The Boston Globe

House rejects Trump-backed plan on government shutdown, leaving next steps uncertain

The bill was rejected in a 174-235 vote Thursday night. Congress has until Friday at midnight to avoid a Christmastime federal shutdown.

GOP spending plan was rejected by every New England House member

In helping upend spending deal, Elon Musk foreshadows his power in Trump’s administration

The SpaceX founder and Tesla chief executive has demonstrated his money, megaphone, and misinformation can act like a rocket booster to the typical Trump chaos.

Coastal storm bringing snow showers, winter chill to New England’s doorstep. Here’s what we can expect.
Rain and snow showers will begin working into Southern New England mid-afternoon Friday and bring steady precipitation throughout the evening.

Adrian Walker

Can Massachusetts prevent the next Steward-like scandal?
Certainly, a lack of transparency and disclosure helped fuel the Steward crisis. But the inability of three administrations to recognize and address this company’s misdeeds doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence.

‘There are very serious problems’: Federal lawsuits lay out allegations against Worcester police

Advocate groups welcomed the report, saying it finally vindicated longstanding complaints they say the city and police have historically refused to acknowledge.

Break-in at Jaylen Brown’s mother’s Wellesley home latest in string of burglaries targeting pro athletes. Here’s what we know.

The NFL and NBA earlier this season warned teams and athletes about a threat of burglary groups targeting professional athletes.

“It’s been a tough week.” Jaylen Brown addresses break-in at his mother’s Wellesley home.

The state’s largest law firm is staying in the Back Bay

More student loans canceled in Biden’s final round of forgiveness before leaving office

Croatian police say a teenager has injured several students and his teacher in a knife attack

The heart of the complaints from CVS employees is severe understaffing that decimated working conditions at locations across the country.

‘Skeleton crews.’ ‘Endless tasks.’ What employees said about working conditions at CVS, according to a federal lawsuit.

The Department of Justice says the pharmacy giant unlawfully dispensed opioids and other controlled substances. The staffers who worked there paint a vivid picture of how conditions that allowed it to happen.

US Justice Department sues CVS, alleging corporate practices allowed unlawful opioid prescriptions

Dan Shaughnessy

Bob Kraft is stubborn, so it’s doubtful that he fires Jerod Mayo after this dismal season, and other thoughts
Like a Donald Trump Cabinet nominee, Mayo’s top qualification as head coach of the Patriots seems to be loyalty to the boss, for whom he even has a pet nickname.

Bills quarterback Josh Allen is the favorite for NFL MVP, but the Super Bowl is what he wants Reeling Patriots get the worst possible greeting on Sunday: Josh Allen, at the pinnacle of his powers

The 30 cheapest places to fly in 2025, plus tips for snagging inexpensive flights
Airfares aren’t expected to drop significantly next year, but tickets to these destinations are projected to be a deal.

LRodney W. Phillips, a retired software engineer who runs "Grandpa's Farm" in Loudon, N.H., walks the farm with his grandchildren Reid, 2, and Reagan, 7.

Fake tree? No, thanks. Only a real Christmas tree will do.

In a world full of knock-offs and clumsy representations, it’s refreshing to have something real, with imperfections and quirks of its own.

A worker prepared to box an artificial Christmas tree at a National Tree Co. warehouse, in Cranford, N.J., in Sept.

Real tree? No need. I’m perfectly content with my fake Christmas fir.

Our 6-foot artificial alternative is a minimal-mess, no-maintenance option that’s ready to go whenever we’re ready for the season to start.

Rachel Kanter stands under the silk flowers at the entrance to her new store, Lovestruck Books, in Harvard Square.

A romance bookstore debuts in Harvard Square

This week’s launch of Lovestruck Books, the area’s first permanent store of its kind, is part of a national trend in publishing.

A general view of a Dunkin' Donuts store in Oceanside, New York.

I wore Dunkin’s Boston Kreme deodorant for 24 hours. Here’s what I learned. And yes, Dunkin’ sells deodorant now.

Dunkin’ is selling self-care products now. But is it good to smell like a doughnut?

Dinner with Cupid

Blind date: ‘We understood each other’s humor and had nice banter’

Will these two daters want to continue the conversation?

