Boston homicides fall for fourth year

Despite the fall, the street supply of illegal guns remains steady enough for overall gun violence to continue unabated.

Body of Abington Marine returned to hometown

The body of Marine Sergeant Daniel Vasselian, who was killed in Afghanistan, was greeted by a Marine escort at Logan Airport.

Cold First Night followed by snowy end to workweek

Heavy snow will fall throughout most of the state Thursday afternoon and into late Friday morning.

Israel, Palestinians draw lines ahead of Kerry plan

Secretary of State John Kerry is expected to present a framework for peace to the Palestinian President and Israeli Prime Minister.

Department of Children and Families Commissioner Olga Roche spoke to reporters during a press conference announcing that the department had fired both the social worker and supervisor responsible for oversight of Fitchburg boy Jeremiah Oliver.

State promoted social worker before firing her

Three weeks before a social worker was fired over the case of a 5-year-old Fitchburg boy now feared dead, state officials promoted her.

In Mass., housing market rocketed back in 2013

Analysts predict that a shortage of properties could make house hunting even more competitive next year.

New England Patriots Julian Edelman got airborne as he was sandwiched by Buffalo Bills Leodis McKelvin (left) and Jim Leonhard after a 7-yard reception on Sunday.

Matthew J. Lee/Globe staff

Dan Shaughnessy

Here’s how the Patriots win in playoffs

Maybe the Patriots, despite some shortcomings, can silence the doubters and win the Super Bowl.

The State Street fireworks display will begin at midnight over Boston Harbor.

Your guide to First Night Boston 2014

Here are some of the highlights, right up to the fireworks to ring in 2014.

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2013/12/30/BostonGlobe.com/ReceivedContent/Images/131230firstnight0531.jpg Stressing safety for First Night

More police officers and firefighters will be on the streets Tuesday night as part of an expanded public safety plan for First Night.

Cigarette butts littered Boston Common.

Parks’ smoking ban taking effect immediately

The city approved a smoking ban in city-run parks, making it illegal to smoke cigarettes and other substances under the penalty of a $250 fine.

Opinion

PAUL MCMORROW

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2013/12/30/BostonGlobe.com/EditorialOpinion/Images/Ground%20Breaking%201-148742.jpg The city Menino built

As mayor of Boston, Thomas Menino had a strong hand to play. He made the most of it.

Nation & World

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