The Boston Globe

Mayor Wu announces new vaccine requirements for some indoor businesses, city workers

In an attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu on Monday announced new vaccine requirements for some indoor spaces in the city, as well as a new vaccine mandate for the city’s 18,000-strong workforce.

Here’s what to know about the new vaccine requirements Boston will implement

Watch Mayor Wu’s press conference from this morning announcing new vaccine requirements

Here’s where to get free at-home COVID-19 tests in Boston

Video shows MBTA escalator careening backward at high speed

In September, an ascending escalator at Back Bay Station careened backward at high speed, sending a pile of riders tumbling to the bottom. ( Footage courtesy of MBTA )

This video shows people tumbling down a malfunctioning MBTA escalator. It wasn’t the first time that happened

After the September incident at Back Bay Station, a Globe review of court documents and news archives found three nearly identical incidents since the mid-1990s, and a fourth alleged in a lawsuit, in which ascending MBTA escalators have suddenly stopped and accelerated backward, injuring dozens of people.

‘I saw blood everywhere.’ Witnesses describe Back Bay T escalator malfunction

THE GREAT DIVIDE

What happens when students remove masks? These Mass. schools are finding out

At least five schools in Massachusetts have allowed vaccinated students to unmask. Most of the schools have not seen increases in COVID cases among students or staff, state data show.

‘Anxiety is high.’ As employers keep delaying return to office, will we ever go back?

Heading into the new year, as COVID-19 cases surge, office employers are yet again wrestling with return-to-work plans.

Dave Epstein

The winter solstice is Tuesday. Here’s what that means

The night will be one second shorter Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

Moderna booster shot shows good results against Omicron, vaccine-maker says

Cambridge-based Moderna said Monday that a booster dose of its coronavirus vaccine significantly raised antibody levels against the Omicron variant.

COVID-19: THE LATEST

Royal Caribbean ship reaches Miami after 48 passengers test positive

12:31 p.m.
Here’s where to get free at-home COVID-19 tests in Boston
12:25 p.m.
Two senators and a third lawmaker test positive for breakthrough COVID-19
12:02 p.m.
COVID-19 rationing of hospital care ends in Idaho

‘Tuesday is too late’: Health experts urge Biden to move faster amid Omicron threat

Amid fears that the Omicron variant will lead to soaring numbers of new cases and overwhelmed hospitals in hard-hit areas, local health officials Sunday called on President Biden to take stronger measures to get more people tested, vaccinated, and protected against the coronavirus threat.

Tell us: Have you needed to get a COVID test recently? How was your experience?

At some major pharmacies, it’s been impossible to find an appointment to book a test online on short notice. Meanwhile some walk-in testing sites have long lines and lengthy wait times. Tell us about your experience.

Larry Edelman

Omicron and inflation: a one-two punch that will put us all to the test

The nation will need to respond deftly to both challenges without unduly damaging the economy. Striking the right balance won’t be easy.

There's still plenty for the Patriots to play for, but their success comes from reliance on Matt Judon (center) and the defense, not putting the game on Mac Jones's shoulders.

Christopher L. Gasper

After a sobering loss, the Patriots need to move on to Buffalo — and get back to their winning formula

The Patriots are a team built to rely on stingy defense, a strong running game, an automatic placekicker, and an efficient passing game – in that order.

Bill Belichick issues rare apology for short responses after ‘frustrating’ loss to Colts

Senator Joe Manchin III of West Virginia had previously agreed to a framework for the social spending and climate bill.

Manchin’s ‘no’ on $2 trillion social spending bill leaves White House, liberals fuming

The White House and progressives blasted Senator Joe Manchin’s switch as a betrayal, the latest obstacle for President Biden who promised to break the legislative logjam in Washington and boost the recovering economy with a series of major bills to “build back better.”

Lawmakers reach deal to set new standards for egg industry in Mass., seeking to avert supply shortage next year

State legislative leaders on Sunday reached an 11th-hour deal that would set new standards for the egg industry in Massachusetts, potentially averting what industry experts warn will be a catastrophic supply shortage come Jan. 1.

Opinion

Fabienne Eliacin

Make the Charlestown Innovation and Inclusive High School proposal the proving ground for students

Our vision is about demonstrating that it is possible to support every student. It is about setting aside the false choice between success in an exam school and failure in an open-enrollment school.

