportioned by population, accounting for enslaved people according to the infamous three-fifths clause. There was no forbidden category of taxes, no rule that said “no taxes on income” or “no taxes on wealth.” What to tax and how much were questions for Congress. Direct taxes were those that could be apportioned by population without defeating their purpose — not an income tax or a wealth tax, because numbers of people “do not afford a just estimate or rule of wealth,” as the Supreme Court ruled in a 1796 case. The Supreme Court reaffirmed this original understanding, repeatedly and forcefully, for 100 years. In 1895 a single case upended this history and tradition. In Pollock v. Farmers’ Loan and Trust Company, a 5-to-4 majority struck down the income tax. The ostensible rationale was that an income tax was a direct tax — a tax that would have to be apportioned by population, which it could not be, since some states have more per capita income than others. Therefore, the income tax fell into a newly invented, Supreme Court-devised loophole, a tax that Congress cannot constitutionally enact at all. The backlash against the court was sustained and furious. Public outrage was fueled by the outrage of the court’s own dissenters. The Pollock majority had complained that the income tax unfairly singled out the rich, but the dissenters pointed out that it was the majority that was creating a special privileged class of rich people who were now constitutionally protected from tax. The court’s reckless new doctrine, declared Justice John Marshall Harlan, not only betrayed the original understanding of the tax power and a century of precedent; it also granted the wealthiest Americans “power and influence” that would leave ordinary citizens “subjected to the dominion of aggregated wealth.”

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1crime

Woman seen beating dog with glass bottle arrested near Boston Common, police say

A woman was left with life-threatening injuries after a shooting in Boston late Friday, according to police. Officers responded to a report of a person shot in the area of 30 Business St. in the Hyde Park neighborhood of the city around 10 p.m. Friday. The woman was found with gunshot wounds, Boston Police Sgt. John Boyle told MassLive. The woman was taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for her life-threatening injuries, according to Boyle. No arrests had been made as of Saturday morning, Boyle said. No further details regarding the shooting were immediately released to the public by authorities Saturday morning.

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7weather

Snow possible in Western and Central Massachusetts on Tuesday

Snow is possible in the Berkshires and the Worcester Hills on Tuesday as precipitation from a Sunday night storm continues, according to a National Weather Service forecaster. The storm, which will hit Massachusetts Sunday, is expected to reach its peak early Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service. It could cause power outages, especially in the eastern parts of the state, and flooding, especially in the western part. But precipitation from the storm is expected to continue through Tuesday night. As temperatures drop in the afternoon and overnight on Tuesday, higher elevations in central and western Massachusetts have a chance of snow, according to a weather service forecaster. Berkshire County has the highest chance of experiencing snow, with cities like Pittsfield and North Adams having a 50% chance after 2 p.m. on Tuesday, and a 20% after 11 p.m. Some snow is possible after 7 p.m. Monday, but it will be amidst rain, which should take over in the morning, according to the weather service. These areas could receive up to an inch of snow. Northern Worcester and Middlesex Counties could also experience some snow amidst the rain, but will likely see less than an inch, according to a weather service forecaster. While the highest elevations could see some snow during the day Tuesday, Worcester and areas north of the city, as far east as Acton, Lowell and Lawrence and as far west as Orange, have a 30% chance of snow between 8 p.m. and midnight on Tuesday. Temperatures during the day Tuesday are expected to be in the low to mid 40s before dropping into the high 20s overnight, according to the weather service. The rest of the week should see temperatures in the low 40s and upper 30s with clear skies.

