NEWS & FEATURES

Republicans are spreading the nasty meme that Democrats are feeling buyer's remorse about Kerry. Or at least that's the word from the media, says Dan Kennedy. If Kerry doesn't rouse himself from his current torpor, the GOP's wishful thinking may come true in the crucial months ahead.

Boston may be the most bicycling-hostile city in the country. Now, as the Big Dig comes to an end, cycling advocates have a chance to change the map, literally. But will they be able to put aside their own differences and come up with a realistic plan? David S. Bernstein looks for answers.

Harvey A. Silverglate and Carl Takei show how the Governor's Council on Capital Punishment report unintentionally reveals exactly why the death penalty is unconscionable. Plus, let's hope the Supremes prevent US military brigs from becoming gulags.

Races for Suffolk County sheriff are usually pretty forgettable. That's about to change, as City Councilor Stephen Murphy and incumbent Andrea Cabral take up positions for an electoral showdown. Adam Reilly reports.

It goes without saying that the new Red Sox documentary Still, We Believe does not have a happy ending - at least, not for people from Boston. Chris Wright talks to some of its characters.

Celebrating 20 years at WHDH-TV Channel 7 this month, chief meteorologist Todd Gross explains to Tamara Wieder why weather forecasting has gotten markedly better over the years.

In "Out There," AAlan Olifson has flower power.

In "Urban Buy," Christine Junge says to hang it up.

In the Phoenix editorial, Thoughts on the horror of Abu Ghraib. Plus, the death penalty springs to life, and cities and towns stand up to Romney on gay marriage.

Letters to the editor

Moon Signs

Plus, this just in:

MUSIC

Brett Milano says the Konks shoot to thrill, and the Marvels get soaked.

Jon Garelick wonders, is music 'better' with a po' boy?

Franklin Bruno listens to Glenn Branca on CD and watches him on DVD

Mikael Wood reviews new records from Patty Griffin and Mary Chapin Carpenter.

SOME SURPRISES: Lloyd Schwartz reviews Boston Lyric Opera's Cosí fan tutte, Opera Boston's Luisa Miller, and Mahler at the Boston Philharmonic and the BSO.

Live reviews of: Def Jux 3, Bill Frisell and Australian Chamber Orchestra

Also, short reviews of:

THEATER

Carolyn Clay brushes up on West Side Story and Kiss Me, Kate.

Liza Weisstuch watches as BTW maps the weird world of Kimberly Akimbo.

Carolyn Clay says New Rep turns Scapin into musical commedia.

TELEVISION

HOTDOTS: THURSDAY 13 10:00 (7) E.R. The season finale, in which Neela marries the Croatian guy, Nurse Sam admits she's going to have Dr. Ross's baby, and Makemba probably dies, because Thandie Newton's a guest star. By Clif Garboden

FOOD

SPECIALS