Coronavirus

Since summer, Massachusetts has had more deaths per capita than nearby states, and it’s not clear why

Epidemiologists say the numbers paint a bleak picture of the pandemic’s hold on Massachusetts. In September, COVID-19 claimed 392 lives here — more than were reported in New York and New Jersey combined. One of the possible reasons: Long-term-care facilities remain vulnerable. Continue reading →

Politics

Barrett, declining to detail legal views, says she will not be ‘a pawn’ of Trump

During a nearly 12-hour question-and-answer session, Amy Coney Barrett evaded Democratic senators' efforts to pin down her views on the Affordable Care Act, abortion rights, gay marriage, and a possible election-related case. Continue reading →

News Analysis

Barrett’s testimony is a deft mix of expertise and evasion

Barrett was patient, calm, a little stern and sometimes surprisingly terse when she spoke about the law, easily parrying most questions from the Democratic senators who tried to put her on the spot. Continue reading →

World

Leading Slovak extremist sentenced to four years in jail over use of neo-Nazi symbol

Marian Kotleba, the head of the extremist People’s Party Our Slovakia, was convicted of founding, supporting and promoting a movement and ideology aimed at suppressing civil rights and democratic freedoms. Continue reading →

World

China and Russia win seats on UN rights council, Saudis lose

China, Russia, and Cuba won seats on the U.N.’s premiere human rights body Tuesday despite opposition from activist groups over their abysmal human rights records, but another target, Saudi Arabia, lost. Continue reading →

World

Palestinian premier: ‘God help us’ if Trump wins re-election

The Palestinian prime minister said Tuesday it will be disastrous for his people and the world at large if President Donald Trump wins re-election next month. Continue reading →

EDITORIAL

Congress, take your cue from Amy Coney Barrett

The Barrett hearings should be a clarion call for lawmakers to act to protect health care, reproductive rights, and our elections. Continue reading →

OPINION

Voter suppression is democracy bleeding out

Trump and the GOP aren’t content with making it harder to vote. They want it to be impossible. Continue reading →

OPINION

Ideas on how to help beat Donald Trump

From postcards to letters to calls to texts, there’s a lot we can do. Continue reading →

Metro

A ‘debt crisis’ among renters mounts in Massachusetts

With the eviction moratorium about to end, many renters and homeowners find themselves staring down thousands of dollars in debt. Housing advocates fear Governor Charlie Baker’s plan isn’t enough to stave off displacement of those who are jobless. Continue reading →

Metro

A ‘debt crisis’ among renters mounts in Massachusetts

With the eviction moratorium about to end, many renters and homeowners find themselves staring down thousands of dollars in debt. Housing advocates fear Governor Charlie Baker’s plan isn’t enough to stave off displacement of those who are jobless. Continue reading →

Crime & Courts

Walsh endorses task force’s recommendations to reform police

Mayor Marty Walsh vowed Tuesday to push through sweeping recommendations that examine the operations and culture of the nation’s oldest police department. The city will move to create an independent police watchdog office, expand the department’s body-worn camera program, and enhance the department’s use-of-force policies. Continue reading →

Ben Volin I On football

NFL won’t admit it or apologize, but it changed its COVID-19 rules because of the Patriots

In the new rules, the team and league medical personnel will now evaluate every “close contact” of someone who becomes infected with COVID-19. Continue reading →

patriots

Patriots ‘on track’ to play Broncos Sunday as latest round of COVID-19 tests come back negative

It's unclear whether Cam Newton or Stephon Gilmore will be ready to play; the team could be back on the practice field Wednesday after three days off. Continue reading →

bruins

Bruins' David Pastrnak, Brad Marchand could miss beginning of season after surgery

Marchand (sports hernia) is expected to be out until mid January, while Pastrnak (hip) could be out until February. Continue reading →

Business

Former Boston city councilor Josh Zakim launches new prohousing nonprofit

After forays into city and state politics, the former Boston city councilor is following in the footsteps of his late father by becoming a nonprofit leader. Continue reading →

Business

Eli Lilly’s antibody trial is paused over potential safety concern

A government-sponsored clinical trial testing an antibody treatment made by the drug company Eli Lilly has been paused because of a “potential safety concern.” Continue reading →

Business

Could you buy stock in the Red Sox? Explaining Fenway Sports Group’s potential deal to go public

The “Moneyball” executive may be teaming up with the Red Sox' parent company. What role would he take? How would the deal work? Could Sox fans own stock in the team? We answer these questions, and more. Continue reading →

Obituaries

Jake Kennedy, Christmas in the City founder, dies at 65 of ALS

Kennedy was the fourth member of his family to be diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Continue reading →

Obituaries

Jake Kennedy, Christmas in the City founder, dies at 65 of ALS

Kennedy was the fourth member of his family to be diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Continue reading →

Obituaries

Joyce Dinkins, wife of former New York mayor, dies at 89

Joyce B. Dinkins, who as the wife of David N. Dinkins fulfilled her role as first lady of New York City with grace and dignity as she promoted programs that encouraged literacy and education and guarded against child abuse, died on Sunday at her home in Manhattan. She was 89. Continue reading →

BOOKS

Poet Jane Hirshfield on bearing witness to the beauty of an imperiled world

With "Ledger," Hirshfield mates the emotional with scientific fact. Continue reading →

COMMUNITY

Boston artists put domestic violence awareness on the table

One-of-a-kind plates are a tradition at the annual REACH Beyond Domestic Violence fund-raiser. Continue reading →

DINING OUT(SIDE) | DEVRA FIRST

At Thistle & Leek, small plates in a brave new world

A Newton Centre gastropub serves up what we need right now: comfort, normalcy, and lamb meatballs. Continue reading →