Proposal would hike minimum wage to $10.50

The Mass. House proposal sets up a potential showdown with the state Senate, which passed a larger hike late last year.

Officials unveil extended MBTA service

Mayor Walsh said transportation is a “critical element” for creating a “safe and vibrant late-night culture.”

Firefighters spent most of the day dousing flames after an explosion flattened two East Harlem apartment buildings on Park Avenue on Wednesday. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

Searchers scour rubble after gas explosion kills 7

The explosion also injured more than 60 people. A tenant said residents had complained repeatedly in recent weeks about ‘‘unbearable’’ gas smells.

Tech Lab

For Windows XP, the end is nigh

For many users, XP seems as reliable as my old Ford Taurus. But it’s really more like the Ford Pinto, that ’70s car that could burst into flames.

dan shaughnessy

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2014/03/13/BostonGlobe.com/Sports/Images/shaughnessy-14509.jpg We never should have doubted the Patriots

Bill Belichick is a genius again. The Krafts are right again. And fanboys will scold those who would ever question The Patriot Way.

Darrelle Revis.

Patriots make splash in adding Darrelle Revis

Cut by Tampa earlier Wednesday, Revis agreed to a deal that makes him a centerpiece of the Patriots defense.

Lorrie Higgins campaigned for Martin J. Walsh, but his win changed her life, too.

Boston’s ‘first girlfriend’ avoids the spotlight

“I’m really not that interesting,” said Lorrie Higgins, Boston Mayor Martin Walsh’s longtime partner.

Opinion

LAWRENCE HARMON

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2014/03/13/BostonGlobe.com/EditorialOpinion/Images/Harmon-1749.jpg A strong pick to run schools

John McDonough is introducing reforms into Boston schools, while serving as interim superintendent.

Sports

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on hockey

Bruins defenseman Kevan Miller held his own after squaring off with Canadiens tough guy Brandon Prust.

Bruins finally end skid vs. Canadiens

After a sluggish start, the Bruins notched an important win against the Canadiens, who previously had their number.

Style

Bargain Bin

MIT Museum online store.

MIT Museum online store offers discounts

Ami Albernaz’s roundup of bargains in the Boston area, including 15 percent off purchases on MIT Museum’s newly launched online store.