Politics

Trump delays transition to Biden as COVID-19 pandemic worsens

President Trump’s refusal to concede the election to Joe Biden has delayed the start of the formal presidential transition process, a crucial coordination phase that would help the incoming administration prepare to tackle the worsening pandemic. Continue reading →

Nation

Pfizer’s early data shows vaccine is more than 90% effective

The drugmaker Pfizer announced Monday that an early analysis of its coronavirus vaccine trial suggested the vaccine was robustly effective in preventing COVID-19, a promising development as the world has waited anxiously for any positive news about a pandemic that has killed more than 1.2 million people. Continue reading →

Coronavirus

Pandemic worsens across New England, leading many to wonder what went wrong — and whether there is time to reverse course

While Americans were glued to their screens, tensely awaiting the results of the election, the coronavirus pandemic was busy accelerating around the country. And there are troubling signs in all six New England states. Continue reading →

World

Theta forms as season’s 29th named storm, breaking a record

Subtropical Storm Theta became the 29th named storm of the tumultuous 2020 hurricane season Monday night, breaking a record set in 2005. Continue reading →

World

Merkel: US, Germany must stand together on climate change

The US and Germany must stand “side by side” in handling the coronavirus pandemic, fighting global warming and terrorism, and in working for “an open global economy and free trade,” German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Monday. Continue reading →

World

Facing military debacle, Armenia accepts a deal in Nagorno-Karabakh war

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia signed on Monday a Russian-brokered settlement to end the war in Nagorno-Karabakh, surrendering disputed territory and bowing to other demands as he faced a battlefield defeat. Continue reading →

OPINION

What Americans lose if the ACA is overturned

Here are just a few examples of what Americans stand to lose if the Supreme Court invalidates the entirety of the Affordable Care Act. Continue reading →

OPINION

Baker blanks presidential race and remote learning plan for schools

The governor hugs the middle of the road on everything — including the coronavirus pandemic. Continue reading →

EDITORIAL

House gets down to business of budgeting

A speedier collection of sales taxes will fund a host of compassionate priorities. Continue reading →

Health

Is Pfizer’s vaccine a ‘magic bullet?’ Scientists warn masks, distancing may last well into 2021

A nation in the grip of a raging pandemic got a glimmer of hope Monday with the Pfizer announcement that its COVID-19 vaccine showed early success. But scientists still don’t know whether the vaccine will be effective in the population at large and, if so, how long that protection might last. Continue reading →

Transportation

Cash-strapped MBTA details planned service cuts, would take effect next year

The commuter rail would stop running at 9 p.m., ferry service would go on indefinite hiatus, a smattering of bus routes would be eliminated, and subway trains would run less frequently under a new MBTA plan to scale back service during the coronavirus pandemic. Continue reading →

KEVIN CULLEN

With apologies to Dan Shaughnessy, some thoughts at the end of a ridiculously long campaign

I feel no compunction in ripping off Dan Shaughnessy's notes column format. Continue reading →

PATRIOTS 30, JETS 27

Last-second field goal, massive fourth quarter saves Patriots from near-stumble vs. Jets

New England ran 35 offensive plays in the fourth quarter to four for the Jets, Joe Flacco and the NFL's only winless team finding a way to lose another at the final gun. Continue reading →

Ben Volin | Instant Analysis

Comeback win over Jets could be confidence boost Cam Newton, Patriots need

The Patriots looked dead in the water for three quarters, but credit Newton and the Patriots for coming alive in the fourth quarter. Continue reading →

Dan Shaughnessy

Even after exciting win, Bill Belichick still trails Tom Brady in the early returns

Nick Folk’s big kick capped back-to-back nights of the ongoing 2020 saga of the quarterback vs. the coach. Neither one looked very good. Continue reading →

THE FINE PRINT

What you need to know about PPP loan forgiveness

Since March, millions of small businesses have obtained forgivable loans through a key federal program to help meet payroll and other basic expenses. It’s been a life-saver for many of them. Continue reading →

Business

Stocks, pounded by pandemic, rally on Pfizer’s vaccine test results

US stocks flirted with new highs Monday as the most promising news yet on a coronavirus vaccine and Joe Biden’s election win sparked a rally led by companies that have been beaten up by the pandemic. Continue reading →

TECH LAB

Big Tech will still face big challenges during Biden administration

What is likely to happen with hot-button issues like antitrust, privacy, immigration, broadband access, and China policy? Continue reading →

Obituaries

Kosta Tsipis, MIT physicist and prominent voice for nuclear disarmament, dies at 86

In arguing against nuclear war, Dr. Tsipis said he came "to believe that reason must prevail." Continue reading →

Obituaries

Kosta Tsipis, MIT physicist and prominent voice for nuclear disarmament, dies at 86

In arguing against nuclear war, Dr. Tsipis said he came "to believe that reason must prevail." Continue reading →

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Books

Revisiting the brash Joe Biden of ‘What It Takes’

Richard Ben Cramer’s campaign epic, which captured the president-elect’s first failed run in 1988, underscores the contrast between then and now. Continue reading →

Lifestyle

Stories from the stones: Acton’s Trail Through Time reveals its Native American and settler past

Still evolving, the Trail Through Time is an easy two-mile loop that could make a good family outing on Thanksgiving weekend. Continue reading →

ASK MATTHEW

Murder-mysteries that can solve your what-to-watch-next problem

If you like "The Undoing," these miniseries may scratch the same itch. Continue reading →