Congressional power shift lowers New England?s clout
President Obama hosted a White House lunch on Friday for congressional leaders, but his call for cooperation turned into a fresh dispute as Republicans warned him not to act on immigration reform.

larry downing/Reuters

Only four members from the region will be part of the GOP caucus that will seek to shape the nation?s agenda.

NStar to raise electric rates 29 percent

The monthly bill for the average NStar household will rise about $28 a month, according to the utility.

Boston?s first marijuana dispensary will be downtown

Officials from Patriot Care Corp. said they had no timeline for when the Milk Street operation would open.

At Boston?s Mather Elementary School, fourth-grade teacher Tamika Fluker has to spend a lot of time administering tests to students in her class, which many say takes away valuable teaching time.

Mass. wonders whether students being overtested

State education officials have ordered an independent review in response to concerns from teachers and parents.

Celtics guard Marcus Smart grabs his left leg after his drive to the basket in the fourth quarter. Smart was taken from the court on a stretcher. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Charles Krupa/AP

Gary Washburn | On Basketball

Marcus Smart?s injury puts learning process on hold

Smart suffered an ugly ankle injury during Friday?s victory against the Pacers, but there?s some good news: X-rays were negative.

Faron Salon in Porter Square advertises its studio as ?hijab-friendly,? The studio, with a private room for women who cover their hair. Pictured: Faron Fares, the salon?s owner.

For Muslim women at hair salons, a room without a view

As the number of Muslims in the area has grown, a Cambridge salon is offering private accommodations for women who cover their hair.

Thomas Farragher

One returns to the nest

For now, the household hums again with the rhythm and swagger of youth. And I?m enjoying it, knowing full well how fleeting this all is.

Rady Mom is the first Cambodian-American elected to the state Legislature.

Cambodian-American becomes a first in Lowell

Rady Mom?s historic victory has made the city?s large Cambodian community proud.

Tanya Andre, who sends herself three boxes each month, displays a year?s worth of leftover products on the kitchen table of her Ludlow home.

More consumers are sending themselves subscription boxes

Years ago we knew subscription boxes as the fruit- or cheese-of-the month club. Now they?ve gone upmarket and niche.

Opinion

The Podium | john ward

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2014/11/06/BostonGlobe.com/Metro/Images/greenhouse_Transition-Baker-3_metro.jpg Charlie Baker, for everyone?s sake, prove my mother wrong

Prove to her that you will use your power and expertise to help government function more efficiently and effectively.