High gas prices put brake on expansion of US exurbs

By Hope Yen

Two years after the recession technically ended, and despite faint signs of a rebound, Americans again are shunning moves at record levels and staying put in big cities.

An Iraqi family was troubled by relationship issues before a mother of five was beaten to death in her California home, according to newly released documents that contain little evidence the killing was a hate crime.

More tests are needed to determine the cause of death for Richard Descoings, the French academic found dead in a New York hotel two days ago, after an autopsy was inconclusive, the medical examiner’s office said.

Benedict chastises priests on women, celibacy

By Rachel Donadio

Pope Benedict XVI criticized reform-minded priests who seek the ordination of women and the abolition of priestly celibacy.

Syrian troops attack Damascus suburb

By Bassem Mroue

The attack came days ahead of a deadline for a cease-fire and was described as one of the most violent attacks around the capital since the uprising began.

A Saudi Arabian newspaper reported that Saudi Olympic Committee President Prince Nawaf does “not approve’’ of sending female athletes to the London Games.

letters | RAISED ON VIOLENT TALES

No benefit to sheltering youth from ‘Hunger Games’

“Throughout the ages there have been epic tales glorifying violence, slavery, and things far more sinister.” — Adam Bigelow

letters | RAISED ON VIOLENT TALES

"Kids kill each other in real life too, and until we come up with an answer to that, 'The Hunger Games' is the least of our worries." - Malaysia Staten

letters | RAISED ON VIOLENT TALES

"We should not be so consumed with ignorance as to overlook the bright undertones in such a book." - John O’Brien

Dan Shaughnessy

Last year’s Red Sox echo in Opening Day loss

By Dan Shaughnessy

So much for the departed. The 2012 Red Sox started their season of redemption almost the way they finished last September.

BOSTON

The US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit in Boston affirmed Thursday the 42-month prison sentence imposed on former state senator Dianne Wilkerson by a federal judge last year, according to court documents.

BOSTON

A Lynn man accused of hitting a state trooper with a stolen vehicle in Dorchester last week was arraigned Thursday in his bed in Massachusetts General Hospital, the Suffolk district attorney’s office said.

The Texas-based real estate investment trust said it agreed to sell six “nonstrategic’’ hotels for $103 million.

The Tennessee company, which has casual restaurants in the United States, Guam, and 14 other countries, forecast that sales in stores open at least a year may fall by 4.5 percent in 2012.

Microsoft underwrites smartphone apps

By Jenna Wortham and Nick Wingfield

Microsoft is so determined to have lots of brand-name apps for its Windows Phone app store that it’s willing to pay for them.

Judge Robert Beezer, wrote influential 9th Circuit rulings

By Douglas Martin

Judge Beezer, who brought a conservative voice to one of the more liberal federal appeals courts in the US, died Friday at 83.

Bill Jenkins, 81; drag racing innovator with gruff facade

By Dennis Hevesi

Bill Jenkins, who helped lift drag racing from the streets to the professional track, died March 29 in Paoli, Pa.

Ferdinand Porsche; crafted 911 sports car, led design team

By David McHugh

Known as F.A. to colleagues, Mr. Porsche headed the company’s design studio in the early 1960s when it needed a replacement for its first car, the Porsche 356.

Dan Shaughnessy

Last year’s Red Sox echo in Opening Day loss

By Dan Shaughnessy

So much for the departed. The 2012 Red Sox started their season of redemption almost the way they finished last September.

Sports Log

Arkansas football coach Bobby Petrino was put on paid leave, athletic director Jeff Long announced late Thursday, capping a stunning day in which it was revealed that Petrino had a 25-year-old female employee with him during a weekend motorcycle ride that ended in a crash. A police report showed that he had been riding with former Arkansas volleyball player ...

Sports Media

Dennis Eckersley mum on Bobby Valentine

By Chad Finn

Eckersley isn’t revealing his feelings about the Red Sox manager. “I don’t even want to touch that,’’ he said.

names

By Mark Shanahan and Meredith Goldstein

Barney Frank called campaigning the “most god-awful human activity that doesn’t involve physical pain.”

names

By Mark Shanahan and Meredith Goldstein

“Twilight’’ actor Taylor Lautner comes to Massachusetts this summer to film “Grown Ups 2.”

names

Conrad brings ‘Fame’ to the Prudential

By Mark Shanahan and Meredith Goldstein

Former star of “The Hills’’ Lauren Conrad was at the Barnes & Noble on Thursday to show off her new book.