The Boston Globe publishes thousands of stories each year, but only a select few capture the public’s attention for weeks on end. The Secret Lives of Shelby Hewitt: 32 year old high school imposter is one such story—a fascinating tale of a 32-year-old woman who posed as a teenager to re-enroll in high school. This deep dive reveals the ripple effects on the schools, the Department of Children and Families, and the lives of those deceived by her audacious con. Prepare to be captivated by the first installment in a series that uncovers the shocking truth behind the masquerade.To read more about what happened to Shelby Hewitt and all those who were affected by her deception catch up on all of Patricia Wen’s reporting: A new twist in the saga of Shelby Hewitt, high school imposter ‘I lied to you about something big’: Confessions of Shelby Hewitt, high school imposterClick here to support more local journalism and audio offerings from the Boston Globe.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In part three of this collaboration with WNYC’s On The Media, the deep history of Harvard and the distinctly American idea of “diversity” is the hidden subtext for much of the recent strife. For most of the past half-century, the academy (and the business world) has embraced a concept of diversity as a social good.That concept, was developed at Harvard and endorsed by the Supreme Court, until the high court ended race-based affirmative action in 2023. This episode also looks at what’s in store for universities as the incoming Trump-Vance administration promises to pressure them to change curricula.  To check out more Boston Globe reporting on Harvard and Claudine Gay and support more high quality journalism click here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this engaging discussion, Aaron Sibarium, a reporter from the Washington Free Beacon known for his insights into college controversies, delves into the allegations of plagiarism against Harvard's new president, Claudine Gay. He highlights the political fallout and scrutiny she faces, emphasizing the ongoing debate over 'diversity hires.' The conversation also tackles tensions between academic integrity and DEI initiatives, alongside critiques of how cultural issues, like critical race theory, shape the educational landscape. Expect a thought-provoking exploration of higher education's current challenges!

In part one of this collaboration with WNYC’s On The Media, Claudine Gay’s history-making inauguration as Harvard’s first Black president in September 2023 is seen by many as an inspirational moment for the university. But by December 2023, that hope sours as her presidency becomes a proxy battleground for American culture wars After war breaks out in the Middle East, Gay struggles to navigate  bitter campus  protests over war, anti-semitism, free speech, and the proper role of the university. The tensions are on full display when Gay testifies under oath, providing legalistic answers to outraged members of Congress. Claudine Gay’s short tenure as Harvard’s 30th president, a job she started two days  after the Supreme Court struck down Harvard’s program of race-based affirmative action, is seen by some as a symbol of what’s wrong with diversity efforts. It’s also a warning to all colleges and universities, who face a hostile incoming administration which has pledged to use its power to bring them into line.This series slows down the whipsaw chain of events to bring listeners direct eyewitness accounts of what happened, from professors, wealthy donors, and spiritual leaders.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Universities have become a battlefield in the American culture wars in a way that’s dramatic and new. In the past year, Congress subpoenaed and investigated the inner workings of private colleges for the first time; four ivy league presidents quit their jobs amid mounting pressure and many institutions rolled back their commitments to be welcoming places for all. Meanwhile, President-elect Trump campaigned to “reclaim” universities from the “Marxist maniacs and lunatics.” This series brings all of that into focus by examining the short, troubled tenure of Harvard’s 30th president, Claudine Gay. She started the job two days after the Supreme Court struck down Harvard’s program of race-based affirmative action. By the time Gay resigned, she had been tarred as a symbol of what’s wrong with diversity efforts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Donald Trump is poised to become the 47th president of the United States after one of the most turbulent election cycles in modern history. So to make sense of it all, today we’re bringing you a special edition of Boston Globe Today, Boston Globe’s daily news show… I had the pleasure of hosting this post-election 2024 episode. Have a listen for some great analysis from some of the Boston Globe’s best political minds.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A young police officer unexpectedly finds herself back in New Hampshire, and she’s not the same person she was when she left. Something happened to her – to all of us. But for Officer Emelia Campbell, this thing still lives in her brain and her body.Lauren Chooljian of NHPR's Document team brings you Emelia’s story of survival and resilience in the wake of Jan. 6, 2021.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Annalisa Quinn, a Globe Magazine reporter, dives into religious freedom through the lens of the controversial Satanic Temple, co-founded by activist Lucien Greaves. They discuss the temple's provocative public displays and its role as a defender of secularism. Constitutional scholar Steven K. Green adds depth by exploring the historical context of the First Amendment amidst rising Christian nationalism. The conversation touches on how the temple’s legal activism challenges traditional views on religious rights, especially in the wake of the Dobbs decision affecting reproductive rights.

In the epilogue of “The Curse Breakers,” we turn to the fans. Red Sox Nation’s unwavering loyalty fueled the team's historic run in 2004. This episode brings their unforgettable stories to life: a daughter surprises her father with World Series tickets gifted by a Red Sox player. A husband shares how his wife, who was battling cancer, found much-needed escape in watching each night. We also hear the incredible story of a baby born during Game 4 of the World Series as the Sox secured their first championship in 86 years — symbolizing both new life and renewed hope.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The debut episode of “The Curse Breakers” chronicles the history of the Boston Red Sox, from the start of the ball club and the trade of Babe Ruth — “The Great Bambino” — through the decades of painful losses leading up to 2003. From humiliating defeat to near misses, the “Curse of the Bambino” haunted the team and its fans with bitter memories of crushing defeats. The episode dives into the Sox's most agonizing moments, setting the stage for the team’s epic comeback. Hear from fans, journalists, and players as they recount the weight of the heartbreak before everything changed.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.