AT&T to publish reports on data requests

The Dallas-based company said it will post a report twice a year online on the number of requests from law enforcement agencies that it receives.

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2013/12/20/BostonGlobe.com/HealthScience/Images/tlumacki_pelletiercustodyruling_metro909.jpg State to retain custody of teen in medical case

An independent investigator was also appointed to take a new look at the case of Justina Pelletier, who has spent the past 10 months at Boston Children’s Hospital.

Ashland police sergeant indicted on charges of destroying evidence

Sergeant Edward Pomponio allegedly discarded drug evidence in July 2011 and tried to intimidate another officer, prosecutors said.

The first gay couple to be married in Utah, Michael Ferguson (second right) and his husband Seth Anderson (right), kissed after the ceremony.

Judge overturns Utah’s same-sex marriage ban

A federal judge issued a 53-page ruling saying that the ban violated gay couples’ rights under the 14th Amendment.

The giant retailer is facing a maelstrom of criticism and regulatory scrutiny following its acknowledgment Thursday that credit and debit card information from as many as 40 million customer accounts was stolen at the height of the holiday shopping season.

REUTERS/file 2012

Target offers store discount to assuage fears

The chain is reaching out to customers after thieves stole credit and debit card information of about 40 million shoppers.

Home for the holidays, college students hunt for summer work

With the economy limping and college debt piling up, the heat is on students to spend time over winter break polishing resumes to line up work for next summer.

Kevin Youkilis played eight seasons for the Red Sox.

Kevin Youkilis to play baseball in Japan

The former Red Sox infielder has agreed to a one-year deal with the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, according to ESPN.

Ronald and Jeannine Boulanger’s daughter Nicole was returning home on Pan Am Flight 103 after a semester in London.

Memories of loved ones lost in Lockerbie attack

In the 25 years since the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, families of the victims remain involved in events both personal and political.

Opinion

SCOT LEHIGH

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2013/12/20/BostonGlobe.com/EditorialOpinion/Images/Scot_Lehigh_150px-813.jpg The GOP vs. the right

The vote for the bipartisan budget deal was an explicit rejection of right-wing advocacy groups’ demand for ideological purity.

Nation & World

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President Obama said 2014 “can be a breakthrough year for America,” expressing hope after a recent budget compromise and continued economic improvements.

Obama recaps ‘ups and downs’ of 2013

In his year-end news conference, President Obama refused to dwell on his tumbling approval ratings or the chaotic rollout of his signature health care law.

Movies

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Movie Review

Bradley Cooper and Amy Adams in “American Hustle.”

A glorious con job in ‘American Hustle’

Director David O. Russell’s film is a playful mix of scam and ’70s schlock that sends you out of the theater on a cloud of rapture.