The Boston Globe

A passer-by walks past a sign that calls attention to COVID-19 testing while leaving a Walgreens.

‘Exponential’ rise in Omicron cases in Mass. and other states already underway, medical experts say

Public health specialists with the Harvard Medical School-led Massachusetts Consortium on Pathogen Readiness on Monday sounded the alarm on Omicron, telling reporters that cases of the highly transmissible COVID-19 variant are mounting in the region.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu held a press conference at City Hall along with many other local leaders.

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

Geoff Diehl, Republican candidate for governor, at the Boston First Responders' Rally.

Geoff Diehl, Republican candidate for governor, was among protesters at Mayor Wu’s announcement

A poster from today's press conference, where Mayor Michelle Wu announced new vaccination requirements for some indoor spaces in Boston.

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

‘It made my job a lot easier.’ Boston businesses react to Wu’s proof-of-vaccine program

From relief to frustration, reaction varies among Boston businesses that will now have to require customers to prove their vaccination status upon entry.

Pro sports teams — including the Celtics, Bruins — will be exempt from Boston’s indoor vaccine mandate

Mayor Michelle Wu's plan includes an exemption for “a professional athlete/sports team who enters a covered premises as part of their regular employment for purposes of competing.”

Nearly 97 percent of vaccinated residents in Mass. who caught COVID avoided hospitalization, death, public health officials say

A review found that unvaccinated residents are five times more likely to get infected than fully vaccinated residents, and that unvaccinated residents are 31 times more likely to become infected than fully vaccinated residents who’ve received a booster.

After the discovery of more offensive graffiti, Danvers says it will stop informing public of hate speech

The North Shore community has become a focus of state officials amid a wave of graffiti incidents. On Monday, town officials reported yet another case of offensive graffiti, then said they will no longer inform the public about the discriminatory practices.

In first report since Friday, Mass. reports 13,717 confirmed cases and 28 deaths. See today’s COVID-19 data from Mass.

Here’s a look at the latest coronavirus numbers in Massachusetts, including case numbers, deaths, demographics, and more.

Where (and how) to get a COVID-19 test in Mass.

With COVID-19 cases surging and holiday travel in full swing, it seems as if everyone is on the hunt for COVID tests. Here’s how to get one.

Here's where Boston residents can get free at-home COVID tests Tell us: Have you needed to get a COVID test recently? How was your experience?

COVID-19: THE LATEST

Omicron is 73% of coronavirus cases in US, officials say

Three New England states claim victory after judge overturns Purdue Pharma’s sweeping opioid settlement

In states that challenged the proposed settlement, including Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Vermont, officials hailed the judge’s decision.

On Sept. 26, an ascending escalator full of people at Back Bay Station hurtled downward for around 10 seconds, throwing people to the ground and causing at least a dozen to pile on top of each other at the bottom, a video of the incident obtained by the Globe through a public records request shows.

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.

Without legislative action, eggs born of hens that have less than 1.5 square feet of space could not be sold in the state.

Massachusetts lawmakers approve standards on egg industry in bid to stave off shortage, price spikes

The bill passed Monday requires 1 square foot per bird in a “multi-tier aviary.”

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

Opinion

Norieliz De Jesus, Kelly García, Melinda Vega Maldonado, and Tanairi García

MARCELA GARCÍA

A new generation of Latinas takes political power in Chelsea

Powerhouse Gladys Vega has been cultivating emerging Latina politicians among those closest to her. And three of Vega’s relatives plus one of her employees recently got elected to municipal office.

Marine One, with President Joe Biden aboard, departs the White House in Washington, on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021.

Besides Manchin, who killed Build Back Better? Biden and the Democrats

Fabienne Eliacin

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

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

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

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

More recent stories

‘Stay vigilant.’ Stoughton police warn residents after man attempts to lure representative from her car

Similar incidents have been reported in nearby towns in recent weeks, Stoughton police said, each involving a man in his 50s or 60s driving a white Jeep Patriot.

Billy Conway, celebrated Boston drummer of Treat Her Right and Morphine, dies at 65

Conway died at home Sunday following a years-long bout with cancer.

Dave Epstein

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

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

Photos: Nothing gold can stay

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.”

Bidens bring a new puppy to the White House

"Commander" is the Bidens' playful new puppy at the White House, apparently a German shepherd who likes tennis balls and snacks.

