The Boston Globe

Uncertainty on fiscal cuts stalls activity in Mass.

Universities, hospitals, and defense contractors are delaying hiring and expansion because Congress postponed spending decisions.

Agreement makes social programs more vulnerable

The lack of spending cuts in legislation that averted the fiscal cliff will place enormous pressure on Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and even the new heath insurance plan.

War reporter kidnapped a second time

James Foley, a Boston-based foreign correspondent abducted in Libya in 2011, was kidnapped in Syria on Thanksgiving Day, his family said.

Dan Shaughnessy

Celtics are headed for a fall

They don’t play defense, are weak on the offensive glass, lack toughness, they’re lost when Kevin Garnett is not on the court, and some guys don’t seem to care.

All were set for cold as Linda Connors of South Boston walked Yorkshire terriers Mimi (left) and Missy on Day Boulevard Wednesday. The temperature hit 17, and an overnight low in the single digits was predicted.

JOHN TLUMACKI/GLOBE STAFF

Deep freeze hits Boston area

Temperatures dropped into the single digits in parts of Massachusetts Thursday morning.

Antiquated state laws stir modern-day worry

Obscure Massachusetts laws, and the fact they’re still on the books, often provoke humor. But to some, outmoded statutes are no laughing matter.

Brown swipes at Markey’s residency

In an attempt to define a potential Senate campaign rival, Scott Brown questioned whether US Representative Edward J. Markey is a bona fide resident of Massachusetts.

Tech Lab

After hype, some digital devices flopped

Smart televisions, 3-D TVs, video calling, and Ultrabooks promised to be “world-changing” products, but didn’t change a thing.

Boston Globe ePaper

Read the ePaper edition

The complete print edition, in its exact layout. Browse the print edition page by page, including stories and ads.

Globe Insiders

Editorial Event | Jan. 19, 2 p.m.

Exclusive Screening of Brooklyn Castle

See the film and participate in a talk with cast members, moderated by Boston Globe movie editor Janice Page.

Globe exclusives

Eighth-graders lined up for lunch at UP Academy, an in-district charter school housed in the former Gavin Middle School.

Departures at South Boston charter school raise concerns

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A church with a mission but no members

Book Review

‘Too Bright to Hear Too Loud to See,’ by Juliann Garey

Bargain Bin

Starting the new year with sales

At The Farm School in Athol, student farmer Sarah Habeck of Middletown, N.J., fed hay to Patience, a Jersey cow, during a morning milking in October.

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Letter from Farm School

Special section

2012 — Year in Review

Christine Richards and a colleague designed Peru’s flag.

More towns creating flags

A classic banh mi at West Roxbury’s Banh Mi Ngon.

Cheap Eats

Banh mi crawl leads to some great sandwiches

Books

The year in books

Senate President Therese Murray is expected to return to the welfare issue in a speech to the Senate Wednesday. It is an issue that made her a force in the chamber in the 1990’s.

Therese Murray planning an ambitious agenda

Cubby Oil’s John Alefantis on a recent delivery. Less than one-third of Massachusetts homes heat with fuel oil, according to census figures.

Fuel oil industry feeling the heat

Janice Crean (left) and Lorraine Thomson, founders of WunderSmoothies with a display at Roche Brothers.

This natural fruit juice is really all fruit

Sports

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Grizzlies 93, Celtics 83

Celtics Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce have nothing to smile about late in the fourth quarter of a loss to the Grizzlies at the Garden.

Celtics lose fourth straight

After three listless quarters and a handful of chances to pull off a dramatic rally, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and the Celtics lost to the Grizzlies, 93-83.