A two-alarm fire swept through a ranch-style home on Buttonwood Drive early Wednesday.

2 killed in Methuen house fire

There have been 11 deaths from fires in the state so far this year, and five of the victims have been elderly, the state fire marshal said.

In Mass., women made 80% of what men made in 2012

Women who were full-time workers had median earnings of $840 a week, below the $1,040 of their male counterparts.

John L. Allen, Jr.

African voices in Catholic divorce debate boost conservative side

Bishops from Africa are invoking the issue of polygamy in their arguments against changing the Church’s stance on divorce.

Gaming panel continues review of 3 firms seeking slots parlor

The commission is in its second day of review and deliberations before it awards the license this week.

Boston Olympics in 2024 would be a ‘monumental task’

A aerial view of the downtown area of Boston.

David L. Ryan/Globe Staff/File 2012

A special panel concluded that the city would face a challenge finding space for an 80,000-seat stadium and a 100-acre Olympic Village.

Dianne Wilkerson (second from left) with supporters Willie Mae Allen (left), Mary Tuitt, and Arian Allen.

Dianne Wilkerson steps into new life after prison

The former state senator told the Globe she has been both overwhelmed and humbled by how she has been received since her release.

Is Jackie Bradley Jr. ready to be the Red Sox’ everyday center fielder?

DAN SHAUGHNESSY

Jackie Bradley Jr. out to prove doubters wrong

After an underwhelming 2013, Bradley is looking to replace Jacoby Ellsbury in center and show he can be an everyday hitter in the majors.

Opinion

NICHOLAS BURNS

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2014/02/26/BostonGlobe.com/EditorialOpinion/Images/burns-1576.jpg Cold War passions in Ukraine

Ukraine is well within the Russian sphere of interest and influence, but events there matter to the US, too.

Metro

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Accused arsonists Mark Sargent (left) and Jeanmarie Louis were flanked by their lawyers, Edward Sharkansky and Jennifer Sunderland, in Plymouth Superior Court Tuesday.

Plea deal for accused serial arsonists is assailed

The state fire marshal struck out angrily at a judge’s decision to offer sentences he deemed too lenient to an alleged arsonist and his accomplice.