Boston Globe Spotlight Team
@globespotlight.bsky.social
Investigative journalists at @bostonglobe.com
Send tips:
• [email protected]
• 617-929-7483
• apps.bostonglobe.com/spotlight/tips/
Send tips:
• [email protected]
• 617-929-7483
• apps.bostonglobe.com/spotlight/tips/
Pinned
Dr. Derrick Todd has been accused of abusing patients. He could have been stopped sooner.
Hundreds of women allege Dr. Derrick Todd sexually abused them over a decade. A Globe Spotlight investigation found the state’s medical establishment missed key warning signs.
apps.bostonglobe.com
"My body went into freeze mode.”
Allegations of sexual abuse piled up against a top Boston doctor. A Spotlight investigation found he could have been stopped much earlier, if not for a series of failures across the medical system.
Allegations of sexual abuse piled up against a top Boston doctor. A Spotlight investigation found he could have been stopped much earlier, if not for a series of failures across the medical system.
Reposted by Boston Globe Spotlight Team
A US Drug Enforcement Administration agent said the DEA made “high-level arrests” of 171 Sinaloa Cartel members across New England in August.
A Globe investigation found that many of the DEA’s targets were addicts, low-level dealers, shoplifters, and homeless people.
A Globe investigation found that many of the DEA’s targets were addicts, low-level dealers, shoplifters, and homeless people.
The DEA said they arrested 171 ‘high ranking’ Sinaloa Cartel members. A Spotlight investigation found that’s not true. - The Boston Globe
A Globe investigation found that the federal agency misrepresented the stature of its targets, claiming cartel ties at a time when the Trump administration is taking lethal military action against such groups.
trib.al
October 29, 2025 at 1:32 PM
A US Drug Enforcement Administration agent said the DEA made “high-level arrests” of 171 Sinaloa Cartel members across New England in August.
A Globe investigation found that many of the DEA’s targets were addicts, low-level dealers, shoplifters, and homeless people.
A Globe investigation found that many of the DEA’s targets were addicts, low-level dealers, shoplifters, and homeless people.
Each year, 600 kids in the state’s child welfare system go missing. Many are high-risk teenagers who sometimes don’t come back. Today's Starting Point examines how the system works (or doesn’t).
Globe reporters pieced together the tragic fate of a runaway kid in Mass. Here’s how they did it. - The Boston Globe
600 kids in the state’s child welfare system go missing each year. Many are high-risk teenagers who sometimes don’t come back.
www.bostonglobe.com
October 9, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Each year, 600 kids in the state’s child welfare system go missing. Many are high-risk teenagers who sometimes don’t come back. Today's Starting Point examines how the system works (or doesn’t).
Reposted by Boston Globe Spotlight Team
🧵 Nearly 250 patients have filed civil lawsuits alleging sexual abuse by Dr. Derrick Todd, a renowned doctor at top Boston hospitals. He also faces two criminal charges of rape.
A @globespotlight.bsky.social report found he could have been stopped earlier.
A @globespotlight.bsky.social report found he could have been stopped earlier.
Dr. Derrick Todd has been accused of abusing patients. He could have been stopped sooner.
Hundreds of women allege Dr. Derrick Todd sexually abused them over a decade. A Globe Spotlight investigation found the state’s medical establishment missed key warning signs.
apps.bostonglobe.com
October 2, 2025 at 1:18 PM
🧵 Nearly 250 patients have filed civil lawsuits alleging sexual abuse by Dr. Derrick Todd, a renowned doctor at top Boston hospitals. He also faces two criminal charges of rape.
A @globespotlight.bsky.social report found he could have been stopped earlier.
A @globespotlight.bsky.social report found he could have been stopped earlier.
"My body went into freeze mode.”
Allegations of sexual abuse piled up against a top Boston doctor. A Spotlight investigation found he could have been stopped much earlier, if not for a series of failures across the medical system.
Allegations of sexual abuse piled up against a top Boston doctor. A Spotlight investigation found he could have been stopped much earlier, if not for a series of failures across the medical system.
Dr. Derrick Todd has been accused of abusing patients. He could have been stopped sooner.