The Celtics' Derrick White tries to stop Bulls guard Coby White from getting to the basket in the second quarter Thursday night at TD Garden.

Bulls 117, Celtics 108

Celtics lose control of their emotions in fourth quarter in loss to Chicago

Bulls guard Zach LaVine finishes with 36 points; Chicago takes control in the fourth quarter, outscoring Boston 35-22

Secrets & Lies | Globe Magazine

Sandra Birchmore was 23 years old when she was found dead in her Canton apartment in 2021. Initially, investigators suspected suicide.

Part 1

Sandra Birchmore put her trust in the police. They broke it.

Surveillance video from Sandra Birchmore's apartment building shows Matthew Farwell entering the building the last night she was seen alive.

Part 2

Investigators assumed Sandra Birchmore took her own life. What did they miss?

State Secrets

Massachusetts lawmakers are paid to be full-time legislators. So why do so many have second jobs and side hustles?
About two dozen lawmakers — or roughly one in eight of all 200 — reported earning more than $100,000 in addition to their legislative pay.

Database: See if your lawmaker had a second job on top of legislating

Six takeaways from the series investigating the Legislature

Opinion

David Gergen, pictured here in 2020, served as a White House adviser to four US presidents.

Katherine Gergen Barnett

My father, David Gergen, has dementia. Here are his reflections on the path forward for our country.

David Gergen was recently diagnosed with Lewy body dementia. His daughter, Katherine Gergen Barnett, reveals the wisdom she received from her dying father in a moment of clarity amid his decline.

EDITORIAL

The heroes of the Sandra Birchmore investigation: her friends and family

IDEAS | STEPHEN LANE

How about a little thank-you note for Santa?

Alex Beam

Call me old-fashioned, but I remember when …

IDEAS | BOB REGAN

Winter is the wistful season

Globe Santa

Decades later, the magic of Globe Santa endures
One woman remembers how Globe Santa helped her family after they immigrated to America.

Donate to Globe Santa

The best (and worst) of 2024

Boston Globe book critics share their 75 favorite titles of 2024.

The 75 best books of 2024

Laurent Bouzereau , left, and John Williams in "Music by John Williams."

10 notable documentaries to close out 2024

Richard Roundtree and June Squibb in "Thelma."

Odie Henderson’s 10 best movies of 2024 (and 10 runners-up)

Odie Henderson’s 10 worst movies of the year

More recent News

Phillips Andover’s Tam Gavenas, the nation’s best boys’ high school cross-country runner, is headed to Harvard
Last Saturday, Gavenas became the third-ever Foot Locker Cross-Country champion from Massachusetts, claiming the national title in 15 minutes, 23.9 seconds at Balboa Park in San Diego.

Man accused in UnitedHealthcare CEO killing faces federal charge that’s eligible for death penalty
Luigi Mangione is being held without bail after a New York federal court appearance on charges including a death-eligible murder count.

Man who suffered life-threatening shock meets with Wellesley police officer who helped save him
Wellesley police officer who was first to the scene says, "At the end of the day, I’m just doing my job."

Man who killed mother and three children in West Brookfield sentenced to four consecutive life sentences
The 38-year-old man convicted of murdering a West Brookfield mother and her three children in their home was sentenced to four consecutive life sentences in Worcester Superior Court Thursday, according to court records.

East Boston man charged with animal cruelty for allegedly abusing young German Shepherd
The owner was charged Thursday with six counts of animal cruelty, prosecutors said.

‘Organizing … should start at the youngest ages.’ The Home Edit duo shares kid-friendly cleanup strategies.
Celebrity organizers Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin have a new kids' book, "The Rainbow Cleanup," coming out on Dec. 31, just in time for post-holiday decluttering.

The darkest days are nearly behind you. See how much daylight Boston gains each day after the winter solstice.

On Saturday, we turn the corner toward longer days and a bit more sunlight with the arrival of the winter solstice and the start of astronomical winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

Karen Read’s first trial cost the state — and taxpayers — an unusual sum. Her second trial could cost even more.
From trial security to court and prosecution salaries, here's how the public costs break down.

‘The pinnacle of my career’: Meet the North End teacher who helped restore the Notre Dame
His journey included becoming one of just a handful of Americans artisans to work with the French team that completed a stunning reconstruction of one of the world’s great cultural buildings.

