Politics

Biden says US combat mission in Iraq to conclude by year’s end

President Biden said Monday the US combat mission in Iraq will conclude by the end of the year, an announcement that reflects the reality on the ground more than a major shift in US policy. Continue reading →

Coronavirus

As virus cases rise, another contagion spreads among the vaccinated: anger

As coronavirus cases resurge across the country, many inoculated Americans are losing patience with vaccine holdouts who, they say, are neglecting a civic duty or clinging to conspiracy theories and misinformation even as new patients arrive in emergency rooms and the nation renews mask advisories. Continue reading →

Nation

Winds feed California’s largest fire as blazes scorch West

It could be days before officials will be able to assess the damage done to a small town by California’s largest wildfire, one of dozens of blazes scorching lands across the US West. Continue reading →

World

Tunisia’s democracy verges on dissolution as president moves to take control

Tunisia’s fledgling democracy, the only one remaining from the popular revolutions that swept the Arab world a decade ago, verged on the brink of dissolution Monday after its president sought to seize power from the rest of the government, moves that his political opponents denounced as a coup. Continue reading →

World

Biden’s China strategy meets resistance at the negotiating table

As it seeks to manage an increasingly testy relationship, the Biden administration has mapped out a strategy of confronting China on points of dispute, while leaving the door open for cooperation against global threats. On Monday, China seemed to slam the door on the idea that the two countries could collaborate one day and clash the next. Continue reading →

World

North and South Korea agree to talk again, restore cross-border hotline

North and South Korea restored a key communications hotline Tuesday and agreed to improve ties, more than a year after Pyongyang cut the link during a period of increased tensions. Continue reading →

EDITORIAL

Time for Boston to require city workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19

As employers, and as governments, cities have the power to require vaccinations — and now’s the time to use that power. Continue reading →

OPINION

A 10-point plan to increase Boston’s affordable housing stock quickly — and inexpensively

City leaders and the development community should work together to stimulate the production of affordable housing. Continue reading →

LETTERS

Those opposed to changes on exam schools are missing a key piece: equity

When every school in BPS educates every child equally and when hidden bias and prejudice are uncovered and dealt with, then maybe a lottery would work for these advanced academic institutions of learning. Continue reading →

Metro

Medical leaders call for mask requirements, stronger action against COVID-19 in Mass. schools

State health leaders said Monday they will be sending letters this week to superintendents explaining the process for setting up school-based COVID-19 vaccine clinics and free pooled COVID testing for any district that wants them this fall. Continue reading →

Metro

Free fares on Route 28 bus line in Mattapan and Roxbury for three months, starting Aug. 29

Acting Mayor Kim Janey’s office on Monday announced the late-August rollout of a pilot program that’ll provide free fares for three months on the MBTA Route 28 bus, which carries thousands of riders each weekday and links Boston’s Mattapan, Roxbury, and Dorchester sections. Continue reading →

K-12

Former BPS superintendent Thomas Payzant dies

Payzant, who led the district for more than a decade and has been credited with drastic improvements in student achievement and increased test scores, died on Friday. Continue reading →

red sox 5, blue jays 4

Alex Verdugo’s eighth-inning two-run homer gives Red Sox comeback win over Blue Jays

It was the 10th home run of the season for Verdugo, who also had an RBI single. Continue reading →

shirley leung

Dissatisfied with handling of his complaint, Eugene Chung wants NFL to clarify status of Asian Americans in hiring

The former Patriot, who said he was told he was “not the right minority” in a job interview, wants to meet personally with commissioner Roger Goodell. Continue reading →

red sox notebook

Chris Sale will make at least two more rehab starts before rejoining Red Sox

The Red Sox are determined to build up the lefty ace gradually and not encounter any issue with his performance or recovery. Continue reading →

Jeneé Osterheldt

With Boston While Black, Sheena Collier conjures the power of community

In a city that prides itself on its hardness, we crave a comfort that is soft and welcoming. In a city known for whiteness and racism, Black folk are one another’s communion and catharsis. Continue reading →

Business

Senators, White House in talks to finish infrastructure bill

Senators and the White House were locked in intense negotiations Monday to salvage a bipartisan infrastructure deal, with pressure mounting on all sides to wrap up talks and show progress on President Biden’s top priority. Continue reading →

Biotech

In largest deal to date, PerkinElmer buys San Diego manufacturer for $5.3 billion

The local maker of diagnostics, lab equipment, and software said it is acquiring BioLegend to expand its fast-growing market segments, such as cell and gene therapy, as well as enter into new areas within its life sciences business. Continue reading →

Obituaries

Writing about a disabled son, Helen Jencks Featherstone, 76, illuminated the lives of special needs families

A longtime education professor, Ms. Featherstone wrote a book that was “calm, wise, unflinching, and heart-mending,” the New York Times said. Continue reading →

Obituaries

Steven Weinberg, groundbreaking Nobelist in physics, dies at 88

The physicist discovered that two of the universe’s forces are really the same, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize, and helped lay the foundation for the development of a theory that classifies all known elementary particles in the universe. Continue reading →

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LOVE LETTERS

I want him to stay in shape

"Pre-pandemic, he was definitely one of those people who thought he went to the gym more often than he did." Continue reading →

Television

To guitar great Buddy Guy, it’s all about giving blues fans a reason to smile

The subject of a new PBS documentary, the blues master talks about his influences, his career, and keeping a tradition alive. Continue reading →

MUSIC REVIEW

At Newport Folk Festival, a glad-to-be-back vibe after a lost year

The festival's second day featured performances by Jason Isbell, Joy Oladokun, Margo Price, Natalie Hemby, and Randy Newman. Continue reading →