How police broke Sandra Birchmore’s trust

On the last night of Sandra Birchmore’s life, she was happy: pregnant, and planning her life as a mother.

But when officers found her, it looked like a suicide. On the floor lay her cellphone. Her whole life passed across that little screen. And the whole story of her death was on it too, if only someone looked closely enough.

Her family would spend years trying to make someone look closely enough.

Read the two-part story:

• Chapter 1: Birchmore put her trust in the police. They broke it.

• Chapter 2: What did investigators miss in the Birchmore case?

PERSPECTIVE

The quiet power of the potluck

Through their nonprofit organization, writer Karl Schatz and his wife have spent the past 18 months hosting free potluck storytelling events around Maine. Their goal? To address loneliness and foster connection.

CONNECTIONS

Treasures from Uncle Jimmy

When writer Patricia Conway was growing up, her Uncle Jimmy acted as her family’s own private Santa. Her dad called him the soul of generosity – he devoted his life to caring for others.

COOKING

Sweet treats for Hanukkah

Put a contemporary spin on Hanukkah classics with two dessert recipes from the cooks at Milk Street: coconut-almond macaroons and a chocolate and tahini babka. 

MISS CONDUCT

Family dynamics

One reader asks Miss Conduct how to stop their mother from blaming them for an unfortunate situation with their brother. Another asks about the etiquette of tipping housekeeping service staff. 

Need help with co-workers, friends, or family? Send your questions to Miss Conduct.

LOVE LETTERS

Full story

Her husband had an affair, and the reader knows he isn’t telling the full story. Meredith advises on how to ask him for all the details. 

Submit your relationship questions. And check out the Love Letters podcast here.

DINNER WITH CUPID

Tables turned

This week’s daters chatted about familiar places, playing instruments growing up, and traveling. Will they have enough to talk about to warrant a second date?

Go on an in-person or virtual blind date. We'll pick up the tab. Fill out an application.

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