New story – Narva: On the edge of Europe
October 6, 2022

A fancy limousine for hire with gold rims and a large hood ornament stands in a parking lot near Soviet-era khrushchyovka apartment blocs in Narva, Estonia, on Tue., May 10, 2022. Narva is Europe's easternmost and most Russian city (approximately 95% of the population is Russian) and sits on the border with Russia in northeastern Estonia. The city was practically leveled during World War 2 and was rebuilt with Soviet-style apartment buildings.
Soviet-era khrushchyovka-style apartment blocs are seen reflected in a puddle after a rainstorm in Narva, Estonia, on Thu., May 12, 2022. Narva is Europe's easternmost and most Russian city (approximately 95% of the population is Russian) and sits on the border with Russia in northeastern Estonia. The city was practically leveled during World War 2 and was rebuilt with Soviet-style apartment buildings.
People carry a casket down the steps of the Narva Icon of Our Lady Church, a Russian Orthodox church, after a funeral in Narva, Estonia, on Wed., May 11, 2022. Narva is Europe's easternmost and most Russian city (approximately 95% of the population is Russian) and sits on the border with Russia in northeastern Estonia.
A Soviet-era khrushchyovka-style apartment bloc stands over smaller houses in the outskirts of Narva, Estonia, on Thu., May 12, 2022. Narva is Europe's easternmost and most Russian city (approximately 95% of the population is Russian) and sits on the border with Russia in northeastern Estonia. The city was practically leveled during World War 2 and was rebuilt with Soviet-style apartment buildings.

I’ve just published a new story in the Documentary Projects section of my website. Narva: On the edge of Europe looks at the European Union’s most-Russian city at the time of heightened tension in the Eastern Europe and especially in border regions in the Baltics as Russia continues it’s invasion of Ukraine. I spent a few days there in May 2022. Click through to see the full story. 

An elderly woman looks at produce for sale outside the Grossi shopping complex in Narva, Estonia, on Wed., May 11, 2022. Narva is Europe's easternmost and most Russian city (approximately 95% of the population is Russian) and sits on the border with Russia in northeastern Estonia.
People walk through the empty and abandoned Kreenholm Manufacturing Company textile factory as part of a Russian-language tour of the building in Narva, Estonia, on Thu., May 12, 2022. The Kreenholm mill was built in 1857 by Russian cotton magnate Ludwig Knoop and went bankrupt in 2010. The Narva Museum organizes weekly tours of the facility.
Aleksandr, a cobbler from Baku, Azerbaijan, operates a small shoe repair shop in the corner of buildings where car mechanics work near the abandoned Kreenholm manufacturing facility in Narva, Estonia, on Thu., May 12, 2022. Narva is Europe's easternmost and most Russian city (approximately 95% of the population is Russian) and sits on the border with Russia in northeastern Estonia. Aleksandr says that he's been operating the shop in this location for about 12 years and pays 40 euros per month in rent for the shop. He says that gets his repair materials on periodic trips to Saint Petersburg, Russia, which is only a two-hour car or bus trip from Narva, but that sanctions relating to Russia's invasion of Ukraine have made that difficult in recent months. The materials he uses to repair shoes are much cheaper to purchase in Russia, he says.
Tatjana (pink jacket) and Alexei are a Ukrainian couple from Ukraine who have been living in Narva, Estonia, since 2019, seen here in Narva, Estonia, on Tue., May 10, 2022. Narva is Europe's easternmost and most Russian city (approximately 95% of the population is Russian) and sits on the border with Russia in northeastern Estonia. The couple work in a sushi restaurant with other Ukrainians who've moved to Narva. From 2013 to 2016 they all worked in a sushi restaurant in Kiev, Ukraine, and gradually moved to Narva and all work together in the Estonian city.
People walk along the bridge border crossing over the Narva River from Russia (at right) to Estonia in Narva, Estonia, on Wed., May 11, 2022. Narva is Europe's easternmost and most Russian city (approximately 95% of the population is Russian) and sits on the border with Russia in northeastern Estonia. As tensions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine rise, there have been calls to halt border crossings from Russia to Eastern Europe, including this border crossing.
Pastor Vladimir Sednev delivers a sermon during the weekly Wednesday night worship service at the charismatic Christian Word of God Church in Narva, Estonia, on Wed., May 11, 2022. Word of God is translated as Слово Божье (Slovo Bozhe) in Russian. Though this church is in Estonia, Narva is Europe's most Russian city and the church service was delivered in Russian language rather than Estonian. The worship services are highly produced and streamed live on youtube. The Word of God Church emphasizes the power of prayer and money donation as a part of their faith. This evening's sermon focused on the power of prayer, especially regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. Pastor Sednev spoke about prayer healing different diseases and read scriptures from the Book of Daniel and Book of Isaiah. "I want to be church of prayers," Sednev said during the Russian-language sermon, "I want to pray about prayer.... As I see conflict in Ukraine I want to pray much more." Throughout the sermon Pastor Sednev said he would pray about the people of Ukraine, the people of Russia, the people of Narva, the people of Europe, and other groups.
Aleksandr fishes from the Estonian bank of the Narva River across the river from Russia in Narva, Estonia, on Tue., May 10, 2022. Narva is Europe's easternmost and most Russian city (approximately 95% of the population is Russian) and sits on the border with Russia in northeastern Estonia.
A water tower stands on top of a tall residential apartment building in Narva, Estonia, on Wed., May 11, 2022. Narva is Europe's easternmost and most Russian city (approximately 95% of the population is Russian) and sits on the border with Russia in northeastern Estonia. The city was practically leveled during World War 2 and was rebuilt with Soviet-style apartment buildings. The building was designed by Estonian architect Henno Sepmann and built in 1969.
Lights illuminate individual apartments in run-down looking Soviet-style khrushchyovka apartment buildings in Narva, Estonia, on Wed., May 11, 2022. Narva is Europe's easternmost and most Russian city (approximately 95% of the population is Russian) and sits on the border with Russia in northeastern Estonia. Most of the city was leveled during World War 2 and the city was rebuilt with these Soviet-style apartment blocs.

Recent portraiture on assignment
August 1, 2022

Work permit delays for legal immigrants and asylum seekers for Bloomberg Businessweek

Maria Eran, 49, is an Iranian political asylum seeker who has experienced difficulty renewing her work permit this year, seen here in a recreation area near Cochituate Lake State Park near her apartment in Natick, Massachusetts, on Fri., March 11, 2022. Eran has been working as a Senior Relationship Manager at Santander Bank, working mostly on a business accounts. She applied for asylum in late 2016 after having received threats from the Iranian government after working in an American consulate in Turkey in the early 2000s. Her work permit required a renewal in January 2022, for which she applied in September 2021; the US government has acknowledged receipt of the work permit renewal but has not given her the proper paperwork to continue working. As a result she hasn't been able to work since Jan. 14, 2022. This has made life difficult for Eran, who, along with her husband, has to pay rent and pays for their daughter's tuition at Temple University. The work permit issue has also caused difficulty in renewing her driver's license and a house purchase that the couple is trying to complete. "Taking my business from me is like I'm handicapped," Eran says. She says she's been stuck at home for the past two months and has had to walk to complete errands. "I try to be positive," she says, "I don't want to go the other direction [toward negative thoughts] because it's difficult." Eran says she has been volunteering as a translator for Afghan refugees while unable to legally work.
Maria Eran, 49, is an Iranian political asylum seeker who has experienced difficulty renewing her work permit this year, seen here in a recreation area near Cochituate Lake State Park near her apartment in Natick, Massachusetts, on Fri., March 11, 2022. Eran has been working as a Senior Relationship Manager at Santander Bank, working mostly on a business accounts. She applied for asylum in late 2016 after having received threats from the Iranian government after working in an American consulate in Turkey in the early 2000s. Her work permit required a renewal in January 2022, for which she applied in September 2021; the US government has acknowledged receipt of the work permit renewal but has not given her the proper paperwork to continue working. As a result she hasn't been able to work since Jan. 14, 2022. This has made life difficult for Eran, who, along with her husband, has to pay rent and pays for their daughter's tuition at Temple University. The work permit issue has also caused difficulty in renewing her driver's license and a house purchase that the couple is trying to complete. "Taking my business from me is like I'm handicapped," Eran says. She says she's been stuck at home for the past two months and has had to walk to complete errands. "I try to be positive," she says, "I don't want to go the other direction [toward negative thoughts] because it's difficult." Eran says she has been volunteering as a translator for Afghan refugees while unable to legally work.
Maria Eran, 49, is an Iranian political asylum seeker who has experienced difficulty renewing her work permit this year, seen here in her apartment in Natick, Massachusetts, on Fri., March 11, 2022. Eran has been working as a Senior Relationship Manager at Santander Bank, working mostly on a business accounts. She applied for asylum in late 2016 after having received threats from the Iranian government after working in an American consulate in Turkey in the early 2000s. Her work permit required a renewal in January 2022, for which she applied in September 2021; the US government has acknowledged receipt of the work permit renewal but has not given her the proper paperwork to continue working. As a result she hasn't been able to work since Jan. 14, 2022. This has made life difficult for Eran, who, along with her husband, has to pay rent and pays for their daughter's tuition at Temple University. The work permit issue has also caused difficulty in renewing her driver's license and a house purchase that the couple is trying to complete. "Taking my business from me is like I'm handicapped," Eran says. She says she's been stuck at home for the past two months and has had to walk to complete errands. "I try to be positive," she says, "I don't want to go the other direction [toward negative thoughts] because it's difficult." Eran says she has been volunteering as a translator for Afghan refugees while unable to legally work.
Maria Eran, 49, is an Iranian political asylum seeker who has experienced difficulty renewing her work permit this year, seen here in a recreation area near Cochituate Lake State Park near her apartment in Natick, Massachusetts, on Fri., March 11, 2022. Eran has been working as a Senior Relationship Manager at Santander Bank, working mostly on a business accounts. She applied for asylum in late 2016 after having received threats from the Iranian government after working in an American consulate in Turkey in the early 2000s. Her work permit required a renewal in January 2022, for which she applied in September 2021; the US government has acknowledged receipt of the work permit renewal but has not given her the proper paperwork to continue working. As a result she hasn't been able to work since Jan. 14, 2022. This has made life difficult for Eran, who, along with her husband, has to pay rent and pays for their daughter's tuition at Temple University. The work permit issue has also caused difficulty in renewing her driver's license and a house purchase that the couple is trying to complete. "Taking my business from me is like I'm handicapped," Eran says. She says she's been stuck at home for the past two months and has had to walk to complete errands. "I try to be positive," she says, "I don't want to go the other direction [toward negative thoughts] because it's difficult." Eran says she has been volunteering as a translator for Afghan refugees while unable to legally work.