Boston Public Library shares its top 10 checked out books of 2024 list
Bostonians hit the books in 2024, with the library lending out 6.6 million physical and digital items combined. Here are the titles locals checked out the most this year.

Culture & Lifestyle

This combination of photos depicts Kathy Bates in "Matlock," Carrie Preston in "Elsbeth," and "Kaitlin Olson" in "High Potential."

It’s the season of the underestimated sleuth

Melbey Flores and Mark Castillo married on Nov. 11, 2024, in an elopement ceremony on Plum Island. Besides the wedding professionals who helped execute the day, they were the only two present.

Randolph couple elopes on Plum Island, in a simple ceremony designed just for two

Liza Minnelli in the 1972 film "Cabaret."

For Liza Minnelli, life is a cabaret — and a TV series

A screenshot from the 2024 playing card-based video game "Balatro."

Like solitaire? You’ll love the best video game of 2024, ‘Balatro.’

Special Projects

Seventh-graders at the Curley School on the first day of school in 1975. (Ulrike Welsch/Globe staff)

Broken Promises, Unfulfilled Hope

The Boston Globe explores the legacy of Boston’s busing era.

An Ambulance passed Glenwood Regional Medical Center in West Monroe, La.

A Globe Spotlight Team report on Steward Health Care

A Boston Globe Spotlight Team review found the Steward Health Care hospital system plagued by staggering neglect at the hands of executives.

The Boston Globe’s Best of the Best

Our ultimate guide to more than 200 winners for Boston's best food, drinks, and fun things to do.

Nightmare in Mission Hill

The story of how a murder in Mission Hill — the Carol Stuart shooting — terrorized and wounded a community of innocent people.

FROM OUR PARTNERS

product by Studio/B. What is this?This content was produced by Boston Globe Media's Studio/B in collaboration with the advertiser. The news and editorial departments of the Boston Globe had no role in its production or display.

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Opinion, ideas, and commentary

IDEAS | ETHAN LEIB

For those of us with children who identify as trans, the political is personal

A drone sighting over Ridge, N.Y., on Dec. 12.

EDITORIAL

Drones: The truth is out there

A Tesla with a sticker defending the purchase was spotted last Sunday in Concord.

IDEAS | MICHELINE MAYNARD

Your Tesla has me seeing red

More than any other sector, health care in America has been nourishing the populist vibe.

Vikas Saini

How America’s broken health system fuels dangerous rage

A tax loophole has allowed fast-fashion giants like Shein and Temu to ship millions of packages — mostly from China — into the United States without inspection, taxes, or tariffs.

KIMBERLY ATKINS STOHR

Will a federal call for fast-fashion climate action ring hollow in the Trump era?

The photos on these banners in a Beirut suburb say a lot about the governance of Lebanon. On the left is the speaker of Parliament, Nabih Berri. On the right is Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed by an Israeli strike on Sept. 27. Lebanon hasn’t had a president for two years because Hezbollah keeps blocking candidates.

IDEAS | CARINE HAJJAR

Lebanon’s biggest problem is not Israel

Metro

Bitter cold Buffalo weather awaits teams, fans for Sunday’s Patriots-Bills game

The stadium’s going to be an absolute ice box on Sunday, starting with the afternoon kickoff.

RI POLITICS

R.I. leaders prep for fight over changes to public records law

“All Rhode Islanders want it,” Senator DiPalma said of a bill bolstering the Access to Public Records Act. But House Speaker Shekarchi says it’s a press priority the public doesn’t mention on the campaign trail.

Fake tree? No, thanks. Only a real Christmas tree will do.

In a world full of knock-offs and clumsy representations, it’s refreshing to have something real, with imperfections and quirks of its own.

Real tree? No need. I’m perfectly content with my fake Christmas fir.

Our 6-foot artificial alternative is a minimal-mess, no-maintenance option that’s ready to go whenever we’re ready for the season to start.

Sports

Josh Allen has come a long way from his early days in the NFL, and in the last two weeks may have sewn up his first MVP award.