Bina Venkataraman to step down as Boston Globe editorial page editor

Venkataraman will continue as an editor-at-large to work on special projects and advise on the launch of The Emancipator, an opinion journalism joint venture between the Globe and Boston University.

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

In a year when many died, Globe Santa can ease the pain at holiday time

Many people asking Globe Santa for help have experienced a recent death in the family that makes coping in these challenging times even more of a challenge.

LEARN MORE ABOUT GLOBE SANTA

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

Recommended reads

Students gathered in a study hall at Hopkinton High's library, some with and without masks.

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.

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

Russian national charged in hacking and insider trading plot that made ‘tens of millions of dollars,’ scamming investors, prosecutors say

A Russian national with alleged ties to Russian President Putin’s office was charged by federal prosecutors Monday with participating in a global scam that netted “tens of millions of dollars” using insider information collected by hacking into two US companies with confidential information on publicly traded firms.

‘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.

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.

video

Culture & Lifestyle

Eric Jackson, shown in the WGBH studios in Boston.

On Christmas Eve, Eric Jackson plans a cool Yule while Oedipus unwraps some radio rarities

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.

At TD Garden, Genesis answers their own question

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.

Saving democracy’s front lines — local newspapers

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

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

Coronavirus Live Updates

Omicron is 73% of coronavirus cases in US, officials say

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

Santa Claus (fully vaccinated) is coming to town

When this guy walks into the room, wide-eyed little kids shout, ‘That’s really Santa!’

House GOP challenges McKee’s legal authority for mask, vaccine mandates

But Democratic General Assembly leaders defend the governor’s actions, which come amid an increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

In first report since Friday, Mass. reports 13,717 confirmed cases and 28 deaths. See today’s COVID-19 data from Mass.

Here’s a look at the latest coronavirus numbers in Massachusetts, including case numbers, deaths, demographics, and more.

Sports

Baker Mayfield will miss Monday's game.

COVID-19 sports updates: Patriots add four to COVID list ahead of Sunday showdown vs. Bills

We’ll be tracking the latest news, including postponements, positive tests, and other adjustments.

At Notre Dame, Brian Kelly led the Irish to an overall record of 113-40.

College football

How Brian Kelly’s path to the top of college football began at Assumption College in Worcester

Kelly was born in Everett and raised in Chelsea.

Danvers community members held a vigil in November in response to the discovery of antisemitic graffiti at a local middle school in the wake of a Globe report that detailed how school officials fought to hide a report about misconduct on the high school boys' hockey team.

After the discovery of more offensive graffiti, Danvers says it will stop informing public of hate speech

The North Shore community has become a focus of state officials amid a wave of graffiti incidents. On Monday, town officials reported yet another case of offensive graffiti, then said they will no longer inform the public about the discriminatory practices.

HS BOYS' BASKETBALL NOTEBOOK

Smooth sailing so far for Keegan Sullivan, unbeaten Scituate boys’ basketball

Patriots notebook

Kendrick Bourne among four Patriots added to Reserve/COVID-19 list

Kevin Paul Dupont | On Hockey

The Bruins are shut down through the NHL’s holiday break, but why isn’t the entire league?

Business

At 81, luxury hotel developer Dick Friedman shows no signs of slowing down, with projects opening in New Orleans and Reykjavik

Our weekly roundup of the people who make Boston's business scene hum.

K&L Gates signs on as a tenant at One Congress tower under construction

Stories you may have missed from the world of business.

With tents sprouting in Newmarket Square, food businesses face a flood of filth

R.I. unveils COVID-19 vaccine passport app

STAT

Listen to our "First Opinion" podcast

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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

Immunlologist Kizzmekia Corbett and Boston's new mayor, Michelle Wu, on the cover of the Globe Magazine's 2021 Bostonians of the Year issue.

Meet this year's Bostonians of the Year

Devin McCourty and Ruben DaSilva.

Devin McCourty and Tito SantosSilva on ending gang violence now

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

Salted Peanut and Caramel Tart.

3 holiday tarts made with dough that doesn't need to be rolled

metro

Rhode Island unveiled its new COVID-19 vaccine passport app. The app, called 401 Health, is formerly known as the Crush COVID RI app.

R.I. unveils COVID-19 vaccine passport app

A family left in the dark for 45 years

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

sports

Proof of vaccination will be required for patrons to enter many indoor businesses, TD Garden included.