Journalist and author Jeff Chu for the New York Times

Jeff Chu is a journalist and author who finished Rachel Held Evans' book "Wholehearted Faith," which will be published on Nov. 2, 2021. Chu is seen here outside his home in East Sandwich, Massachusetts, on Mon., Oct. 18, 2021. Rachel Held Evans died in 2019 and her husband asked Chu, who had been friends with Evans since 2013, to help complete the book. Asked about finishing the book, Chu said, "I mean it sucks, right? It's an honor but it's an honor I wouldn't want anyone to have because she's not around to do it herself." Chu said that the manuscript was about twenty percent complete when he took over, but he says, "I would never say I did eighty percent of it." Chu says he cobbled the book together from Evans other writings including blog posts and talks she'd given. "My background as an editor came in handy," Chu says.
Jeff Chu is a journalist and author who finished Rachel Held Evans' book "Wholehearted Faith," which will be published on Nov. 2, 2021. Chu is seen here outside his home in East Sandwich, Massachusetts, on Mon., Oct. 18, 2021. Rachel Held Evans died in 2019 and her husband asked Chu, who had been friends with Evans since 2013, to help complete the book. Asked about finishing the book, Chu said, "I mean it sucks, right? It's an honor but it's an honor I wouldn't want anyone to have because she's not around to do it herself." Chu said that the manuscript was about twenty percent complete when he took over, but he says, "I would never say I did eighty percent of it." Chu says he cobbled the book together from Evans other writings including blog posts and talks she'd given. "My background as an editor came in handy," Chu says.
A copy of Rachel Held Evans' posthumous book "Wholehearted Faith," which was completed after her death by friend Jeff Chu, is seen in Chu's house in East Sandwich, Massachusetts, on Mon., Oct. 18, 2021. Chu is a journalist and author and the book will be published on Nov. 2, 2021. Rachel Held Evans died in 2019 and her husband asked Chu, who had been friends with Evans since 2013, to help complete the book. Asked about finishing the book, Chu said, "I mean it sucks, right? It's an honor but it's an honor I wouldn't want anyone to have because she's not around to do it herself." Chu said that the manuscript was about twenty percent complete when he took over, but he says, "I would never say I did eighty percent of it." Chu says he cobbled the book together from Evans other writings including blog posts and talks she'd given. "My background as an editor came in handy," Chu says.
Jeff Chu is a journalist and author who finished Rachel Held Evans' book "Wholehearted Faith," which will be published on Nov. 2, 2021. Chu is seen here at Scorton Neck Beach near his home in East Sandwich, Massachusetts, on Mon., Oct. 18, 2021. Rachel Held Evans died in 2019 and her husband asked Chu, who had been friends with Evans since 2013, to help complete the book. Asked about finishing the book, Chu said, "I mean it sucks, right? It's an honor but it's an honor I wouldn't want anyone to have because she's not around to do it herself." Chu said that the manuscript was about twenty percent complete when he took over, but he says, "I would never say I did eighty percent of it." Chu says he cobbled the book together from Evans other writings including blog posts and talks she'd given. "My background as an editor came in handy," Chu says.
Jeff Chu is a journalist and author who finished Rachel Held Evans' book "Wholehearted Faith," which will be published on Nov. 2, 2021. Chu is seen here at his home in East Sandwich, Massachusetts, on Mon., Oct. 18, 2021. Rachel Held Evans died in 2019 and her husband asked Chu, who had been friends with Evans since 2013, to help complete the book. Asked about finishing the book, Chu said, "I mean it sucks, right? It's an honor but it's an honor I wouldn't want anyone to have because she's not around to do it herself." Chu said that the manuscript was about twenty percent complete when he took over, but he says, "I would never say I did eighty percent of it." Chu says he cobbled the book together from Evans other writings including blog posts and talks she'd given. "My background as an editor came in handy," Chu says.

Johanna Chao Kreilick, Union of Concerned Scientists president, for the Chronicle of Philanthropy

Johanna Chao Kreilick is the president of the Union of Concerned Scientists, seen here at her home in Gloucester, Massachusetts, on Mon., Jan. 17, 2022. Kreilick became president of the advocacy organization in May 2021 and says she hopes to "help anchor science as the center of the [United States'] super power and bring the organization up to face the future [including] an internal reorg and transformation that centers equity and inclusion." Kreilick previously served on the executive board of the Open Society Foundation where she founded the organization's Climate Action Initiative and led its strategy unit.
Johanna Chao Kreilick is the president of the Union of Concerned Scientists, seen here at her home in Gloucester, Massachusetts, on Mon., Jan. 17, 2022. Kreilick became president of the advocacy organization in May 2021 and says she hopes to "help anchor science as the center of the [United States'] super power and bring the organization up to face the future [including] an internal reorg and transformation that centers equity and inclusion." Kreilick previously served on the executive board of the Open Society Foundation where she founded the organization's Climate Action Initiative and led its strategy unit.
Johanna Chao Kreilick is the president of the Union of Concerned Scientists, seen here at her home in Gloucester, Massachusetts, on Mon., Jan. 17, 2022. Kreilick became president of the advocacy organization in May 2021 and says she hopes to "help anchor science as the center of the [United States'] super power and bring the organization up to face the future [including] an internal reorg and transformation that centers equity and inclusion." Kreilick previously served on the executive board of the Open Society Foundation where she founded the organization's Climate Action Initiative and led its strategy unit.

January 6 insurrection defendant Suzanne Ianni for NPR

Sue Ianni, 59, was charged by federal authorities for participating in Trump supporters' Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol, seen here outside her home in Natick, Massachusetts, on Wed., June 16, 2021. Ianni was charged with federal misdemeanors for trespassing on federal property and disorderly conduct inside the US Capitol. "A bunch of people go the same charges, and that was the minimum," Ianni saiys, "I don't know how they're going to hold that one [disorderly conduct]. I mean, people were disorderly, but I wasn't." Ianni is an elected member of the Natick Town Meeting and the Natick Republican Town Committee and is an active organizer with the Boston-area alt-right group Super Happy Fun America, serving as its Director of Operations. Super Happy Fun America is most well known for holding the 2019 Straight Pride Parade in Boston. Ianni also helped organize 11 buses to take people from New England to attend then-president Donald Trump's Jan. 6, DC rally that preceded the attack on the Capitol.
NATICK, MASSACHUSETTS - JUN 16, 2021. Sue Ianni, 59, was charged by federal authorities for participating in Trump supporters' Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol, seen here with her dog Benny outside her home in Natick, Massachusetts, on Wed., June 16, 2021. Ianni was charged with federal misdemeanors for trespassing on federal property and disorderly conduct inside the US Capitol. "A bunch of people go the same charges, and that was the minimum," Ianni saiys, "I don't know how they're going to hold that one [disorderly conduct]. I mean, people were disorderly, but I wasn't." Ianni is an elected member of the Natick Town Meeting and the Natick Republican Town Committee and is an active organizer with the Boston-area alt-right group Super Happy Fun America, serving as its Director of Operations. Super Happy Fun America is most well known for holding the 2019 Straight Pride Parade in Boston. Ianni also helped organize 11 buses to take people from New England to attend then-president Donald Trump's Jan. 6, DC rally that preceded the attack on the Capitol. CREDIT: M. Scott Brauer
Sue Ianni, 59, was charged by federal authorities for participating in Trump supporters' Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol, seen here outside her home in Natick, Massachusetts, on Wed., June 16, 2021. Ianni was charged with federal misdemeanors for trespassing on federal property and disorderly conduct inside the US Capitol. "A bunch of people go the same charges, and that was the minimum," Ianni saiys, "I don't know how they're going to hold that one [disorderly conduct]. I mean, people were disorderly, but I wasn't." Ianni is an elected member of the Natick Town Meeting and the Natick Republican Town Committee and is an active organizer with the Boston-area alt-right group Super Happy Fun America, serving as its Director of Operations. Super Happy Fun America is most well known for holding the 2019 Straight Pride Parade in Boston. Ianni also helped organize 11 buses to take people from New England to attend then-president Donald Trump's Jan. 6, DC rally that preceded the attack on the Capitol.
NATICK, MASSACHUSETTS - JUN 16, 2021. Sue Ianni, 59, was charged by federal authorities for participating in Trump supporters' Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol, seen here outside her home in Natick, Massachusetts, on Wed., June 16, 2021. Ianni was charged with federal misdemeanors for trespassing on federal property and disorderly conduct inside the US Capitol. "A bunch of people go the same charges, and that was the minimum," Ianni saiys, "I don't know how they're going to hold that one [disorderly conduct]. I mean, people were disorderly, but I wasn't." Ianni is an elected member of the Natick Town Meeting and the Natick Republican Town Committee and is an active organizer with the Boston-area alt-right group Super Happy Fun America, serving as its Director of Operations. Super Happy Fun America is most well known for holding the 2019 Straight Pride Parade in Boston. Ianni also helped organize 11 buses to take people from New England to attend then-president Donald Trump's Jan. 6, DC rally that preceded the attack on the Capitol. CREDIT: M. Scott Brauer
NATICK, MASSACHUSETTS - JUN 16, 2021. Sue Ianni, 59, was charged by federal authorities for participating in Trump supporters' Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol, seen here outside her home in Natick, Massachusetts, on Wed., June 16, 2021. Ianni was charged with federal misdemeanors for trespassing on federal property and disorderly conduct inside the US Capitol. "A bunch of people go the same charges, and that was the minimum," Ianni saiys, "I don't know how they're going to hold that one [disorderly conduct]. I mean, people were disorderly, but I wasn't." Ianni is an elected member of the Natick Town Meeting and the Natick Republican Town Committee and is an active organizer with the Boston-area alt-right group Super Happy Fun America, serving as its Director of Operations. Super Happy Fun America is most well known for holding the 2019 Straight Pride Parade in Boston. Ianni also helped organize 11 buses to take people from New England to attend then-president Donald Trump's Jan. 6, DC rally that preceded the attack on the Capitol. CREDIT: M. Scott Brauer