CHAD FINN | UNCONVENTIONAL PREVIEW

Reeling Patriots get the worst possible greeting on Sunday: Josh Allen, at the pinnacle of his powers

The Patriots can’t even hope to contain Allen. Their best hope is their rookie quarterback continues to play with the poise and electricity his counterpart regularly shows these days.

It didn't take long for Bob Kraft to hire Jerod Mayo as Patriots coach after firing Bill Belichick.

Dan Shaughnessy

Bob Kraft is stubborn, so it’s doubtful that he fires Jerod Mayo after this dismal season, and other thoughts

Like a Donald Trump Cabinet nominee, Mayo’s top qualification as head coach of the Patriots seems to be loyalty to the boss, for whom he even has a pet nickname.

Against the Rams on Dec. 8, the Bills' Josh Allen became the first player in NFL history with three rushing TDs and three passing TDs in the same game.

BEN VOLIN | ON FOOTBALL

Bills quarterback Josh Allen is the favorite for NFL MVP, but the Super Bowl is what he wants

Allen is playing the best football of his career, with 36 combined touchdowns and only seven turnovers for the AFC East champions.

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' HOCKEY

Eastern Mass. boys’ hockey: Globe players of the week for Dec. 12-18

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' HOCKEY

Globe Top 20 boys’ hockey poll: A Middlesex League squad skates into No. 2 spot

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' HOCKEY NOTEBOOK

Boys’ hockey notebook: Defending champion St. John’s Prep plans to restock on the fly

Business

Fake tree? No, thanks. Only a real Christmas tree will do.

In a world full of knock-offs and clumsy representations, it’s refreshing to have something real, with imperfections and quirks of its own.

Real tree? No need. I’m perfectly content with my fake Christmas fir.

Our 6-foot artificial alternative is a minimal-mess, no-maintenance option that’s ready to go whenever we’re ready for the season to start.

Unionized workers at US Starbucks stores plan strikes starting Friday

COURTS

‘Skeleton crews.’ ‘Endless tasks.’ What employees said about working conditions at CVS, according to a federal lawsuit.

magazine

PERSPECTIVE

Over half of Americans are lonely. In Maine, potluck dinners are helping.

MISS CONDUCT

My mother blames me for a rift with my adult brother

LOVE LETTERS

My husband had an affair. Before I can move on, I need all the details.

Cooking

Babka? Macaroons? Here are some sweet treats you can bake for Hanukkah.

metro

A coating to 3 inches of snow are forecast tonight into early Saturday.

Coastal storm bringing snow showers, winter chill to New England’s doorstep. Here’s what we can expect.

‘They fired me for no reason’: Fired police chief reaches settlement with the town of Seekonk

East Boston man charged with animal cruelty for allegedly abusing young German Shepherd

sports

Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm celebrated his overtime to complete the comeback against the Bruins.

Bruins squander lead late, end trip with overtime loss to Oilers

Chargers bolt past Broncos to beef up their chances at a postseason return

One for the books: Cameron Dicker hits NFL’s first fair-catch kick since 1976

business

Rhode Island's unemployment rate was at 4.6 percent in November, the same level it has been since August.

R.I. added 1,500 new jobs in November, continuing its ‘steady growth’

FDA says knockoff versions of Lilly obesity drug must come off the market

The state’s largest law firm is staying in the Back Bay

politics

A Syrian fighter stands guard as activists gather at the Umayyad square during a protest to demand a secular state, in Damascus, Syria, on Dec. 19.

US diplomats and hostage envoy in Syria on first visit since Assad ouster

International students urged to return to US campuses before Trump inauguration

More student loans canceled in Biden’s final round of forgiveness before leaving office

Nation

It’s beginning to look like another record for holiday travel

Indiana man to learn his sentence following conviction in 2017 killings of 2 teenage girls

Activists sue federal government for images of dead orcas entangled by fishing boats

World

Firefighters work on the site after a Russian missile attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Dec. 20.

Russia and Ukraine exchange missile attacks, officials say, killing at least 1 person in Kyiv

For thousands of Jews, Israel still doesn’t feel safe after the Oct. 7 attacks. So they’re leaving.

