New policy sidelines teachers at cost of $6m

More than 70 Boston public school teachers didn?t get classrooms under a change in hiring but must remain on the payroll.

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2014/12/24/BostonGlobe.com/Metro/Images/weather-big.jpg Rain to continue Christmas, with flooding possible

A flood watch is in effect for all of Mass. from 4 a.m. to noon Thursday, and high winds are expected.

Civil rights case to proceed against police officer

A Framingham officer shot and killed an unarmed man who was lying facedown on his kitchen floor in 2011.

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2014/12/25/BostonGlobe.com/Foreign/Images/04539576.jpg Pope marks Christmas Eve with late-night Vatican Mass

Pope Francis said the birth of Jesus Christ showed the patience, closeness and tenderness of God.

Sam Sevian (right) recently attended a chess workshop in New York run by former world  champion Garry Kasparov (left). Stan Grossfeld/Globe Staff

Stan Grossfeld/Globe Staff

Southbridge?s Sam Sevian, 13, is youngest US chess grandmaster

The teen prodigy?s goal is to become the first American world champion since Bobby Fischer in the 1970s.

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2014/12/24/BostonGlobe.com/National/Images/2014-12-24T185126Z_1995607261_TM3EACO122F01_RTRMADP_3_USA-POLICE-SHOOTING.jpg Mayor calls for calm after teen shot, killed by police in Mo.

The shooting of an allegedly armed teen reignited tensions that have lingered since the death of Michael Brown in neighboring Ferguson.

From left: Diana Bang, Seth Rogen, and James Franco in the comedy.

Ed Araquel/sony via ap

ty burr | MOVIE Review

Dopey and gory, ?The Interview? was bound to disappoint

The movie offers mild laughs until it turns overly violent.

Soup dumplings from Dumpling House in Cambridge, which is open on Christmas.

Chinese food picks for Christmas Day

Here?s a list of some restaurants that will be open on Dec. 25.

Isabella Stanley, 6, reacted to one of Santa's elves during a surprise visit at her familys home in Worcester Tuesday.

Saugus shows its Christmas spirit with aid to toy drive

Hundreds of last-minute donors in Saugus rescued a community toy drive that was working to help families in need.

Prestley Blake stood in the foyer area of his $7.5 million replica of Thomas Jefferson?s Monticello.

A Jefferson follower?s $7.5m declaration of admiration

A cofounder of the Friendly?s restaurant chain built a replica of Monticello, Thomas Jefferson?s famous home, in Connecticut.

Danny Amendola picked up 91 yards on kickoff returns in last Sunday?s win over the Jets Globe Staff Photo/Jim Davis

Patriots? Danny Amendola finally caught fire a little bit

With Julian Edelman sidelined, Amendola had a breakout game against the Jets with 217 all-purpose yards.

Not long ago, the Bitcoin hype was inescapable.

Hiawatha Bray | Tech Lab

After all the hype, Bitcoin?s value has shriveled

While the speculators have fled Bitcoin, Boston?s tech entrepreneurs are as committed to the concept as ever.

Boston Celtics' Jeff Green goes to the basket against New York Knicks' Samuel Dalembert (11) during the second half of the New York Knicks 101-95 win in an NBA basketball game in Boston Friday, Dec. 12, 2014. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)

Gary Washburn | On basketball

With Rondo gone, Celtics in need of a leader

The Celtics are a directionless team, with a roster of players on expiring contracts and inconsistent youngsters.

?Unbroken? recalls Louis Zamperini?s triumphs

?Disappointment? is too harsh a word for the glossy, well-made, curiously remote movie.

Opinion

FARAH STOCKMAN

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2014/12/24/BostonGlobe.com/EditorialOpinion/Images/stockman-1150.jpg The secret life of Santa Claus

A Canadian historian offers insight into the man and the myth, including legends and stories of centuries past.

The Big Picture

Tsering Topgyal/AP

Hands in the news

The hands in these photographs represent hope, communication, power, connection and longing.