Author and data scientist Cathy O'Neill for The Observer

Cathy O'Neil is a data scientist and best-selling author, most recently of the book "The Shame Machine: Who Profits in the New Age of Humiliation," seen here at home in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Mon., April 4, 2022. O'Neil also wrote "Weapons of Math Destruction," for which she received the Euler Book Prize. "The Shame Machine" looks at what she calls "the shame industrial complex," especially in the realm of social media and partisan politics. O'Neil is also CEO of ORCAA (O'Neil Risk Consulting & Algorithmic Auditing) a consulting group focused on examining bias in algorithms. ORCAA audits algorithms for racist, sexist, ableist, or otherwise discriminatory results in fields including hiring, insurance, and banking.
Copies of "The Shame Machine," a book published by Crown in March 2022, by Cathy O'Neil, are seen on the author's dining room table at her home in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Mon., April 4, 2022. O'Neil is a data scientist and best-selling author, most recently of the book "The Shame Machine: Who Profits in the New Age of Humiliation" and "Weapons of Math Destruction," for which she received the Euler Book Prize. "The Shame Machine" looks at what she calls "the shame industrial complex," especially in the realm of social media and partisan politics. O'Neil is also CEO of ORCAA (O'Neil Risk Consulting & Algorithmic Auditing) a consulting group focused on examining bias in algorithms. ORCAA audits algorithms for racist, sexist, ableist, or otherwise discriminatory results in fields including hiring, insurance, and banking.
Copies of "The Shame Machine," a book published by Crown in March 2022, by Cathy O'Neil, are seen on the author's dining room table at her home in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Mon., April 4, 2022. O'Neil is a data scientist and best-selling author, most recently of the book "The Shame Machine: Who Profits in the New Age of Humiliation" and "Weapons of Math Destruction," for which she received the Euler Book Prize. "The Shame Machine" looks at what she calls "the shame industrial complex," especially in the realm of social media and partisan politics. O'Neil is also CEO of ORCAA (O'Neil Risk Consulting & Algorithmic Auditing) a consulting group focused on examining bias in algorithms. ORCAA audits algorithms for racist, sexist, ableist, or otherwise discriminatory results in fields including hiring, insurance, and banking.
Cathy O'Neil is a data scientist and best-selling author, most recently of the book "The Shame Machine: Who Profits in the New Age of Humiliation," seen here at home in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Mon., April 4, 2022. O'Neil also wrote "Weapons of Math Destruction," for which she received the Euler Book Prize. "The Shame Machine" looks at what she calls "the shame industrial complex," especially in the realm of social media and partisan politics. O'Neil is also CEO of ORCAA (O'Neil Risk Consulting & Algorithmic Auditing) a consulting group focused on examining bias in algorithms. ORCAA audits algorithms for racist, sexist, ableist, or otherwise discriminatory results in fields including hiring, insurance, and banking.

Global Rescue security operations manager Harding Bush for Bloomberg Green

Harding Bush is the Associate Manager, Security Operations, for Global Rescue, seen here in the company's Operations Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, on Tue., Aug. 31, 2021. Global Rescue is a travel services company that provides medical, security, travel risk, and crisis management services to clients around the world, delivered by the company's team of paramedics and military special operations veterans. Harding Bush served more than 20 years as a US Navy Seal and served as a Command Senior Chief of the Navy's Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) Course.
Harding Bush is the Associate Manager, Security Operations, for Global Rescue, seen here in the company's Operations Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, on Tue., Aug. 31, 2021. Global Rescue is a travel services company that provides medical, security, travel risk, and crisis management services to clients around the world, delivered by the company's team of paramedics and military special operations veterans. Harding Bush served more than 20 years as a US Navy Seal and served as a Command Senior Chief of the Navy's Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) Course.
A sign reads "Optimism is NOT a strategy" near his name tag as Harding Bush works at his desk at Global Rescue, where he is the Associate Manager, Security Operations, in Lebanon, New Hampshire, on Tue., Aug. 31, 2021. Global Rescue is a travel services company that provides medical, security, travel risk, and crisis management services to clients around the world, delivered by the company's team of paramedics and military special operations veterans. Harding Bush served more than 20 years as a US Navy Seal and served as a Command Senior Chief of the Navy's Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) Course. The blue patch reading "Climb to Conquer" is the patch of the University of Norwich ROTC Mountain and Cold Weather Company, a training program for cold weather operations at the Vermont university. Bush earned both bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Norwich.

Computer scientist Dina Katabi for MIT Spectrum

Dina Katabi is the Thuan and Nicole Pham Professor at MIT's Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence Lab, seen here in the STATA Center's Gates Building in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Fri., Dec. 17, 2021. Katabi is the leader of the NETMIT Research Group and Director of the MIT Center for Wireless Networks and Mobile Computing and was a 2013 MacArthur Foundation Fellow. Katabi has developed the Emerald, a device that uses radio waves like wifi signals to monitor a person's health and well-being without having sensors attached to their body.
Dina Katabi is the Thuan and Nicole Pham Professor at MIT's Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence Lab, seen here in her lab at the Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Fri., Dec. 17, 2021. Katabi is the leader of the NETMIT Research Group and Director of the MIT Center for Wireless Networks and Mobile Computing and was a 2013 MacArthur Foundation Fellow. Katabi has developed the Emerald (rear, right; white box on wall), a device that uses radio waves like wifi signals to monitor a person's health and well-being without having sensors attached to their body.
Dina Katabi is the Thuan and Nicole Pham Professor at MIT's Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence Lab, seen here standing near a student's project in the STATA Center's Gates Building in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Fri., Dec. 17, 2021. Katabi is the leader of the NETMIT Research Group and Director of the MIT Center for Wireless Networks and Mobile Computing and was a 2013 MacArthur Foundation Fellow. Katabi has developed the Emerald, a device that uses radio waves like wifi signals to monitor a person's health and well-being without having sensors attached to their body.

Writer and trauma researcher Bessel van der Kolk for the Guardian

Bessel van der Kolk is a writer and researcher focusing on trauma and PTSD, seen here near his home in the Berkshires in western Massachusetts, USA, on Wed., Sept. 15, 2021.
Bessel van der Kolk is a writer and researcher focusing on trauma and PTSD, seen here near his home in the Berkshires in western Massachusetts, USA, on Wed., Sept. 15, 2021.
Bessel van der Kolk is a writer and researcher focusing on trauma and PTSD, seen here near his home in the Berkshires in western Massachusetts, USA, on Wed., Sept. 15, 2021.
Bessel van der Kolk is a writer and researcher focusing on trauma and PTSD, seen here near his home in the Berkshires in western Massachusetts, USA, on Wed., Sept. 15, 2021.

National rededication ceremony for Boston’s Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Regiment Memorial​
July 10, 2022

On June 1, 2022, the Memorial to Robert Gould Shaw and the Massachusetts Fifty-Fourth Regiment, was rededicated 135 years after it was first unveiled in Boston, Massachusetts. The bronze relief sculpture sits opposite the Massachusetts State House at the edge of Boston Common in the heart of downtown Boston and was the first monument to Black soldiers in the Civil War. At the ceremony, Yale historian David Blight called it the “greatest work of public art in the United States,” and said that more poetry and songs have been written about it than any other monument in the country. When Civil War statues were being taken down in the wake of George Floyd’s murder by Minneapolis police, Blight said this monument has “always been here saying the Confederacy did not win that war.” 

This ceremony served as a public unveiling of the sculpture after having undergone a two-year, three-million-dollar restoration, which included repair to the brass section of the monument and rebuilding the concrete foundation. The event was attended by members of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment Company A, a group of Black Civil War re-enactors who dress up as the 54th Regiment, the first Black regiment from the north to fight in the Civil War, formed after the Emancipation Proclamation, after Frederick Douglass’s work to convince Abraham Lincoln to recruit Black soldiers. The soldiers themselves raised funds for the monument starting shortly after their 1863 attack on Fort Wagner in South Carolina. 

The monument is part of Boston’s Black Freedom Trail. 

WW2 commemorations at Soviet monument in Riga’s Victory Park as tensions rise over Ukraine war
June 29, 2022

Police tape and barricades covered in the Ukrainian and Latvian flags surround Soviet-era monuments as people gather in Victory Park (Uzvaras parks; Парк Победы) to commemorate Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) in Riga, Latvia, on Sun., May 8, 2022. Victory in Europe Day is celebrated throughout Europe as a commemoration of the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany ending World War II. The following day, Aug. 9, is Victory Day, which is celebrated primarily in Russia and Russian enclaves around the world, but in Latvia it is viewed by non-Russians as a symbol of Soviet occupation of their country. In previous years, Russians in Riga gather at the Soviet-era monument to mark the Victory Day holiday, but this year, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Riga government imposed substantial restrictions on pro-Russian gatherings and symbols in the city and during the holiday. The statues at the monument were surrounded by barricades covered in Latvian and Ukrainian flags, police barricades prevented people from approaching the monuments, images showing the horrors of the war in Ukraine were on display, and people were not allowed to lay flowers at the monument themselves, instead giving them to police officers to lay at the foot of the monuments. Many of the Russians who went to the monument on this day argued with police about the restrictions, and pro-Ukraine demonstrators brought the Ukraine flag to protest Russia's actions in the country. But today, on Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), a holiday not celebrated by Russians, people were allowed to directly approach the steps of the monument and lay flowers themselves.

