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Treating COVID this holiday season looks different

WATCH: The rules have changed since the pandemic’s early years. Correspondent Maggie Scales explains what experts recommend if you test positive.

Treating COVID this holiday season looks different

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Westbound traffic is diverted off of I-195 in East Providence as construction continues on the Washington Bridge.

‘Like the pandemic in reverse.’ Traffic nightmare from emergency bridge closure drags on as officials detail alternate routes

With some 90,000 drivers facing a traffic nightmare after the sudden closure of the westbound side of the Washington Bridge, officials said Wednesday they expect to open bypass lanes on the bridge this weekend and operate a ferry between Bristol and Providence.

Here’s what to know about the Washington Bridge shutdown in Providence Engineer spotted ‘concerning issue’ 3 days before I-195 westbound bridge closed, R.I. DOT chief says

The Washington Bridge is one of 120 ‘structurally deficient’ bridges in Rhode Island, according to federal data

10 key points from R.I. officials about the Washington Bridge closure

How East Providence schools and athletics are handling the Washington Bridge shutdown

See live traffic around Providence

Boston Globe Spotlight Team

Cradle of Doubt

Her baby died in sleep. Instead of compassion, she says she faced judgment and blame.
Government officials are blaming some parents who endure the tragedy of an infant death while co-sleeping. Instead of compassion, they got mostly criticism and penalties — and this falls largely on low-income families.

Who decides if the mother is blamed?

COP28 president Sultan al-Jaber and US special envoy John Kerry spoke at the end of the summit.

Global climate talks wrap up with signs of progress — but much room for improvement

For the first time, an agreement acknowledged the role of fossil fuels in driving climate change. Climate advocates, policy makers, and scientists say much more action is needed, fast.

US and world face reckoning on COP28 climate goals, Kerry says

“I am proud of … this precedent-setting settlement with EasyKnock,” Attorney General Andrea Campbell said in a statement. “We will continue to protect consumers, especially in the housing sector.”

THE FINE PRINT

This company buys homes and rents them back to previous owners, often at inflated prices. AG Campbell put a stop to it.

After buying homes, EasyKnock rented them back to the former owners, at times for unfair rents in violation of the state consumer protection law, says the office of Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell.

Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft greet each other before the Patriots' loss to the Giants.

Bill Belichick won’t respond to rumors he’s out after this season: ‘Getting ready for Kansas City’

A report on Tuesday claimed team owner Robert Kraft had already made a decision about Belichick's future.

Chad Finn: Why Bill Belichick should remain with the Patriots as head coach

BreaKing

House approves impeachment inquiry into President Biden as Republicans rally behind investigation

The House authorized the impeachment inquiry into President Biden, with every Republican rallying behind the politically charged process despite lingering concerns among some in the party that the investigation has yet to produce evidence of misconduct by the president.

Hunter Biden defies a GOP congressional subpoena

Boston fertility doctor accused of impregnating woman with own sperm instead of anonymous donor’s
A Maine woman has accused a retired Boston fertility doctor of impregnating her with his sperm when she expected to receive anonymous-donor sperm during an artificial insemination procedure decades ago.

Dubbed the ‘Teele Square Pit,’ a vacant lot in Somerville has become the source of many questions — and quips
Surrounded by a chainlink fence, the property has stood vacant since 2011, testing residents' patience.

Wall Street rallies as Dow Jones hits record high

The rally comes after the Federal Reserve indicated that the cuts to interest rates investors crave so much may be coming next year.

Federal Reserve keeps key interest rate unchanged and foresees 3 rate cuts next year

Healey, marking first year in office, touts MBTA as ‘safer and more reliable’ amid continued lapses

T reports new worker safety incident involving live electricity, this time on the Green Line

Palestinians displaced by the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip are seen in tents in town of Khan Younis, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023.

9 Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza City ambush in sign that Hamas resistance is still strong

A Cape Cod researcher tagged a 14-foot, 2,800 pound white shark off the coast of South Carolina. - (EJ Young)

Cape Cod researcher tags massive white shark off coast of South Carolina

Young students confused, upset by plane flying ‘Harvard Hates Jews’ banner

Podcast

Listen to ‘Murder in Boston’

Presented in association with HBO, “Murder in Boston: The untold story of the Charles and Carol Stuart shooting,” is available wherever you get your podcasts.

Read chapter one of ‘Nightmare in Mission Hill’ Read the full series

Mayor Michelle Wu, right, met actor Matt Damon in her City Hall office on Tuesday.

