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TRENDING:

Government funding bill clears Congress and heads to President Biden, averting a shutdown

The Senate has rushed through final passage of a bipartisan plan to fund federal operations and prevent a government shutdown.
Senate passes Social Security benefits boost for many public service retirees

As Trump causes drama in Congress, Biden stays silent and on the sidelines

Is this a calculated move to let the Republicans stew in their own chaos, or the fading last moments of a presidency?

Death toll in attack on Christmas market in Germany rises to 5, with more than 200 injured
Germans are mourning a violent attack after a Saudi doctor intentionally drove a black BMW into a Christmas market teeming with holiday shoppers, killing at least two people, including a small child, and injuring at least 60 others.

At least 2 dead and 60 hurt after a car drives into a German Christmas market in a suspected attack

Judge rules in favor of city in effort to restrict outdoor dining in the North End
Judge Leo T. Sorokin ruled that restaurateurs failed to make their case that the restrictions, particularly a $7,500 fee assessed only to restaurant owners in that neighborhood, was unconstitutional.

After shooting, Wisconsin school and church lean into Christmas message for comfort

City Church will hold the funeral of a 14-year-old student, Rubi Patricia Vergara, killed Monday when another student opened fire, also killing a teacher and wounding several others at a school on the same campus.
Official says Wisconsin shooter was new student at Christian school where her victims had deep ties

Woman charged with murdering 14-year-old boy in Sidney, Maine, authorities say

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

The most-popular Christmas ornament in R.I.? The infamous Washington Bridge

“I thought I’d bring a little humor into the frustration that so many people have going over that damn bridge,” artist Duke Marcoccio said of his design.

Weekend forecast: It sure looks and feels like the first day of winter as Arctic air arrives

Sunday will be bone-chilling cold with wind chills down into the single digits.
Coastal storm dumps up to 5 inches of snow in parts of Mass., Rhode Island Photos: Coastal storm brings early winter snow to Boston

It’s last-minute at Toys for Tots. That’s when the Christmas miracles tend to come.

As crunch time arrives, so too do the holes in donations, as the organization scrambles to provide the 74,000 toys that local parents have requested through 460 community organizations.

The ultimate guide to a magical holiday season: recipes, gift ideas, TV specials, local events, and more
The Globe has put together a comprehensive guide to all things festive, from special seasonal recipes and unique stocking stuffer ideas, to tips on holiday travel, must-watch television specials, and so much more.

A leader in trans health has become a critic of the field she helped shape. In a Q&A, she explains why.

Amy Tishelman, the former research director of the gender clinic at Boston Children’s Hospital, spoke with the Globe after winning a lawsuit against the hospital.
Patriots

Here are some players Patriots fans should watch in Saturday’s College Football Playoff games

New England could be in line for another top-three pick in the 2025 draft, as well as four choices in the top 100 and nine selections in all.
Everything you need to know about the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff

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.

‘I am retraumatized all the time’: Holyoke veterans home nursing aides plagued by PTSD after COVID deaths

Nursing aides feel abandoned as they grapple with mental and physical troubles that they say stem from their work during the pandemic.
Red Sox

Red Sox sign veteran lefthander Patrick Sandoval to two-year, $18.25 million deal

Sandoval, who underwent Tommy John surgery in June, isn’t expected to pitch until late 2025, if at all in the coming season.
5 things to know about new Red Sox lefthanded pitcher Patrick Sandoval

The Globe podcast

‘Universities are the enemy.’ Final episode of ‘The Harvard Plan’ examines the growing distrust of higher education.

Episode three explores the deep history of Harvard and the distinctly American idea of “diversity.”
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
Joan Leegant

Jewish authors confront growing backlash in literary world

Calling Jewish writers Zionists as an epithet and the reason to be excluded from the annals of publishing unless we denounce our attachment to our identities is frightening.
MARCELA GARCÍA

Is a Tesla the new MAGA hat?
Katherine Gergen Barnett

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

After Assad: What’s next for Syria?
EDITORIAL

One last chance to protect the press before Trump’s inauguration
Globe Santa

‘You decide to give back or you don’t. It’s pretty simple.’
Collegium Pharmaceutical shows its support for the Globe Santa campaign.

