NEWS & FEATURES

North America’s only independent music-video-game-development studio is flying under the radar in Central Square. Camille Dodero visits Harmonix.

The Office of Special Counsel exists to protect federal workers from job discrimination and whistle-blowing retaliation. David S. Bernstein examines how Scott Bloch turned it into a haven for gay-bashing and partisan politics.

Adam Reilly wonders why Governor Mitt Romney is getting involved in the nitty-gritty details of the Democratic-nomination fight between Tom Reilly and Deval Patrick

Anti-choice pharmacists opposed to all forms of artificial contraception are seeking the power to mess with women’s everyday lives. Deirdre Fulton investigates.

Filmmaker Paul Haggis and an ensemble of talent - including Matt Dillon - tackle issues of diversity in a post-9/11 world. Tamara Wieder speaks with them.

In "Out There," Steve Almond tells you how to survive the annual return home without (technically) murdering any of your relatives.

Dan Savage on sex.

In the Phoenix editorial: Mitt Romney’s embrace of capital punishment — and Tom Reilly’s craven response — show why progressives must remain vigilant

Letters to the editor

Moon Signs

Plus, this just in:

MUSIC

Jon Garelick sums up his long weekend at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and related Crescent City events in Giant Steps.

Jonathan Perry talks with acclaimed singer-songwriter Kathleen Edwards about her sophomore CD

Michael Alan Goldberg talks with Mary Gauthier about her major-label debut and touring with Willie Nelson

Kurt B. Reighly explains how things got better - if not easier - for Cazwell, a gay rapper from Worcester, after he moved to NYC

Matt Ashare sees The New York Dolls and Gang of Four return to rock.

In Cellars By Starlight: Edan's struggles with rap's relevance; the Perceptionists' new perceptions

In Out: Steer Roast, side of Apes; Jacque’s strange attractors

Chris Rucker has love for Downbeat 5 and Kimone; Lamont and Clickers call it quits

Live reviews of: Audioslave, Louis XIV, and Joe Pernice

Also, short reviews of:

THEATER

Carolyn Clay reviews August Wilson's Radio Golf at Yale, Take Me Out at SpeakEasy, and Into the Woods at New Repertory Theatre

Liza Weisstuch reviews Janet Kenney's My Heart and My Flesh.

DANCE

Marcia B. Siegel reports on Fico Balet, Kinodance, and Elaine Summers.

BOOKS

Charlie Higson tries to extend the 007 franchise with SilverFin. Jeffrey Gantz reviews Higson's take on the young Bond.

TELEVISION

HOTDOTS: SATURDAY 7 5:00 (7) Horse Racing. Live from Churchill Downs, the 131st running of the Kentucky Derby. The Bellamy Road who won the Wood Memorial can't lose. Whether that Bellamy Road will show up this afternoon is another matter. By Clif Garboden

FOOD