On May 8 and 9, the Monument to the Liberators of Soviet Latvia and Riga from the German Fascist Invaders in Victory Park (Uzvaras parks; Парк Победы) served as a gathering spot for two separate and incompatible commemorations of the end of the second World War. May 8 is Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), celebrated through Europe and the US, and May 9 is Victory Day, a Russian holiday marking the victory over the Germans. 

The Russian Victory Day gathering has been contentious since Latvia’s independence; most Latvians view it as a celebration of the Soviet occupation of Latvia. Because of this and because of rising tensions throughout Europe over Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine, the Riga government banned Russian gatherings on May 9 and forbade any displays of Russian nationalism. In previous years, the Russian holiday saw thousands gathered at the base of the monument, laying flowers on the ground, and displaying Russian patriotic symbols.

This year, the monument, which features a traditional Soviet Motherland figure, soldiers, and a tall tower, were surrounded by police barricades decorated with the Latvian and Ukrainian flags and images of the war in Ukraine were put on display. On May 8, people could approach the monument directly, but on May 9, Russians were held back from the monument by police and could not personally lay flowers at the base of the monument. The mood on May 8 was somber, but tensions were high on May 9 as the Russian arrived but couldn’t commemorate Victory Day as they have for decades. 

UPDATE: Starting 22 August 2022, the Riga government began the destruction of this monument, part of a wave of Soviet monument removal throughout the Baltics. The soldiers were removed on Aug. 23, and the 260-foot obelisk tower was toppled on Aug. 25. 

