Published July 7, 2011

Two weeks to the day after his arrest, James “Whitey” Bulger was formally charged yesterday with committing 19 murders and numerous other crimes, many allegedly committed while he was a secret FBI informant.

Former FBI agent Bob Fitzpatrick said that back when he worked in the Boston office it was obvious to him that something about the FBI’s relationship with Bulger wasn’t right. Obviously, Fitzpatrick was.

The man who weaseled his way into Boston’s high society as “Clark Rockefeller,” is set to be arraigned tomorrow on murder charges in California. As you might remember, Christian Gerhartstreiter is a bit of an odd duck.

Hoping to finally close the book on its controversial relationship with Cleve Killingsworth, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts said it will refund to customers the $4.2 million in severance it paid the former CEO. The rebate breakdown is just under $2 per Blue Cross subsciber.

An estimated 35 percent of Boston’s population is between 20- and 34-years-old, the highest percentage among U.S. cities.

A Boston developer wants to build a 16-story complex of retail, office and residential units near Fenway Park. The Abbey Group filed paperwork with the Boston Redevelopment Authority yesterday, in a preliminary step toward developing the property on Boylston Street.

What we’re following: We’ll continue to report on the future of Raynham Park, abuse at Carney Hospital and the state of tornado relief operations.

Published July 6, 2011

After violence marred the July 4th holiday weekend, city officials pledged yesterday to step up patrols in crime-plagued areas in an effort to stem the violence. Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis said the city has to combat gang feuds, which are tearing parts of the city apart.

Police allege the murder of a teenager in Wayland was a classic case of teen dating violence and charged Lauren Astley’s ex-boyfriend with her murder. Astley’s death, and the arrest of 18-year-old Nathaniel Fujita, shocked the community.

Reputed mob boss James “Whitey” Bulger is set to enter a plea on 19 counts of murder in federal court in Boston today.

Former Red Sox star Roger Clemens is set to get his day(s) in court, charged with perjury and obstruction of Congress. In 2008, Clemens told a Congressional committee, under oath, that he’d never taken steroids or HGH. His former trainer, however, alleges the pitcher was a steroid-user.

Boston’s Colonial Theatre will shut down this weekend and no one knows when, or if, it will re-open. Jacqueline Liebergott, the president of Emerson College, which owns the Colonial, said the theater is working to find a new tenant.

Authorities say that the Boston mob has lost its power in the city over the last 40 years. Still, Boston’s reputation for mob activity — at least on a film set — is driving some tourists to visit.

Red Sox outfielder Darnell McDonald gunned down Toronto’s Edwin Encarnacion at the plate to preserve a dramatic 3-2 victory at Fenway last night. But the big news is that star starter Jon Lester left the game after pitching four no-hit innings with a strained lat muscle.

What we’re following: We’ll continue to report on an alleged illegal gambling ring in the Boston-area, the group that launched a campaign to recall Lawrence’s mayor and presidential politics in New Hampshire.

Published July 5, 2011

After a long weekend of holiday revelry, Boston is back to work Tuesday.

Yesterday, thousands marked the Fourth on the Esplanade with the annual fireworks show and Boston Pops concert conducted for the 17th year by Keith Lockhart. Boston awoke this morning to additional fire power from the barge that shot off the July Fourth fireworks. A fire was spotted on the barge at about 5 a.m. Boston Fire Department’s harbor unit quickly had the blaze under control within an hour.

For some around Boston the holiday was marked by violence. Overnight 13 people were shot and stabbed, leaving four dead in five neighborhoods around Boston. This afternoon, Radio Boston will take a deeper look at these events.

A Wayland teenager, 18-year-old Nathanial Fujita, has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the death of 18-year-old Lauren Astley. A bicyclist found Astely’s body in the marshy area of Wayland on Monday.

The death of Roman Catholic priest, Reverend Paul Archambault, in Springfield has been ruled a suicide. His body was found Sunday at the Sacred Heart rectory.

Another company is set to relocate to the Boston waterfront. According to the Globe, Brightcove Inc., maker of digital media products, has signed a deal to move into the new Atlantic Wharf complex, where it will hire 120 more employees to fill out its new space.

WBUR’s Curt Nickish reports that local investors are throwing millions of dollars at the state’s young entrepreneurs. The tried and true advice given to recent graduates used to be to get  some business experience under your belt first. Now, some investors have realized that on-the-job experience may actually teach you bad things.

Published July 1, 2011

The Boston Pops may perform all night long, but they probably won’t be playing “All Night Long,” after the announcement that Lionel Ritchie has pulled out of his scheduled July 4 performance with the orchestra.

Ritchie has been placed on vocal rest and had to cancel his appearance.

Have no fear, Pops fans, the iconic Fourth of July concert won’t be without fireworks. Country-singer Martina McBride jumped in to replace Ritchie and Boston-native Michael Chiklis (aka that scary guy from “The Shield”) is still scheduled to perform. Also, there will literally be fireworks.

McBride’s most famous song seems to be, fittingly, “Independence Day,” above.

Published July 1, 2011

With his defense now set, accused Boston mobster James “Whitey” Bulger will be formally arraigned in federal court in Boston next week.

In one hearing yesterday, a judge ruled that Bulger is eligible for a public defender (despite the $800,000 and change authorities recovered from his California hideout.) He will be represented by veteran defense lawyer J.W. Carney. In a separate hearing, a judge granted prosecutors’ request to drop one indictment against the reputed mobster in order to focus on murder charges.

Before a woman’s body was pulled from a Fall River pool, city health inspectors found the water “cloudy” but found it safe for public use. The pool’s permit had expired Dec. 31, according to William Flanagan, Fall River’s mayor. It’s still unclear how long the woman’s body was in the pool without lifeguards, health inspectors or the public noticing.

The chancellor of UMass Amherst will step down in one year. Robert Holub’s leadership has been under fire by a university committee.

Hopefully you’re getting excited for a three-day holiday weekend. At least one person hasn’t had the 4th off for the last 25 years, Boston Pops Conductor Keith Lockhart. In big July 4th news: Lionel Ritchie has backed out of playing Monday’s concert with the Pops and has been replaced by country singer Martina McBride.

Just what the Sox doctor ordered: Jon Lester. This time it was the Red Sox’ turn to watch their ace stifle a potential World Series contender, as Lester held the Phillies to just two hits in his seven innings and the Sox won 5-2.

What we’re following: We’ll continue to report on progress in the state budget negotiations, the Season of Peace meant to reduce gang violence and possible changes in fishing regulations.