Turkey and Russia engage in delicate maneuvers over Syria after Assad’s downfall

opinion

How America’s broken health system fuels dangerous rage

For those of us with children who identify as trans, the political is personal

Your Tesla has me seeing red

lifestyle

The Home Edit's Joanna Teplin and Clea Shearer want to make cleaning fun for kids.

‘Organizing … should start at the youngest ages.’ The Home Edit duo shares kid-friendly cleanup strategies.

A complicated breakup

What we just found out about the possible tie between microplastics and cancer

food & dining

I wore Dunkin’s Boston Kreme deodorant for 24 hours. Here’s what I learned. And yes, Dunkin’ sells deodorant now.

Newton chef Mario LaPosta brings two styles of pizza to Portsmouth, N.H.; Kyuramen opens in Winchester

Meet Point bakery in Brookline offers superb Turkish pastries and sandwiches

travel

The Praça do Comércio in Lisbon, with the Tagus River in the distance. Lisbon has been named one of the cheapest destinations to visit in 2025.

The 30 cheapest places to fly in 2025, plus tips for snagging inexpensive flights

It’s beginning to look like another record for holiday travel

‘A rom-com within a video game within a book.’ Meet first-time novelist Tara Tai of Brookline.

Arts

Display of tools in installation of new MIT Museum, part of "Moving Objects."

A moving museum experience at MIT

MIT paid $1.3 million for a landscape artwork by Maya Lin. Then it forgot to tell anyone.

RISD graduate’s Lost Bag News aims to find the best of Providence’s art scene

Books

A romance bookstore debuts in Harvard Square

Boston Public Library shares its top 10 checked out books of 2024 list

Celebrating kids’ books, honoring booksellers, seeking influencers

Movies

Lily-Rose Depp stars as Ellen Hutter in "Nosferatu," directed by Robert Eggers.

‘Nosferatu’ lives again thanks to director and New Hampshire native Robert Eggers

10 notable documentaries to close out 2024

‘Emilia Pérez’ and ‘Wicked’ advance in Oscars shortlists

Television

Ray Romano as Paul and Lisa Kudrow as Lydia in "No Good Deed."

Kudrow and Romano leave the laugh tracks behind

It’s the season of the underestimated sleuth

For Liza Minnelli, life is a cabaret — and a TV series

music

In this June 1, 2017, photo, author Stephen King speaks at Book Expo America in New York.

As Stephen King’s radio stations close, Mainers lose a source for classic rock

Amanda Shires is working things out onstage

A beloved Hanukkah album gets its moment to shine

Theater/Dance

Ayodele Casel in ART’s world-premiere production of her "Diary of a Tap Dancer."

Ayodele Casel’s ‘Diary of a Tap Dancer’ at the ART writes forgotten women into the art form’s story

‘Selkie Girl’ may have a slim plot, but the show’s music makes up for it

A new ‘Christmas Carol’ masters the music, but is leaner on the emotional power

Health

Dr. Susan Meschwitz, center, a chemistry professor at Salve Regina University in Newport, R.I., in her lab with two undergraduate students.

About 30% of women are reinfected with a UTI within a year. This R.I. professor is looking for a way to change that.

Why is Lifespan buying hospitals in Massachusetts instead of saving two in Rhode Island?

R.I. Life Science Hub still in negotiations to develop lab incubator space: ‘In the business world... things moved a lot faster’

Obituaries

Rev. Callan during a service at Spiritus Christi Church in Rochester, N.Y., in 2023.

House rejects Trump-backed plan on government shutdown, leaving next steps uncertain

In helping upend spending deal, Elon Musk foreshadows his power in Trump’s administration

Coastal storm bringing snow showers, winter chill to New England’s doorstep. Here’s what we can expect. Rain and snow showers will begin working into Southern New England mid-afternoon Friday and bring steady precipitation throughout the evening.

Adrian Walker Can Massachusetts prevent the next Steward-like scandal? Certainly, a lack of transparency and disclosure helped fuel the Steward crisis. But the inability of three administrations to recognize and address this company’s misdeeds doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence.

‘There are very serious problems’: Federal lawsuits lay out allegations against Worcester police

Break-in at Jaylen Brown’s mother’s Wellesley home latest in string of burglaries targeting pro athletes. Here’s what we know.