Images showing the atrocities committed by Russia in their recent invasion of Ukraine are on display in Victory Park (Uzvaras parks; Парк Победы) as people gather to commemorate Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) in Riga, Latvia, on Sun., May 8, 2022. Victory in Europe Day is celebrated throughout Europe as a commemoration of the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany ending World War II. The following day, Aug. 9, is Victory Day, which is celebrated primarily in Russia and Russian enclaves around the world, but in Latvia it is viewed by non-Russians as a symbol of Soviet occupation of their country. In previous years, Russians in Riga gather at the Soviet-era monument to mark the Victory Day holiday, but this year, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Riga government imposed substantial restrictions on pro-Russian gatherings and symbols in the city and during the holiday. The statues at the monument were surrounded by barricades covered in Latvian and Ukrainian flags, police barricades prevented people from approaching the monuments, images showing the horrors of the war in Ukraine were on display, and people were not allowed to lay flowers at the monument themselves, instead giving them to police officers to lay at the foot of the monuments. Many of the Russians who went to the monument on this day argued with police about the restrictions, and pro-Ukraine demonstrators brought the Ukraine flag to protest Russia's actions in the country. But today, on Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), a holiday not celebrated by Russians, people were allowed to directly approach the steps of the monument and lay flowers themselves.
Police tape and barricades covered in the Ukrainian and Latvian flags surround Soviet-era monuments as people gather in Victory Park (Uzvaras parks; Парк Победы) to commemorate Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) in Riga, Latvia, on Sun., May 8, 2022. Victory in Europe Day is celebrated throughout Europe as a commemoration of the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany ending World War II. The following day, Aug. 9, is Victory Day, which is celebrated primarily in Russia and Russian enclaves around the world, but in Latvia it is viewed by non-Russians as a symbol of Soviet occupation of their country. In previous years, Russians in Riga gather at the Soviet-era monument to mark the Victory Day holiday, but this year, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Riga government imposed substantial restrictions on pro-Russian gatherings and symbols in the city and during the holiday. The statues at the monument were surrounded by barricades covered in Latvian and Ukrainian flags, police barricades prevented people from approaching the monuments, images showing the horrors of the war in Ukraine were on display, and people were not allowed to lay flowers at the monument themselves, instead giving them to police officers to lay at the foot of the monuments. Many of the Russians who went to the monument on this day argued with police about the restrictions, and pro-Ukraine demonstrators brought the Ukraine flag to protest Russia's actions in the country. But today, on Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), a holiday not celebrated by Russians, people were allowed to directly approach the steps of the monument and lay flowers themselves.
People gather in Victory Park (Uzvaras parks; Парк Победы) to lay flowers at the foot of Soviet-era monuments in the park on Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) in Riga, Latvia, on Sun., May 8, 2022. Victory in Europe Day is celebrated throughout Europe as a commemoration of the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany ending World War II. The following day, Aug. 9, is Victory Day, which is celebrated primarily in Russia and Russian enclaves around the world, but in Latvia it is viewed by non-Russians as a symbol of Soviet occupation of their country. In previous years, Russians in Riga gather at the Soviet-era monument to mark the Victory Day holiday, but this year, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Riga government imposed substantial restrictions on pro-Russian gatherings and symbols in the city and during the holiday. The statues at the monument were surrounded by barricades covered in Latvian and Ukrainian flags, police barricades prevented people from approaching the monuments, images showing the horrors of the war in Ukraine were on display, and people were not allowed to lay flowers at the monument themselves, instead giving them to police officers to lay at the foot of the monuments. Many of the Russians who went to the monument on this day argued with police about the restrictions, and pro-Ukraine demonstrators brought the Ukraine flag to protest Russia's actions in the country. But today, on Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), a holiday not celebrated by Russians, people were allowed to directly approach the steps of the monument and lay flowers themselves.
Ethnic Russians and pro-Russian Latvians gathered in Victory Park (Uzvaras parks; Парк Победы) and laid flowers at the foot of Soviet-era monuments in the park on Victory Day in Riga, Latvia, on Mon., May 9, 2022. Victory Day is a holiday celebrated primarily in Russia and Russian enclaves around the world as a commemoration of the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany ending World War II, but in Latvia it is viewed by non-Russians as a symbol of Soviet occupation of their country. In previous years, Russians in Riga gather at the Soviet-era monument to mark the holiday, but this year, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Riga government imposed substantial restrictions on pro-Russian gatherings and symbols in the city and during the holiday. The statues at the monument were surrounded by barricades covered in Latvian and Ukrainian flags, police barricades prevented people from approaching the monuments, images showing the horrors of the war in Ukraine were on display, and people were not allowed to lay flowers at the monument themselves, instead giving them to police officers to lay at the foot of the monuments. Many of the Russians who went to the monument on this day argued with police about the restrictions, and pro-Ukraine demonstrators brought the Ukraine flag to protest Russia's actions in the country. The previous day, Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), a holiday not celebrated by Russians, people were allowed to directly approach the steps of the monument and lay flowers themselves.
A sign reading "No to war" in Russian is posted on a police barricade covered in Latvian flags surrounding Soviet-era monuments in Victory Park (Uzvaras parks; Парк Победы) to commemorate Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) in Riga, Latvia, on Sun., May 8, 2022. Victory in Europe Day is celebrated throughout Europe as a commemoration of the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany ending World War II. The following day, Aug. 9, is Victory Day, which is celebrated primarily in Russia and Russian enclaves around the world, but in Latvia it is viewed by non-Russians as a symbol of Soviet occupation of their country. In previous years, Russians in Riga gather at the Soviet-era monument to mark the Victory Day holiday, but this year, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Riga government imposed substantial restrictions on pro-Russian gatherings and symbols in the city and during the holiday. The statues at the monument were surrounded by barricades covered in Latvian and Ukrainian flags, police barricades prevented people from approaching the monuments, images showing the horrors of the war in Ukraine were on display, and people were not allowed to lay flowers at the monument themselves, instead giving them to police officers to lay at the foot of the monuments. Many of the Russians who went to the monument on this day argued with police about the restrictions, and pro-Ukraine demonstrators brought the Ukraine flag to protest Russia's actions in the country. But today, on Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), a holiday not celebrated by Russians, people were allowed to directly approach the steps of the monument and lay flowers themselves.
Ethnic Russians and pro-Russian Latvians gathered in Victory Park (Uzvaras parks; Парк Победы) and laid flowers at the foot of Soviet-era monuments in the park on Victory Day in Riga, Latvia, on Mon., May 9, 2022. Victory Day is a holiday celebrated primarily in Russia and Russian enclaves around the world as a commemoration of the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany ending World War II, but in Latvia it is viewed by non-Russians as a symbol of Soviet occupation of their country. In previous years, Russians in Riga gather at the Soviet-era monument to mark the holiday, but this year, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Riga government imposed substantial restrictions on pro-Russian gatherings and symbols in the city and during the holiday. The statues at the monument were surrounded by barricades covered in Latvian and Ukrainian flags, police barricades prevented people from approaching the monuments, images showing the horrors of the war in Ukraine were on display, and people were not allowed to lay flowers at the monument themselves, instead giving them to police officers to lay at the foot of the monuments. Many of the Russians who went to the monument on this day argued with police about the restrictions, and pro-Ukraine demonstrators brought the Ukraine flag to protest Russia's actions in the country. The previous day, Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), a holiday not celebrated by Russians, people were allowed to directly approach the steps of the monument and lay flowers themselves.
Thousands of flowers lay at the base of Soviet-era monuments as people gather in Victory Park (Uzvaras parks; Парк Победы) to commemorate Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) in Riga, Latvia, on Sun., May 8, 2022. Victory in Europe Day is celebrated throughout Europe as a commemoration of the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany ending World War II. The following day, Aug. 9, is Victory Day, which is celebrated primarily in Russia and Russian enclaves around the world, but in Latvia it is viewed by non-Russians as a symbol of Soviet occupation of their country. In previous years, Russians in Riga gather at the Soviet-era monument to mark the Victory Day holiday, but this year, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Riga government imposed substantial restrictions on pro-Russian gatherings and symbols in the city and during the holiday. The statues at the monument were surrounded by barricades covered in Latvian and Ukrainian flags, police barricades prevented people from approaching the monuments, images showing the horrors of the war in Ukraine were on display, and people were not allowed to lay flowers at the monument themselves, instead giving them to police officers to lay at the foot of the monuments. Many of the Russians who went to the monument on this day argued with police about the restrictions, and pro-Ukraine demonstrators brought the Ukraine flag to protest Russia's actions in the country. But today, on Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), a holiday not celebrated by Russians, people were allowed to directly approach the steps of the monument and lay flowers themselves.
Ethnic Russians and pro-Russian Latvians gathered in Victory Park (Uzvaras parks; Парк Победы) and laid flowers at the foot of Soviet-era monuments in the park on Victory Day in Riga, Latvia, on Mon., May 9, 2022. Victory Day is a holiday celebrated primarily in Russia and Russian enclaves around the world as a commemoration of the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany ending World War II, but in Latvia it is viewed by non-Russians as a symbol of Soviet occupation of their country. In previous years, Russians in Riga gather at the Soviet-era monument to mark the holiday, but this year, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Riga government imposed substantial restrictions on pro-Russian gatherings and symbols in the city and during the holiday. The statues at the monument were surrounded by barricades covered in Latvian and Ukrainian flags, police barricades prevented people from approaching the monuments, images showing the horrors of the war in Ukraine were on display, and people were not allowed to lay flowers at the monument themselves, instead giving them to police officers to lay at the foot of the monuments. Many of the Russians who went to the monument on this day argued with police about the restrictions, and pro-Ukraine demonstrators brought the Ukraine flag to protest Russia's actions in the country. The previous day, Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), a holiday not celebrated by Russians, people were allowed to directly approach the steps of the monument and lay flowers themselves.
Police tape and barricades covered in the Ukrainian and Latvian flags surround Soviet-era monuments as people gather in Victory Park (Uzvaras parks; Парк Победы) to commemorate Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) in Riga, Latvia, on Sun., May 8, 2022. Victory in Europe Day is celebrated throughout Europe as a commemoration of the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany ending World War II. The following day, Aug. 9, is Victory Day, which is celebrated primarily in Russia and Russian enclaves around the world, but in Latvia it is viewed by non-Russians as a symbol of Soviet occupation of their country. In previous years, Russians in Riga gather at the Soviet-era monument to mark the Victory Day holiday, but this year, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Riga government imposed substantial restrictions on pro-Russian gatherings and symbols in the city and during the holiday. The statues at the monument were surrounded by barricades covered in Latvian and Ukrainian flags, police barricades prevented people from approaching the monuments, images showing the horrors of the war in Ukraine were on display, and people were not allowed to lay flowers at the monument themselves, instead giving them to police officers to lay at the foot of the monuments. Many of the Russians who went to the monument on this day argued with police about the restrictions, and pro-Ukraine demonstrators brought the Ukraine flag to protest Russia's actions in the country. But today, on Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), a holiday not celebrated by Russians, people were allowed to directly approach the steps of the monument and lay flowers themselves.
People gather in Victory Park (Uzvaras parks; Парк Победы) to lay flowers at the foot of Soviet-era monuments in the park on Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) in Riga, Latvia, on Sun., May 8, 2022. Victory in Europe Day is celebrated throughout Europe as a commemoration of the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany ending World War II. The following day, Aug. 9, is Victory Day, which is celebrated primarily in Russia and Russian enclaves around the world, but in Latvia it is viewed by non-Russians as a symbol of Soviet occupation of their country. In previous years, Russians in Riga gather at the Soviet-era monument to mark the Victory Day holiday, but this year, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Riga government imposed substantial restrictions on pro-Russian gatherings and symbols in the city and during the holiday. The statues at the monument were surrounded by barricades covered in Latvian and Ukrainian flags, police barricades prevented people from approaching the monuments, images showing the horrors of the war in Ukraine were on display, and people were not allowed to lay flowers at the monument themselves, instead giving them to police officers to lay at the foot of the monuments. Many of the Russians who went to the monument on this day argued with police about the restrictions, and pro-Ukraine demonstrators brought the Ukraine flag to protest Russia's actions in the country. But today, on Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), a holiday not celebrated by Russians, people were allowed to directly approach the steps of the monument and lay flowers themselves.
People gather in Victory Park (Uzvaras parks; Парк Победы) to lay flowers at the foot of Soviet-era monuments in the park on Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) in Riga, Latvia, on Sun., May 8, 2022. Victory in Europe Day is celebrated throughout Europe as a commemoration of the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany ending World War II. The following day, Aug. 9, is Victory Day, which is celebrated primarily in Russia and Russian enclaves around the world, but in Latvia it is viewed by non-Russians as a symbol of Soviet occupation of their country. In previous years, Russians in Riga gather at the Soviet-era monument to mark the Victory Day holiday, but this year, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Riga government imposed substantial restrictions on pro-Russian gatherings and symbols in the city and during the holiday. The statues at the monument were surrounded by barricades covered in Latvian and Ukrainian flags, police barricades prevented people from approaching the monuments, images showing the horrors of the war in Ukraine were on display, and people were not allowed to lay flowers at the monument themselves, instead giving them to police officers to lay at the foot of the monuments. Many of the Russians who went to the monument on this day argued with police about the restrictions, and pro-Ukraine demonstrators brought the Ukraine flag to protest Russia's actions in the country. But today, on Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), a holiday not celebrated by Russians, people were allowed to directly approach the steps of the monument and lay flowers themselves.