Matt Damon, dressed as a firefighter, meets with Mayor Wu, films new movie in Boston

The actor hung out with the mayor and was spotted filming around City Hall with Casey Affleck Tuesday.

The Brockton campus of Massasoit Community College in 2021.

Enrollment at public colleges and universities climbs in Massachusetts; first increase since 2013

Boston, MA—12/12/2023—Keanu Reeves, the bassist for Dogstar, performs live at the Paradise Rock Club in Boston, MA, Dec. 12, 2023.

(Nathan Klima for The Boston Globe)
Topic:
Reporter:

A tale of two Keanu Reeves concerts, 28 years apart

My friend and I saw Dogstar play when we were in high school. This week, at the Paradise Rock Club, we did it again.

Opinion

Dr. Ali S. Raja is the executive vice chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital.

JOAN VENNOCHI

Mass General’s ‘capacity disaster’

For patients in the emergency department who have been admitted to the hospital, the question often is: When can I get out of here and upstairs into a bed?

Alan Dershowitz

Harvard president Claudine Gay should resign

Michael A. Cohen

Many Jews see Claudine Gay even if she doesn’t see us

KIMBERLY ATKINS STOHR

By taking up Jan. 6 appeal, Supreme Court deals potential blow to Trump’s criminal prosecution

IDEAS | CRAIG FEHRMAN

The Christmas miracle of a newly unearthed story by Louisa May Alcott

Beyond the Gilded Gate

Reimagining an American ideal

California is trying to tackle its housing crisis by rethinking the traditional single-family home. Why isn’t Massachusetts?

Explore the project

More recent News

Civil rights charges filed in N.H. against NSC-131 for anti-LGBTQ intimidation tactics at drag event
The group chanted, raised a racist banner, and performed Nazi salutes in what the state now argues constituted an intentional effort to “terrorize” those who gathered inside

Two former State Police supervisors convicted of corruption charges
Lieutenant Daniel J. Griffin and Sergeant William W. Robertson are scheduled to be sentenced March 20 following their convictions on conspiracy, theft, and wire fraud charges, according to Acting US Attorney Joshua S. Levy’s office.

Forecast | Dave Epstein

Clear skies make for great Geminid viewing this week
Because this celestial event occurs in December, it’s often too cold, too cloudy or the moon too bright. But those won't be factors this year.

Here’s how to get the best view of the Geminids meteor shower tonight

Boston City Council unanimously approves $82 million police patrolmen’s contract
The contract adopted Wednesday includes for the first time about 30 crimes that would not be eligible for arbitration if an officer were indicted for them or if they were featured in a sustained internal department finding.

Skier injured in avalanche had checked for danger, officials said
A skier who sustained a life-threatening leg injury Saturday after triggering an avalanche on Mount Washington in New Hampshire had checked for potential danger before heading down the slope, officials said.

How the Supreme Court’s decision to hear abortion pill case could impact Massachusetts
If a lower court's decision stands, women will have a harder time obtaining the most popular method of abortion.

Globe Santa

Some families ask for help for the first time
Some families have come to Globe Santa in previous years. But some families are first-timers, and reluctant first-timers at that.

• Donate to Globe Santa

Globe Santa is a program of the Boston Globe Foundation and exists solely to deliver joy to children.

Residents stopped moving their cars on street cleaning days during a parking pilot program. Now Cambridge wants to double fines.

When the city dropped towing in the spring, many drivers just paid the $50 fine instead. Soon, the number of repeat offenders nearly tripled.

Commentary | Shirley Leung

Harvard needs Claudine Gay as president more than she needs Harvard
Now that Claudine Gay gets to keep her job as Harvard president, let’s be clear about one thing: Harvard had a lot more to lose if its first Black president was forced to resign.

How do people who resemble Santa feel about their jolly burden?
Some embrace their signature look wholeheartedly, donning “the hat” and spreading joy throughout December. Others take it to the next level, attending Santa Camp and going pro. There’s no question: When you spot a Santa in the wild, a quiet magic happens.

What does a Chris Sununu endorsement mean for Nikki Haley’s campaign?
In the end, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu’s support for Nikki Haley is largely strategic and will have more influence over national political donors than New Hampshire voters.

Culture & Lifestyle

A tale of two Keanu Reeves concerts, 28 years apart

Ray Romano and Andre Braugher in "Men of a Certain Age" on TNT.

