Today’s MASSterList is Ready

TOP FIVE:
Phoenix :Romney’s Easy Firmness
Herald:Court officers doled out $130G
Worcester T&G:State to cut spending up to $2B
Taunton Gaz.:Croteau confirms he will run in Taunton’s upcoming mayoral race; Pacheco and Torres might join him
Globe:Menino returns to education fray

INAUGURATION:
Globe:Patrick inauguration to be trimmed down
AP:Change in economy prompts Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick to scale back inaugural events

BUDGET:
Globe:Patrick asks state to cut even more
AP:Massachusetts may have to cut spending by up to $1.5 billion, Finance Secretary Jay Gonzalez says

INCOMING:
E-Trib: Couple accused of harassing representative-elect want charges thrown out
Worcester T&G:Durant stakes claim to seat
Worcester T&G:Alicea election suit goes to trial Jan. 14
Gloucester Times:Gloucester woman named CFO for DA’s office
Patch: Local Man Smooths Transition for State Auditor

EDUCATION:
AP:Vote on Boston school reform
Globe:School board to vote on bullying policy
Worcester T&G:State authority backs two school projects

HEALTH CARE:
Mass. health foes eye Fla. suit – BostonHerald.com
Globe:Life expectancy rose in 2008, state says

MISC. HEADLINES:
Taunton Gaz.:Quarry opponent: AG, Freetown violated open meeting law
Cape Cod Times: Election ads by wind farm foes may have violated rules
Cape Cod Times: State seeks public input on saltwater fishing license
Herald:Pols take the bounce out of balls
Herald:Trailblazing judge backs up Wilkerson
WBUR:Connecticut Wiped Off New England Map
AP:Inmate seeking better meals cites his belief in Festivus
State Sen. Karen Spilka named legislator of the year
Globe: T workers chase and corner theft suspect – The Boston Globe

LOCAL NEWS:
Lowell Sun: Tarsy Poulios, former Lowell mayor and city councilor, is dead at 84
Globe:Council expected to set election dates
Sun-Chron:Legal bills mounting for city
Taunton Gaz.:Taunton gets a piece of a state administered water system grant
Cape Cod Times: Staffing proposal divides Harwich