Mass. spent millions on secret settlements

For years, the state has used confidential settlement and severance deals to make embarrassing problems go away.

Jill Osborn hopes marijuana will help her daughter Haley, 7, with her seizures.

Jonathan Wiggs/Globe Staff

Children with epilepsy waiting for medical marijuana

Mass. dispensaries authorized to sell the drug, which could be an answer for severe seizures, are not expected to open until this summer.

Rodney Brooks, founder of Rethink Robotics, spoke with students at MIT earlier this month as part of MIT’s first boot camp for students who hope to launch businesses.

MIT retools to aid students with startups

MIT is undertaking a massive overhaul in the way it approaches innovation that will touch every corner of the institute.

Mass. firms closely watch trade negotiations

Many local businesses could benefit from two massive free trade proposals involving Europe and markets in the Pacific Rim.

“It could have been bankruptcy, if something major had happened. . . . You can see your whole life and your whole family fall totally apart,” said Arnold Gamage, a lobsterman in Maine. His old monthly premium was $800. It’s now $480.

Fred Field for The Globe

Out of health-care furor, satisfaction in N.E.

The federal overhaul has had a bumpy start, but with insurance payments they can handle, many have stopped gambling on their future.

A STELLAR VISTA: City Councilor Michelle Wu worked in her office that overlooks Faneuil Hall. Wu backed Bill Linehan for council president.

City Council session opens in tiff over office assignments

Some observers say the assignments can be construed as reward or payback for the vote for council president.

Christopher L. Gasper

Richard Sherman is a bad trash-talker, not a thug

The Seahawks cornerback is guilty of displaying poor showmanship and poor sportsmanship, but that’s it.

What a year for Julian Edelman, who returned to the Patriots at a minimum salary after receiving little interest on the free agent market.

on football

Patriots’ awards for the 2013 season

Before we move on to next season, let’s take one last look at 2013, high school superlative style.

Opinion

TOM KEANE

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2014/01/23/BostonGlobe.com/EditorialOpinion/Images/0126oped_keane.jpg A job for a machine

With advances in technology come increased prosperity and equality.