Hundreds of women allege Dr. Derrick Todd sexually abused them over a decade. A Globe Spotlight investigation found the state’s medical establishment missed key warning signs.
apps.bostonglobe.com
October 2, 2025 at 12:48 PM
"My body went into freeze mode.”
Allegations of sexual abuse piled up against a top Boston doctor. A Spotlight investigation found he could have been stopped much earlier, if not for a series of failures across the medical system.
Allegations of sexual abuse piled up against a top Boston doctor. A Spotlight investigation found he could have been stopped much earlier, if not for a series of failures across the medical system.
New: Steward Health Care accused its founder and other former top officials of plundering the hospital chain of hundreds of millions of dollars in a scheme that directly led to the collapse of the once-high flying, Boston-born company.
Steward alleges former CEO Ralph de la Torre and execs plundered the hospital chain of hundreds of millions of dollars - The Boston Globe
The filing this week in Steward's bankruptcy court accuses it's founder and top executives of defrauding the company of some $262 million.
www.bostonglobe.com
July 18, 2025 at 12:46 PM
New: Steward Health Care accused its founder and other former top officials of plundering the hospital chain of hundreds of millions of dollars in a scheme that directly led to the collapse of the once-high flying, Boston-born company.
🧵 In our recent investigation, we found that all too often the secrecy shrouding the use of confidential informants can serve as a cover for misconduct.
So we made public records requests. Some of the state's police agencies failed to comply. Now the Globe has filed lawsuits.
So we made public records requests. Some of the state's police agencies failed to comply. Now the Globe has filed lawsuits.
May 22, 2025 at 3:08 PM
🧵 In our recent investigation, we found that all too often the secrecy shrouding the use of confidential informants can serve as a cover for misconduct.
So we made public records requests. Some of the state's police agencies failed to comply. Now the Globe has filed lawsuits.
So we made public records requests. Some of the state's police agencies failed to comply. Now the Globe has filed lawsuits.
Reposted by Boston Globe Spotlight Team
We are live! Join the discussion here: www.reddit.com/r/massachuse...
From the massachusetts community on Reddit
Explore this post and more from the massachusetts community
www.reddit.com
May 16, 2025 at 2:00 PM
We are live! Join the discussion here: www.reddit.com/r/massachuse...
What do you want to know about the financial collapse of Steward Health Care?
Reporters from the Globe Spotlight Team will be talking about our investigative series tomorrow in a Reddit AMA. Join us: trib.al/83ICnxq
Reporters from the Globe Spotlight Team will be talking about our investigative series tomorrow in a Reddit AMA. Join us: trib.al/83ICnxq
Have a question about Steward Health Care's downfall? A team of Globe reporters who have been investigating the saga over the last year are here to bring you answers.
Join them on Reddit for a behind-the-scenes look at their reporting.
Submit questions here: trib.al/83ICnxq
Join them on Reddit for a behind-the-scenes look at their reporting.
Submit questions here: trib.al/83ICnxq
May 15, 2025 at 11:16 PM
What do you want to know about the financial collapse of Steward Health Care?
Reporters from the Globe Spotlight Team will be talking about our investigative series tomorrow in a Reddit AMA. Join us: trib.al/83ICnxq
Reporters from the Globe Spotlight Team will be talking about our investigative series tomorrow in a Reddit AMA. Join us: trib.al/83ICnxq
Reposted by Boston Globe Spotlight Team
The @newyorker.com: "In 'Spotlight: Snitch City,' the Boston Globe skillfully reveals how police abused confidential informants in a Massachusetts port town," from @asarahlarson.bsky.social www.newyorker.com/culture/podc... @bostonglobe.com @globespotlight.bsky.social
Spare a Thought for the Snitch
In “Spotlight: Snitch City,” the Boston Globe skillfully reveals how police abused confidential informants in a Massachusetts port town.
www.newyorker.com
May 12, 2025 at 2:51 PM
The @newyorker.com: "In 'Spotlight: Snitch City,' the Boston Globe skillfully reveals how police abused confidential informants in a Massachusetts port town," from @asarahlarson.bsky.social www.newyorker.com/culture/podc... @bostonglobe.com @globespotlight.bsky.social
Reposted by Boston Globe Spotlight Team
"Like other outstanding podcasts that home in on local injustices, it raises our awareness of a wider systemic problem," the @newyorker.com critic wrote.