Donate to Globe Santa
The best (and worst) of 2024

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

State’s police oversight board suspends Boston police captain for five days
The Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission on Friday announced its ruling against Captain John Danilecki, who has faced numerous internal affairs complaints over his 38-year career with the Boston Police Department.

Connecticut bails on offshore wind bid with Mass., leaving second Vineyard Wind project in limbo
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has officially opted out of a three-state bid for offshore wind power.

Portland may be getting a big new concert venue
The concert hall, tentatively called Portland Music Hall, would seat 3,300 people.

Former Springfield police officer sues city, former police commissioner
The lawsuit is the latest chapter in an ongoing legal struggle between city leaders and Gregg Bigda, who has a history of misconduct and hasn’t done any police work since 2018.

FBI investigating break-in at Wellesley home of Jaylen Brown’s mother, police say
“As our investigation unfolds, we are sharing our investigation and intelligence with other law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation,” said Lieutenant Marie Cleary of the Wellesley Police Department.

Rhode Island man charged with bank fraud and stolen mail — while on supervision for the same crimes
Edmilson Rodrigues, 26, has a criminal history of stolen and fraudulent checks, and bank fraud — and for getting arrested while on supervised release for different crimes, according to court records.

Recommended reads

RI FOOD & DINING

His father’s legacy and a scoop of joy: Inside Providence’s newest ice cream shop

After a mental health journey, Alex Maddalena has earned widespread respect building Big Feeling’s unique, high-quality ice cream from pop-up to brick-and-mortar shop.

Beth Teitell
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?

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.

Mass. congregations, fearful of Trump deportation threat, rush to find housing for immigrant families
“The biggest thing right now to support families is finding all the legal pathways to remain in this country,” one organizer said at recent meeting.

Culture & Lifestyle

Portland may be getting a big new concert venue

Video game designer finds ‘Sweet Spot’ through Boston Public Art Triennial Accelerator program

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

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

Special Projects

Broken Promises, Unfulfilled Hope

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

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.

Opinion, ideas, and commentary

EDITORIAL

The heroes of the Sandra Birchmore investigation
Katherine Gergen Barnett

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

Is a Tesla the new MAGA hat?
RENÉE GRAHAM

A hurricane map, a black Sharpie, and what should have been learned about Trump’s authoritarian need to manipulate the truth
IDEAS | BOB REGAN

Winter is the wistful season
IDEAS | CARINE HAJJAR

Lebanon’s biggest problem is not Israel

Metro

The most-popular Christmas ornament in R.I.? The infamous Washington Bridge

“I thought I’d bring a little humor into the frustration that so many people have going over that damn bridge,” artist Duke Marcoccio said of his design.

Smarting from property tax defeat, Wu is gearing up for her re-election campaign

In a wide ranging interview with the Globe this week, Wu gave a preview of her pitch to voters as she prepares to launch her re-election campaign.

Weekend forecast: It sure looks and feels like the first day of winter as Arctic air arrives

Sunday will be bone-chilling cold with wind chills down into the single digits.

Photos: Coastal storm brings early winter snow to Boston

Some spots saw over 4 inches of snowfall on Friday. A winter weather advisory was in place for much of southeastern Mass. into the weekend.

Sports

HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING NOTES

Wrestling Notebook: At Lowell, they created the blueprint for building a state champion girls’ program

Amada Moundele was Lowell's first female wrestler four years ago. “My first day," she said, "I walked in and everybody looked at me like I was an alien that just landed on Earth.”
HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING

Eastern Mass. wrestling: Globe athletes of the week for Dec. 12-19

Wrestlers from Wakefield, Silver Lake, Middleborough, Saugus/Peabody, New Bedford, and Winchester rose to the top this week.
NOTRE DAME 27, INDIANA 17

Notre Dame protects home field in win over Indiana as 12-team College Football Playoff debuts

The seventh-seeded Fighting Irish will face second-seeded Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1.
REVOLUTION

Revolution midfielder Esmir Bajraktarevic heading to PSV Eindhoven on $6 million transfer, per source
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

Five takeaways from a wintry Friday night, including Rockland’s new golf cart courtesy of Megan Khang
HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING

Shawsheen boys halfway to second Bossi Lowell wrestling tournament title in three years

Business

The most-popular Christmas ornament in R.I.? The infamous Washington Bridge

“I thought I’d bring a little humor into the frustration that so many people have going over that damn bridge,” artist Duke Marcoccio said of his design.

