State owes plow operators millions

Some contractors said they will no longer work with the state’s transportation department because of lengthy waits for payment.

As snow again blanketed the region, Post Office Square looked like a ghost town during the lunch hour Wednesday.

John Tlumacki/Globe Staff

The Expressway northbound was nearly empty of cars around noon Wednesday despite the cleared road.

John Tlumacki/Globe staff

Post Office Square was mostly devoid of people at 12:30 in the afternoon.

John Tlumacki/Globe staff

As a man jumped over a slushy puddle, Kathleen Newell of Norton described her empty office.

Essdras M. Suarez/Globe Staff

From left: Hannah Collins, 8, Amelia Goggin, 6, and Lucy Crocini, 5, made a snowman in downtown Boston.

Elise Amendola/Associated Press

Boston’s bustle goes on hold because of snow

For some, the sight of a routine February storm slowing the city to a crawl spoke to changing times.

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2014/01/25/BostonGlobe.com/Lifestyle/Images/wiggs_toth_250168.jpg Mike Toth and the art of branding

The branding expert, who has worked with companies from J. Crew to L.L. Bean, is putting his photography on display for a good cause.

Interactive Graphic

Meet Team USA

Learn more about the 230 athletes representing the US in Sochi at the Winter Olympics.

Insurance executive to help fix Health Connector site

The executive will be charged with coordinating efforts to get the state’s failed health insurance website working again.

Ethan Couch at a juvenile court hearing Wednesday.

‘Affluenza’ teen gets no jail for fatal car wreck

A defense expert had argued that the Texas teen’s wealthy parents coddled him into a sense of irresponsibility.

Public sightings of Hoffman suggest complicated final days

In the days before Philip Seymour Hoffman died of an apparent drug overdose, he was seen all over his neighborhood and beyond.

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2014/02/05/BostonGlobe.com/Metro/Images/SPD_herion_met.jpg Spike in heroin overdoses across Mass. stirs fears

Police are trying to determine whether an unusually potent or dangerously cut strain of the opioid is being distributed.

Symbol of church scandals apologizes, picks new leader

A Catholic religious order today expressed “deep sorrow” for abuse committed by its once-powerful founder.

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2014/02/05/BostonGlobe.com/Lifestyle/Images/JAY%20LENO%201-173822.jpg Jay Leno’s long goodbye

After more than 20 years at the helm of ”Tonight,” Jay Leno signs off Thursday.

Opinion

JOAN VENNOCHI

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2014/02/06/BostonGlobe.com/EditorialOpinion/Images/vennochi-1336.png Don’t dismiss Scott Brown’s chance in N.H.

If Scott Brown runs for US Senate in New Hampshire against Jeanne Shaheen, he will be a formidable candidate.

Sports

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celtics 114, 76ers 108

Jeff Green went for a dunk in the first half.

Celtics defeat 76ers behind Jeff Green’s big game

Green scored 36 points as the Celtics won in Philadelphia, exacting a measure of revenge for a last-second defeat in Boston last week.

Style

Bargain Bin

Sara Campbell holds winter warehouse sale

Ami Albernaz’s roundup of local bargains, including 70-90 percent off fall and holiday clothing this weekend at Sara Campbell.