If you have haven't downloaded our podcast series, you're missing out: apps.bostonglobe.com/metro/invest...
If you have haven't downloaded our podcast series, you're missing out: apps.bostonglobe.com/metro/invest...
Listen to the Snitch City podcast
Spotlight: Snitch City brings listeners inside the clandestine world of police informants through the story of one police department.
apps.bostonglobe.com
May 12, 2025 at 4:22 PM
"Like other outstanding podcasts that home in on local injustices, it raises our awareness of a wider systemic problem," the @newyorker.com critic wrote.
If you have haven't downloaded our podcast series, you're missing out: apps.bostonglobe.com/metro/invest...
If you have haven't downloaded our podcast series, you're missing out: apps.bostonglobe.com/metro/invest...
Reposted by Boston Globe Spotlight Team
The latest rave review for the 'Snitch City' podcast is in. @newyorker.com says memorable interviewees put a human face on @globespotlight.bsky.social’s "stunning findings." www.newyorker.com/culture/podc...
Spare a Thought for the Snitch
In “Spotlight: Snitch City,” the Boston Globe skillfully reveals how police abused confidential informants in a Massachusetts port town.
www.newyorker.com
May 12, 2025 at 4:22 PM
The latest rave review for the 'Snitch City' podcast is in. @newyorker.com says memorable interviewees put a human face on @globespotlight.bsky.social’s "stunning findings." www.newyorker.com/culture/podc...
Listen to our bonus episode of "Snitch City."
This eight-year case first brought a Globe reporter to New Bedford, laying the groundwork for this very podcast on confidential informants.
Finally, it's time to hear the outcome. link.chtbl.com/tTLbVzKf?sid...
This eight-year case first brought a Globe reporter to New Bedford, laying the groundwork for this very podcast on confidential informants.
Finally, it's time to hear the outcome. link.chtbl.com/tTLbVzKf?sid...
May 7, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Listen to our bonus episode of "Snitch City."
This eight-year case first brought a Globe reporter to New Bedford, laying the groundwork for this very podcast on confidential informants.
Finally, it's time to hear the outcome. link.chtbl.com/tTLbVzKf?sid...
This eight-year case first brought a Globe reporter to New Bedford, laying the groundwork for this very podcast on confidential informants.
Finally, it's time to hear the outcome. link.chtbl.com/tTLbVzKf?sid...
The Globe's reporting on the crisis at Steward Health Care, with contributions from @occrp.org, has been named a @pulitzerprizes.bsky.social finalist for Public Service.
The Boston Globe recognized as Pulitzer Prize finalist in public service, editorial writing, and illustrated reporting and commentary - The Boston Globe
The Pulitzer Prize Board highlighted the Globe’s coverage of financial mismanagement at Steward Health Care and its impact on patients and their families for its public service award, one of the most ...
www.bostonglobe.com
May 5, 2025 at 10:33 PM
The Globe's reporting on the crisis at Steward Health Care, with contributions from @occrp.org, has been named a @pulitzerprizes.bsky.social finalist for Public Service.
Two former New Bedford informants tell shocking stories in a new episode of "Snitch City.”
Spotlight reporters Dugan Arnett and Andrew Ryan try to get answers and accountability.
Listen here.
Spotlight reporters Dugan Arnett and Andrew Ryan try to get answers and accountability.
Listen here.
Spotlight: Snitch City episode 5 | All This For Nothing - The Boston Globe
Two former New Bedford informants tell their shocking stories and the Spotlight Team searches for accountability.
www.bostonglobe.com
April 2, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Two former New Bedford informants tell shocking stories in a new episode of "Snitch City.”
Spotlight reporters Dugan Arnett and Andrew Ryan try to get answers and accountability.
Listen here.
Spotlight reporters Dugan Arnett and Andrew Ryan try to get answers and accountability.
Listen here.
Reposted by Boston Globe Spotlight Team
A new episode of “Snitch City,” an investigative podcast from @globespotlight.bsky.social, is out now.
