Coronavirus

Where have all the work friends gone?

The pandemic has emptied downtown buildings, and along the way, done a number on office plants, gossip, and relationships, even with people you didn’t know you’d miss. Continue reading →

Nation

DeJoy addresses House panel with agency in crisis; Biden said to nominate 3 Democrats to USPS board of governors

Biden will nominate a former US Postal Service executive, a leading voting rights advocate, and a former postal union leader to the mail service’s governing board, according to three people briefed on the nominees, a move that will reshape the agency’s leadership and increase pressure on the embattled postmaster general. Continue reading →

Nation

Biden to order sweeping review of US supply chain weak spots

President Biden ordered a 100-day government review of potential vulnerabilities in US supply chains for critical items, including computer chips, medical gear, and specialized minerals. Continue reading →

World

US to seek seat on UN human rights body, after Trump pullout

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday the United States will vie for a seat at the UN’s human rights body, which would cement a US return to a Geneva-based body that was shunned by the Trump administration. Continue reading →

World

To build loyalty to China, Hong Kong rewrites history

When mass antigovernment protests swept the city in 2019, pro-Beijing officials blamed the education system for promoting liberal values and radicalizing Hong Kong. Determined to avoid a repeat, they are now aggressively promoting a specific narrative, designed to reinforce the Chinese Communist Party’s tightening rule over the former British colony. Continue reading →

World

German court convicts former Syrian official of crimes against humanity

A court in Germany convicted a former Syrian secret police officer Wednesday of aiding and abetting crimes against humanity for his role in arresting and transporting protesters to an interrogation center known for torture nearly a decade ago. Continue reading →

EDITORIAL

Becerra’s fearlessness frightens GOP foes

But a pandemic is no time to delay the confirmation of the head of the Department of Health and Human Services. Continue reading →

OPINION

Trump voters are blind to the truth about Capitol attack

More truth-telling will be needed from others willing to put country ahead of Trumpian politics. But even that won’t be enough to kill the lie. Continue reading →

LETTERS

Direct line from Reagan’s antigovernment message to Texas mayor’s you’re-on-your-own rant

"What happens when you need public servants and you don’t have any? The answer: Hundreds of thousands die unnecessarily in a pandemic. People freeze in Texas." Continue reading →

Crime & Courts

‘It was a panic’: Accident at construction site in downtown Boston leaves two dead

Two workers were killed Wednesday at a construction site in downtown Boston after they were hit by a truck and knocked into a hole in the road, a grisly accident that horrified onlookers and left grief-stricken relatives crying out for answers. Continue reading →

Education

Reopening schools will help, but won’t end Mass. child mental health crisis, experts say

Experts say the state’s mental health care system for youth has long been overtaxed. The challenges are deep-seated — and will likely persist long after students return to classrooms. Continue reading →

Politics

Suffolk sheriff calls for BPD commissioner Dennis White to be reinstated should probe drag on

Earlier this month, Mayor Martin Walsh placed White on leave two days after his promotion to police commissioner amid revelations of allegations that White had pushed and threatened to shoot his then-wife 22 years earlier. Continue reading →

Baseball

Why hasn’t the Red Sox’ farm-system ranking improved?

Despite a flurry of trades that brought many new minor leaguers to the Red Sox, the team's ranking remain unchanged at No. 20. Continue reading →

Red Sox

Plagued by a poor showing in 2020, Rafael Devers is committed to be much improved this season

"He will be as good as he wants to [be], and he’s put in the work," Alex Cora said of his 24-year-old third baseman. Continue reading →

tara sullivan

Tiger Woods had his priorities in order before his horrifying crash. Whether he golfs again or not, that’s what matters

His golfing future has been cast into doubt, but he had already discovered that being a father was more important anyway. Continue reading →

Business

Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine appears to fare better against worrisome COVID-19 variants than first reported

New trial data were released in advance of a Friday advisory panel meeting on whether to recommend the vaccine as the third one cleared for emergency use in the US. Continue reading →

Business

Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine appears to fare better against worrisome COVID-19 variants than first reported

New trial data were released in advance of a Friday advisory panel meeting on whether to recommend the vaccine as the third one cleared for emergency use in the US. Continue reading →

Business

Warehouse robotics maker Berkshire Grey plans to go public through SPAC merger

Berkshire Grey makes artificial intelligence-powered automation systems for warehouses and fulfillment centers, and its customers include retail giants Walmart, Target, and TJ Maxx. The company expects to be profitable in 2024. Continue reading →

Obituaries

Annabel Battistella, whose Combat Zone performance as Fanne Foxe fueled a Washington sex scandal, dies at 84

The relationship between Annabel Battistella, who performed as Fanne Foxe, and powerful congressman Wilbur Mills became a reference point for future political sex scandals. Continue reading →

Obituaries

Annabel Battistella, whose Combat Zone performance as Fanne Foxe fueled a Washington sex scandal, dies at 84

The relationship between Annabel Battistella, who performed as Fanne Foxe, and powerful congressman Wilbur Mills became a reference point for future political sex scandals. Continue reading →

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NAMES

George Clooney spotted in Watertown and Lowell filming ‘The Tender Bar’

Clooney is directing the movie, which stars Ben Affleck and Tye Sheridan, and will film in multiple Boston-area locations. Continue reading →

CHILDREN'S BOOKS

‘Owl Moon’ author Jane Yolen looks back at 400 books

The prolific 82-year-old Hatfield resident finds children's stories all around her. Continue reading →

IN MEMORY

Epiphany school celebrates Rep. John Lewis with new mural

Artist and teacher Ryan Jones painted at night in the school basement to complete his tribute to the late civil rights leader Continue reading →