One last day for a fiscal deal

By Christopher Rowland

Eleventh-hour negotiations in the Senate made little to no progress Sunday as lawmakers brought America to the very edge of the fiscal cliff.

Watch collector’s find brings a Lincolnesque journey

By Bryan Bender

After Paul Mellen purchased a pocket watch manufactured in 1862 on eBay, he soon discovered that the timepiece may have been at the deathbed of Abraham Lincoln.

Obama makes gun-limit law 2d term priority

By Michael Schwirtz and John M. Broder

The president said he wants legislation limiting access to some types of firearms passed within the first year of his second term.

Leader of English church steps down

The head of the Church of England will leave office Monday after a decade as the spiritual leader of the world’s 80 million-strong Anglican Communion.

Body of rape victim brought home to India

By Heather Timmons and Anjani Trivedi

The body of a young woman who was raped in New Delhi this month by several men in a moving bus was brought home Sunday.

Al Qaeda’s branch in Yemen has offered to pay tens of thousands of dollars to anyone who kills the US ambassador in Sana.

Opinion

A 2012 dictionary (abridged)

By Globe Staff

One way to remember a year is through the vocabulary it left behind.

editorial

It’s time for Beacon Hill to stop putting the interests of liquor stores ahead of consumers in banning out-of-state wineries from shipping directly to customers.

editorial

On domestic violence in Mass., an encouraging trend emerges

In 2012, the number of domestic-violence deaths in Massachusetts dropped significantly, but more vigilance is necessary to address a problem that remains epidemic in American society.

By Beth Daley

A state plan to loosen a nearly quarter-century moratorium on new waste incinerators is renewing a long-simmering trash war in Mass.

Challenges to inmates’ gender cases costly to Bay State

By Milton J. Valencia

The state may face legal bills of roughly $2 million for unsuccessfully challenging what three prisoners say is their right to treatment for gender disorders.

Watch collector’s find brings a Lincolnesque journey

By Bryan Bender

After Paul Mellen purchased a pocket watch manufactured in 1862 on eBay, he soon discovered that the timepiece may have been at the deathbed of Abraham Lincoln.

New flexible sensors on skin yield crucial data

By Adam Sege

Cambridge firm MC10 Inc. is developing flexible electronics for a variety of applications, from the medical world to athletics.

Game maker puts Hollywood pro’s 3-D skills to work

By Michael B. Farrell

In creating the first mobile game for Cambridge start-up LiquidBits Inc., Haggai Goldfarb used the 3-D animation skills he honed during his decorated film career.

By Jessica Silver-Greenberg

Regulators are close to a $10 billion settlement with 14 banks that would end the government’s efforts to hold lenders responsible for foreclosure abuses.

Nat Hewitt, a free spirit sailing or fiddling; at 54

By Melissa M. Werthmann

Mr. Hewitt, who established his reputation for musicianship while playing for contra dances throughout the region, died Nov. 23.

Rita Levi-Montalcini, 103, Nobel scientist who defied Fascists

By Frances D’Emilio

Dr. Levi-Montalcini’s work increased understanding of many conditions, including tumors and senile dementia.

Jeffrey Potter, 94; helped revive interest in Jackson Pollock

By Paul Vitello

Mr. Potter was an aspiring writer working as a building contractor in the Hamptons in 1949 when he developed a friendship with the influential painter.

Patriots 28, Dolphins 0

Patriots claim 2d seed, earn a bye

By Shalise Manza Young

The victory over the Dolphins, coupled with a Colts’ win over the Texans, gives New England a week to rest for the divisional round on Jan. 13.

Christopher L. Gasper

Worth the risk to play Rob Gronkowski

By Christopher L. Gasper

The tight end was less than 100 percent Sunday, but the reward is that he won’t need a can of Rust-Oleum before the playoffs.

On football

Patriots defense looks ready for playoffs

By Greg A. Bedard

The defense has improved since bottoming out Nov. 11 against the Bills, thanks to adherence to Bill Belichick’s season-long game plan.

G Cover

Practical tips for a healthier 2013

By Globe Staff

Rather than simply resolving to be healthier this year, take some tips from experts on how to have a healthier 2013 — and beyond.

Music Review

Mighty Mighty Bosstones throw down at House of Blues

By Scott McLennan

Opening night of the band’s 15th Hometown Throwdown was as much a love letter to Boston and its music scene as it was a ska-core blowout.

Hometown Heroes: the best local albums of 2012

By Globe Staff

Our critics picked the 10 best local albums of 2012, including Atwell Baker's “Snifter” and David Wax Museum’s “Knock Knock Get Up.”