Deadpan. Drama. Andre Braugher did it all, and did it so well.

Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo in "Poor Things."

In ‘Poor Things,’ a macabre creation gets a sex education

A scene from a previous SETU production of "Andha Yug," which is being restaged this weekend in the black box theater at the Mosesian Center for the Arts in Watertown.

For 20 years, a Boston theater company has been opening a window into Indian culture

Special Projects

Boston thrives off the dreams of young people. But can they make it here?

Baby boomers and Gen Xers benefited from economic conditions that do not exist for millennials. And by many measures, the path ahead for Gen Z is even more fraught.

Boston, MA—12/14/2022 - Commuters wait for the T to arrive at Ruggles Station. (Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff)

Boston doesn’t work if the T doesn’t work

With the MBTA engulfed by issues, everyday riders are feeling the pain.

Brittany Tee, Soomaiiah Quraiishi, and Reina Morales Rojas are among thousands of people thought to be missing from Massachusetts.

How the missing become the uncounted

Inside the government’s flawed approach to finding missing persons.

Two Weeks in America

We sent a dozen journalists on the road across this complex country. They found it’s better than you think.

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

Founder of NSC-131 Christopher R. Hood Jr., 23, appeared at West Roxbury Municipal Court in May 2022. Suffolk prosecutors dropped all criminal charges against two people who challenged a group of neo-Nazis in Jamaica Plain, but kept the criminal prosecution of the leader of the extremist group intact during fast moving action in West Roxbury Municipal Court Monday.

MARCELA GARCÍA

What to make of Massachusetts’ lawsuit against neo-Nazi group NSC-131

IDEAS | CELINE BOYLE

Go bless yourself! A message from the better angels of your nature.

Claudine Gay, president of Harvard University, testified before the House Education and Workforce Committee on Dec. 5, in Washington, D.C. The Committee held a hearing to investigate antisemitism on college campuses.

Steven Pinker

A five-point plan to save Harvard from itself

Demonstrators chant on the steps of the Boston Public Library in late October to protest Israel's attacks on Gaza

Nico Perrino

Colleges shouldn’t usher in a new era of speech codes

Claudine Gay, president of Harvard University, Liz Magill, president of University of Pennsylvania, Pamela Nadell, professor of History and Jewish Studies at American University, and Sally Kornbluth, president of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, testified before the House Education and Workforce Committee at the Rayburn House Office Building on Dec. 5, in Washington, D.C. The Committee held a hearing to investigate antisemitism on college campuses.

EDITORIAL

On antisemitism, university presidents needed moral clarity, not legal ambiguity

This image made from bodycam video footage taken by a Hamas militant and released by Israel Defense Forces shows the militant in a residential neighborhood at an undisclosed location in Israel.

CARINE HAJJAR

I watched the Oct. 7 video. I don’t know how anyone can say Hamas are freedom fighters.

Metro

Healey, marking first year in office, touts MBTA as ‘safer and more reliable’ amid continued lapses

RI TRANSPORTATION

10 key points from R.I. officials about the Washington Bridge closure

In a series of news conferences Wednesday, Rhode Island officials provided key updates on the closure of the Washington Bridge. Here are the highlights

How unconscious bias in health care puts pregnant Black women at higher risk

Black women report that medical staff don’t listen to them when they complain of symptoms and dismiss or downplay their concerns.

Bed-sharing parents endorse practice online

Parents co-sleeping with babies are rampant online, despite safety warnings.

Sports

Medfield sophomore Tess Baacke (left) opened the season with 11 points in a 66-33 Tri-Valley League victory at Westwood.

HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS' BASKETBALL NOTEBOOK

One year older & wiser, these girls’ basketball players will look to take leadership roles

The likes of Medfield, Andover, and Dracut — all of which were strong last season but suffered key graduation losses — will need these once-complementary pieces to step up big this season.

Drew Peterson (right) started his college career at Rice before transferring to Southern Cal, where he was a two-time All-Pac 10 selection.

Celtics

Celtics sign forward Drew Peterson to two-way contract

The opening was created when the Celtics waived two-way contract player Nathan Knight on Tuesday.

West Virginia basketball player RaeQuan Battle transferred to West Virginia this season from Montana State after previously playing at Washington and has been sitting out.

ncaa

College athletes who transfer twice can play, for now, after a judge sets aside NCAA transfer rule

College athletes who were denied the chance to play immediately after transferring a second time can return to competition, for now

Celtics beat writer's notebook

Is something behind Joe Mazzulla’s recent praise for Jayson Tatum? And six other Celtics thoughts.

