Fiscal deal makes social programs more vulnerable

The lack of spending cuts will place enormous pressure on entitlement programs and the new heath insurance plan.

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2013/01/03/BostonGlobe.com/Metro/Images/516223072--90x90.jpg War reporter kidnapped a second time

James Foley, a Boston-based reporter abducted in Libya in 2011, was kidnapped in Syria on Thanksgiving Day.

Eighth-graders lined up for lunch at UP Academy, an in-district charter school housed in the former Gavin Middle School.

DAVID L. RYAN/GLOBE STAFF

Departures at South Boston charter school raise concerns

19 percent of students left during the inaugural year of UP Academy, South Boston’s in-district charter school.

You can wear a bag, but cursing at a sports event is illegal.

JESSICA RINALDI/REUTERS

Antiquated state laws stir modern-day worry

Obscure Massachusetts laws, and the fact they’re still on the books, often provoke humor. But to some, outmoded statutes are no laughing matter.

Dan Shaughnessy

The Celtics are not going to get better

The Celtics don’t play defense. They are weak on the offensive glass. They lack toughness. They don’t intimidate. The new guys are not getting it done.

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren, left, applauds while campaigning with U.S. Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass., right, at a senior center in Medford, Mass., Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Joan Vennochi

Democrats for democracy? Not in Mass.

Democrats want to clear a path for Edward Markey in his bid to replace John Kerry in the Senate, although a primary battle could be good for the party and their nominee.

Tech Lab

After hype, some digital devices flopped

Smart televisions, 3-D TVs, video calling, and Ultrabooks promised to be “world-changing” products, but didn’t change a thing.

Sports

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Grizzlies 93, Celtics 83

Celtics Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce have nothing to smile about late in the fourth quarter of a loss to the Grizzlies at the Garden.

Celtics lose fourth straight

After three listless quarters and a handful of chances to pull off a dramatic rally, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and the Celtics lost to the Grizzlies, 93-83.

Nation & World

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Arts

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Movie Review

Denis Côté’s documentary, “Bestiaire,” shows the lives of animals at a Canadian park and their interactions with caretakers and visitors.

‘Bestiaire’ captures behavior: beastly, otherwise

In this documentary, the fine Canadian filmmaker Denis Côté views animals at a Quebec safari attraction.