All of the headlines from today's paper.
Friday, May 9, 2025
Today's Headlines

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Page one

World

Robert Prevost, first pope from US in history of the Catholic Church, takes the name Leo XIV

Prevost, a 69-year-old member of the Augustinian religious order and a missionary who spent his career ministering in Peru, also lead the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops. Continue reading →

Politics

In flirting with violating court order, Trump tries to pass the buck to ‘my lawyers’

Legal experts worry that Trump could be laying the groundwork to defy court orders and defend his actions by saying he’s only following legal advice. Continue reading →

Massachusetts

‘That rhetoric is deadly’: Autistic individuals, family members express mixed feelings about RFK Jr.’s comments on autism

RFK's comments about autism spurred a wave of anger, fear, and criticism from some individuals with autism and their families. Others, though, said they would welcome a cure and definitive cause with open arms. Continue reading →

Health

These are the health research grants nixed by the Trump administration

About 20 percent of the grant terminations were for training, fellowship, or career development programs for young scientists. Continue reading →

Nation

On social media, Pope Leo XIV has shared criticism of Trump and Vance over policies

A look back through the newly-elected pope's social media timeline shows numerous posts sharing viewpoints opposed to moves aimed at restricting acceptance of migrants and refugees in the US. Continue reading →

The Nation

Nation

Trump announces trade pact with Britain, in first deal since tariffs

President Trump on Thursday announced a new trade pact with Britain that he touted as likely to be just the first of many agreements with countries around the world, as the administration races to mitigate the damage from its global trade war. Continue reading →

Politics

White House overhaul of troubled US air traffic control system will cost ‘lots of billions’

The plan calls for six new air traffic control centers, along with technology and communications upgrades at all of the nation’s air traffic facilities over the next three years. Continue reading →

Nation

Trump replaces D.C. US attorney Ed Martin with Fox News host Jeanine Pirro

President Trump on Thursday named Fox News host Jeanine Pirro to take over as interim US attorney for D.C., replacing embattled nominee Ed Martin after 15 tumultuous weeks in office. Continue reading →

The World

World

Pakistan and India accuse each other of drone attacks as tensions mount

India and Pakistan accused each other Thursday of further hostile acts, including drone attacks, as the nuclear-armed neighbors edged closer to a head-on military confrontation. Continue reading →

World

Putin and Xi present a united front as they face an unpredictable Trump

President Vladimir Putin of Russia and Xi Jinping, the leader of China, presented their countries as guardians of stability and historical memory Thursday, at a meeting in Moscow a day before celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. Continue reading →

World

World War II ended in Europe 80 years ago. Celebrating V-E Day is now tinged with some dread

On Wednesday, Trump proclaimed Thursday as a day for the United States to celebrate victory in World War II, insisting the country should better recognize its essential role in the war. Continue reading →

Editorial & Opinion

Columns

Can an American pope do a better job addressing the clergy sex abuse crisis?

The US Catholic Church has a zero-tolerance policy around child sexual abuse. How much that will influence the first American pope is unknown. Continue reading →

Editorials

An American pope, for a time of American crisis

Nobody should be expecting the pope to lead the resistance to Trump. But hopefully, Leo XIV, as an American, understands the gravity of the moment in his home country. Continue reading →

Letters

Trump supporters don’t deserve voter’s remorse

The wringing of hands about Democrats no longer connecting with working people and the persistent focus on economic woes distract from why Trump voters continue to support him. Continue reading →

Metro

Massachusetts

Boston faithful welcome first US-born pontiff, including his former Villanova classmate: ‘He was wicked smart’

“We have a pope! I join with Catholics in the Archdiocese of Boston and throughout the world, along with people of good will, in celebrating the election of Pope Leo XIV as the new Holy Father,” Henning said. Continue reading →

Vermont

Maybe a US-born pope is just what the Catholic Church needed to reclaim its moral standing after the sexual abuse crisis

Few thought a US-born cardinal had a chance at being elected pope. But a priest and scholar at Boston College did. Continue reading →

Higher Education

‘That’s my job’: Prominent Harvard professor debates controversial right-wing blogger

Two unlikely opponents — a Harvard professor and a right-wing blogger — squared off in a debate near Harvard Yard earlier this week about the fate of democracy and the future of higher education. Continue reading →

Sports

Celtics

Game 2 loss to the Knicks showed that the Celtics learned nothing from Game 1. Will Game 3 be any different?

Frankly, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Celtics won this series in six games. But they’ve created an unnecessary situation where they’re going to have to expend maximum energy. Continue reading →

Red Sox

Rafael Devers firmly rejects the Red Sox’ proposal that he switch positions again, this time to first base

“I don’t feel that they stayed true to their word," he said. "They told me that I was going to be playing this position, DH, and now they’re going back on that." Continue reading →

Patriots

Things ended badly in some of Stefon Diggs’s previous stops. Can he now be the veteran mentor the young Patriots need?

After a cameo with the Texans last season, Diggs stands on the cusp of a new chapter, this one with the Patriots after signing a three-year, $69 million free agent deal. Continue reading →

Business

Economy

A change to real estate commissions was supposed to transform the housing market. It hasn’t happened.

Despite legal settlements and new rules, home sellers are still footing the same 5-6 percent fees. Here’s why little has changed. Continue reading →

Finance

Former N.H. governor Chris Sununu joins New York VC firm to help oversee investments

Sununu is teaming up with a former MIT classmate to vet startups for a new venture fund, Scope Labs Capital. Continue reading →

Business

Former Wayfair worker loses age discrimination lawsuit

Richard DiBona sued the online furniture retailer after he was fired in 2020. Continue reading →

Obituaries

Obituaries

With empathy, sense of adventure, and touch of mischief, Molly McGovern collected friends and left behind a raft of memories

McGovern, who was 23, died last month in Italy. "Her presence always brought joy into the world," said her father, Representative James McGovern. Continue reading →

Obituaries

Clarence O. Smith, a cofounder of Essence magazine, is dead at 92

With market research and personal charisma, Mr. Smith helped overcome deep skepticism among advertisers for a product targeting affluent Black women in the United States. Continue reading →

Obituaries

Odile de Vasselot, teenage aristocrat in the French Resistance, dies at 103

She began modestly,tearing down the propaganda posters of the Germans and their French Vichy-regime confederates. By the war’s end, she was going on dangerous nocturnal missions helping to secure the safety of Allied airmen. Continue reading →

Arts & Lifestyle

Parenting

In 2012, I made a motherhood wish list for my son. Thirteen years later, here are my updates.

The lessons I wished for still stand, but there’s so much more to parenting. Lessons for both of us. Turns out I had a lot to learn, too. Continue reading →

TRAVEL

Three New England destinations where moms can find adventure, relaxation, and a little luxury

There’s no need to buy her a plane ticket. New England has it all, whether she’s a culture maven, art lover, outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a scenic view. Continue reading →

Theater

‘Kimberly Akimbo’ has emotional sweep without losing humor

The latest Broadway In Boston production comes from Mass. native David Lindsay-Abaire. Continue reading →