SCOT LEHIGH
The NRA’s sharp turn to the right
Hard-liners have transformed the NRA into the uncompromising, fire-breathing pressure group that it is today.
Rediscovering nature, one ‘lost’ plant species at a time
JOSH REYNOLDS FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE
After a nine-year quest, a group of citizen scientists have documented finding 105 plant species that had purportedly disappeared in the Middlesex Fells.
Author Patricia Cornwell awarded $50.9m in suit
Author Patricia Cornwell awarded $50.9m in suitThe mystery writer won her lawsuit against her former financial company after a trial that peered deeply into her personal life.
East Boston waterfront’s turn for renewal
Scores of residential units are under construction and hundreds more are being planned along the neighborhood’s waterfront.
John Connolly considers a run for Boston mayor
John Connolly considers a run for Boston mayorThe three-term city councilor would be the first significant candidate to oppose Mayor Menino.
Jared Wickerham/Getty Images
Economic factors are key as Celtics look to future
As the Celtics ponder whether to alter the lucrative Paul Pierce-Kevin Garnett pairing, dollars are as important as points.
Ex-Chelsea housing chief admits guilt in hiding big salary
Michael E. McLaughlin could face little, if any, prison time under Tuesday’s plea agreement with federal prosecutors.
Fuel aid may dry up for many unless state helps
Up to 50,000 families in Massachusetts could lose fuel assistance unless the state steps in to help, a community agency said.
Globe exclusives
Sports
nuggets 97, celtics 90
Celtics fall to Nuggets in Denver
In their first game after a five-day layoff, the Celtics played as though they forgot how to win in a 97-90 loss to Denver.
Metro
O’Malley mentioned as contender for pope
A number of Italian Vatican-watchers have begun to speculate that Cardinal Sean O’Malley may be a potential candidate.
Columnists
Nation & World
UN cites more US drone strikes in Afghanistan
The number of US drone strikes in Afghanistan rose sharply last year compared with 2011, the United Nations said.
Politics
Political Notebook
John Kerry to meet with Syrian fighters
The secretary of state will depart Sunday on a nine-nation tour of Europe and the Middle East.
Business
FBI opens inquiry into suspect Heinz trading
The FBI is examining a series of well-timed options trades a day before Heinz agreed to be sold.
Arts
Book Review
‘The Patron Saint of Lost Dogs’ by Nick Trout
Trout’s novel is a little “Murder, She Wrote” meets “All Creatures Great and Small.”
Food & dining
Cheap Eats
Newton’s neighborhood tavern is off the beaten path
Dublin-born Karl Roche co-owns West Street Tavern, just off Route 16, where most of the customers are regulars.
Globe Insiders
From the Archives | Photo gallery
![//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2013/02/13/BostonGlobe.com/Special/Images/pothole007-951[1].jpg](//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2013/02/13/BostonGlobe.com/Special/Images/pothole007-951[1].jpg)
Potholes in Boston
![//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2013/02/13/BostonGlobe.com/Special/Images/pothole007-951[1].jpg](http://c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2013/02/13/BostonGlobe.com/Special/Images/pothole007-951[1].jpg)
Potholes in BostonNew England traffic has long negotiated the effects of our repetitive freeze-thaw cycle that leaves roads an obstacle course of potholes.