Four N.Y. firefighters shot responding to blaze

By Matt Flegenheimer

Four firefighters were shot — two fatally — after apparently being lured to an early morning blaze in Webster, N.Y.

Between 2006 and 2010, 561 children age 12 and under were killed by firearms, according to the FBI’s most recent Uniform Crime Reports.

3 held without bond in fatal Ind. house explosion

Three suspects were charged with rigging a house explosion that killed two neighbors and destroyed five houses.

In Bethlehem, Palestinians celebrate new ‘birth’

By Dalia Nammari

Christians packed Manger Square in Bethlehem to celebrate the birth of Jesus as Palestinians celebrated the recent UN recognition of an independent state of Palestine.

The Grande Mosquee, which dominates Dakar’s skyline, is aglow with holiday lights in a country where Christians and Muslims have coexisted peacefully.

A US drone airstrike killed two Al Qaeda militants in a southern town, Yemeni officials said, the latest in a years-long offensive.

tim cockey

All I want for Christmas

By Tim Cockey

When it comes to gifts, how you receive them is important, even when the gift is something as simple as socks.

FARAH STOCKMAN

The crucial act of forgiveness

By Farah Stockman

Christmas marks the birth of Jesus, who taught the importance of forgiveness for us — and each other. But the roots of forgiveness are universal.

paul mcmorrow

By Paul McMorrow

Goodwin Procter’s impending move from State Street to the Seaport District underscores the reality that long-time companies, not cutting-edge tech firms, are driving development there.

Loose panels removed from Callahan Tunnel

By Eric Moskowitz

A state highway crew removed 117 loose panels from the walls of the tunnel, following an emergency inspection after a panel fell into the roadway late last week.

Christmas arrives, and a church is born in Natick

By Travis Andersen

Christmas Eve was the first official service for the Common Street Community Church, which had held eight weeks of informal gatherings.

Globe Santa

Globe Santa, friends bring joy to many

By John Burke

This year, 49,147 children across 189 Mass. cities and towns will open Christmas gifts from Globe Santa, thanks to thousands of heartfelt donations.

By Callum Borchers

Aegerion Pharmaceuticals says it won FDA approval to treat a rare disorder that can raise cholesterol to life-threatening levels.

Panera Cares, nonprofit outpost of chain, to open soon

By Jenn Abelson

There are no prices at the Panera Cares Community Cafe near ­Government Center — just suggested donations and bins to leave money, if you can afford to.

Science toys safer, more fun, but do kids learn?

By Jennifer A. Kingson

Today’s science kits lack the free-play style and sometimes dangerous materials of yore, but many argue that they can still spark a lifelong interest in science.

John P. Curran, 87; detective sought to help those in need

By Katherine Landergan

Mr. Curran, who served as a Boston police officer and detective for more than 35 years, died Dec. 16 in his Roslindale home.

Jack Klugman, star of ‘Odd Couple,’ dies at 90

By Anthony McCartney

Mr. Klugman, the craggy-faced actor and who was loved by millions as the messy one in “The Odd Couple,” died Monday.

A wounded warrior’s inspiring comeback

By Stan Grossfeld

Army veteran Greg Reynolds may have lost his arm, but he doesn’t let that stop him from being a role model for others, as well as an amazing athlete.

Patriots still in the running for a playoff bye

By Shalise Manza Young

With one week remaining in the season, the No. 1 slot in the AFC is unexpectedly very much in play for the Broncos and Patriots.

Celtics vs. Nets | Today at Noon

On the road, Celtics hope to find swagger

By Gary Washburn

The Green are no longer intimidating, but with four critical road games on tap, the Celtics realize that something has to change.

G Cover

Our annual holiday card to readers, in verse

By Joseph P. Kahn

It’s time, in rhyme, for our holiday card to readers that looks back on 2012.

Frame by Frame

A work of enduring mysteries, memories

By Sebastian Smee

The “Seated Bodhisattva” statue at the MFA is very beautiful, very old (about 1,500 years), and very reassuring.

Movie Review

Tarantino blows up the spaghetti western in ‘Django Unchained’

By Wesley Morris

Quentin Tarantino’s clear-eyed and completely out of its mind exploitation western refuses to cheapen the atrocity of its subject.