BostonGlobe.com Political Headlines - February 25, 2013

• John Kerry embarks on inaugural trip in new job: In a nine-nation swing through Europe and the Middle East, a volatile international scene will test the new secretary of state. Globe Washington bureau reporters Matt Viser and Bryan Bender detail.

• Deal on automatic spending cuts is unlikely: The political standoff between Obama and congressional Republicans could result in the loss of thousands of jobs in Mass. Globe correspondent David Uberti reports.

• City Councilor John Connolly's bold move: It says everything about Mayor Menino's five terms in office that the boldest act one can commit in Boston politics may be to run against him. Globe metro columnist Adrian Walker writes.