LETTERS

‘I came as close as one can to dying in childbirth’

A candlelight vigil in Pittsfield, Mass., in honor of Jahaira DeAlto, a trans woman murdered in May.

RENÉE GRAHAM

Lives taken, dreams lost, and communities shattered by anti-trans violence

Lead is the most common substance used for bullets and primers (bullet-propellant).

Christian Hoover and Austin Frakt

Another harm from guns: lead exposure

A man sits at a tent on Atkinson Street off Massachusetts Avenue, on Nov. 17.

EDITORIAL

A home for the holidays

Choreographer Ebony Williams has created moves for Beyoncé, Doja Cat, Alicia Keys, "In The Heights," and more.

A Beautiful Resistance | Jeneé Osterheldt

Finding freedom in the rhythm of dance

Black choreographers and dancers use movement to move us forward. They use dance to tell stories, evoke memories, and unite us.

Follow @abeautifulresistance on Instagram Explore more from A Beautiful Resistance

New Biden rule reducing climate emissions from cars and SUVs reverses major Trump rollback

The Biden administration finalized a rule Monday to cut climate pollutants from new cars and light trucks, which will keep billions of tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere and change the kinds of vehicles Americans drive.

Representative Sullivan says man tried to lure her out of vehicle in Stoughton

State Representative Alyson Sullivan on Sunday warned Stoughton-area residents to be aware of their surroundings after she said a man tried to coax her out of her vehicle by falsely claiming it had an oil leak outside a Target store there.

Boston man arrested on charge of robbing North End bank in September

Rolando Gala, 39, faces a single charge of unarmed robbery for allegedly walking into the Citizens Bank branch at 315 Hanover St. on Sept. 17 and pretending to hold a weapon in his pocket, police said.

‘The urgency is greater than it has ever been’: Four suicides rock WPI campus as colleges grapple with student mental health concerns

Students across the country have spoken out for years about the need for better systems to support their mental health. Now, amid the pandemic, the conversation has taken on an unprecedented level of gravity and candor.

In Franklin, community mourns loss of woman killed in horrific attack, allegedly by ex-husband

Shirley Owen was a “daughter, a mother, a sister, an aunt, and a friend to everyone that had the blessing to know her,” her friend, Bethany Manning, said. “She was the light in every room, and she was a hot ticket. She got things done. And boy, boy, did she advocate and do everything for her amazing children.”

Man with ties to Russian President Putin’s office charged with scamming investors in hacking and insider trading plot, prosecutors say

A Russian national with alleged ties to Russian President Putin was charged by federal prosecutors Monday with making millions of dollars by using insider information collected by hacking into databases with confidential information on publicly traded companies.

Best of the holidays

People under the holiday lights on Boston Common.

9 places around Boston where you can get into the holiday spirit (for free)

Every holiday season comes with a gamut of things to do and gifts to buy, and it can take a toll on the old wallet. That got us thinking about some activities in and around the city where you can revel in the holiday spirit for free.

Boston is dressed in its wintery best. Here’s where to see Christmas trees, menorahs, and other decorations 20 family-friendly events to put you in the holiday spirit

Globe Santa

When misfortunes pile up, Globe Santa steps in

For many families, life’s woes have been compounded by other problems, through an unfortunate run of bad luck or because one misfortune triggers another, causing a ripple effect.

LEARN MORE ABOUT GLOBE SANTA

Read the latest stories Make a donation. Make a difference.

‘They were willing to let me die in there.’ The sins of Boston police past are leading to overturned convictions and prison releases

Since 2020, judges have released at least nine men from prison because of Boston police or prosecutorial misconduct, shoddy investigations, or evidence that pointed to someone else.

COVID-19 hospitalizations are rising, but some cases are milder than before

Amid surging COVID-19 infections, overflowing hospitals, and exhausted healthcare workers, Mass. hospital leaders are hanging on a glimmer of hope: fewer severely ill COVID patients.

high schools

After Woburn football player endures multiple alleged assaults, parents left outraged by official response

A freshman player's anguish began after he was allegedly groped in the locker room. He reported the incident, but no charges have been filed, no coach held accountable, and the player stayed on the team. The victim, meanwhile, had to withdraw from school.

Photos

Nothing gold can stay

Fall’s beauty is fragile. The chill deepens and the light fades. Winter is coming, with the solstice arriving Tuesday, bringing the longest night of the year.

video

Culture & Lifestyle

Photo cards with a dash of honesty, from Minted.

