Many shut out on chance to refinance

The divide between those who can and can’t refinance their mortgage loans is more distinct than ever, as lenders shy away from doing business with anyone whose situation even hints at risk.

Stocks fall for fourth day amid concern over global economy

US stocks retreated, sending the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index to a four-day loss of 6.6 percent, amid investors’ concern that policymakers are running out of tools to avoid another global economic recession.

JOHN BLANDING/GLOBE STAFF

T fare hikes loom as repair costs soar

More than $15 billion in repairs are needed for state’s transportation system, which still has too much debt and too little revenue, and the picture is arguably bleaker than it was in 2007.

Ann Romney, wife of Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney, met with GOP voters in Minden, Nev., last month.

Sandra Chereb/Associated Press

Ann Romney, wife of Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney, met with GOP voters in Minden, Nev., last month.

Mitt and Ann Romney served food during a Labor Day pancake breakfast  in Manchester, N.H., earlier this month.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Mitt and Ann Romney served food during a Labor Day pancake breakfast in Manchester, N.H., earlier this month.

The Romneys  stood at a podium after Mitt announced his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination in Stratham, N.H.

Darren McCollester/Getty Images

The Romneys stood at a podium after Mitt announced his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination in Stratham, N.H.

Ann Romney held a baby in Stratham, N.H., after Mitt Romney announced his candidacy for president.

Jim Cole/Associated Press

Ann Romney held a baby in Stratham, N.H., after Mitt Romney announced his candidacy for president.

Mitt Romney introduced Ann during a campaign event in Manchester, N.H., last month.

Jim Cole/Associated Press

Mitt Romney introduced Ann during a campaign event in Manchester, N.H., last month.

The Romneys greeted supporters at a campaign stop in Salt Lake City, Utah, earlier this year.

y George Frey/Getty Images

The Romneys greeted supporters at a campaign stop in Salt Lake City, Utah, earlier this year.

Despite MS, Ann Romney stays busy on campaign trail

Romney is the only Republican spouse in the 2012 race so far maintaining her own campaign schedule, traveling to a different state each week.

Romney leads big in N.H.; Perry fourth

Mitt Romney has support from 41 percent of likely voters in a new poll, while Rick Perry was backed by just 8 percent.

Opinion

The one-sentence blunder

Did a surprising misstep by the United States help cause the UN crisis over Palestinian statehood?

Metro

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Esplanade

Authorities urge vigilance for joggers on Esplanade

Officials urged residents — especially recent arrivals to the city — to take safety precautions while walking or jogging at night on the city’s Esplanade along the Charles River.

Business

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Tech Lab

The Windows 8 home screen

Windows 8 may be a little too advanced for most users

With a dramatic new user interface that supports an array of smartphone-like apps, Windows 8 is shaping up as the most radical rethink since Windows XP.

Nation

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A demonstrator paused while calling for Georgia state officials to halt the execution of Troy Davis in Jackson, Ga., yesterday.

Davis is executed in Georgia

Troy Davis was executed for the killing of an off-duty police officer in a case that drew worldwide support over his claims of innocence.

World

Hikers reunited with families

After more than 26 months in custody, Iran’s judiciary decided to release the two American men, who had been charged with espionage and sentenced to eight years in prison.

Style

Cover Story

Spotlight on Fashion Week

For years, the city’s annual style extravaganza has been held in clubs and hotels. This year, it finally gets a tent (and runway) to call home.

Opinion

“R.B. Scott also said that no one he met while researching the book suggests Romney ‘would ever win the Mr. Congeniality prize.’ ”

Joan Vennochi  

Ideas

“It doesn’t make any difference whether you assign more homework in English, science, or history. Students will still do the same.”

Ozkan Eren,   assistant professor of economics at the University of Nevada, on whether homework works