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0business

The legacy of Boston redevelopment director Stephen Coyle

Take out the “possibly” and the “almost” and that he was. He was also a tough negotiator. Back in 1985, I wrote a profile of Stephen F. Coyle that kicked off with the director of what was then called the Boston Redevelopment Authority walking out of his office while quoting William Butler Yeats: “Those that I fight I do not hate, Those that I guard I do not love.” The piece went on to state that Coyle was “uniformly described as intelligent, possibly brilliant, almost seductively charming, an intellectual with vision and a planner who could translate broad concepts into real policy.” Advertisement Coyle, who died Dec. 18 at age 78 in his home in Vienna, Va., served as BRA director from 1984 to 1992 during the administration of Mayor Ray Flynn. That’s a long time ago. But in Boston he is remembered for a legacy measured not by buildings but by his vision for what those buildings could generate: open space and neighborhood investment, character and soul. Get The Primary Source Globe Opinion's weekly take on politics, delivered every Wednesday. Enter Email Sign Up “He raised the visibility of planning and development in Boston,” said Chris Grace, who met Coyle at Stanford Law School and served as chief of staff at the BRA during Coyle’s tenure. “He took a holistic approach that took into account many different factors.” That included the approval process, who benefitted from it and who did not; along with issues that had not been considered before, such as shadow, wind, and how design could either complement or disrupt the space around it. Coyle was always on the people’s side. “He was a poor kid from Waltham who made good. He was not part of the elite mindset,” Grace said. “He was a tough, brilliant street kid who knew how to fight for what he believed in. He believed in the city and getting things done for the public.” Advertisement Under Coyle, the city committed to public access to the harbor. He set up a civic design commission and hired architects and planners to professionalize the BRA (now called the Boston Planning & Development Agency). He slowed down the development pipeline so more careful thought went into what was being built, and he made sure the city got something in return. Working with Bruce Bolling, Boston’s first Black City Council president, he pushed the concept known as linkage, which required developers who wanted to build downtown to also build in less sought-after neighborhoods. He took it a step further by requiring developers to hire people of color at all levels of a project, from developer to construction worker. “Those that I fight I do not hate, Those that I guard I do not love.” Thanks to this creative approach, Coyle gained a national reputation as overseer of a Boston planning and development renaissance. Meanwhile, on the ninth floor of Boston City Hall, the planning director bounced along in sneakers long before that was typical office footwear and went to bat for so many people that Grace said the staff used to joke, “You can’t leave him alone in the elevator, he might hire someone.” But Coyle was not all sweetness and Yeats. In California, he worked for renowned architect John Carl Warnecke, and as BRA director, he was demanding. He forced developers to hire new architects if he didn’t like what he saw. After the Central Artery was buried underground by the Big Dig, he made sure the land above it turned into the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway rather than into a strip of tall buildings. He famously challenged developer Don Chiofaro over his design plans for International Place. “Steve Coyle did what he thought was in the best interests of the city, and in the end I agreed,” Chiofaro told me. Only the smaller part of tower one has Palladium windows, which Coyle hated. The second tower has none. Still, after their battles, “Steve became a great friend. He knew our business because it was his business as well,” Chiofaro said. Advertisement Having served as Waltham’s youngest city councilor, and also as director of the housing authorities in Waltham and Dedham, Coyle was a seasoned politician whose motto, Grace said, was, “It’s easier to seek forgiveness than permission.” He pushed hard, sometimes against the mayor who appointed him. That profile I wrote quotes Flynn as saying Coyle had a tendency to “move too fast.” But the result was what long-time housing activist Lew Finfer calls “a BIG life.” As just one illustration, Finfer cites Coyle’s aggressive move to take an undeveloped parcel in the West End that developer Jerome Rappaport had not yet used for luxury housing. After Rappaport lost a court battle to get it back, Coyle gave development rights to the Archdiocese of Boston, which used it to build some affordable housing. About that Yeats quote: It is from “An Irish Airman Foresees His Death” and ends with these lines “A lonely impulse of delight, Drove to this tumult in the clouds; I balanced all, brought all to mind, The years to come seemed waste of breath, A waste of breath the years behind, In balance with this life, this death.” Advertisement From Boston’s perspective, there was no waste in Coyle’s impulse. Joan Vennochi is a Globe columnist. She can be reached at joan.vennochi@globe.com. Follow her @joan_vennochi.

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2culture

Ailey Looks Back to Black Joy and Longing With 1930s Jazz

The dancers don’t so much step onto the stage in Amy Hall Garner’s “Century” as burst within it like a glitter bomb, showering the space in pink and gold. For “Century,” her first work for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, performed on Friday at New York City Center, it’s clear that Garner doesn’t merely know a party when she sees one — she knows how to dream one up. A metallic curtain hangs in the back as dancers, looking like fuchsia flowers, vibrate from their shoulders to their feet like petals caught in a breeze. Wearing dresses featuring feathered skirts and striped bustiers and, for the men, tight pants and short-sleeve shirts so form fitting that they could be painted on, the dancers are clearly committed to a celebration. But Garner adds another element to their flash: breathtaking speed. A rising choreographer who will present a new work at New York City Ballet this spring, Garner, here, takes inspiration from her family. She regards “Century” as an early birthday present to her grandfather Henry Spooner — he turns 100 on Dec. 30 — and has built a score for it based on his taste, which includes songs by Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Rebirth Brass Band from New Orleans. One section ends with a voice-over by Spooner that speaks to his longevity: “Why my life was extended I don’t know and I don’t question it. Something must be doing good, I’m still here.”