PARENTING UNFILTERED

You’re not a performative striver if you actually love creating holiday cards

Isabella DeHerdt and Isaac Eliot of High Tea.

Indie-folk duo High Tea emerge from lockdown with an adventurous new set of songs

Genesis performed at TD Garden Wednesday.

MUSIC REVIEW

At TD Garden, Genesis answers their own question

STORY BEHIND THE BOOK

Last-minute holiday shopping? You can’t go wrong with the right book

Special Projects

An older lobsterman passed by Tanner Lazaro as he hauled up his traps in his boat, Used N Abused, on Aug. 24. During the summer Tanner hauled his own traps on whatever days his mentor Frankie Thompson or another lobsterman didn't need his help.

The lobster trap

The plentiful catch that brought wealth to fishing families is at risk, as climate change warms the Gulf of Maine. A way of life is on the line, but lobstermen can't, or won't, imagine another.

The 2021 Top Places to Work in Massachusetts

Is your employer among the 150 companies to make the list?

Jeneé Osterheldt

A Beautiful Resistance

Black joy, Black lives, as celebrated by culture columnist Jeneé Osterheldt.

‘On the Street’: The changing face of Greater Boston neighborhoods

The changing face of Greater Boston neighborhoods.

FROM OUR PARTNERS

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Opinion, ideas, and commentary

Co-hosts Jill Shah and Ross Wilson at a recent taping of the "Last Night at School Committee" podcast.

MARCELA GARCÍA

Dissecting Boston School Committee meetings, one podcast episode at a time

IDEAS | ABDALLAH FAYYAD

Editing the Constitution

A male Bruce spanworm, another cold-weather moth similar to the fall cankerworm, flies in Vermont and elsewhere in northern New England, mostly in November.

IDEAS | BRYAN PFEIFFER

Copulating in the cold on the shortest day of the year

An unlikely source has offered a helping hand to local newspapers and sites: Congress.

Renée Loth

Saving democracy’s front lines — local newspapers

OnPoint in Harlem, the newly formed nonprofit running two safe injection sites in New York.

EDITORIAL

New York is home to the first supervised injection sites in America. Let Boston be next.

Tourists observe the lava flow from the Cumbre Vieja volcano on Spain's La Palma island.

IDEAS | Boštjan Videmšek and Matjaž Krivic

Here come the catastrophe tourists

Metro

Yale moves exams online amid COVID-19 concerns

Yale University has moved all of its exams online and is offering students the option of leaving campus early amid concerns over COVID-19.

Coronavirus Live Updates

Royal Caribbean ship reaches Miami after 48 passengers test positive

The latest news and guidance on the state of the COVID-19 pandemic in New England and beyond.

Here’s where to get free at-home COVID-19 tests in Boston

The Boston Public Health Commission is handing out free at-home rapid tests for Boston residents in an attempt to expand available testing amid a winter COVID surge.

‘The urgency is greater than it has ever been’: Four suicides rock WPI campus as colleges grapple with student mental health concerns

Sports

C.J. Miles last played in the NBA for the Wizards during the 2019-20 season.

celtics

Celtics add C.J. Miles ahead of Monday’s 76ers game, which is expected to go on

Miles, 34, last played in the NBA for the Wizards during the 2019-20 season. He's the second hardship exemption signee the Celtics have added since Saturday.

Christopher L. Gasper

After a sobering loss, the Patriots need to move on to Buffalo — and get back to their winning formula

The Patriots are a team built to rely on stingy defense, a strong running game, an automatic placekicker, and an efficient passing game – in that order.

Bill Belichick apologized for his frustration on Saturday night.

patriots

Bill Belichick issues rare apology for short responses after ‘frustrating’ loss to Colts

After his team’s defeat Saturday, Belichick issued a brief opening statement and then was asked 15 questions. Eight of his responses were just one-sentence long.

live updates

COVID-19 sports updates: Northeastern men’s basketball team forced to cancel another game

NHL

NHL postpones US-Canada cross-border games through Dec. 23; Red Wings, Maple Leafs placed on pause

Patriots

Bill Belichick on the lessons from playing the Colts, preparing for the Bills, and the NFL’s COVID-19 procedures

Business

Biogen cuts Alzheimer’s drug price 50 percent months after approval

The company will reduce the annual list price of the treatment to $28,200 to lower out-of-pocket costs for patients and reduce “the potential financial implications for the US health-care system.”

