On Dec. 1 at 8 p.m., ArtsEmerson will present the virtual livestream of “in the absence of things,” a short film written and created by vocalist-composer Somi Kakoma. The film, produced and shown in partnership with Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Baryshnikov Arts Center, National Black Theatre and Salon Africana, will be free and open to the public.

Jazz violinist Regina Carter teamed up with Grammy Award-winning producer and writer Kabir Sehgal to release “Swing States: Harmony in the Battleground” in July. Sehgal, a godson of civil rights icon Andrew Young and author of “Jazzocracy: Jazz, Democracy, and the Creation of a New American Mythology,” among other books, told the Banner, “Jazz is an anthem for democracy and has always been about inclusion.”

The tumultuous 2020 presidential election triggered a record number of participating voters. Never before had so many people cast their preferences. And similarly, together substantiated how divided the nation is. 

After losing the majority of its riders during the COVID-19 pandemic, the MBTA announced Nov. 9 extensive cuts to service on the T, commuter rail, ferry and buses. Starting January 2021 and continuing through the summer, they will roll back service times and specific lines, prioritizing what they call “essential lines” for communities that rely on public transportation.

Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced that he is appointing Nick Martin to be the administration's new chief communications officer, effective Monday, December 14.

How to explain one of the greatest ironies of American politics? That is, how Trump — a guy that almost no one in the GOP political establishment likes — owns and runs that establishment lock, stock and barrel.