The state’s largest law firm is staying in the Back Bay

More student loans canceled in Biden’s final round of forgiveness before leaving office

Croatian police say a teenager has injured several students and his teacher in a knife attack

‘Skeleton crews.’ ‘Endless tasks.’ What employees said about working conditions at CVS, according to a federal lawsuit.

Dan Shaughnessy Bob Kraft is stubborn, so it’s doubtful that he fires Jerod Mayo after this dismal season, and other thoughts Like a Donald Trump Cabinet nominee, Mayo’s top qualification as head coach of the Patriots seems to be loyalty to the boss, for whom he even has a pet nickname.

The 30 cheapest places to fly in 2025, plus tips for snagging inexpensive flights Airfares aren’t expected to drop significantly next year, but tickets to these destinations are projected to be a deal.

Fake tree? No, thanks. Only a real Christmas tree will do.

Real tree? No need. I’m perfectly content with my fake Christmas fir.

A romance bookstore debuts in Harvard Square

I wore Dunkin’s Boston Kreme deodorant for 24 hours. Here’s what I learned. And yes, Dunkin’ sells deodorant now.

Blind date: ‘We understood each other’s humor and had nice banter’

Celtics lose control of their emotions in fourth quarter in loss to Chicago

Secrets & Lies | Globe Magazine

Sandra Birchmore put her trust in the police. They broke it.

Investigators assumed Sandra Birchmore took her own life. What did they miss?

Massachusetts lawmakers are paid to be full-time legislators. So why do so many have second jobs and side hustles? About two dozen lawmakers — or roughly one in eight of all 200 — reported earning more than $100,000 in addition to their legislative pay.

Database: See if your lawmaker had a second job on top of legislating

Six takeaways from the series investigating the Legislature

My father, David Gergen, has dementia. Here are his reflections on the path forward for our country.

The heroes of the Sandra Birchmore investigation: her friends and family

How about a little thank-you note for Santa?

Call me old-fashioned, but I remember when …

Winter is the wistful season

Decades later, the magic of Globe Santa endures One woman remembers how Globe Santa helped her family after they immigrated to America.

The 75 best books of 2024

10 notable documentaries to close out 2024

Odie Henderson’s 10 best movies of 2024 (and 10 runners-up)

Odie Henderson’s 10 worst movies of the year

More recent News

Man accused in UnitedHealthcare CEO killing faces federal charge that’s eligible for death penalty Luigi Mangione is being held without bail after a New York federal court appearance on charges including a death-eligible murder count.

Man who suffered life-threatening shock meets with Wellesley police officer who helped save him Wellesley police officer who was first to the scene says, "At the end of the day, I’m just doing my job."

East Boston man charged with animal cruelty for allegedly abusing young German Shepherd The owner was charged Thursday with six counts of animal cruelty, prosecutors said.

‘Organizing … should start at the youngest ages.’ The Home Edit duo shares kid-friendly cleanup strategies. Celebrity organizers Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin have a new kids' book, "The Rainbow Cleanup," coming out on Dec. 31, just in time for post-holiday decluttering.

Recommended reads

The darkest days are nearly behind you. See how much daylight Boston gains each day after the winter solstice.

Karen Read’s first trial cost the state — and taxpayers — an unusual sum. Her second trial could cost even more. From trial security to court and prosecution salaries, here's how the public costs break down.

‘The pinnacle of my career’: Meet the North End teacher who helped restore the Notre Dame His journey included becoming one of just a handful of Americans artisans to work with the French team that completed a stunning reconstruction of one of the world’s great cultural buildings.

Boston Public Library shares its top 10 checked out books of 2024 list Bostonians hit the books in 2024, with the library lending out 6.6 million physical and digital items combined. Here are the titles locals checked out the most this year.

Culture & Lifestyle

It’s the season of the underestimated sleuth

Randolph couple elopes on Plum Island, in a simple ceremony designed just for two

For Liza Minnelli, life is a cabaret — and a TV series

Like solitaire? You’ll love the best video game of 2024, ‘Balatro.’