Women's college hockey notebook

The Harvard women’s hockey team is winless on Saturdays, and coach Laura Bellamy and the Crimson plan to change that

nfl

NFL approves regular-season game for Brazil in 2024 in more international expansion

Business

Tesla recalls 2 million cars with ‘insufficient’ Autopilot safety controls

NHTSA said Tesla will send out a software update to fix the problems affecting its 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles, effectively encompassing all Tesla vehicles equipped with Autopilot on US roads.

Starbucks labor report — demanded by shareholders — calls for better training on union issues

The independent assessment found that the unionization effort took Starbucks by surprise, and it didn’t have good training or guidance in place for employees on how to engage with the union.

Wholesale inflation in US slowed further last month

Wall Street rallies as Dow Jones hits record high

magazine

Bostonians of the Year 2023

MBTA riders are tired, fed up — and essential. They’re our Bostonians of the Year.

Bostonians of the Year 2023

An AI expert, a beloved Bruins captain, and others who shaped Boston in 2023

PERSPECTIVE

As a scientist and patient, I’ll always take part in medical trials

COOKING

Treating COVID this holiday season looks different

‘Like the pandemic in reverse.’ Traffic nightmare from emergency bridge closure drags on as officials detail alternate routes

The Washington Bridge is one of 120 ‘structurally deficient’ bridges in Rhode Island, according to federal data

10 key points from R.I. officials about the Washington Bridge closure

How East Providence schools and athletics are handling the Washington Bridge shutdown

Global climate talks wrap up with signs of progress — but much room for improvement

This company buys homes and rents them back to previous owners, often at inflated prices. AG Campbell put a stop to it.

Bill Belichick won’t respond to rumors he’s out after this season: ‘Getting ready for Kansas City’

House approves impeachment inquiry into President Biden as Republicans rally behind investigation

Dubbed the ‘Teele Square Pit,’ a vacant lot in Somerville has become the source of many questions — and quips Surrounded by a chainlink fence, the property has stood vacant since 2011, testing residents' patience.

Wall Street rallies as Dow Jones hits record high

Healey, marking first year in office, touts MBTA as ‘safer and more reliable’ amid continued lapses

9 Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza City ambush in sign that Hamas resistance is still strong

Cape Cod researcher tags massive white shark off coast of South Carolina

Young students confused, upset by plane flying ‘Harvard Hates Jews’ banner

Listen to ‘Murder in Boston’

Matt Damon, dressed as a firefighter, meets with Mayor Wu, films new movie in Boston

Enrollment at public colleges and universities climbs in Massachusetts; first increase since 2013

A tale of two Keanu Reeves concerts, 28 years apart

Mass General’s ‘capacity disaster’

Harvard president Claudine Gay should resign

Many Jews see Claudine Gay even if she doesn’t see us

By taking up Jan. 6 appeal, Supreme Court deals potential blow to Trump’s criminal prosecution

The Christmas miracle of a newly unearthed story by Louisa May Alcott

Reimagining an American ideal

Explore the project

More recent News

Civil rights charges filed in N.H. against NSC-131 for anti-LGBTQ intimidation tactics at drag event The group chanted, raised a racist banner, and performed Nazi salutes in what the state now argues constituted an intentional effort to “terrorize” those who gathered inside

Forecast | Dave Epstein Clear skies make for great Geminid viewing this week Because this celestial event occurs in December, it’s often too cold, too cloudy or the moon too bright. But those won't be factors this year.

Skier injured in avalanche had checked for danger, officials said A skier who sustained a life-threatening leg injury Saturday after triggering an avalanche on Mount Washington in New Hampshire had checked for potential danger before heading down the slope, officials said.

How the Supreme Court’s decision to hear abortion pill case could impact Massachusetts If a lower court's decision stands, women will have a harder time obtaining the most popular method of abortion.

Some families ask for help for the first time Some families have come to Globe Santa in previous years. But some families are first-timers, and reluctant first-timers at that.

• Donate to Globe Santa

Recommended reads

Residents stopped moving their cars on street cleaning days during a parking pilot program. Now Cambridge wants to double fines.

