MBTA wants funding; no cuts, hike for now
T officials will hold off until at least March before resorting to fare increases or service cuts, waiting for lawmakers to address the state’s transportation funding.
Child porn victims go to court for restitution
A growing number of child pornography victims are seeking restitution from those who collected or traded pictures and videos depicting their abuse.
Tech Lab
Minor flaws keep Wii U from being stellar
The Wii U is Nintendo’s bid to create the ideal digital entertainment hub. Alas, the new console doesn’t quite make it.
Human toll emerging in shortage of some cancer drugs
An article published in the New England Journal of Medicine illuminates how little is known about what the lapses in drug supply will mean for people’s health.
ESSDRAS M SUAREZ/GLOBE STAFF
Holiday shows bringing box office joy
Boston’s performing arts institutions are reporting a box office boom, as thousands of patrons stream into time-honored holiday shows this season.
Cabinet nod could be next for Harvard’s Ashton Carter
The leading national security strategist, who has been serving as the second-in-command for the past two secretaries of defense, may next for the top job.
Joan Vennochi
Respect for Menino and the status quo
Mayor Menino’s body may be weak after dealing with a recent illness, but so far there are no public signs of declining political muscle.
Officials statewide bracing for the fiscal cliff
City and town officials in Mass. are warily watching negotiations over the pending fiscal crisis, although any financial effect on local budgets is probably months away.
NHL lockout is being felt beyond Bruins’ ice
From parking lots to even youth leagues, the NHL’s third work stoppage in 19 seasons is taking a toll that mounts with each passing day.
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Sports
Red Sox close the deal for Joel Hanrahan
The Red Sox completed a six-player trade with the Pirates, obtaining the closer and infielder Brock Holt for reliever Mark Melancon and three prospects.
Metro
City finds shedding pounds tough
A citywide weight-loss campaign launched by the Boston Public Health Commission in April is far from hitting the mark.
Columnists
Nation & World
Syria’s military police chief defects, dealing blow to Assad
Syria’s embattled leadership suffered a new setback with the publicly broadcast defection of its military police chief.
Politics
Obama, Senate to resume talks on fiscal crisis
The president and Senate members will launch an effort to avert more than a half-trillion dollars in tax increases and spending cuts.
Business
Crowdfunding rules missing as SEC deadline nears
Some in the nascent equity crowdfunding industry worry it could be 2014 before their line of business becomes legal.
Arts
Movie Review
Epic ‘Les Misérables’ runs out of steam
After 2 1/2 hours, the movie becomes a bowl of trail mix — you’re picking out the nuts you don’t like.
Style
Bargain Bin
Let the post-holiday shopping sales begin
Ami Albernaz spotlights sales and specials at area stores and shops.
