State admits ‘serious failure’ in Fitchburg case

Worcester District Attorney's Office

A social worker and supervisor were fired in the case of a 5-year-old boy who has not been seen since September and is feared dead.

Victim’s family files wrongful death suit against Hernandez

The family of Odin Llyod, the Boston man Aaron Hernandez is accused of killing, is seeking unspecified damages form the former Patriots star.

Outside groups spent $3.8 million in Boston mayoral race

Mayor-elect Martin Walsh received the lion’s share of the spending by outside groups — $2.5 million.

Traffic was slowed across the Boston area, including on the Southeast Expressway.

Barry Chin/Globe staff

Up to 8 inches of snow expected from storm

State workers were sent home early as the brunt of the snowstorm arrived just in time for the evening commute.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nev. walked on Capitol Hill in Washington as he took a break from the floor after a bipartisan budget compromise cleared a procedural hurdle.

Bipartisan budget bill to ease some automatic cuts

The Senate voted to advance the measure, making it likely to pass the Democratic-led chamber no later than Wednesday.

A woman bought a Mega Millions ticket in New York.

Tickets hot for $636m jackpot

Roughly $8,800 worth of Mega Millions tickets are being sold every minute in the state for tonight’s drawing.

Kevin Cullen

Getting on your feet and giving back

Five years ago, Tara Lee found herself in a terrible spot and Christmas in the City gave her young family some joy. This year, she plans to give, not receive.

Opinion

TOM KEANE

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2013/12/16/BostonGlobe.com/EditorialOpinion/Images/1217oped_keane2.jpg The telephone regulation game

Rules and regulations are adopted with the best of intentions, but the real world is so complex that perverse consequences can result.

Sports

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On basketball

Celtics forward Kris Humphries had to get physical against Kevin Love and the Timberwolves’ big frontline.

Kris Humphries steps up when Celtics need him

Humphries deserves more playing time, but instead of complaining he has kept himself prepared, contributing key minutes to the Celtics.