Larry Edelman

Omicron and inflation: a one-two punch that will put us all to the test

The nation will need to respond deftly to both challenges without unduly damaging the economy. Striking the right balance won’t be easy.

Pandemic again forces delay in plans for next Davos meeting

INNOVATORS Q&A

Longtime mixologist started her own bar-on-the-go, slinging craft cocktails out of two retro trailers

STAT

Listen to our "First Opinion" podcast

Listen to our "Readout LOUD" podcast

Subscribe to STAT Plus

‘Health equity tourists’: How white scholars are colonizing research on health disparities

A STAT investigation shows that researchers with little or no background or training in health equity research are rushing in to scoop up grants and publish papers.

Winter is coming, again: What to expect from Covid-19 as the season looms

STAT spoke with infectious disease experts and others about what to expect from Covid-19 as the seasons change.

DISTANCED: Pandemic stories of Black life in the rural South

Photographer Bethany Mollenkof spent six months documenting the impact of Covid-19 on residents of rural Black communities in the South.

Groundbreaking arm amputation surgery makes a ‘phantom’ hand seem real

The procedure aims to restore proprioception, the ability to sense where our limbs are in space and how fast and forcefully they’re moving.

magazine

2021

Meet this year's Bostonians of the Year

PERSPECTIVE

Devin McCourty and Tito SantosSilva on ending gang violence now

MISS CONDUCT

I'm heading to QAnon country for Christmas. How do I stay cool?

Cooking

Mayor Wu announces new vaccine requirements for some indoor businesses, city workers

Here’s what to know about the new vaccine requirements Boston will implement

Watch Mayor Wu’s press conference from this morning announcing new vaccine requirements

Here’s where to get free at-home COVID-19 tests in Boston

This video shows people tumbling down a malfunctioning MBTA escalator. It wasn’t the first time that happened

THE GREAT DIVIDE What happens when students remove masks? These Mass. schools are finding out At least five schools in Massachusetts have allowed vaccinated students to unmask. Most of the schools have not seen increases in COVID cases among students or staff, state data show.

‘Anxiety is high.’ As employers keep delaying return to office, will we ever go back?

Dave Epstein The winter solstice is Tuesday. Here’s what that means The night will be one second shorter Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

Moderna booster shot shows good results against Omicron, vaccine-maker says

‘Tuesday is too late’: Health experts urge Biden to move faster amid Omicron threat

Tell us: Have you needed to get a COVID test recently? How was your experience?

Larry Edelman Omicron and inflation: a one-two punch that will put us all to the test The nation will need to respond deftly to both challenges without unduly damaging the economy. Striking the right balance won’t be easy.

Mass. coronavirus at a glance

Vaccinations

Cases and deaths

Other resources:

After a sobering loss, the Patriots need to move on to Buffalo — and get back to their winning formula

Manchin’s ‘no’ on $2 trillion social spending bill leaves White House, liberals fuming

Lawmakers reach deal to set new standards for egg industry in Mass., seeking to avert supply shortage next year

Make the Charlestown Innovation and Inclusive High School proposal the proving ground for students

‘I came as close as one can to dying in childbirth’

Lives taken, dreams lost, and communities shattered by anti-trans violence

Another harm from guns: lead exposure

A home for the holidays

Finding freedom in the rhythm of dance

More recent stories

New Biden rule reducing climate emissions from cars and SUVs reverses major Trump rollback

Representative Sullivan says man tried to lure her out of vehicle in Stoughton

Boston man arrested on charge of robbing North End bank in September

‘The urgency is greater than it has ever been’: Four suicides rock WPI campus as colleges grapple with student mental health concerns

In Franklin, community mourns loss of woman killed in horrific attack, allegedly by ex-husband

Man with ties to Russian President Putin’s office charged with scamming investors in hacking and insider trading plot, prosecutors say

Best of the holidays

9 places around Boston where you can get into the holiday spirit (for free)

When misfortunes pile up, Globe Santa steps in

LEARN MORE ABOUT GLOBE SANTA

Recommended reads

‘They were willing to let me die in there.’ The sins of Boston police past are leading to overturned convictions and prison releases

COVID-19 hospitalizations are rising, but some cases are milder than before Amid surging COVID-19 infections, overflowing hospitals, and exhausted healthcare workers, Mass. hospital leaders are hanging on a glimmer of hope: fewer severely ill COVID patients.

