Politics

Trump pardons Paul Manafort, Roger Stone, and father of Jared Kushner

In a new batch of 29 pardons and commutations, President Trump wiped away convictions and sentences as he aggressively employed his power to override courts, juries, and prosecutors to apply his own standard of justice for his allies. Continue reading →

Politics

Trump vetoes defense bill, setting up possible override vote

President Trump on Wednesday vetoed the annual defense policy bill, following through on threats to veto a measure that has broad bipartisan support in Congress and potentially setting up the first override vote of his presidency. Continue reading →

Politics

Biden: Cardona right pick to lead education through pandemic

President-elect Joe Biden introduced Miguel Cardona as his pick for education secretary on Wednesday, saying Connecticut’s education chief and life-long champion of public schools is the right pick to lead the department as the nation struggles to educate students safely during the pandemic. Continue reading →

World

France lets some UK cargo and people in, but a huge backlog remains

Freight from Britain and passengers with a negative virus test began arriving on French shores Wednesday, after France relaxed a two-day blockade over a new virus variant that had isolated the UK, stranded thousands of truck drivers, and raised fears of food shortages. Continue reading →

World

3 police officers in France are killed after responding to domestic abuse report

A heavily armed gunman in central France killed three police officers responding early Wednesday to reports of domestic abuse, in a rare outburst of deadly violence against French security forces that a local prosecutor described as a “war scene.” The gunman was later found dead. Continue reading →

World

UK tightens restrictions as alarm about virus variant grows

British authorities put even more areas of England under the tightest restrictions Wednesday as officials struggled to slow the spread of a coronavirus variant that is potentially more infectious than those that have already wreaked havoc around the world. Continue reading →

LETTERS

Healthy schools: a challenge normally, and a problem now

An editorial advocating for superintendents to follow public health experts' guidance in reopening school systems stirred criticism from readers. Continue reading →

OPINION

A Christmas season of the missing

There’s a lot to miss this year. But like others, we are trying to fill up the empty spaces in our home and hearts with classic holiday traditions. Continue reading →

EDITORIAL

Want to give the best Christmas gift? Stay home

Though the isolation that has resulted from efforts to slow the spread of the virus has many of us craving the closeness of family more than ever, this is not the time. Continue reading →

Metro

Methuen police chief placed on leave after inspector general finds he violated his duty by orchestrating exorbitant police contracts

The state inspector general released a scathing report concluding that Joseph Solomon and other officers violated their duty to the public by creating contracts that paid police leadership excessive salaries without explaining the costs. Continue reading →

Metro

Methuen police chief placed on leave after inspector general finds he violated his duty by orchestrating exorbitant police contracts

The state inspector general released a scathing report concluding that Joseph Solomon and other officers violated their duty to the public by creating contracts that paid police leadership excessive salaries without explaining the costs. Continue reading →

Politics

Biden weighing Walsh for Labor secretary

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh appears to be one of three or four people under consideration to be the next Labor secretary in a potential nomination that could send yet another Massachusetts leader to Washington to serve in the Biden administration and upend next year’s mayoral election. Continue reading →

Bruins

What is the Bruins’ national anthem singer up to? He’s become the Pavarotti of the pandemic

Todd Angilly has no arena to sing to. Instead, he's hitting the streets in Everett, his old neighborhood, to spread some Christmas cheer. Continue reading →

CELTICS NOTEBOOK

Houston cancellation on night two makes clear challenges for NBA, Celtics

The Celtics opened their season as scheduled against Milwaukee, with Tristan Thompson in the starting lineup, but the Rockets and Thunder weren't so lucky. Continue reading →

Gary Washburn | On basketball

Take it to the bank: Jayson Tatum starts slowly but finishes strong in season-opening win vs. Bucks

Tatum's unintended 3-point bank shot with 0.4 seconds left proved to be the buffer the Celtics needed to secure a 122-121 season-opening win over the Bucks. Continue reading →

Business

Baker unveils $668 million relief plan to help small businesses

As the most tumultuous holiday shopping season in memory comes to a close, Governor Charlie Baker on Wednesday rolled out a relief program — a lifeline that depends largely on a new federal stimulus bill that President Trump is threatening to veto. Continue reading →

Business

Baker unveils $668 million relief plan to help small businesses

As the most tumultuous holiday shopping season in memory comes to a close, Governor Charlie Baker on Wednesday rolled out a relief program — a lifeline that depends largely on a new federal stimulus bill that President Trump is threatening to veto. Continue reading →

Business

Global virus rules for Christmas: Tough, mild or none at all

In Peru, you can’t drive your car on Christmas. In Lebanon, you can go to a nightclub, but you can’t dance. In South Africa, roadblocks instead of beach parties will mark this year’s festive season. Continue reading →

Obituaries

Rebecca Luker, a Broadway star for three decades, dies at 59

Ms. Luker’s Broadway career, fueled by her crystal-clear operatic soprano, brought her three Tony Award nominations. Continue reading →

Obituaries

Rebecca Luker, a Broadway star for three decades, dies at 59

Ms. Luker’s Broadway career, fueled by her crystal-clear operatic soprano, brought her three Tony Award nominations. Continue reading →

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Television

GBH’s Julia Child marathon will keep you entertained all day long on Dec. 26

Episodes of “The French Chef” and “Dishing With Julia Child,” will run back to back on GBH2 from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Continue reading →

Arts

Jimmy Tingle’s string of seven comedy shows blend themes of politics and pandemic

Comedian Jimmy Tingle has spent the pandemic developing a virtual show that he'll stream Dec. 26-Jan. 3. Continue reading →

TV CRITIC'S CORNER

Reaction to John Mulaney underscores double standard for female and Black celebs who go into rehab

Fierce support on Twitter for the comedian contrasts with the public’s treatment of Demi Lovato, Amy Winehouse, Lindsay Lohan, and Whitney Houston. Continue reading →