Tuesday, February 23, 2021 View web version
Today's Headlines
Page one

Coronavirus

As US surpasses 500,000 COVID deaths, experts reflect on what could have been

The United States has reached a calamitous milestone that crystallizes a year of grief and anguish: 500,000 lives lost to COVID-19. Scientists said that while the pandemic has not been as deadly as it might have been, the US’s toll — the highest in the world — is far greater than it had to be. Continue reading →

Coronavirus

Lonely, isolated COVID-19 patients get lifeline: Doctor creates pilot program for vaccinated hospital workers to sit with them

“This dying alone business just seemed so wrong from a human point of view,” Dr. Ben Moor said. Continue reading →

Politics

Legislature drops deference to Baker as it more stridently questions vaccine rollout

Lawmakers are summoning Governor Charlie Baker and his top aides before a new oversight committee to demand answers about the state’s coronavirus vaccine rollout. Continue reading →

THE GREAT DIVIDE

Eight years after Walsh’s promises, Boston prekindergarten still not universal

The prekindergarten program in Boston Public Schools is well-regarded, but without universal capacity, the spots tend to go to savvier families who know about the early application deadline. Continue reading →

Politics

AG nominee Merrick Garland says first focus would be on Capitol insurrection

Merrick Garland appeared for his confirmation hearing vowing to prioritize civil rights, combat extremist attacks, and ensure the Justice Department remains politically independent. Continue reading →

The Nation

Coronavirus

As US surpasses 500,000 COVID deaths, experts reflect on what could have been

The United States has reached a calamitous milestone that crystallizes a year of grief and anguish: 500,000 lives lost to COVID-19. Scientists said that while the pandemic has not been as deadly as it might have been, the US’s toll — the highest in the world — is far greater than it had to be. Continue reading →

Coronavirus

Lonely, isolated COVID-19 patients get lifeline: Doctor creates pilot program for vaccinated hospital workers to sit with them

“This dying alone business just seemed so wrong from a human point of view,” Dr. Ben Moor said. Continue reading →

Politics

AG nominee Merrick Garland says first focus would be on Capitol insurrection

Merrick Garland appeared for his confirmation hearing vowing to prioritize civil rights, combat extremist attacks, and ensure the Justice Department remains politically independent. Continue reading →

The World

World

Vaccines sharply cut coronavirus hospitalization, UK studies show

The first studies of Britain’s mass inoculation program showed strong evidence Monday that the coronavirus vaccines were working as intended, offering among the clearest signs yet that the vaccines slash the rate of COVID-19 hospital admissions and may be reducing transmission of the virus. Continue reading →

World

The pandemic is receding in the worst hotspots. Will it last?

The last month has brought a surprisingly fast, if partial, turnaround. New cases have declined to half their peak globally, driven largely by steady improvements in some of the same places that weathered devastating outbreaks this winter. Continue reading →

World

Johnson lays out a cautious path for leaving the lockdown

Britain, hit hard by the coronavirus but surprisingly successful in the race to vaccinate its people, embarked Monday on a new, more hopeful phase of the pandemic, as Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a step-by-step plan to reopen the economy, starting with schools on March 8. Continue reading →

Editorial & Opinion

OPINION

The Biden administration is deporting hundreds of Haitians to a country mired in political chaos

One of the new president’s first acts was to issue a 100-day moratorium on most deportations. Most, but not all. Continue reading →

OPINION

George Shultz — an environmentalist and technologist ahead of his time

Less discussed than his foreign policy experience is Schultz’s no less important role as a visionary problem solver in the interrelated issues of climate change and technology. Continue reading →

EDITORIAL

Despite census delays, accuracy must be the top goal of redistricting

States should prioritize getting it right over getting it fast. Continue reading →

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Metro

Politics

Legislature drops deference to Baker as it more stridently questions vaccine rollout

Lawmakers are summoning Governor Charlie Baker and his top aides before a new oversight committee to demand answers about the state’s coronavirus vaccine rollout. Continue reading →

THE GREAT DIVIDE

Eight years after Walsh’s promises, Boston prekindergarten still not universal

The prekindergarten program in Boston Public Schools is well-regarded, but without universal capacity, the spots tend to go to savvier families who know about the early application deadline. Continue reading →

Politics

State board OKs controversial East Boston substation; foes vow to appeal

Critics were not satisfied. They maintained that East Boston, home to Logan International Airport, is already burdened with environmental problems. They are also concerned that the site will flood, which they fear could lead to an explosion or fire. Continue reading →

Sports

RED SOX

Xander Bogaerts, now the old sage of the Red Sox at 28, relishes role

The 28-year-old is just 30 games shy of becoming the 30th player to suit up for 1,000 regular-season games in Boston. Continue reading →

tara sullivan

Celtics’ inability to close out games is something Brad Stevens must address quickly

The lack of a killer instinct in the team clearly has become a problem, and the coach is at least as culpable as the players. Continue reading →

matt porter | on hockey

A sense of stability and togetherness has helped both veterans and youngsters acclimate to the Bruin way

Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron made his debut with the club in 2003. David Krejci, Tuukka Rask, and Brad Marchand all became Bruins property by the summer of 2006. Together, they've helped lead the team on and off the ice. Continue reading →

Business

Business

Pegasystems added hundreds of jobs in Mass. last year, with more to come

Revenue at the Cambridge company grew 12 percent last year, enabling it to clear the $1 billion threshold for the first time. Continue reading →

Business

South Boston warehouses once considered by Amazon will become...what else? Lab space

As the first phase of a larger project, a developer plans to remake two buildings in Andrew Square. Continue reading →

Business

As Toast IPO rumor swirls, restaurant owners express support for the tech firm

Toast declined to comment on the IPO rumors, saying it doesn’t discuss “speculated financial transactions.” Continue reading →

Obituaries
Arts & Lifestyle

ASK MATTHEW

If you enjoyed ‘Your Honor,’ who am I to judge?

As a critic, I don’t pretend my opinions are the correct ones, or even the best ones; they’re just mine. Continue reading →

BENEFIT

Stars to come out (remotely) for a new Boston clinic for homeless women

Renee Fleming, Laura Benanti, Cheyenne Jackson, Heather Headley, and others are slated to perform in a benefit for Health Care Without Walls. Continue reading →

Music

Boston Calling canceled again amid the coronavirus pandemic

This year’s event was slated for May 28-30, but the lineup and headliners had not yet been announced. Continue reading →