❌

Normal view

Last Ditch, a Lesbian Bar Whose Mask Policy Made It Famous, Will Close

26 October 2026 at 20:06
The Massachusetts bar, which catered to lesbians, lifted its Covid mask requirement once a week to attract more patrons. The decision brought criticism and national attention, but did not save the business.

© Sophie Park for The New York Times

Some people were upset that the bar had lifted its mask policy one day a week, saying it risked the lives of immunocompromised customers. Others mocked them.

Are Fewer Teens Identifying as Gay or Bisexual? It’s Complicated.

23 October 2026 at 18:09
New data have prompted questions about changes in teens’ sexual orientations. But researchers disagree on how much the numbers can really tell us.

© Octavio Jones/Reuters

After peaking at 26 percent in 2021, the percentage of ninth-grade girls identifying as bisexual dropped in 2025 to 13 percent, according to recent federal data.

Chris Pappas Could Make History in New Hampshire’s Senate Race

22 October 2026 at 21:00
Chris Pappas, the Democratic nominee in New Hampshire, would make history if he won. On the campaign trail, he doesn’t dwell on it.

© John Tully for The New York Times

Representative Chris Pappas addresses a primary night crowd in September. At his side is his husband, Vann Bentley.
❌