Brief delay built into fiscal cliff tax hikes

By Christopher Rowland

As Washington engaged in another day of blame and bluster, the IRS effectively delayed the economic impact of the automatic income tax hikes.

EPA head Lisa Jackson to step down

By John M. Broder

Jackson’s tenure began with high hopes but ended with actions to defend the agency against challenges from industry.

Bush family quiet about ex-president’s condition

By MICHAEL GRACZYK

George H.W. Bush’s family provided no new details about his medical condition a day after his spokesman said he is in intensive care.

By David M. Herszenhorn and Erik Eckholm

“I’m a little numb,’’ said Maria Drewinsky, who was in the final stages of adopting Alyosha, a 5-year-old boy.

Indian leader pledges to make women’s safety a top issue after brutal rape

By RAVI NESSMAN

The Dec. 16 rape and brutal beating of the 23-year-old student triggered widespread protests, demanding a government crackdown on the daily harassment.

By Christopher Torchia

President Jacob Zuma made critical remarks about pet care that touch on sensitive race relations in South Africa.

Opinion | Joan Wickersham

Schoolyard roulette

By Joan Wickersham

Placing armed guards in schools is circular logic for fools.

Joshua Green

Holiday kudos for Congress

By Joshua Green

In the spirit of the holiday season, let’s look for the good that Congress did this year, such as working on matters ranging from cancer drugs to Internet fraud.

Len Burman and Joel Slemrod

Changing the cost-benefit calculus on taxes

By Len Burman and Joel Slemrod

Although Republicans purport to care about more than low taxes, the party’s anti-tax ideology easily trumps its other concerns.

Rep. Markey to run for Kerry’s seat

By Mark Arsenault

US Representative Edward Markey, the first major candidate in the likely race, could face recently defeated Senator Scott Brown.

By Lisa Kocian

A study found many student athletes might be returning to physical activity too soon, before their brain is fully healed.

Scientists hope to help seals and humans better coexist

By Beth Daley

New ­England’s growing seal population has been blamed for luring great white sharks to Cape Cod beaches and snatching prized fish away from fishermen.

By Jenifer McKim

Massachusetts home sales had their strongest November since 2005, adding to signs of recovery in the housing market.

Boston Capital

Manager took mutual fund from beaten up to best

By Steven Syre

Fidelity’s Chuck Myers is the winner of the 12th annual Boston Capital mutual fund manger of the year award.

Lawyer for Upper Crust workers objects to bid

By Beth Healy

A lawyer representing former ­workers filed an objection in US Bankruptcy Court to the sale of any of the pizza chain’s stores to entities affiliated with its founder.

Timothy M. Warren, 89, chairman of Warren Group

By Bryan Marquard

Mr. Warren was the third generation of his family to run what is now called The Warren Group, which compiles real estate data in New England.

Brad Corbett, 75, mercurial Rangers owner

By Bruce Weber

Mr. Corbett’s turbulent tenure as principal owner of the Texas Rangers baseball team brought the franchise Steinbrenner-like hubris and pocketbook diplomacy, but only middling success.

Larry Morris, 79, star linebacker for the Chicago Bears

By Richard Goldstein

Mr. Morris was named the most valuable player of the 1963 NFL championship game, in which he stymied New York Giants quarterback Y.A. Tittle.

Stephen Drew wants to be his own man in Boston

By Peter Abraham

The new Red Sox shortstop will wear No. 7, the same number his brother, J.D. Drew, wore during five exasperating years in Boston.

Clippers 106, Celtics 77

Clippers pummel Celtics

By Gary Washburn

Kevin Garnett had 16 points as the Celtics, with 18 turnovers, missed layups and defensive breakdowns, were overwhelmed, 106-77.

Networks ratchet up challenges to ESPN

By Chad Finn

NBC Sports Network and CBS Sports Network are hiring high-profile talent such as Jim Rome, Dan Patrick, and Michelle Beadle.

new year’s eve

Our guide to starting 2013 off right

By Michael Andor Brodeur

Despite the fears, predictions, and doomlust that hung over us for most of 2012, we have a 2013 full of tomorrows to look forward to. Thus, we should party.

The Amazing Royal Crowns assemble for a rockabilly reunion

By Scott McLennan

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones’ now-annual homecoming Throwdowns have become as notable for their ability to pull bands out of retirement as for being showcases for Boston’s ska-core kings.

Lee Fields & the Expressions bring the soul to First Night

By Sarah Rodman

Instead of sitting at a bar recounting his glory days, veteran soul singer Lee Fields is living them.