All of the headlines from today's paper.
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Today's Headlines

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Page one

Health

The flu is walloping Mass. in unusual second surge of the season: ‘It’s like a tsunami’

Disease experts worry the spike may provide bird flu a foothold to more easily infect people. Continue reading →

Vermont

Funding frozen, a Vermont USAID contractor let go 76 employees, and is left with more than $3 million in unpaid invoices

The consulting firm's leadership has taken a pay cut, and its cofounder said he has dipped into his personal savings to keep the company afloat. Continue reading →

Health

‘A clear case of censorship’: Trump’s attacks on DEI have upended scientific research

A flurry of Trump orders has put health researchers in the federal government’s crosshairs, and left many with an ethical dilemma. Continue reading →

Housing

In dramatic overhaul, Cambridge becomes one of the first cities in Mass. to eliminate single-family zoning

Cambridge will now allow buildings up to six stories to be built in neighborhoods across the city, a plan designed to help put a dent in the region's housing crisis. Continue reading →

World

Netanyahu threatens to resume fighting in Gaza if hostages aren’t released Saturday

Hamas said that it planned to delay the release of three more hostages after accusing Israel of failing to meet the terms of the cease-fire. Continue reading →

Boston Globe Today

Setback for Karen Read

WATCH: The SJC rejected her lawyers' motion to drop two charges. Reporter Travis Andersen breaks down the impact. Watch →

The vegan cult linked to the VT border shooting

WATCH: Investigative reporter Hanna Krueger explains the origins and machinations of the small extremist group linked to multiple murders across the country. Watch →

USAID could be worth saving

WATCH: Starting Point writer Ian Prasad Philbrick makes the case that the decades-old international program has bipartisan value. Watch →

The Nation

Politics

DOGE cuts $900 million from agency that tracks American students' academic progress

It’s unclear to what degree the Education Department’s Institute of Education Sciences will continue to exist after Musk’s team slashed scores of contracts. Industry groups said at least 169 contracts were suddenly terminated Monday, accounting for much of the institute's work. Continue reading →

Nation

Animal shelters offer Valentine’s Day sleepovers, sloppy kisses included

No-kill animal shelters across the United States will provide pet food, beds, litter boxes, toys, and heart-shaped treats during their first Valentine’s Day pet sleepover for homeless pets. Continue reading →

Nation

‘I was dying’: Salman Rushdie testifies about terrifying stabbing attack

At first, Rushdie said, he thought he was being punched. But then he became aware of “a very large quantity of blood pouring out onto my clothes.” Continue reading →

The World

World

The Islamic State has regrouped in Somalia — and has global ambitions

Puntland’s soldiers are now locked in a grinding fight, one with major international implications, but without much Western support. Continue reading →

World

Russia releases US prisoner after talks with Trump envoy

Marc Fogel, a teacher who was arrested on charges of bringing medical marijuana into Russia in 2021, was flown out of the country on an American envoy's plane. Continue reading →

World

JD Vance rails against ‘excessive regulation’ of AI at Paris summit

In his first foreign trip as vice president, JD Vance said the Trump administration will “ensure that AI systems developed in America are free from ideological bias,” and that the United States would “never restrict our citizens’ right to free speech.” Continue reading →

Editorial & Opinion

OPINION

A harsh immigration crackdown is a strange way to show love

JD Vance invokes religion to defend the indefensible. Continue reading →

EDITORIAL

Massachusetts Senate makes a stab at transparency

Question remains: Will the House go along with even these modest reforms? Continue reading →

OPINION

As Trump attacks LGBTQ rights, Republicans quietly accept an out Cabinet secretary’s sexuality

That’s not progress. It’s hypocrisy. Continue reading →

Metro

Crime & Courts

Former FBI agents and BPD brass part of team investigating death of MSP recruit Enrique Delgado-Garcia

Attorney General Andrea Campbell tapped veteran litigator David Meier to lead an independent investigation after Enrique Delgado-Garcia died in September, following a boxing training exercise at the State Police Academy. Continue reading →

Politics

Verbal sparring and awkward silences: DiZoglio’s push for audit of Legislature is not going smoothly

Massachusetts Senate leaders peppered staff from state Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s office with questions over a 90-meeting meeting Tuesday about her proposed audit of the Legislature. Continue reading →

Transportation

Trump wants transportation funding tied to marriage and birth rates. That’s bad news for Massachusetts.

Some have interpreted the memo as a ploy to divert federal funding away from blue states, like Massachusetts, and direct it to red states. Continue reading →

Sports

CHESTO MEANS BUSINESS

A new soccer stadium is slated for Everett. What are the options for public transit?

Everett officials have been meeting with the state and reps from Wynn Resorts, The Davis Cos., and The Kraft Group to plot out transportation fixes. Continue reading →

4 Nations Face-Off

Bruins players have to put friendships and rivalries aside during the 4 Nations Face-Off

There will be no on-ice niceties for Jeremy Swayman and Charlie McAvoy (Team USA), Brad Marchand (Team Canada), and Elias Lindholm (Team Sweden). Continue reading →

Beanpot

BU men’s hockey had a stellar 2024, but ‘we didn’t really raise any trophies.’ That made their Beanpot win even sweeter.

The Terriers got would get the signature win that eluded them last season, and did it with two of last year's stars — Macklin Celebrini and Lane Hutson — cheering them on. Continue reading →

Business

Technology

Federal judge upholds Massachusetts automotive right-to-repair law

Automakers quickly said they may appeal the decision to a higher court, which means the legal wrangling could continue. Continue reading →

CHESTO MEANS BUSINESS

A new soccer stadium is slated for Everett. What are the options for public transit?

Everett officials have been meeting with the state and reps from Wynn Resorts, The Davis Cos., and The Kraft Group to plot out transportation fixes. Continue reading →

Business

Do-it-yourself home blood tests may be available next year from this Burlington company

By 2026, SiPhox Health expects to field a service that’ll let people conduct blood tests in their homes and see results in about an hour. Continue reading →

Obituaries

Obituaries

Cleveland Harris, NFL coach who pushed for diversity, dies at 79

As one of the NFL’s top running-back coaches, Cleveland Harris had a reputation for getting the best out of his players, who revered him. Continue reading →

Arts & Lifestyle

Lifestyle

Most US kids aren’t gaining fast enough in reading and math. Some schools are different.

An analysis of state and national assessment test scores finds a few bright spots, along with evidence that interventions like tutoring and summer programs are working. Continue reading →

Music

MIT launches Artfinity Festival by opening new music building

The new building’s 390-seat concert hall will host world premiere performances by several university ensembles on Saturday evening. Continue reading →

LOVE LETTERS

A guide for the dumped

Suzy Hopkins and Hallie Bateman explain their new book for people going through breakup grief (and those who love them). Continue reading →