People gather in Victory Park (Uzvaras parks; Парк Победы) to lay flowers at the foot of Soviet-era monuments in the park on Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) in Riga, Latvia, on Sun., May 8, 2022. Victory in Europe Day is celebrated throughout Europe as a commemoration of the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany ending World War II. The following day, Aug. 9, is Victory Day, which is celebrated primarily in Russia and Russian enclaves around the world, but in Latvia it is viewed by non-Russians as a symbol of Soviet occupation of their country. In previous years, Russians in Riga gather at the Soviet-era monument to mark the Victory Day holiday, but this year, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Riga government imposed substantial restrictions on pro-Russian gatherings and symbols in the city and during the holiday. The statues at the monument were surrounded by barricades covered in Latvian and Ukrainian flags, police barricades prevented people from approaching the monuments, images showing the horrors of the war in Ukraine were on display, and people were not allowed to lay flowers at the monument themselves, instead giving them to police officers to lay at the foot of the monuments. Many of the Russians who went to the monument on this day argued with police about the restrictions, and pro-Ukraine demonstrators brought the Ukraine flag to protest Russia's actions in the country. But today, on Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), a holiday not celebrated by Russians, people were allowed to directly approach the steps of the monument and lay flowers themselves.
People gather in Victory Park (Uzvaras parks; Парк Победы) to lay flowers at the foot of Soviet-era monuments in the park on Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) in Riga, Latvia, on Sun., May 8, 2022. Victory in Europe Day is celebrated throughout Europe as a commemoration of the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany ending World War II. The following day, Aug. 9, is Victory Day, which is celebrated primarily in Russia and Russian enclaves around the world, but in Latvia it is viewed by non-Russians as a symbol of Soviet occupation of their country. In previous years, Russians in Riga gather at the Soviet-era monument to mark the Victory Day holiday, but this year, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Riga government imposed substantial restrictions on pro-Russian gatherings and symbols in the city and during the holiday. The statues at the monument were surrounded by barricades covered in Latvian and Ukrainian flags, police barricades prevented people from approaching the monuments, images showing the horrors of the war in Ukraine were on display, and people were not allowed to lay flowers at the monument themselves, instead giving them to police officers to lay at the foot of the monuments. Many of the Russians who went to the monument on this day argued with police about the restrictions, and pro-Ukraine demonstrators brought the Ukraine flag to protest Russia's actions in the country. But today, on Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), a holiday not celebrated by Russians, people were allowed to directly approach the steps of the monument and lay flowers themselves.
People gather in Victory Park (Uzvaras parks; Парк Победы) to lay flowers at the foot of Soviet-era monuments in the park on Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) in Riga, Latvia, on Sun., May 8, 2022. Victory in Europe Day is celebrated throughout Europe as a commemoration of the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany ending World War II. The following day, Aug. 9, is Victory Day, which is celebrated primarily in Russia and Russian enclaves around the world, but in Latvia it is viewed by non-Russians as a symbol of Soviet occupation of their country. In previous years, Russians in Riga gather at the Soviet-era monument to mark the Victory Day holiday, but this year, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Riga government imposed substantial restrictions on pro-Russian gatherings and symbols in the city and during the holiday. The statues at the monument were surrounded by barricades covered in Latvian and Ukrainian flags, police barricades prevented people from approaching the monuments, images showing the horrors of the war in Ukraine were on display, and people were not allowed to lay flowers at the monument themselves, instead giving them to police officers to lay at the foot of the monuments. Many of the Russians who went to the monument on this day argued with police about the restrictions, and pro-Ukraine demonstrators brought the Ukraine flag to protest Russia's actions in the country. But today, on Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), a holiday not celebrated by Russians, people were allowed to directly approach the steps of the monument and lay flowers themselves.
People gather in Victory Park (Uzvaras parks; Парк Победы) to lay flowers at the foot of Soviet-era monuments in the park on Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) in Riga, Latvia, on Sun., May 8, 2022. Victory in Europe Day is celebrated throughout Europe as a commemoration of the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany ending World War II. The following day, Aug. 9, is Victory Day, which is celebrated primarily in Russia and Russian enclaves around the world, but in Latvia it is viewed by non-Russians as a symbol of Soviet occupation of their country. In previous years, Russians in Riga gather at the Soviet-era monument to mark the Victory Day holiday, but this year, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Riga government imposed substantial restrictions on pro-Russian gatherings and symbols in the city and during the holiday. The statues at the monument were surrounded by barricades covered in Latvian and Ukrainian flags, police barricades prevented people from approaching the monuments, images showing the horrors of the war in Ukraine were on display, and people were not allowed to lay flowers at the monument themselves, instead giving them to police officers to lay at the foot of the monuments. Many of the Russians who went to the monument on this day argued with police about the restrictions, and pro-Ukraine demonstrators brought the Ukraine flag to protest Russia's actions in the country. But today, on Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), a holiday not celebrated by Russians, people were allowed to directly approach the steps of the monument and lay flowers themselves.
Ethnic Russians and pro-Russian Latvians gathered in Victory Park (Uzvaras parks; Парк Победы) and laid flowers at the foot of Soviet-era monuments in the park on Victory Day in Riga, Latvia, on Mon., May 9, 2022. Victory Day is a holiday celebrated primarily in Russia and Russian enclaves around the world as a commemoration of the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany ending World War II, but in Latvia it is viewed by non-Russians as a symbol of Soviet occupation of their country. In previous years, Russians in Riga gather at the Soviet-era monument to mark the holiday, but this year, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Riga government imposed substantial restrictions on pro-Russian gatherings and symbols in the city and during the holiday. The statues at the monument were surrounded by barricades covered in Latvian and Ukrainian flags, police barricades prevented people from approaching the monuments, images showing the horrors of the war in Ukraine were on display, and people were not allowed to lay flowers at the monument themselves, instead giving them to police officers to lay at the foot of the monuments. Many of the Russians who went to the monument on this day argued with police about the restrictions, and pro-Ukraine demonstrators brought the Ukraine flag to protest Russia's actions in the country. The previous day, Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), a holiday not celebrated by Russians, people were allowed to directly approach the steps of the monument and lay flowers themselves.
A pro-Ukraine demonstrator holds a Ukrainian flag as ethnic Russians and pro-Russian Latvians gathered in Victory Park (Uzvaras parks; Парк Победы) and laid flowers at the foot of Soviet-era monuments in the park on Victory Day in Riga, Latvia, on Mon., May 9, 2022. Victory Day is a holiday celebrated primarily in Russia and Russian enclaves around the world as a commemoration of the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany ending World War II, but in Latvia it is viewed by non-Russians as a symbol of Soviet occupation of their country. In previous years, Russians in Riga gather at the Soviet-era monument to mark the holiday, but this year, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Riga government imposed substantial restrictions on pro-Russian gatherings and symbols in the city and during the holiday. The statues at the monument were surrounded by barricades covered in Latvian and Ukrainian flags, police barricades prevented people from approaching the monuments, images showing the horrors of the war in Ukraine were on display, and people were not allowed to lay flowers at the monument themselves, instead giving them to police officers to lay at the foot of the monuments. Many of the Russians who went to the monument on this day argued with police about the restrictions, and pro-Ukraine demonstrators brought the Ukraine flag to protest Russia's actions in the country. The previous day, Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), a holiday not celebrated by Russians, people were allowed to directly approach the steps of the monument and lay flowers themselves.
Ethnic Russians and pro-Russian Latvians gathered in Victory Park (Uzvaras parks; Парк Победы) and laid flowers at the foot of Soviet-era monuments in the park on Victory Day in Riga, Latvia, on Mon., May 9, 2022. Victory Day is a holiday celebrated primarily in Russia and Russian enclaves around the world as a commemoration of the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany ending World War II, but in Latvia it is viewed by non-Russians as a symbol of Soviet occupation of their country. In previous years, Russians in Riga gather at the Soviet-era monument to mark the holiday, but this year, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Riga government imposed substantial restrictions on pro-Russian gatherings and symbols in the city and during the holiday. The statues at the monument were surrounded by barricades covered in Latvian and Ukrainian flags, police barricades prevented people from approaching the monuments, images showing the horrors of the war in Ukraine were on display, and people were not allowed to lay flowers at the monument themselves, instead giving them to police officers to lay at the foot of the monuments. Many of the Russians who went to the monument on this day argued with police about the restrictions, and pro-Ukraine demonstrators brought the Ukraine flag to protest Russia's actions in the country. The previous day, Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), a holiday not celebrated by Russians, people were allowed to directly approach the steps of the monument and lay flowers themselves.
Police lay flowers around the monument as ethnic Russians and pro-Russian Latvians gathered in Victory Park (Uzvaras parks; Парк Победы) and laid flowers at the foot of Soviet-era monuments in the park on Victory Day in Riga, Latvia, on Mon., May 9, 2022. Victory Day is a holiday celebrated primarily in Russia and Russian enclaves around the world as a commemoration of the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany ending World War II, but in Latvia it is viewed by non-Russians as a symbol of Soviet occupation of their country. In previous years, Russians in Riga gather at the Soviet-era monument to mark the holiday, but this year, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Riga government imposed substantial restrictions on pro-Russian gatherings and symbols in the city and during the holiday. The statues at the monument were surrounded by barricades covered in Latvian and Ukrainian flags, police barricades prevented people from approaching the monuments, images showing the horrors of the war in Ukraine were on display, and people were not allowed to lay flowers at the monument themselves, instead giving them to police officers to lay at the foot of the monuments. Many of the Russians who went to the monument on this day argued with police about the restrictions, and pro-Ukraine demonstrators brought the Ukraine flag to protest Russia's actions in the country. The previous day, Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), a holiday not celebrated by Russians, people were allowed to directly approach the steps of the monument and lay flowers themselves.
A crowd surrounds as police confront a Russian man wearing a Russia jacket as ethnic Russians and pro-Russian Latvians gathered in Victory Park (Uzvaras parks; Парк Победы) and laid flowers at the foot of Soviet-era monuments in the park on Victory Day in Riga, Latvia, on Mon., May 9, 2022. The Russian man eventually displayed his Russian passport and explained that that was his only jacket, knowing that displays of the Russian flag had been forbidden. Victory Day is a holiday celebrated primarily in Russia and Russian enclaves around the world as a commemoration of the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany ending World War II, but in Latvia it is viewed by non-Russians as a symbol of Soviet occupation of their country. In previous years, Russians in Riga gather at the Soviet-era monument to mark the holiday, but this year, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Riga government imposed substantial restrictions on pro-Russian gatherings and symbols in the city and during the holiday. The statues at the monument were surrounded by barricades covered in Latvian and Ukrainian flags, police barricades prevented people from approaching the monuments, images showing the horrors of the war in Ukraine were on display, and people were not allowed to lay flowers at the monument themselves, instead giving them to police officers to lay at the foot of the monuments. Many of the Russians who went to the monument on this day argued with police about the restrictions, and pro-Ukraine demonstrators brought the Ukraine flag to protest Russia's actions in the country. The previous day, Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), a holiday not celebrated by Russians, people were allowed to directly approach the steps of the monument and lay flowers themselves.
Flowers and mementos lay on police barricades as ethnic Russians and pro-Russian Latvians gathered in Victory Park (Uzvaras parks; Парк Победы) and laid flowers at the foot of Soviet-era monuments in the park on Victory Day in Riga, Latvia, on Mon., May 9, 2022. Victory Day is a holiday celebrated primarily in Russia and Russian enclaves around the world as a commemoration of the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany ending World War II, but in Latvia it is viewed by non-Russians as a symbol of Soviet occupation of their country. In previous years, Russians in Riga gather at the Soviet-era monument to mark the holiday, but this year, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Riga government imposed substantial restrictions on pro-Russian gatherings and symbols in the city and during the holiday. The statues at the monument were surrounded by barricades covered in Latvian and Ukrainian flags, police barricades prevented people from approaching the monuments, images showing the horrors of the war in Ukraine were on display, and people were not allowed to lay flowers at the monument themselves, instead giving them to police officers to lay at the foot of the monuments. Many of the Russians who went to the monument on this day argued with police about the restrictions, and pro-Ukraine demonstrators brought the Ukraine flag to protest Russia's actions in the country. The previous day, Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), a holiday not celebrated by Russians, people were allowed to directly approach the steps of the monument and lay flowers themselves.
Ethnic Russians and pro-Russian Latvians gathered in Victory Park (Uzvaras parks; Парк Победы) and laid flowers at the foot of Soviet-era monuments in the park on Victory Day in Riga, Latvia, on Mon., May 9, 2022. Victory Day is a holiday celebrated primarily in Russia and Russian enclaves around the world as a commemoration of the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany ending World War II, but in Latvia it is viewed by non-Russians as a symbol of Soviet occupation of their country. In previous years, Russians in Riga gather at the Soviet-era monument to mark the holiday, but this year, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Riga government imposed substantial restrictions on pro-Russian gatherings and symbols in the city and during the holiday. The statues at the monument were surrounded by barricades covered in Latvian and Ukrainian flags, police barricades prevented people from approaching the monuments, images showing the horrors of the war in Ukraine were on display, and people were not allowed to lay flowers at the monument themselves, instead giving them to police officers to lay at the foot of the monuments. Many of the Russians who went to the monument on this day argued with police about the restrictions, and pro-Ukraine demonstrators brought the Ukraine flag to protest Russia's actions in the country. The previous day, Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), a holiday not celebrated by Russians, people were allowed to directly approach the steps of the monument and lay flowers themselves.
A destroyed flower lays on the ground as ethnic Russians and pro-Russian Latvians gathered in Victory Park (Uzvaras parks; Парк Победы) and laid flowers at the foot of Soviet-era monuments in the park on Victory Day in Riga, Latvia, on Mon., May 9, 2022. Victory Day is a holiday celebrated primarily in Russia and Russian enclaves around the world as a commemoration of the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany ending World War II, but in Latvia it is viewed by non-Russians as a symbol of Soviet occupation of their country. In previous years, Russians in Riga gather at the Soviet-era monument to mark the holiday, but this year, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Riga government imposed substantial restrictions on pro-Russian gatherings and symbols in the city and during the holiday. The statues at the monument were surrounded by barricades covered in Latvian and Ukrainian flags, police barricades prevented people from approaching the monuments, images showing the horrors of the war in Ukraine were on display, and people were not allowed to lay flowers at the monument themselves, instead giving them to police officers to lay at the foot of the monuments. Many of the Russians who went to the monument on this day argued with police about the restrictions, and pro-Ukraine demonstrators brought the Ukraine flag to protest Russia's actions in the country. The previous day, Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), a holiday not celebrated by Russians, people were allowed to directly approach the steps of the monument and lay flowers themselves.

