The Boston Globe

Obama unveils ambitious plan for gun control

In an impassioned plea, the president made the first move in what is expected to be a stiff political battle to curb gun violence.

Patrick seeks $5m boost in mental health spending

The proposal stems from a series of mass shootings where the suspects are believed to have been mentally ill.

State of the Commonwealth | 7:30 p.m.

In speech, Patrick expected to make case for tax hikes

Governor Patrick will outline an ambitious and expensive new agenda for 2013.

N.E. economy grew moderately at end of 2012, report shows

Despite concerns about the so-called fiscal cliff, housing, tourism, manufacturing, and advertising all posted revenue or sales gains.

Americans among hostages taken by militants in Algeria

An Islamic militant group attacked a natural gas field and took at least 20 hostages, including some Americans.

Exclusive Thursday Preview | Style

Finding beauty in Lebanon’s broken buildings

A Cambridge couple who sell products handmade in Lebanon by marginalized, disadvantaged people want to replicate the idea in Boston.

Video

Creating home furnishings from ‘broken’ objects

A French designer and her Lebanese husband create home decor using items found in conflict zones.

Celtics vs. Hornets, 8 p.m.

Doc Rivers, son meet up in NBA game

Austin Rivers and the Hornets will take on Doc’s Celtics Wednesday night, marking the fourth time an NBA coach has opposed his son.

ON FOOTBALL | Midweek Report

Ivan Fears key in surge of Patriots running backs

The running backs coach has gotten his charges with little experience to play like veterans.

New judges could bring sizzle to aging ‘American Idol’

With fresh blood and complicated dynamics at the judges’ table, “American Idol” is poised to be something it hasn’t been for a few seasons: worth watching.

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Globe Insiders

Globe Talk | Jan. 30, 6 p.m.

Globe Talks: Inside Bowdoin-Geneva

Globe subscribers will get a firsthand look at the “68 Blocks” special project from the journalists who created the series.

Globe exclusives

Marion Cotillard is Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year

Doctors contacted by the Globe didn’t fault the Patriots’ decision to play Rob Gronkowski, who broke his arm again.

Doctors call Rob Gronkowski’s injury bad luck

At Northeastern University’s dining hall, there’s a wide array of gluten-free offerings for students.

Colleges must now serve up gluten-free fare

Terry Francona with Theo Epstein in their last title year.

Image drove Sox owners, Francona laments

US Attorney Carmen Ortiz maintained her silence on the Aaron Swartz case and declined to comment on the posts by her husband, who could not be reached.

US attorney’s husband stirs Twitter storm on Swartz case

Dan Shaughnessy

Ravens not afraid of the Patriots

Stephen Crosby, chairman of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, talked to the media after the application deadline on Tuesday.

At deadline, Boston area gets 3d casino suitor

Senator John Kerry’s 2012 financial disclosure statement details some of the investments that could be seen as problematic if, as expected, he is confirmed as secretary of state.

Kerry faces scrutiny over extensive investments

The Charles Hotel is ready for Chinese guests, general manager Alex Attia says — including with a new website based in China.

Mass. puts out welcome mat for Chinese tourists

New judges (from left) Mariah Carey, Keith Urban, and Nicki Minaj, with returning veteran Randy Jackson.

New judges could bring sizzle to aging ‘American Idol’

At Bricco Ristorante in the North End, a branzino is center among the dishes in the wood-burning oven.

Wood-burning ovens take on new life

Renovations at 700 facilities, including MCI-Shirley, are meant to help the state reach energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction goals set in 2007 by Governor Patrick.

Mass. pushes to cut energy use

Sports

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Patriots’ next opponent

Ray Lewis and the Ravens defense have played 188 snaps defensively the past two games.

Patriots, Ravens have changed a lot

The AFC title game shouldn’t be considered a rematch of the Ravens’ September win, let alone last year’s title tilt at Gillette.

Metro

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Police investigated a shooting in Dorchester on Wednesday.

Shooting suspect eludes authorities in Dorchester

A man escaped injury after being shot at outside Dorchester Municipal Court, but the shooting suspect was able to avoid capture.

Columnists

Opinion | scot lehigh

Quaking about shaking

lawrence harmon

Newton needs a police chief from outside system

Adrian Walker

Questioning the price of solitary confinement