Politics

Congress approves $900b economic relief package, sending measure to Trump

Congress passed a $900 billion pandemic relief package Monday night that would finally deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and resources to vaccinate a nation confronting a frightening surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths. Continue reading →

ANALYSIS

Pandemic aid boosts Biden and shows a potential path for his agenda in Congress

The incoming president was a major beneficiary of the $900 billion pandemic stimulus measure haltingly but finally produced by Congress, which will give him some breathing room when he enters the White House next month. Continue reading →

Politics

Biden’s choice of Vilsack for USDA raises fears for small farmers

For a nominee with extensive experience, the pushback against Tom Vilsack has been fierce, laying bare the divisions within the Democratic Party and the resistance to corporate influence that is simmering among progressives. Continue reading →

World

Concerns about coronavirus variant cut off UK from Europe

Britain was all but cut off from the rest of Europe on Monday, with flights and trains banned by some 40 countries and freight deliveries halted at French ports, as its neighbors tried desperately to stop a fast-spreading variant of the coronavirus from leaping across the English Channel. Continue reading →

World

EU to embark on a high-stakes coronavirus vaccine rollout

From Stockholm to Athens and from Lisbon to Warsaw, European Union governments are gearing up to receive a coronavirus vaccine later this week, even as cases keep rising in some parts of the continent. Continue reading →

World

A brazen police shooting caught on video sparks anger in the Philippines

A video of a police officer shooting a woman and her adult son at close range Sunday has spread rapidly across social media in the Philippines, provoking a wave of outrage directed at the government and a police force that many say acts with impunity. Continue reading →

OPINION

The Grocery Stories: Quantum physics kindness

How do I account for what I’m experiencing at work: this quantum leap toward good in everyone’s demeanor — including my own? Continue reading →

EDITORIAL

Time’s up, Sheriff Hodgson

The state Attorney General’s conclusion that the Bristol County sheriff’s office violated immigrants’ civil rights makes it clear: Sheriff Thomas Hodgson should not be handling immigration duties. Continue reading →

LETTERS

Palliative care or aid-in-dying? Why not both?

A letter advocating better palliative and hospice care instead of medical aid-in-dying drew rebuttal from readers who see a place for both options. Continue reading →

Metro

Baker warns Mass. could be on verge of another ‘significant surge’ with upcoming holidays

Governor Charlie Baker warned Monday that the state could be on the verge of another surge of COVID-19 infections and said officials are “begging” residents to celebrate the upcoming holidays in person with their immediate households only. Continue reading →

Crime & Courts

Amid mounting criticism, Mayor Walsh says police department is working to build community’s trust

“People should trust the police,” Mayor Martin J. Walsh said Monday. “And I know a lot of people don’t.” Continue reading →

Metro

Baker warns Mass. could be on verge of another ‘significant surge’ with upcoming holidays

Governor Charlie Baker warned Monday that the state could be on the verge of another surge of COVID-19 infections and said officials are “begging” residents to celebrate the upcoming holidays in person with their immediate households only. Continue reading →

On Football

Week 15 Review: A silver lining for Patriots fans ― you can still make fun of the Jets and the Falcons

The Jets may have ruined a once-in-a-life opportunity, and the Falcons blew yet another big lead – to Tom Brady, of all people. Continue reading →

bruins

Bruins still have not made a decision on Zdeno Chara returning

Although Chara wants to play in Boston, Cam Neely said the Bruins want to evaluate some of the young players. Continue reading →

Patriots

Bill Belichick leaves door open to start Jarrett Stidham over Cam Newton in Patriots’ final two games

“We’re still going to prepare and try to play as well as we can Monday night," Belichick said on Monday. Continue reading →

COMMENTARY

$900b is a start, but the economy will need much more help

“Half a loaf is better than none” is the pragmatic takeaway. Still, the spending is a short-term salve for the financial pain so many people in the country are enduring. Most significantly, it doesn’t include the massive help state and local governments will need. Continue reading →

COMMENTARY

$900b is a start, but the economy will need much more help

“Half a loaf is better than none” is the pragmatic takeaway. Still, the spending is a short-term salve for the financial pain so many people in the country are enduring. Most significantly, it doesn’t include the massive help state and local governments will need. Continue reading →

chesto means business

Will the state’s economic development bill get done in time?

In this unusual end-of-year mad dash on Beacon Hill, a long-awaited economic development bill could be left by the wayside, with implications for COVID-19 relief. Continue reading →

Obituaries

Chicago-area man who helped inspire Special Olympics dies

Mr. Cusack won multiple medals at the athletic event over years. Continue reading →

Obituaries

Ralph K. Winter Jr., a top conservative judicial mind, dies at 85

A conservative legal scholar whose work as a professor at Yale Law School and later as an appellate court judge changed the shape of campaign finance law and corporate governance, Mr. Winter was a libertarian-leaning conservative who counted Thurgood Marshall and Robert Bork among his friends. Continue reading →

Obituaries

Jean Graetz, white supporter of civil rights in Alabama, dies at 90

In her work with her husband, a Lutheran minister, Mrs. Graetz faced slashed tires, obscene phone calls, and multiple bombings. Continue reading →

THEATER

Williamstown Theatre Festival re-creates its lost summer season on Audible

All seven productions that had been planned for 2020 are being adapted into audiobooks with their original casts. Continue reading →

THEATER REVIEW

This virtual ‘Christmas Revels’ is a virtual triumph

All the “Christmas Revels” favorites are here in the 50th anniversary show, which meshes archival footage with new performances. Continue reading →

GARDENING

Winter’s here: Time to shop for seeds!

The 2021 garden season begins this month, as new catalogs start appearing in mailboxes and online. Continue reading →