Kim Jong Il’s death gives region jitters
The death of the North Korean dictator could upend US efforts to restart nuclear disarmament talks.
Mystery surrounds son set to succeed Kim
Kim Jong Un has swiftly risen to power since being made a four-star general a year ago, but he is even more of an enigma than his late father.
Boehner: House GOP to vote down payroll tax cut extension
House Speaker John Boehner said Republicans want a full-year renewal, rather than a two-month extension agreed to in the Senate.
MIT to launch online-only, graded courses for free
The university announced today a plan to launch “MITx,’’ a set of specially designed Web-only classes that anyone can take for free.
WENDY MAEDA/GLOBE STAFF
G cover
Preterm births still a mystery
Although they have improved at identifying women who might be at risk, doctors are still trying to figure out how to prevent premature births.
Wide-ranging Mitt Romney tries to build steam
Mitt Romney worked to build momentum yesterday as GOP presidential candidates enter a crucial week of campaigning before Christmas.
Dan Shaughnessy
Tim Tebow runs out of miracles vs. Patriots
There was no Tebow Time this time. Instead, we witnessed another routine execution by the brutal New England assassins. Praise the Lord and pass the humble pie.
“North Korea is a serious problem under all circumstances, and now with this political upheaval they’re going to be very anxious and sensitive.”
Stephen W. Bosworth, a former special envoy to North Korea
Inside The Boston Globe
Columnists
Metro
Christmas comes early to children with little
Thousands of homeless children and parents enjoyed the holiday season at yesterday’s 23d annual Christmas in the City celebration
Business
Boston urged to order limits on diesel fumes
A proposal would require contractors in the city to use equipment that would significantly reduce diesel pollution.
Politics
Gingrich continues to lash out at judges
Newt Gingrich said yesterday as president he would consider dispatching US marshals to force judges to appear before Congress to explain controversial decisions.
Nation & World
Little support for new Egypt protests
Egypt’s ruling military and the revolutionaries who are demanding the leaders immediately step down battled for a third day in the streets, competing fiercely for public support.
Sports
On football
After change, Patriots defense was money
Following an abysmal first quarter, the Patriots allowed just 10 points and 175 yards in the final three quarters of their victory over the Broncos.
Health and wellness
G Force
Pulse of Harvard, health care
Dr. Joseph Martin, who served as dean of Harvard Medical School from 1997 to 2007, just published a memoir, ‘‘Alfalfa to Ivy.’’
Arts
STAGE REVIEW
‘Christmas Celtic Sojourn’ a very good night
In just nine years, “A Christmas Celtic Sojourn’’ has become a holiday staple. Friday night at the Cutler Majestic Theatre, it was easy to see why.
Opinion
“Gingrich is not only presenting himself as anti-Obama, but the most anti-Obama of all the GOP hopefuls.”
Juliette Kayyem
Ideas
As tempting as it might be to imagine the Christmas trees we see today in public parks and central plazas as a quaint relic of small town life, it turns out that our modern public trees have politics woven right into their roots.
Leon Neyfakh