Special Projects

Broken Promises, Unfulfilled Hope

A Globe Spotlight Team report on Steward Health Care

The Boston Globe’s Best of the Best

Nightmare in Mission Hill

FROM OUR PARTNERS

Opinion, ideas, and commentary

For those of us with children who identify as trans, the political is personal

Drones: The truth is out there

Your Tesla has me seeing red

How America’s broken health system fuels dangerous rage

Will a federal call for fast-fashion climate action ring hollow in the Trump era?

Lebanon’s biggest problem is not Israel

Metro

Bitter cold Buffalo weather awaits teams, fans for Sunday’s Patriots-Bills game

R.I. leaders prep for fight over changes to public records law

Fake tree? No, thanks. Only a real Christmas tree will do.

Real tree? No need. I’m perfectly content with my fake Christmas fir.

Sports

Reeling Patriots get the worst possible greeting on Sunday: Josh Allen, at the pinnacle of his powers

Bob Kraft is stubborn, so it’s doubtful that he fires Jerod Mayo after this dismal season, and other thoughts

Bills quarterback Josh Allen is the favorite for NFL MVP, but the Super Bowl is what he wants

Eastern Mass. boys’ hockey: Globe players of the week for Dec. 12-18

Globe Top 20 boys’ hockey poll: A Middlesex League squad skates into No. 2 spot

Boys’ hockey notebook: Defending champion St. John’s Prep plans to restock on the fly

Business

Fake tree? No, thanks. Only a real Christmas tree will do.

Real tree? No need. I’m perfectly content with my fake Christmas fir.

Unionized workers at US Starbucks stores plan strikes starting Friday

‘Skeleton crews.’ ‘Endless tasks.’ What employees said about working conditions at CVS, according to a federal lawsuit.

Over half of Americans are lonely. In Maine, potluck dinners are helping.

Coastal storm bringing snow showers, winter chill to New England’s doorstep. Here’s what we can expect.
Rain and snow showers will begin working into Southern New England mid-afternoon Friday and bring steady precipitation throughout the evening.

Adrian Walker

Can Massachusetts prevent the next Steward-like scandal?
Certainly, a lack of transparency and disclosure helped fuel the Steward crisis. But the inability of three administrations to recognize and address this company’s misdeeds doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence.

Dan Shaughnessy

Bob Kraft is stubborn, so it’s doubtful that he fires Jerod Mayo after this dismal season, and other thoughts
Like a Donald Trump Cabinet nominee, Mayo’s top qualification as head coach of the Patriots seems to be loyalty to the boss, for whom he even has a pet nickname.

The 30 cheapest places to fly in 2025, plus tips for snagging inexpensive flights
Airfares aren’t expected to drop significantly next year, but tickets to these destinations are projected to be a deal.

Massachusetts lawmakers are paid to be full-time legislators. So why do so many have second jobs and side hustles?
About two dozen lawmakers — or roughly one in eight of all 200 — reported earning more than $100,000 in addition to their legislative pay.

Decades later, the magic of Globe Santa endures
One woman remembers how Globe Santa helped her family after they immigrated to America.

Man accused in UnitedHealthcare CEO killing faces federal charge that’s eligible for death penalty
Luigi Mangione is being held without bail after a New York federal court appearance on charges including a death-eligible murder count.

Man who suffered life-threatening shock meets with Wellesley police officer who helped save him
Wellesley police officer who was first to the scene says, "At the end of the day, I’m just doing my job."

East Boston man charged with animal cruelty for allegedly abusing young German Shepherd
The owner was charged Thursday with six counts of animal cruelty, prosecutors said.

‘Organizing … should start at the youngest ages.’ The Home Edit duo shares kid-friendly cleanup strategies.
Celebrity organizers Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin have a new kids' book, "The Rainbow Cleanup," coming out on Dec. 31, just in time for post-holiday decluttering.

Karen Read’s first trial cost the state — and taxpayers — an unusual sum. Her second trial could cost even more.
From trial security to court and prosecution salaries, here's how the public costs break down.

‘The pinnacle of my career’: Meet the North End teacher who helped restore the Notre Dame
His journey included becoming one of just a handful of Americans artisans to work with the French team that completed a stunning reconstruction of one of the world’s great cultural buildings.

Boston Public Library shares its top 10 checked out books of 2024 list
Bostonians hit the books in 2024, with the library lending out 6.6 million physical and digital items combined. Here are the titles locals checked out the most this year.