Smarting from property tax defeat, Wu is gearing up for her re-election campaign

In a wide ranging interview with the Globe this week, Wu gave a preview of her pitch to voters as she prepares to launch her re-election campaign.

Government funding bill clears Congress and heads to President Biden, averting a shutdown

Judge rules in favor of city in effort to restrict outdoor dining in the North End
magazine
Secrets & Lies | Chapter 1

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

My Uncle Jimmy outdid himself as our very own Santa some six decades ago

Cooking

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

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

metro

Coastal storm dumps up to 5 inches of snow in parts of Mass., Rhode Island

Judge rules in favor of city in effort to restrict outdoor dining in the North End

It’s last-minute at Toys for Tots. That’s when the Christmas miracles tend to come.

sports

DJ Lagway throws for 305 yards to help Florida trounce Tulane in the Gasparilla Bowl

‘They need to love football:’ Bill Belichick tells ESPN audience the players he’s after at North Carolina

Alexi Trapotsis made two shots for Arlington boys’ basketball. One of them beat Winchester at the buzzer in overtime.

business

Party City to wind down operations, fire employees, CEO says

Connecticut bails on offshore wind bid with Mass., leaving second Vineyard Wind project in limbo

His father’s legacy and a scoop of joy: Inside Providence’s newest ice cream shop

politics

Senate passes Social Security benefits boost for many public service retirees

Senate eyes late-night vote after House approves bill to prevent government shutdown. See how it unfolded.

As Trump causes drama in Congress, Biden stays silent and on the sidelines

Nation

After shooting, Wisconsin school and church lean into Christmas message for comfort

How drug overdose deaths have plagued one generation of Black men for decades

A homeless woman said she was in labor. Police cited her anyway.

World

Death toll in attack on Christmas market in Germany rises to 5, with more than 200 injured

Sectarian violence in Syria has been less intense than feared since Assad’s ouster

At least 2 dead and 60 hurt after a car drives into a German Christmas market in a suspected attack

opinion

Consider health before lawyers

Make sure polio stays a disease of the past

A hurricane map, a black Sharpie, and what should have been learned about Trump’s authoritarian need to manipulate the truth

lifestyle

Free things to do in Boston this week for the whole family, plus, Frozen Fire Festival

I really, really like her. Now what?

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

food & dining

His father’s legacy and a scoop of joy: Inside Providence’s newest ice cream shop

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

travel

How a government shutdown could affect your travel plans

An alternative template for retirement travel

A retirement gift to myself: Two months in Provence

Arts

Video game designer finds ‘Sweet Spot’ through Boston Public Art Triennial Accelerator program

Lorraine O’Grady, trailblazing conceptual artist who critiqued the arts establishment, dies at 90

A moving museum experience at MIT

Books

Local bestsellers for the week ended Dec. 15

In publishing, romance novels are hot. Now there’s a Harvard Square bookstore devoted to them

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

Movies

‘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

‘Black Doves’ knows what a spy really needs is a very good friend

Kudrow and Romano leave the laugh tracks behind

It’s the season of the underestimated sleuth

music

In his Handel and Haydn Society debut, Ruben Valenzuela conducts a festive trans-Atlantic journey

Meet Amy Allen, the songwriter behind the music stuck in your head

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

Theater/Dance

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

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

Lorraine O’Grady, trailblazing conceptual artist who critiqued the arts establishment, dies at 90

The Rev. James Callan, renegade Catholic priest, dies at 77

Sir Lady Java, ’60s drag star who challenged the law, dies