State workers didn’t conduct visits to home of missing boy

The last time anyone from the state social services agency saw the missing 5-year-old Fitchburg boy, who is feared dead, was May 20.

Clergy members take on commuter rail bidder

A group of black clergy in Boston are lambasting one of the two bidders for the MBTA’s commuter rail contract over allegations of discrimination.

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2013/12/18/BostonGlobe.com/HealthScience/Images/turner121813METRO19harvard58.jpg Student in bomb hoax released after court appearance

Eldo Kim, 20, was ordered to stay away from the university’s campus after he allegedly e-mailed a bomb threat to avoid a final exam.

Brandon Bass drove to the rim while guarded by Pistons forward Greg Monroe.

Yoon s. Byun/globe staff

pistons 107, celtics 106

Celtics can’t prevail in the end

The Celtics scored 42 points in the first quarter, a team record for any quarter in the season, but then wilted against the bigger Pistons.

MOVIE REVIEW

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2013/12/10/BostonGlobe.com/Arts/Advance/Images/A2-15997R.jpg ‘Anchorman’ sequel piles on the silliness

While “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues” is a disappointment, it occasionally breaks through to realms of blissful comic Dada.

Mallorie Ekstrom prompts 1-year-old Lebowski as Fiona Gohery photographs the dog with Santa at Durty Harry’s pet boutique in Brookline during a benefit for All Dog Rescue.

The dog days of Christmas

Between photos with Santa, canine parties, and a role as holiday peacemaker, the family pooch can’t get a moment's rest.

Poinsettias (left) and cyclamen (bottom) are among the houseplants that are staples of holiday decorating.

How to care for those holiday houseplants

If you want to keep houseplants long term, consider setting them up in a cool, sunny area to be brought out for display when company arrives.

Opinion

James G. Kostaras

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2013/12/17/BostonGlobe.com/EditorialOpinion/Images/boston%20skyline%20OPEd%20Illo.jpg Planning for a new day

Don’t throw out the Boston Redevelopment Authority — use it to create a blueprint for Boston’s future.