Despite labor’s fury, Michigan OK’s union changes

By Monica Davey

The GOP-dominated Michigan Legislature approved sweeping, statewide changes to the way that unions will be financed.

By Lizette Alvarez

The judge in the Trayvon Martin murder case rejected a request that the defendant, George Zimmerman, be allowed to remove his monitoring device and travel around the state.

Gunman among 3 dead in Oregon mall shooting

By Steven Dubois

A gunman opened fire in a suburban Portland shopping mall Tuesday, killing two people and wounding another, authorities said.

By Mark Landler, Michael R. Gordon and Anne Barnard

President Obama said the US would recognize a coalition of Syrian opposition groups as the country’s legitimate representative, marking a new phase of US engagement.

By Jill Lawless

The British government announced that it will introduce a bill next year legalizing gay marriage — but banning the Church of England from conducting same-sex ceremonies.

By Nicola Clark

In an effort to clear an impasse over who won a vote for leadership of France’s center-right opposition party, the declared loser proposed a new election in the spring.

Scot lehigh

How about Bill Weld for US Senate?

By Scot Lehigh

The former Mass. governor is a bigger thinker, a larger personality, and a more engaging figure than Scott Brown, and he’s more bipartisan.

jeff jacoby

Freedom from unions

By Jeff Jacoby

Even Michigan, a cradle of organized labor, embraces right-to-work legislation – and the liberty it protects.

joshua green

By Joshua Green

For Republicans, entitlement cuts are a long-sought-after prize, but one that’s difficult to openly acknowledge.

State fines 3 power providers $25m

By Peter Schworm

In an unprecedented move, Mass. regulators imposed nearly $25 million in fines against three power companies for their response to two major storms last year.

In move up, UMass football sees empty seats, high costs

By Bob Hohler

Lower-than-expected attendance in the first season at Gillette Stadium has driven up the cost of the school’s effort to enter big-time college football.

Jurors stuck over Cahill; former aide acquitted

By Michael Levenson

Timothy Cahill’s former campaign manager was acquitted of corruption charges, but the jury said it was deadlocked on the charges against Cahill.

Amazon will begin charging sales tax in Mass.

By Jenn Abelson and Laura Finaldi

The world’s largest online merchant said that it has agreed to start collecting the tax next November.

Even higher heating bills in new forecast for winter

By Sarah Shemkus

Despite recent mild temperatures, colder days — and higher heating bills — are still on their way, according to analysis.

Lowell candle company shines in Hollywood

By Kathleen Pierce

The handmade candles produced by Ymittos Candle Manufacturing Co. in Lowell have appeared in 23 films, including “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Lincoln.”

Asna Aronie, 98, farmer talented in art, calligraphy

By Laurie D. Willis

Mrs. Aronie was a gifted artist who helped run a poultry farm in Needham and her family’s real estate business.

Ravi Shankar, 92; sitar virtuoso inspired the Beatles

By Muneeza Naqvi and Ravi Nessman

Mr. Shankar, the sitar virtuoso who introduced traditional Indian ragas to Western audiences over a 10-decade career, died Tuesday.

Gloria Davy, 81, soprano of 20th-century music

By Margalit Fox

Ms. Davy, a Brooklyn-born soprano who was the first African-American to sing Aida with the Metropolitan Opera, died Nov. 28 in Geneva.

Donald Fehr is giving the NHL owners a fight

By Fluto Shinzawa

The NHLPA executive director has used what leverage he’s had to prompt the owners to cede gains to the players, but he may have pushed too far.

Patriots set sights on AFC’s top playoff seed

By Michael Whitmer

A first-round bye and even the No. 1 playoff seed are still in play for New England after the 42-14 beatdown of the Texans.

Bruins prospect getting used to North American play

By Fluto Shinzawa

For Swedish goalie Niklas Svedberg, 2012-13 is akin to a year abroad, where immersion and first-hand learning with Providence are the priorities.

13 Provencal desserts

By Debra Samuels

The consul general of France in Boston brings Provencal flavors to a holiday spent in America.

The French consul general’s 13 Christmas desserts

Recipe for fougasse (Provencal flatbread with olives)

Fougasse, a yeast flatbread something like focaccia or pizza dough, is rolled out and sprinkled with chopped green and black olives, dried thyme, and rosemary in the French Consul General’s home.