South Boston’s Saint Patrick’s Day Parade returns after pandemic cancellations
April 1, 2022

Crowds gather to watch the Saint Patrick's Day Parade in South Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, on Sun., March 20, 2022. The parade was cancelled in the previous two years due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic.

South Boston’s raucous Saint Patrick’s Day Parade returned after two years being cancelled by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. And while the route was shortened this year, the sidewalks were just as full as ever with people. An estimated 1 million people attended the event.

Crowds of people arrive at the Broadway Red Line MBTA subway station to attend the Saint Patrick's Day Parade in South Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, on Sun., March 20, 2022. The parade was cancelled in the previous two years due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic.

Crowds gather to watch the Saint Patrick's Day Parade in South Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, on Sun., March 20, 2022. The parade was cancelled in the previous two years due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic.

Crowds gather to watch the Saint Patrick's Day Parade in South Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, on Sun., March 20, 2022. The parade was cancelled in the previous two years due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic.

People march in the Saint Patrick's Day Parade in South Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, on Sun., March 20, 2022. The parade was cancelled in the previous two years due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic.

Miss Boston 2022 Cassie Pinataro waves to crowds during the Saint Patrick's Day Parade in South Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, on Sun., March 20, 2022. The parade was cancelled in the previous two years due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic.

Crowds gather to watch the Saint Patrick's Day Parade in South Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, on Sun., March 20, 2022. The parade was cancelled in the previous two years due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic.

People watch the Saint Patrick's Day Parade from windows along the parade route in South Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, on Sun., March 20, 2022. The parade was cancelled in the previous two years due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic.

Men sit on an apartment rooftop to watch the Saint Patrick's Day Parade in South Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, on Sun., March 20, 2022. The parade was cancelled in the previous two years due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic.

Confetti in the color of the Irish flag lays on the ground during the Saint Patrick's Day Parade in South Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, on Sun., March 20, 2022. The parade was cancelled in the previous two years due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic.

Crowds gather to watch the Saint Patrick's Day Parade in South Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, on Sun., March 20, 2022. The parade was cancelled in the previous two years due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic.

Young men wearing green for Saint Patrick's Day celebration ride a Red Line MBTA subway train in Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, on Sun., March 20, 2022.

Recent assignment work for the New York Times
March 15, 2022

Boston rallies in support of Ukraine as Russian invasion begins

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEB 24, 2022. Yuliya Reshetnyak, a Ukrainian living in Boston, age 38, has her face painted with the Ukrainian flag as people gather in support of Ukraine outside the Massachusetts State House in Boston, Massachusetts, on election day, Thu., Feb. 24, 2022.Over night, Russian forces invaded Ukraine in a massive increase of aggression after rumors of war have persisted for the past few weeks.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEB 24, 2022. A person holds a sign reading "No SWIFT," a reference to banking sanctions many hope will be applied to Russia, as people gather in support of Ukraine outside the Massachusetts State House in Boston, Massachusetts, Thu., Feb. 24, 2022. Over night, Russian forces invaded Ukraine in a massive increase of aggression after rumors of war have persisted for the past few weeks. The signs here read "No SWIFT" and "Stop War."
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEB 24, 2022. Rita Shaboshnikova, 83 (center), a Ukrainian from Kharkov living in Boston, holds a Ukrainian flag as people gather in support of Ukraine outside the Massachusetts State House in Boston, Massachusetts, on election day, Thu., Feb. 24, 2022.Over night, Russian forces invaded Ukraine in a massive increase of aggression after rumors of war have persisted for the past few weeks. Shaboshnikova says she has friends and colleagues still in Ukraine, but no family.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEB 24, 2022. People gather in support of Ukraine outside the Massachusetts State House in Boston, Massachusetts, Thu., Feb. 24, 2022. Over night, Russian forces invaded Ukraine in a massive increase of aggression after rumors of war have persisted for the past few weeks. While standing on the State House steps the crowd chanted "Arm Ukraine," "Slava Ukraine," and "Sanctions Now" and sang patriotic songs.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEB 24, 2022. A person holds a Ukrainian flag as people gather in support of Ukraine outside the Massachusetts State House in Boston, Massachusetts, Thu., Feb. 24, 2022. Over night, Russian forces invaded Ukraine in a massive increase of aggression after rumors of war have persisted for the past few weeks.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEB 24, 2022. Victor Pavlenkov, a Russian-American from Cambridge, Mass., who came to the US in 1979, waves a Ukrainian flag in support as people gather in support of Ukraine outside the Massachusetts State House in Boston, Massachusetts, Thu., Feb. 24, 2022. Over night, Russian forces invaded Ukraine in a massive increase of aggression after rumors of war have persisted for the past few weeks. Pavlenkov wore various items from former Soviet Republics including a Georgian hat and a Belarusian flag and said, "I support Ukrainian independence as well as any of the republics." Pavlenkov is standing in front of the Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Regiment Memorial, also known as the Black Civil War Monument, in Boston Common opposite the MA State House.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEB 24, 2022. Iryna Soloviova, 20, a Ukrainian student at Northeastern University, speaks on the phone with her mother to hear news of relatives in Ukraine and that Russia just took hold of Chernobyl after people gathered in support of Ukraine outside the Massachusetts State House in Boston, Massachusetts, Thu., Feb. 24, 2022. Over night, Russian forces invaded Ukraine in a massive increase of aggression after rumors of war have persisted for the past few weeks.

Funeral for Esias Johnson, killed while incarcerated at Rikers

Jerome Johnson leans over his son's closed casket during the funeral of Esias Johnson at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home in Haverhill, Massachusetts, on Sat., Sept. 25, 2021. Johnson died on Sept. 7, 2021, while in custody at New York's Rikers Island jail. According to his parents, Rikers officials had not taken him to scheduled a court appearance and had not given him medical attention when he became sick. At least two corrections officers have been suspended in connection with Johnson's death. The funeral was a closed casket service; Esias' father Jerome Johnson said that how Esias's body was stored prior to being transferred to Massachusetts necessitated a closed casket service due to deterioration of the body.
Tracy Johnson (right) receives a hug from Deliesha McKinnon (colorful hair, mother of Esias's sister) during Tracy's son Esias Johnson's funeral at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home in Haverhill, Massachusetts, on Sat., Sept. 25, 2021. Johnson died on Sept. 7, 2021, while in custody at New York's Rikers Island jail. According to his parents, Rikers officials had not taken him to scheduled a court appearance and had not given him medical attention when he became sick. At least two corrections officers have been suspended in connection with Johnson's death. The funeral was a closed casket service; Esias' father Jerome Johnson said that how Esias's body was stored prior to being transferred to Massachusetts necessitated a closed casket service due to deterioration of the body.
Friends and family gather for the funeral of Esias Johnson at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home in Haverhill, Massachusetts, on Sat., Sept. 25, 2021. Johnson died on Sept. 7, 2021, while in custody at New York's Rikers Island jail. According to his parents, Rikers officials had not taken him to scheduled a court appearance and had not given him medical attention when he became sick. At least two corrections officers have been suspended in connection with Johnson's death. The funeral was a closed casket service; Esias' father Jerome Johnson said that how Esias's body was stored prior to being transferred to Massachusetts necessitated a closed casket service due to deterioration of the body.
Jeremy Poisson (right) hugs cousin Alex Poisson at the funeral of Jeremy's brother Esias Johnson at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home in Haverhill, Massachusetts, on Sat., Sept. 25, 2021. Johnson died on Sept. 7, 2021, while in custody at New York's Rikers Island jail. According to his parents, Rikers officials had not taken him to scheduled a court appearance and had not given him medical attention when he became sick. At least two corrections officers have been suspended in connection with Johnson's death. The funeral was a closed casket service; Esias' father Jerome Johnson said that how Esias's body was stored prior to being transferred to Massachusetts necessitated a closed casket service due to deterioration of the body.
Janai Chaney-Johnson (center) speaks at his brother Esias Johnson's funeral at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home in Haverhill, Massachusetts, on Sat., Sept. 25, 2021. During Janai's speech, he addressed his other brothers and said that Esias's death should serve as an inspiration to strive to be the best that they can be. Johnson died on Sept. 7, 2021, while in custody at New York's Rikers Island jail. According to his parents, Rikers officials had not taken him to scheduled a court appearance and had not given him medical attention when he became sick. At least two corrections officers have been suspended in connection with Johnson's death. The funeral was a closed casket service; Esias' father Jerome Johnson said that how Esias's body was stored prior to being transferred to Massachusetts necessitated a closed casket service due to deterioration of the body.
Photos of Esias Johnson are seen in the parlor of the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home at Johnson's funeral in Haverhill, Massachusetts, on Sat., Sept. 25, 2021. Johnson died on Sept. 7, 2021, while in custody at New York's Rikers Island jail. According to his parents, Rikers officials had not taken him to scheduled a court appearance and had not given him medical attention when he became sick. At least two corrections officers have been suspended in connection with Johnson's death. The funeral was a closed casket service; Esias' father Jerome Johnson said that how Esias's body was stored prior to being transferred to Massachusetts necessitated a closed casket service due to deterioration of the body.
A candle featuring photos of Esias Johnson stands on a table as family and friends gather for a memorial reception at the Amvets 147 Function Hall after Esias' funeral in Haverhill, Massachusetts, on Sat., Sept. 25, 2021. Johnson died on Sept. 7, 2021, while in custody at New York's Rikers Island jail. According to his parents, Rikers officials had not taken him to scheduled a court appearance and had not given him medical attention when he became sick. At least two corrections officers have been suspended in connection with Johnson's death. The funeral was a closed casket service; Esias' father Jerome Johnson said that how Esias's body was stored prior to being transferred to Massachusetts necessitated a closed casket service due to deterioration of the body.

