GOP deduction cap would hit the comfortable

By Christopher Rowland

House Republicans’ proposals to cap or even eliminate itemized deductions would exact a bigger toll on high-income earners.

Treaty for disabled rights falls short

By Bobby Caina Calvan

Senator John Kerry made an impassioned but ultimately futile plea for ratifying the treaty.

By Lisa Leff

Two federal judges had opposing rulings on whether a law prohibiting licensed psychotherapists from trying to change the sexual orientations of gay minors violates the Constitution.

Pressure on Damascus rises as clashes erupt

By Ben Hubbard

Rebels and regime forces clashed in Damascus, raising worries that the capital will become Syria’s next major battleground.

China’s leaders pledged Tuesday to reduce ceremony for senior officials, who are long accustomed to lavish trappings and distance from ordinary citizens.

Powerful typhoon kills at least 100 in Philippines

By Jim Gomez

The death toll from Typhoon Bhopa climbed to more than 100 people while scores of others remain missing in the worst-hit areas of the southern Philippines.

jeff jacoby

Ulysses S. Grant’s greatest regret

By Jeff Jacoby

In one of the great sagas of atonement in American life, Ulysses S. Grant went from being a scourge of the Jews to one of their greatest friends.

scot lehigh

By Scot Lehigh

It doesn’t make sense for urban districts to pay traditional school teachers more for a longer day when charter schools can deliver more learning time for less.

derrick z. jackson

Fracking is the new gold rush

By Derrick Z. Jackson

The new, heady pursuit of oil, thanks to the reserves unleashed by fracking, raises the question: What will happen when the rush is gone?

By Noah Bierman

Governor Patrick announced an array of cuts to help cover a $540 million shortfall.

Mass. in pursuit of an arsonist

By Brian MacQuarrie

State and local fire officials are hoping to put a quick end to the random torching of vacant buildings, homes, and sheds across Southeastern Mass.

Casino bidding could expand in Southeastern Mass.

By Mark Arsenault

The gambling panel discussed a proposal to accept applications from commercial developers even as the Mashpee Wampanoag continue to pursue a casino.

By Casey Ross

The state will launch the first-of-its-kind study with hopes of gauging how much is lost each year in unpaid taxes.

Elizabeth Warren in line for Senate bank role

By Noah Bierman

The senator-elect, one of the fiercest critics of big banks, will probably be named to the Senate Banking Committee when she joins Congress next month.

Partners leading in genetics-based medicine, services

By Robert Weisman

Partners HealthCare System, the region’s largest hospital and physicians network, is positioning itself to become a national leader in the emerging field.

Pam Washek, 47; provided meals to other cancer patients

By Bryan Marquard

Mrs. Washek founded an organization that became Neighbor Brigade, whose nearly 3,400 volunteers bring meals and provide other assistance to cancer patients.

Chris Stamp, 70; manager helped discover the Who

By William Yardley

Mr. Stamp, who as an aspiring filmmaker saw an early Who performance and then helped to guide and manage the band, died Nov. 24 in Manhattan.

Shane Victorino gives Red Sox flexibility

By Peter Abraham

The addition of the outfielder, who reached a $39 million deal, may mean the Red Sox are considering trading Jacoby Ellsbury.

on football | Midweek Report

Brandon Lloyd victim of game plan, not bad play

By Greg A. Bedard

The receiver doesn’t appear to have been frozen out, and his one catch against the Dolphins shouldn’t be seen as a sign that he’s not part of Patriots’ plans.

Dan Shaughnessy

By Dan Shaughnessy

Nobody fought drug testing harder than the late ex-baseball union chief, Dan Shaughnessy says in his picked-up pieces column.

The 10 best beer bars in Boston

By Gary Dzen

Known for its traditional Irish pubs, Boston has recently become a haven for beer nerds.

Bars and some restaurants with good beer selections.

Food Network was this Israeli caterer’s cooking school

By Debra Samuels

For Liora Kushner, the Food Network was educational television, which eventually led to a catering career.