Photos Nothing gold can stay Fall’s beauty is fragile. The chill deepens and the light fades. Winter is coming, with the solstice arriving Tuesday, bringing the longest night of the year.

video

Culture & Lifestyle

You’re not a performative striver if you actually love creating holiday cards

Indie-folk duo High Tea emerge from lockdown with an adventurous new set of songs

At TD Garden, Genesis answers their own question

Last-minute holiday shopping? You can’t go wrong with the right book

Special Projects

The lobster trap

The 2021 Top Places to Work in Massachusetts

A Beautiful Resistance

‘On the Street’: The changing face of Greater Boston neighborhoods

FROM OUR PARTNERS

Opinion, ideas, and commentary

Dissecting Boston School Committee meetings, one podcast episode at a time

Editing the Constitution

Copulating in the cold on the shortest day of the year

Saving democracy’s front lines — local newspapers

New York is home to the first supervised injection sites in America. Let Boston be next.

Here come the catastrophe tourists

Metro

Yale moves exams online amid COVID-19 concerns

Royal Caribbean ship reaches Miami after 48 passengers test positive

Here’s where to get free at-home COVID-19 tests in Boston

‘The urgency is greater than it has ever been’: Four suicides rock WPI campus as colleges grapple with student mental health concerns

Sports

Celtics add C.J. Miles ahead of Monday’s 76ers game, which is expected to go on

After a sobering loss, the Patriots need to move on to Buffalo — and get back to their winning formula

Bill Belichick issues rare apology for short responses after ‘frustrating’ loss to Colts

COVID-19 sports updates: Northeastern men’s basketball team forced to cancel another game

NHL postpones US-Canada cross-border games through Dec. 23; Red Wings, Maple Leafs placed on pause

Bill Belichick on the lessons from playing the Colts, preparing for the Bills, and the NFL’s COVID-19 procedures

Business

Biogen cuts Alzheimer’s drug price 50 percent months after approval

Omicron and inflation: a one-two punch that will put us all to the test

Pandemic again forces delay in plans for next Davos meeting

Longtime mixologist started her own bar-on-the-go, slinging craft cocktails out of two retro trailers

STAT

‘Health equity tourists’: How white scholars are colonizing research on health disparities A STAT investigation shows that researchers with little or no background or training in health equity research are rushing in to scoop up grants and publish papers.

Winter is coming, again: What to expect from Covid-19 as the season looms STAT spoke with infectious disease experts and others about what to expect from Covid-19 as the seasons change.

DISTANCED: Pandemic stories of Black life in the rural South Photographer Bethany Mollenkof spent six months documenting the impact of Covid-19 on residents of rural Black communities in the South.

THE GREAT DIVIDE

What happens when students remove masks? These Mass. schools are finding out

At least five schools in Massachusetts have allowed vaccinated students to unmask. Most of the schools have not seen increases in COVID cases among students or staff, state data show.

Dave Epstein

The winter solstice is Tuesday. Here’s what that means

The night will be one second shorter Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

Larry Edelman

Omicron and inflation: a one-two punch that will put us all to the test

The nation will need to respond deftly to both challenges without unduly damaging the economy. Striking the right balance won’t be easy.

COVID-19 hospitalizations are rising, but some cases are milder than before

Amid surging COVID-19 infections, overflowing hospitals, and exhausted healthcare workers, Mass. hospital leaders are hanging on a glimmer of hope: fewer severely ill COVID patients.

Photos

Nothing gold can stay

Fall’s beauty is fragile. The chill deepens and the light fades. Winter is coming, with the solstice arriving Tuesday, bringing the longest night of the year.

‘Health equity tourists’: How white scholars are colonizing research on health disparities

A STAT investigation shows that researchers with little or no background or training in health equity research are rushing in to scoop up grants and publish papers.

Winter is coming, again: What to expect from Covid-19 as the season looms

STAT spoke with infectious disease experts and others about what to expect from Covid-19 as the seasons change.

DISTANCED: Pandemic stories of Black life in the rural South

Photographer Bethany Mollenkof spent six months documenting the impact of Covid-19 on residents of rural Black communities in the South.

Groundbreaking arm amputation surgery makes a ‘phantom’ hand seem real

The procedure aims to restore proprioception, the ability to sense where our limbs are in space and how fast and forcefully they’re moving.