Feared spending cuts rooted in years of dysfunction

By Bryan Bender and David Uberti

With prospects for a deal by Friday’s deadline dwindling, the once-distant threat of automatic cuts is now real.

Plains, Midwest take another hit with heavy snow, hurricane-force gusts

The nation’s midsection again dealt with blizzard conditions Monday, the storm bringing hurricane-force winds.

High school dropouts are costing some $1.8 billion in lost tax revenue every year, education advocates said in a report released Monday.

Syrian rebel leaders agree to meet with John Kerry

By Matt Viser

The secretary of state is now at the forefront of efforts to end a civil war that has cost tens of thousands of lives.

The US-led coalition said it found no evidence that Americans were involved in the abuse of Afghan civilians in a restive eastern province.

Islamic militants claim they hold French family of 7

A video posted online Monday apparently shows seven French hostages claiming the radical Islamic group Boko Haram from Nigeria holds them.

JOANNA WEISS

Michelle Obama’s unnecessary Oscar turn

By Joanna Weiss

The first lady’s appearance on the Academy Awards show was proof that the Hollywood left and the White House have tone-deafness problems.

Farah Stockman

By Farah Stockman

Both the Citizens United and Dred Scott decisions raise fundamental questions about who we are — and want to be — as a nation.

PAUL MCMORROW

North Station area is a blueprint for neighborhood-building

By Paul McMorrow

Streets near North Station were either dark and abandoned, or they were raucous and overrun. Now, those streets comprise one of Boston’s hottest development markets.

School choice plan is selected for Boston

By James Vaznis

The proposed system would allow more children to attend school in their own neighborhoods while allowing an element of choice.

John Connolly to run for mayor of Boston

By Andrew Ryan

City Councilor John Connolly is striving to topple Mayor Menino.

State, local officials fret over federal cutbacks

By Noah Bierman and Eric Moskowitz

While local leaders are worried about the cuts set to take effect Friday, the immediate impact of sequestration is unclear.

Putting expired foods to healthy use

By Jenna Russell and Jenn Abelson

Former Trader Joe’s president Doug Rauch is looking to fight poor nutrition and waste by creating meals for low-income customers.

Fung Wah removes 21 buses from fleet

By Katie Johnston

Massachusetts is asking federal officials to shut down the low-cost bus company until it fixes safety problems state inspectors found.

Cape Air president only woman leading a US airline

By Katie Johnston

Linda Markham, who started her career at the airline as a human resources director, takes over as president in a few weeks.

C. Everett Koop, 96; surgeon general fought to boost nation’s health

By Mark Feeney

Dr. Koop, perhaps the nation’s most influential surgeon general, brought attention to a range of public health concerns, including abortion and AIDS.

Wolfgang Sawallisch, 89; renowned German conductor

By Anne Midgette

Mr. Sawallisch, one of the last of the old-school German conductors, led the Philadelphia Orchestra for nearly a decade.

Tom Brady signs three-year extension with New England Patriots

By Shalise Manza Young

According to a league source, Tom Brady receives a $3 million singing bonus immediately; his base salaries for the 2015, ’16 and ’17 seasons will be $7 million, $8 million and $9 million respectively, for a total of $27 million.

On football

Patriots’ offseason plans now wide open

By Greg A. Bedard

Armed with flexibility from Tom Brady’s new contract, the Patriots may be able to load up with more weapons for next season.

Celtics 110, Jazz 107

Celtics fight back for OT win at Jazz

By Baxter Holmes

“It was the best win of the year for me,” Doc Rivers said as his team fought hard to end its road trip in the win column.

G Cover

Inaugural poet goes from Maine to the nation

By James Sullivan

Richard Blanco’s life has changed since he read his poem “One Today” at President Obama’s second inauguration.

Televsion review

In HBO’s ‘Parade’s End,’ the winds of change

By Matthew Gilbert

In HBO’s latest miniseries, Benedict Cumberbatch plays a brainy aristocrat and Rebecca Hall a promiscuous woman who corners him into marriage.

Television Review

‘Golden Boy’ has potential

By Matthew Gilbert

The new CBS cop procedural has a few outstanding elements that work right away, including an interesting lead character played by Theo James.