Note: I planned to post these items yesterday, but last-minute Christmas Eve errands and adult Egg Nog took precedence. Merry Christmas! 

Best read of the week: ‘The Democratic Brand Is in the Toilet’ – NYT

This is one of the better Dem doom-and-gloom analysis pieces out there. 

‘Teamsters president reveals how ‘arrogant’ VP Harris lost the party, and the vote’ – Herald

Dems lost rank-and-file union members long before Harris came around, but I get the arrogance part in general.

‘Boston Starbucks workers join nationwide union strike’ – WBUR

Here’s more on the nationwide action that was scheduled to end on Christmas Eve. … I wonder how much of this is tied to the education-levels of the average Starbucks worker, many of whom appear to be college-students or college-educated workers. 

‘From natural gas plant to clean energy hub: Eversource buys part of Mystic site’ – Globe

Was this also a pre-emptive move? The site sits next to where the Kraft Group wants to build a new soccer stadium for the New England Revolution.

‘In a rare kind of deal, a local credit union plans to acquire a bank’ – BBJ

It’s a man-bites-dog story in the local banking world … 

‘Back Bay Office Tower Construction Approved’ – B&T

A new office tower? In this market? … They’ve pulled the building permits, so I guess it’s true.

Another restaurateur jumps into big-time development … – BBJ

Eric Papachristos, owner of the popular Saloniki Greek eateries and other restaurants in the area, has plans for a major mix-used development in his hometown of Weymouth. … He may yet be the next Sal Lupoli. 

‘Massachusetts State Police trooper suspended without pay for allegedly stealing golf balls’ – Herald

Another day, another State Police trooper controversy. … He actually accused of stealing more than just golf balls, but I loved the Herald headline. … The Worcester Telegram & Gazette had the story first.

‘A shocking tale of depravity, expertly told’ – Media Nation

Dan Kennedy heaps praise on the Globe’s two-part story (here and here) on the sad case of Sandra Birchmore … Dan calls the Globe pieces “a triumph of narrative journalism.”

‘Woman arrested after driving across police station lawn’ – WCVB

You have one guess as to why.