This is episode 5: All This For Nothing. trib.al/AUSQuaN
This is episode 5: All This For Nothing. trib.al/AUSQuaN
April 1, 2025 at 4:44 PM
A new episode of “Snitch City,” an investigative podcast from @globespotlight.bsky.social, is out now.
This is episode 5: All This For Nothing. trib.al/AUSQuaN
This is episode 5: All This For Nothing. trib.al/AUSQuaN
Reposted by Boston Globe Spotlight Team
A new episode of "Snitch City," an investigative podcast from @globespotlight.bsky.social, tells the story of a police chief, a drug dealer, and the allegations that tie them together.
Listen here. trib.al/PNGQwNA
Listen here. trib.al/PNGQwNA
March 25, 2025 at 5:16 PM
A new episode of "Snitch City," an investigative podcast from @globespotlight.bsky.social, tells the story of a police chief, a drug dealer, and the allegations that tie them together.
Listen here. trib.al/PNGQwNA
Listen here. trib.al/PNGQwNA
Reposted by Boston Globe Spotlight Team
A new episode of Snitch City, @globespotlight.bsky.social's investigative podcast on the misuse of confidential informants, is out now.
It dives into one man's backstory and rise within the New Bedford Police Department: the police chief.
Listen here. link.chtbl.com/tTLbVzKf?sid...
It dives into one man's backstory and rise within the New Bedford Police Department: the police chief.
Listen here. link.chtbl.com/tTLbVzKf?sid...
March 18, 2025 at 6:04 PM
A new episode of Snitch City, @globespotlight.bsky.social's investigative podcast on the misuse of confidential informants, is out now.
It dives into one man's backstory and rise within the New Bedford Police Department: the police chief.
Listen here. link.chtbl.com/tTLbVzKf?sid...
It dives into one man's backstory and rise within the New Bedford Police Department: the police chief.
Listen here. link.chtbl.com/tTLbVzKf?sid...
Last week, we published Snitch City, a series and podcast investigating misconduct on New Bedford's police force and its history of misuse of confidential informants.
The city's mayor pushed back. And he's asked the FBI to examine the findings.
The city's mayor pushed back. And he's asked the FBI to examine the findings.
New Bedford mayor pushes back on Spotlight report on police abuses, seeks FBI review - The Boston Globe
Mayor Jon Mitchell pushed back on the Spotlight Team report, saying it painted a picture of the department that was “materially incomplete” and relied on accounts of criminals and “others of dubious c...
www.bostonglobe.com
March 17, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Last week, we published Snitch City, a series and podcast investigating misconduct on New Bedford's police force and its history of misuse of confidential informants.
The city's mayor pushed back. And he's asked the FBI to examine the findings.
The city's mayor pushed back. And he's asked the FBI to examine the findings.
In Massachusetts, thousands of informants are at work. There’s no laws, and few guidelines to protect them, experts said.
This is the story of broken promises from police that left one man in fear for his life. trib.al/E7KfOoh
This is the story of broken promises from police that left one man in fear for his life. trib.al/E7KfOoh
March 14, 2025 at 6:45 PM
In Massachusetts, thousands of informants are at work. There’s no laws, and few guidelines to protect them, experts said.
This is the story of broken promises from police that left one man in fear for his life. trib.al/E7KfOoh
This is the story of broken promises from police that left one man in fear for his life. trib.al/E7KfOoh
New: ‘Whatever they said, I would do it.’ Inside the shrinking world of one confidential informant.
Spotlight | Snitch City: A former informant for New Bedford police shares his story
New Bedford police have perverted the confidential informant system in countless ways, the Spotlight Team has found. Officers have slept with informants, coached informants, lied about informants, and...
apps.bostonglobe.com
March 14, 2025 at 11:42 AM
New: ‘Whatever they said, I would do it.’ Inside the shrinking world of one confidential informant.
Reposted by Boston Globe Spotlight Team
A star drug cop in Massachusetts manipulated confidential informants and fell under FBI scrutiny.
Now he's the police chief. And under his watch, police have abused the informant system in almost every way imaginable.
