Nation

Judge orders government to fully reinstate DACA program

A federal judge Friday ordered the Trump administration to fully restore an Obama-era program designed to shield young immigrants living in the county without legal permission from deportation, dealing what could be a final blow to President Trump’s long-fought effort to end the protections. Continue reading →

Nation

House votes to decriminalize marijuana as GOP resists national shift on pot

The House endorsed a landmark retreat in the nation’s decades-long war on drugs Friday, voting to remove marijuana from the federal schedule of controlled substances and provide for the regulation and taxation of legal cannabis sales. Continue reading →

Nation

Bipartisan defense bill includes several rebukes of Trump’s record as commander in chief

The final draft of the bicameral, bipartisan-approved defense authorization bill contains a number of rebukes of President Trump’s actions as commander in chief, in addition to defying him over both of the grounds on which he has threatened to veto the legislation. Continue reading →

World

Trump orders all US troops out of Somalia

The Pentagon announced on Friday that virtually all of the approximately 700 troops in Somalia — most Special Operations troops who have been conducting training and counterterrorism missions — will be leaving by Jan. 15, five days before President-elect Joe Biden is scheduled to be inaugurated. Continue reading →

World

First Rohingya refugees arrive at isolated Bangladesh island

Authorities in Bangladesh on Friday sent the first group of more than 1,500 Rohingya refugees to an isolated island despite calls by human rights groups for a halt to the process. Continue reading →

World

Japan’s journey to an asteroid to end with a hunt in Australia’s outback

Japan’s space agency is nearing the end of a journey of discovery that aims to shed light on the earliest eons of the solar system and possibly provide clues about the origins of life on Earth. Continue reading →

OPINION

For even loyal appointees like Barr, Trump learns his attack on the law has limits

Attorney General Bill Barr’s Tuesday announcement is just the latest example of a Trump appointee opting not to act as a rubber stamp for his every political whim. Continue reading →

EDITORIAL

Bipartisan stimulus proposal is better than nothing. But it’s not nearly enough

Next year, Congress should send President-elect Biden a more ambitious proposal for a more equitable recovery. Continue reading →

LETTERS

The English language: a barrier and a bridge

Readers react to both a study showing earnings gains for immigrants who learn English and to two opinion pieces examining how our language both lifts and hinders non-English speakers. Continue reading →

Metro

Man wanted for shooting Mass. State Police trooper killed in gun battle with US Marshals in NYC

The man suspected of wounding a Massachusetts State Police trooper was killed during a shootout in the Bronx that resulted in the wounding of at least two US Marshals, according to the US Marshals Service. Continue reading →

Politics

With budget measure, Baker and his record as an abortion rights supporter face a political test

The budget plan that Mass. lawmakers ultimately delivered to Governor Charlie Baker could pose prickly political considerations for the second-term governor. Continue reading →

New England

In Hubbardston, the battle for champion of the holiday ‘Light Fight’ is on

The event has become more popular by the year. People eager to feast their eyes on the creative, mega-displays put out by Hubbardston’s most ardent competitors often come to town in droves. Continue reading →

red sox

As Matt Barnes enters his free agent year, he insists he wants to stay put with Red Sox

Barnes has the longest tenure in the Red Sox organization of any pitcher, and in fact is among the longest-tenured relievers in team history. Continue reading →

celtics notebook

Jeff Teague has a role waiting for him with Celtics, and he’s ready to seize it

With Kemba Walker out, he'll start the season at point guard, and it sounds like Brad Stevens has big plans for him. Continue reading →

Patriots

N’Keal Harry might be the biggest bust at receiver in Patriots history

Harry, the Patriots' top pick in 2019, has just 36 receptions in his 16-game career. Continue reading →

Business

Massachusetts hospitals filling with COVID patients — but still have space for more

For now, local hospitals have been able to avoid the level of crisis seen in other states. Continue reading →

Business

Weakening jobs market adds fuel to stimulus talks

Hundreds of thousands of unemployed people have dropped out of the labor force as the coronavirus pandemic tightens its grip on the US economy. Continue reading →

Business

Massachusetts hospitals filling with COVID patients — but still have space for more

For now, local hospitals have been able to avoid the level of crisis seen in other states. Continue reading →

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LOVE LETTERS

Is there real potential with this ex?

Is there potential with this ex? Or is this rekindling all about COVID-19 boredom? Help a reader. Continue reading →

TV CRITIC'S CORNER

Sarah Chalke and Katherine Heigl go from hospital series to ‘Firefly Lane’

The "Scrubs" and "Grey's Anatomy" actresses star in the 10-episode drama, due on Netflix on Feb. 3. Continue reading →

ART

At the MFA, new banners celebrate Basquiat and ‘a year of resilience’

Banners by MFA artist-in-residence Rob Stull are displayed at the Huntington Avenue entrance. Continue reading →