Boston University hired Ibram X. Kendi to lead its new Center for Antiracist Research in 2020, a year marked by a global pandemic and nationwide racial tension. Three years later, after at least $43 million in grants and gifts and what sources say has been an underwhelming output of research, the Center for Antiracist Research laid off almost all of its staff last week.

Activists said the City Council failed to protect residents against rent hikes and gentrification.

New England Stop & Shop workers have been on strike since April 11 after company officials and employees failed to reach a new contract agreement after months of negotiations.

Mayor Martin Walsh announced on Aug. 28 a city-wide “Help for Houston” collection drive to aid those in Texas impacted by Hurricane Harvey. The drive, originally set to take place from Aug....