Pro sports teams — including the Celtics, Bruins — will be exempt from Boston’s indoor vaccine mandate

NFL Week 15: Their gambles backfired, but football needs more coaches like John Harbaugh and Brandon Staley

Red Sox set 2022 coaching staff, with Peter Fatse promoted to hitting coach

business

Mayor Michelle Wu of Boston on Monday announced new requirements that people will need to show proof of COVID vaccination to enter many businesses in Boston, starting Jan. 15.

‘It made my job a lot easier.’ Boston businesses react to Wu’s proof-of-vaccine program

Biden toughens his own auto emissions proposal decried as weak

Bina Venkataraman to step down as Boston Globe editorial page editor

politics

Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer spoke during news conference at the Capitol in Washington on Dec. 14.

Schumer will try to change Senate rules if GOP stalls voting bill

Manchin assails efforts to press him on Biden’s domestic policy bill

Pentagon issues rules aimed at stopping rise of extremism

Nation

People walk along Newbury Street.

Omicron is 73% of coronavirus cases in US, officials say

Omicron sweeps across nation, now 73% of US COVID-19 cases

Schumer will try to change Senate rules if GOP stalls voting bill

World

Pandemic again forces delay in plans for next Davos meeting

Japanese space tourists safely return to Earth

Leftist millennial wins election as Chile’s next president

opinion

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

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

Grappling with how best to deal with waste in Mass.

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

lifestyle

Settle in for a marathon of sitcom Christmas specials and episodes to get you in the festive spirit — including one from "The Office" (pictured).

10 hilarious and heartwarming classic Christmas episodes to stream this week

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

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

food & dining

Rhode Island Cruisin' Cocktails offered mixed drinks at The Providence Flea's "Sip n' Shop" in Providence, Rhode Island, on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021.

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

Restaurants are closing again as staff test positive for coronavirus amid Omicron surge

A former Providence speakeasy returns to its roots

travel

People pause to look at Norwegian Cruise Line's ship, Norwegian Breakaway, on the Hudson River, in New York, on May 8, 2013.

On cruise ships, Omicron puts safety protocols to the test

Uber charged me for a ride I never took. Can I get a refund?

Our stealth reviews of Boston’s new and newly-renovated hotels finds some hits — and a miss

Arts

A nighttime view of the "Ledelle Moe: When" at Mass MoCA.

7 museum moments that stick

At Mass MoCA, ceramic art proves its power

Jorge R. Pombo’s ‘Variations on Sargent’s Daughters’ is a dark and dizzying portrait of the times

Books

Louise Penny's "The Madness of Crowds"

Escapist reads for long winter nights

Barack Obama shares his favorite books of 2021

Reconsidering opera in ‘The Impossible Art: Adventures in Opera’

Movies

Harris Dickinson (left) and Ralph Fiennes in "The King's Man."

Before there was a ‘Kingsman,’ there was ‘The King’s Man’

Globe writers share their favorite movies of 2021

Barack Obama shares his favorite movies of 2021, including ‘West Side Story,’ ‘The Last Duel,’ and ‘Summer of Soul’

Television

Sam Waterston in 2014.

Sam Waterston to reprise his role as Jack McCoy in revival of ‘Law & Order’

Netflix’s ‘Maid’ shines a light on struggles of low-wage workers

16 titles to stream if you’re stuck inside on Saturday

music

Composer Yaz Lancaster, whose piece "our streets" received its world premiere from A Far Cry on Saturday.

A Far Cry makes space for complex grief with ‘Flames to Ashes’

On Christmas Eve, Eric Jackson plans a cool Yule while Oedipus unwraps some radio rarities

Billy Conway, celebrated Boston drummer of Treat Her Right and Morphine, dies at 65

Theater/Dance

The Urban Nutcracker at Boch Center Shubert Theatre.

Tony Williams’s ‘Urban Nutcracker’ is still fresh, still fun

An awe-inspiring ‘Nutcracker’ offers surprise after surprise

The ‘Christmas Revels’ celebrates a new direction

globe local

Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone.

Departing Somerville Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone’s farewell address switched to online

Santa delivers gifts at Boston police stations during Shop with a Cop events

Teen’s cancer survival story wins $50k grant for Sweet Paws Rescue of Groveland

Obituaries

Shirley McBay was the first Black dean for student affairs at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Shirley McBay, who created a template for addressing racial inequities in education, dies at 86

Dr. bell hooks, groundbreaking feminist thinker, dies at 69

Juliet Relis Bernstein, activist who set up a GoFundMe so she could die in her home, passes away at 108