IRS is America’s feared and failing agency

The federal agency is under attack, distrusted, and underfunded, yet crucial to the nation’s survival and prosperity.

Target disclosed recently that hackers stole the debit and credit cards of 40 million customers and the PIN numbers, e-mails, and addresses of 70 million people.

Rick Wilking/Reuters

More firms buying insurance for data breaches

US businesses are rushing to buy insurance coverage against the expense of being hacked or losing sensitive customer data.

Research on stem cells transforming sciences

With a series of recent advances, the underlying principles of basic biology are in the process of being rewritten.

Adrian Walker

Medical marijuana off to rocky start

Medical marijuana was always a divisive idea in Mass., but last week will be remembered as the moment it became a full-fledged fiasco.

Erin Vasselian learned of the death of her husband, Daniel, two days before Christmas. His gear fills her home.

JOHN TLUMACKI/GLOBE STAFF

In Afghan war’s twilight, two farewells in Mass.

For two families, their loss is as final as the other 2,310 US military deaths that occurred during the 12 years of America’s longest war.

Dustin Pedroia is coming off thumb surgery and “everything’s great.”

Dan Shaughnessy

Dustin Pedroia healthy, ready to lead way

Last season, the Red Sox second baseman tore the ligament in his thumb on Opening Day, but he never came out of the lineup.

From left to right: The Adidas Springblade Razor; The Nike Flyknit Lunar2; and the New Balance Fresh Foam 980.

Shoemakers race to boost runners’ performance

Boston shoemakers and others across the US are finding new ways to tailor shoes to runners’ body movements.

Conservators use various methods to repair and clean items.

Athenaeum conservators work to restore past

The Boston Athenaeum’s climate-controlled lab received $250,000 in grants to restore its world-class Confederate collection.

Opinion

opinion | Mike Ross

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2013/03/15/BostonGlobe.com/Metro/Images/marine2.jpg Stuck in dry dock

Out-of-date zoning regulations are hampering innovation on Boston’s waterfront.