Boston Fed will channel $1.8m to 6 Mass. cities

If the initiative is successful, Boston Fed officials hope to expand the competitive grant program throughout New England.

John Kerry met with his Vatican counterpart, Pietro Parolin, Tuesday, becoming the first secretary of state in early nine years to visit the Vatican.

PABLO MARTINEZ MONSIVAIS/AP/POOL

In sign of a stronger bond, Kerry visits Vatican

John Kerry met with his Vatican counterpart, Pietro Parolin, becoming the first secretary of state in nearly nine years to visit the Vatican.

Startups flock to Biogen Idec hoping to do business

Eager entrepreneurs are courting the Cambridge-based drug maker, now one of the hottest biotech companies on the planet.

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2014/01/15/BostonGlobe.com/Metro/Images/kids150-8666.jpg Inquiry, cautions follow 2 deaths in Franklin

The two children who suffocated in a sealed hope chest died of a “tragic accident,’’ preliminary autopsy results showed.

Students at Mohawk Trail Regional High School in Shelburne Falls headed for their buses after school.

MATTHEW CAVANAUGH FOR THE GLOBE

Busing costs high, school district considers four-day week

In Western Mass., the Mohawk Trail Regional School District is exploring the approach as a way to save money.

Broncos coach John Fox won’t be blinded by the sight of the Patriots — not at Mile High.

DAN SHAUGHNESSY

Sorry, but the Patriots are going to lose

The 2013 Patriots were 4-4 on the road and have not played a road playoff game in seven years. Their season ends in Denver.

This zebra finch and 69 others produce unpredictable surges of sound by pecking and stepping on an array of amplified guitars.

Peabody Essex Museum hosts musical flight of fancy

An installation at the museum features 70 finches producing unpredictable sounds by pecking and stepping on an array of amplified guitars.

Shirley Leung

Governor Patrick’s down payments on a transit legacy

Patrick’s transportation plan offers an infusion of money that represents the biggest commitment since the Dukakis days.

Opinion

Padraic Kenney

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2014/01/14/BostonGlobe.com/ReceivedContent/Images/AP890904047.jpg The heroes of 1989

One year in Eastern Europe shaped the way a generation sees the world.