THE OTHER WASHINGTON

In rural town, an ironic twist on candidates’ omens: life is good

By Eli Saslow

In Washington, joblessness is not a problem, loans are paid on time, new facilities are being built, businesses are thriving. Life is good. In Washington, Iowa, that is.

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta is set this week to reveal his strategy that will guide the Pentagon in cutting hundreds of billions of dollars from its budget, , according to senior officials.

By Mark Sherman

The justices are considering how and when people can contest Environmental Protection Agency compliance orders, and are being urged to make the process easier.

Ailing Mubarak returns to trial

By Hamza Hendawi

The trial of ousted Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak resumed amid speculation that charges of complicity in mass killings could be dismissed.

By Anne Gearan

The United States and Pakistan are lowering expectations for what the two nations will do together and planning for a period of more limited contact.

South Korea sees ‘new era’ for peninsula

By Foster Klug

South Korea’s president urged rival North Korea to use the transition of leadership after Kim Jong Il’s death to usher in a new era of peace.

Editorial cartoon: Another bad fall for Humpty Dumpty

Tom Toles, editorial cartoonist for The Washington Post, sees a foreboding climate for Humpty Dumpty.

letters

"Are we really a 'justice for all' society if we allow voter suppression?" -- Paul L. Whitely Sr.

Letters | RETHINKING HARSH SENTENCES FOR JUVENILE OFFENDERS

For my son, 18 years is too many

"My son, Joseph Donovan Jr., is serving life without the possibility of parole for a crime that took place when he was a teen." — Joseph Donovan Sr.

COLCHESTER, VT.

The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources is wary of plans for a large wind power project around Grandpa’s Knob in Castleton.

By Alli Knothe

Tonight into tomorrow morning will be particularly frigid, as wind chill temperatures drop to as low as 5 degrees below zero in some areas.

PROVIDENCE

A Providence infant who fell into a bucket of water and bleach last week has died.

By Evelyn M. Rusli

With stock and credit markets steadier, dealmakers are growing confident that 2012 will be better for business.

Sears CEO banking on store upkeep, tech update

By Carol Hymowitz

Lou D’Ambrosio, chief executive of Sears Holdings Corp., said that creatively combining more technology with increased spending on stores is the strategy for success.

US auto industry poised for 2d year of growth

By Tom Krisher

US auto sales are poised for a second straight year of growth in 2012, the result of easier credit, low interest rates, and pent-up demand for cars and trucks.

Jerzy Kluger, Jewish friend of pope; at 90

By Frances D’Emilio

Jerzy Kluger, a Polish-born Jew who was a lifetime friend and childhood playmate of the late Pope John Paul II, died in a Rome clinic.

Kiro Gligorov, at 94; led Macedonia to independence

By Konstantin Testorides

Kiro Gligorov, the first democratically elected president of Macedonia who shepherded his nation through a bloodless secession from the former Yugoslavia, has died.

Irwin ‘Tubby’ Harrison, 81, pollster, oracle for Democrats

By J.M. Lawrence

Mr. Harrison, a longtime Brookline resident who polled voters for the Globe and for Democrats such as Mayor Thomas M. Menino, died on Christmas Day.

NFL Notebook

Coaches Steve Spagnuolo, Raheem Morris are fired

The Rams fired Steve Spagnuolo and general manager Billy Devaney, and about an hour later the Buccaneers fired Raheem Morris and his entire staff.

NBA Roundup

Joe Johnson scored 21 points, Tracy McGrady hit a pair of big 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, and Atlanta ended Miami’s perfect start by beating the host Heat, 100-92.

Sports Log

The last-place Montreal Canadiens yesterday apologized to fans upset with the team for not hiring a coach who speaks French. The apology by general manager Pierre Gauthier comes two weeks after the appointment of coach Randy Cunneyworth touched off a language flap. It’s been 40 years since the team last hired a coach who couldn’t speak French. “I’m sorry ...

More celebrity news

Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin engaged

The Grammy-winning singer is engaged to longtime friend William ‘‘Willie’’ Wilkerson.

► Today is Tuesday, Jan. 3, the third day of 2012. There are 363 days left in the year.

There is so much not to do!