New from @globespotlight.bsky.social: trib.al/rMDxWr4
Now he's the police chief. And under his watch, police have abused the informant system in almost every way imaginable.
New from @globespotlight.bsky.social: trib.al/rMDxWr4
March 13, 2025 at 5:22 PM
A star drug cop in Massachusetts manipulated confidential informants and fell under FBI scrutiny.
Now he's the police chief. And under his watch, police have abused the informant system in almost every way imaginable.
New from @globespotlight.bsky.social: trib.al/rMDxWr4
Now he's the police chief. And under his watch, police have abused the informant system in almost every way imaginable.
New from @globespotlight.bsky.social: trib.al/rMDxWr4
Reposted by Boston Globe Spotlight Team
New @globespotlight.bsky.social investigation.
Read: apps.bostonglobe.com/metro/invest...
Listen: apps.bostonglobe.com/metro/invest...
Stay tuned for more tomorrow.
Read: apps.bostonglobe.com/metro/invest...
Listen: apps.bostonglobe.com/metro/invest...
Stay tuned for more tomorrow.
Our new investigation begins with the story of a veteran cop in New Bedford, Mass.
One night he stumbles onto an apparent robbery. The suspect? A colleague who claims he’s acting on a tip from an informant.
And that’s just the start.
One night he stumbles onto an apparent robbery. The suspect? A colleague who claims he’s acting on a tip from an informant.
And that’s just the start.
Spotlight | Snitch City: Rogue New Bedford police officer exploited a secret system
The Spotlight Team found a lack of scrutiny around confidential informants. And police misconduct has been allowed to fester.
apps.bostonglobe.com
March 12, 2025 at 11:41 PM
New @globespotlight.bsky.social investigation.
Read: apps.bostonglobe.com/metro/invest...
Listen: apps.bostonglobe.com/metro/invest...
Stay tuned for more tomorrow.
Read: apps.bostonglobe.com/metro/invest...
Listen: apps.bostonglobe.com/metro/invest...
Stay tuned for more tomorrow.
New: The FBI investigated him for stealing from drug dealers and misusing informants. Now he’s the police chief.
Spotlight | Snitch City: Paul Oliveira was investigated by the FBI, then became New Bedford police chief
No one is more familiar with the inner workings of the New Bedford Police Department than Paul Oliveira. And he's often turned a blind eye to problems, a Spotlight investigation found.
apps.bostonglobe.com
March 13, 2025 at 12:49 PM
New: The FBI investigated him for stealing from drug dealers and misusing informants. Now he’s the police chief.
Dozens of Massachusetts agencies have no policy governing the use of confidential informants, a fact that one criminal justice expert calls “insane.”
It's a system that ignores the reality that cops sometimes lie. And they certainly have in Massachusetts. 🧵
It's a system that ignores the reality that cops sometimes lie. And they certainly have in Massachusetts. 🧵
Spotlight | Snitch City: Rogue New Bedford police officer exploited a secret system
The Spotlight Team found a lack of scrutiny around confidential informants. And police misconduct has been allowed to fester.
apps.bostonglobe.com
March 12, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Dozens of Massachusetts agencies have no policy governing the use of confidential informants, a fact that one criminal justice expert calls “insane.”
It's a system that ignores the reality that cops sometimes lie. And they certainly have in Massachusetts. 🧵
It's a system that ignores the reality that cops sometimes lie. And they certainly have in Massachusetts. 🧵
Reposted by Boston Globe Spotlight Team
A rogue cop, a mystery snitch, and a ‘drug rip.’ How ‘Officer Pills’ exploited policing’s informant system.
apps.bostonglobe.com/metro/invest...
apps.bostonglobe.com/metro/invest...
A rogue cop, a mystery snitch, and a ‘drug rip.’ How ‘Officer Pills’ exploited policing’s informant system.
The Spotlight Team found a lack of scrutiny around confidential informants. And police misconduct has been allowed to fester.
apps.bostonglobe.com
March 12, 2025 at 12:05 PM
A rogue cop, a mystery snitch, and a ‘drug rip.’ How ‘Officer Pills’ exploited policing’s informant system.
apps.bostonglobe.com/metro/invest...
apps.bostonglobe.com/metro/invest...