Commentary | Shirley Leung Harvard needs Claudine Gay as president more than she needs Harvard Now that Claudine Gay gets to keep her job as Harvard president, let’s be clear about one thing: Harvard had a lot more to lose if its first Black president was forced to resign.

What does a Chris Sununu endorsement mean for Nikki Haley’s campaign? In the end, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu’s support for Nikki Haley is largely strategic and will have more influence over national political donors than New Hampshire voters.

Culture & Lifestyle

A tale of two Keanu Reeves concerts, 28 years apart

Deadpan. Drama. Andre Braugher did it all, and did it so well.

In ‘Poor Things,’ a macabre creation gets a sex education

For 20 years, a Boston theater company has been opening a window into Indian culture

Special Projects

Boston thrives off the dreams of young people. But can they make it here?

Boston doesn’t work if the T doesn’t work

How the missing become the uncounted

Two Weeks in America

FROM OUR PARTNERS

Opinion, ideas, and commentary

What to make of Massachusetts’ lawsuit against neo-Nazi group NSC-131

Go bless yourself! A message from the better angels of your nature.

A five-point plan to save Harvard from itself

Colleges shouldn’t usher in a new era of speech codes

On antisemitism, university presidents needed moral clarity, not legal ambiguity

I watched the Oct. 7 video. I don’t know how anyone can say Hamas are freedom fighters.

Metro

Healey, marking first year in office, touts MBTA as ‘safer and more reliable’ amid continued lapses

10 key points from R.I. officials about the Washington Bridge closure

How unconscious bias in health care puts pregnant Black women at higher risk

Bed-sharing parents endorse practice online

Sports

One year older & wiser, these girls’ basketball players will look to take leadership roles

Celtics sign forward Drew Peterson to two-way contract

College athletes who transfer twice can play, for now, after a judge sets aside NCAA transfer rule

Is something behind Joe Mazzulla’s recent praise for Jayson Tatum? And six other Celtics thoughts.

The Harvard women’s hockey team is winless on Saturdays, and coach Laura Bellamy and the Crimson plan to change that

NFL approves regular-season game for Brazil in 2024 in more international expansion

Business

Tesla recalls 2 million cars with ‘insufficient’ Autopilot safety controls

Starbucks labor report — demanded by shareholders — calls for better training on union issues

Wholesale inflation in US slowed further last month

Wall Street rallies as Dow Jones hits record high

MBTA riders are tired, fed up — and essential. They’re our Bostonians of the Year.

An AI expert, a beloved Bruins captain, and others who shaped Boston in 2023

As a scientist and patient, I’ll always take part in medical trials

Recipes: Savory pancakes can feature everything from vegetables to dairy to spices

metro

T reports new worker safety incident involving live electricity, this time on the Green Line

Boston fertility doctor accused of impregnating woman with own sperm instead of anonymous donor’s

Civil rights charges filed in N.H. against NSC-131 for anti-LGBTQ intimidation tactics at drag event

Dubbed the ‘Teele Square Pit,’ a vacant lot in Somerville has become the source of many questions — and quips
Surrounded by a chainlink fence, the property has stood vacant since 2011, testing residents' patience.

Civil rights charges filed in N.H. against NSC-131 for anti-LGBTQ intimidation tactics at drag event
The group chanted, raised a racist banner, and performed Nazi salutes in what the state now argues constituted an intentional effort to “terrorize” those who gathered inside

Forecast | Dave Epstein

Clear skies make for great Geminid viewing this week
Because this celestial event occurs in December, it’s often too cold, too cloudy or the moon too bright. But those won't be factors this year.

Skier injured in avalanche had checked for danger, officials said
A skier who sustained a life-threatening leg injury Saturday after triggering an avalanche on Mount Washington in New Hampshire had checked for potential danger before heading down the slope, officials said.

How the Supreme Court’s decision to hear abortion pill case could impact Massachusetts
If a lower court's decision stands, women will have a harder time obtaining the most popular method of abortion.

Some families ask for help for the first time
Some families have come to Globe Santa in previous years. But some families are first-timers, and reluctant first-timers at that.

Commentary | Shirley Leung

Harvard needs Claudine Gay as president more than she needs Harvard
Now that Claudine Gay gets to keep her job as Harvard president, let’s be clear about one thing: Harvard had a lot more to lose if its first Black president was forced to resign.

What does a Chris Sununu endorsement mean for Nikki Haley’s campaign?
In the end, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu’s support for Nikki Haley is largely strategic and will have more influence over national political donors than New Hampshire voters.