The Rev. Nancy Taylor of Old South Church: her last sermon

She writes like a poet and preaches like a prophet,” the Rev. Shawn M. Fiedler, acting associate minister, said at the outset of the Sunday morning service. 6:19 p.m.

As affirmative action decision looms, colleges look for alternative ways to achieve diversity

Admissions experts said although there is no direct substitute for race, other factors and methods can help to admit people from diverse backgrounds — including some strategies that the complainants in the case, Students for Fair Admissions, have suggested as “race-neutral” alternatives. 6:12 p.m.

Maine seeks a place in space

A Maine-based, NASA-affiliated nonprofit organization for several years has been exploring ways to benefit from small-rocket satellite launches. The state government has also hopped aboard the space plan. 6:09 p.m.

For the first time this year, Boston city councilors have the power to tear up the mayor’s budget. Will they?

Armed with broad new power to rewrite Boston’s annual operating budget, the city council has so far been treading lightly. 5:43 p.m.

Outdoor fun, pesky weeds, and garden tours

Assembly Row in Somerville will host a series of outdoor programs throughout the summer and into September so that visitors can enjoy the amenities the neighborhood has to offer. 4:57 p.m.

Newton entertains and educates with Earth Day festival

Live music, face painting, green technology showcases, and a children’s petting zoo were all part of the city’s annual Earth Day festival April 24 at Newton City Hall. 2:02 p.m.

Judge: Newton police officers not ‘criminally responsible’ in 2021 shooting of resident

A district court judge has found that Newton police were justified when an officer fatally shot a resident who charged a sergeant with a knife while suffering from a mental health crisis last year, according to an inquest report released Tuesday night. 12:05 a.m.

Newton

Chef Douglass Williams to serve as Newton Mayor’s Community Breakfast keynote speaker

Newton chef Douglass Williams, a James Beard Foundation 2022 nominee for Outstanding Chef, will serve as keynote speaker for the upcoming Mayor’s Community Breakfast. 5:55 p.m.

Woman wanted for allegedly fatally stabbing elderly man, stealing his car, in Manchester, N.H.

Stephanie Beard, 34, is considered to be dangerous and should not be approached. She was last seen driving a silver Subaru Impreza on Interstate 293 south in the Manchester area, according to a statement issued early Saturday by the New Hampshire Attorney General’s office. 1:06 a.m.

Rep. McGovern urges defense of democracy at UMass Amherst commencement

“I won’t tell you what to believe—but I will tell you that you have been given an incredible gift—a world class education,” Representative James McGovern, a Worcester Democrat, told about 7,000 graduating students Friday evening at McGuirk Alumni Stadium. 8:54 p.m.

Cardinal O’Malley reaffirms Catholic Church’s opposition to abortion in new blog post

Boston Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s opposition to abortion rights Friday evening in a post on his blog, his first public comments since the leak of a draft opinion suggesting the Supreme Court will vote to end federal protection of abortion rights. 8:40 p.m.