Transgender swimmer Lia Thomas competes at Harvard

Lia Thomas (top; senior, University of Pennsylvania) swims in the competition pool after all races had finished at the Harvard vs. Penn Swim Meet at Blodgett Pool at Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts, on Sat., Jan. 22, 2022.in Boston, Massachusetts, on Sat., Jan. 22, 2022. Thomas is a transgender athlete.
The scoreboard shows Lia Thomas (senior, University of Pennsylvania) winning the Women's 200 Yard Freestyle race at the Harvard vs. Penn Swim Meet at Blodgett Pool at Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts, on Sat., Jan. 22, 2022.in Boston, Massachusetts, on Sat., Jan. 22, 2022. Thomas is a transgender athlete. Thomas placed first in this race with a time of 1:47.08.
Lia Thomas (center; senior, University of Pennsylvania) waits on the starting block to swim the second leg of the Women's 200 Yard Freestyle Relay at the Harvard vs. Penn Swim Meet at Blodgett Pool at Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts, on Sat., Jan. 22, 2022.in Boston, Massachusetts, on Sat., Jan. 22, 2022. Thomas is a transgender athlete. Thomas's relay team placed second in this race with a time of 1:35.65.
Lia Thomas (center with white facemask; senior, University of Pennsylvania) walks on the pool deck between races at the Harvard vs. Penn Swim Meet at Blodgett Pool at Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts, on Sat., Jan. 22, 2022.in Boston, Massachusetts, on Sat., Jan. 22, 2022. Thomas is a transgender athlete.
A Penn supporter wears a shirt reading "8 Against Hate / Ivy," referring to an Ivy League anti-hate campaign while watching the women's races at the Harvard vs. Penn Swim Meet at Blodgett Pool at Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts, on Sat., Jan. 22, 2022.in Boston, Massachusetts, on Sat., Jan. 22, 2022. Lia Thomas, a senior at the University of Pennsylvania, is a transgender athlete swimming in the women's races at the event.
Lia Thomas (center; senior, University of Pennsylvania) rests near the starting blocks after winning the Women's 100 Yard Freestyle race at the Harvard vs. Penn Swim Meet at Blodgett Pool at Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts, on Sat., Jan. 22, 2022.in Boston, Massachusetts, on Sat., Jan. 22, 2022. Thomas is a transgender athlete. Thomas placed first in this race with a time of 50.55.
Lia Thomas (senior, University of Pennsylvania) gets ready to swim in the Women's 200 Yard Medley Relay at the Harvard vs. Penn Swim Meet at Blodgett Pool at Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts, on Sat., Jan. 22, 2022.in Boston, Massachusetts, on Sat., Jan. 22, 2022. Thomas is a transgender athlete. The team placed third in this race.
Lia Thomas (senior, University of Pennsylvania) swims in the competition pool during a warm-up period between women's races at the Harvard vs. Penn Swim Meet at Blodgett Pool at Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts, on Sat., Jan. 22, 2022.in Boston, Massachusetts, on Sat., Jan. 22, 2022. Thomas is a transgender athlete.

COVID numbers rise again in Boston

People wait to get tested for COVID-19 at a free, walk-in Stop the Spread COVID testing site at Saint Rose School in Chelsea, Massachusetts, on Tue., Dec. 21, 2021.
People walk past a TJ Maxx with signs indicating that facemasks must be worn in the Downtown Crossing pedestrian area of downtown Boston, Massachusetts, on Tue., Dec. 21, 2021.
A woman wearing a face mask is seen under a sign reading "Come in / We're Open" inside the Boston Kitchen Pizza restaurant in downtown Boston, Massachusetts, on Tue., Dec. 21, 2021.
People walk along Stuart Street past the Boston Kitchen Pizza restaurant where people are inside eating in downtown Boston, Massachusetts, on Tue., Dec. 21, 2021.
People wait in line for COVID testing in the Terminal E arrivals and baggage claim area of Boston Logan International Airport in Boston, Massachusetts, on Tue., Dec. 21, 2021. The airport testing is available in Terminals E and C depending on the day, costs $75 for a PCR or anti-body test, and is operated by XpresCheck, according to a PDF found on the MassPort website.
A sign in the Terminal E arrivals and baggage claim area of Boston Logan International Airport indicates that there is COVID-19 testing available at airport in Boston, Massachusetts, on Tue., Dec. 21, 2021. The airport testing is available in Terminals E and C depending on the day, costs $75 for a PCR or anti-body test, and is operated by XpresCheck, according to a PDF found on the MassPort website.
People wait in line for COVID testing in the Terminal E arrivals and baggage claim area of Boston Logan International Airport in Boston, Massachusetts, on Tue., Dec. 21, 2021. The airport testing is available in Terminals E and C depending on the day, costs $75 for a PCR or anti-body test, and is operated by XpresCheck, according to a PDF found on the MassPort website.
People wait to get tested for COVID-19 at a free, walk-in Stop the Spread COVID testing site at Saint Rose School in Chelsea, Massachusetts, on Tue., Dec. 21, 2021.
People walk past the entrance of Primark in the Downtown Crossing pedestrian area of downtown Boston, Massachusetts, on Tue., Dec. 21, 2021.
Pedestrians pass by outdoor diners at Finagle A Bagel near Copley Square in Boston, Massachusetts, on Tue., Dec. 21, 2021.
People wait in line for COVID testing People wait in line for COVID testing outside Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, on Tue., Dec. 21, 2021. The website for the testing site warns people that if their medical insurance does not cover the cost of testing, testing for asymptomatic patients may be billed at $135 per person.

Harvard student walkout protest of Harvard handling of Comaroff sexual assault allegations

CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS - FEB 14, 2022. With a banner reading "Shame on Harvard," Harvard University community members including students and faculty gather in Science Center Plaza outside Harvard Yard to participate in a "No Justice Walkout" organized by students in support of three graduate students suing the university for its handling of sexual harassment allegations against anthropology professor John Comaroff in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on election day, Mon., Feb. 14, 2022. Last week 38 Harvard faculty members released a co-signed statement in support of Professor Comaroff, but 34 of those professors issued a retraction shortly after the letter was released. The students who sued Harvard are Margaret Czerwiensky, Lilia Kilburn, and Amulya Mandava. CREDIT: M. Scott Brauer for the New York Times HARVARD-RECORDS
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS - FEB 14, 2022. Harvard University community members including students and faculty walk in front of Memorial Church on Harvard Yard as part of a "No Justice Walkout" organized by students in support of three graduate students suing the university for its handling of sexual harassment allegations against anthropology professor John Comaroff in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on election day, Mon., Feb. 14, 2022. Last week 38 Harvard faculty members released a co-signed statement in support of Professor Comaroff, but 34 of those professors issued a retraction shortly after the letter was released. The students who sued Harvard are Margaret Czerwiensky, Lilia Kilburn, and Amulya Mandava. CREDIT: M. Scott Brauer for the New York Times HARVARD-RECORDS
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS - FEB 14, 2022. Lilia Kilburn speaks to Harvard University community members including students and faculty gathered in Harvard Yard as part of a "No Justice Walkout" organized by students in support of three graduate students suing the university for its handling of sexual harassment allegations against anthropology professor John Comaroff in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on election day, Mon., Feb. 14, 2022. Kilburn is one of the graduate students who have sued Harvard over the treatment of sexual harassment allegations. Last week 38 Harvard faculty members released a co-signed statement in support of Professor Comaroff, but 34 of those professors issued a retraction shortly after the letter was released. The students who sued Harvard are Margaret Czerwiensky, Lilia Kilburn, and Amulya Mandava. Petherbridge, 24, is a graduate student studying systems biology at Harvard and is a trustee on the Executive Board of the Harvard Graduate Student Union. CREDIT: M. Scott Brauer for the New York Times HARVARD-RECORDS
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS - FEB 14, 2022. Rachel Petherbridge leads a chant as Harvard University community members including students and faculty gather in Harvard Yard as part of a "No Justice Walkout" organized by students in support of three graduate students suing the university for its handling of sexual harassment allegations against anthropology professor John Comaroff in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on election day, Mon., Feb. 14, 2022. Last week 38 Harvard faculty members released a co-signed statement in support of Professor Comaroff, but 34 of those professors issued a retraction shortly after the letter was released. The students who sued Harvard are Margaret Czerwiensky, Lilia Kilburn, and Amulya Mandava. Petherbridge, 24, is a graduate student studying systems biology at Harvard and is a trustee on the Executive Board of the Harvard Graduate Student Union. CREDIT: M. Scott Brauer for the New York Times HARVARD-RECORDS
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS - FEB 14, 2022. Harvard University community members including students and faculty walk into Harvard Yard as part of a "No Justice Walkout" organized by students in support of three graduate students suing the university for its handling of sexual harassment allegations against anthropology professor John Comaroff in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on election day, Mon., Feb. 14, 2022. Last week 38 Harvard faculty members released a co-signed statement in support of Professor Comaroff, but 34 of those professors issued a retraction shortly after the letter was released. The students who sued Harvard are Margaret Czerwiensky, Lilia Kilburn, and Amulya Mandava. CREDIT: M. Scott Brauer for the New York Times HARVARD-RECORDS
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS - FEB 14, 2022. Harvard University community members including students and faculty gather in Science Center Plaza outside Harvard Yard to participate in a "No Justice Walkout" organized by students in support of three graduate students suing the university for its handling of sexual harassment allegations against anthropology professor John Comaroff in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on election day, Mon., Feb. 14, 2022. Last week 38 Harvard faculty members released a co-signed statement in support of Professor Comaroff, but 34 of those professors issued a retraction shortly after the letter was released. The students who sued Harvard are Margaret Czerwiensky, Lilia Kilburn, and Amulya Mandava. CREDIT: M. Scott Brauer for the New York Times HARVARD-RECORDS
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS - FEB 14, 2022. Harvard University community members including students and faculty walk in front of Memorial Church on Harvard Yard as part of a "No Justice Walkout" organized by students in support of three graduate students suing the university for its handling of sexual harassment allegations against anthropology professor John Comaroff in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on election day, Mon., Feb. 14, 2022. Last week 38 Harvard faculty members released a co-signed statement in support of Professor Comaroff, but 34 of those professors issued a retraction shortly after the letter was released. The students who sued Harvard are Margaret Czerwiensky, Lilia Kilburn, and Amulya Mandava. CREDIT: M. Scott Brauer for the New York Times HARVARD-RECORDS

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