Work planned at Fall River pool

The Department of Conservation and Recreation is launching plans to renovate the site where a 36-year-old woman died in June.

Workers prepared an ice sculpture in Copley Square this afternoon.

John Tlumacki/globe staff

Boston prepares for First Night

The 36th Annual First Night festivities include live music, dance, two firework shows, and a festival of International Short Films.

Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney shakes hands with restaurant workers in the kitchen at Old Salt Restaurant during his campaign stop in Hampton, New Hampshire December 31, 2011. REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS)

Romney aims for wins in Iowa and N.H.

Republican presidential Mitt Romney campaigned in both Iowa and New Hampshire yesterday as his rivals focused on one state or the other.

Obama signs defense bill despite ‘reservations’

President Barack Obama today signed the $662 billion package despite ‘‘serious reservations’’ over provisions regarding the handling of suspected terrorists.

Exclusive Sunday Preview

A sampling of stories from this Sunday's Globe.

 

EXPLORE NEW ENGLAND

Bright nights in Providence

Bustling with the latest in music, theater, art, poetry, and restaurants, Rhode Island’s free-thinking capital casts a spell after dark.

for Travel - 01provnite - Tim Valle of Franklin and Fiona Quinn of Milton enjoy a late dinner at Haven Brothers Diner, which is parked nightly outside City Hall. The famed restaurant on wheels was featured in an episode of

Karen Callan for The Boston Globe

Tim Valle of Franklin and Fiona Quinn of Milton enjoyed a late dinner at Haven Brothers Diner.

for Travel - 01provnite - A patron relaxes on a recent Thursday night at the lounge inside Fete, a new club located in the Providence neighborhood of Olneyville. (Karen Callan)

Karen Callan for The Boston Globe

A patron relaxed in the lounge at Fete, which opened in October.

for Travel - 01provnite - The city of Providence at night, as seen from Prospect Terrace Park on Congdon Street. (Karen Callan)

Karen Callan for The Boston Globe

Prospect Terrace Park on Congdon Street offered a beautiful biew of Providence after dark.

for Travel - 01provnite - Guitarist Matt Reagan of Milkbread warms up before his gig at AS220, a non-profit community arts space in downtown Providence. (Karen Callan)

Karen Callan for The Boston Globe

Guitarist Matt Reagan of Milkbread warmed up before his gig at AS220, a non-profit community arts space.

for Travel - 01provnite - Self-described

Karen Callan for The Boston Globe

From left, Jean Divozzi and Keith Fracassa, both of Rhode Island, checked out the art at Gallery Z.

for Travel - 01provnite - Thayer Street is the heart of the east side neighborhood known as College Hill, home to the Avon Cinema, which features the latest independent films, as well as a wide array of eateries and shops. (Karen Callan)

Karen Callan for The Boston Globe

Avon Cinema featured the latest independent films.

MOVIES

Can Angelina Jolie direct a big-budget drama?

She can act. She can parent. She can advocate for refugees across the globe. But can Angelina Jolie direct?

GLOBE MAGAZINE

2011 Bostonians of the Year: The runners-up

We selected US attorney Carmen Ortiz as the Bostonian of the Year, but couldn’t resist naming eight runners-up who impressed us with their bravery, can-do spirit, and generosity.

“Customers are using Logan more than they ever did, which is great news for everyone. The more passengers you have, that generates more revenue.”

Edward Freni,  director of aviation for the Massachusetts Port Authority

Metro

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Peabody, Mass. -12/30/11 - Funeral services were held for Peabody firefighter James M. Rice at St. John The Baptist Church, as hundreds of firefighters from all over came to pay respect. In Peabody Aquare, Alex White, 8 and his friend Paige Biscaia, 6 both from Salem were allowed to stand in front of firefighters as they saluted along with them. Globe staff photo by John Tlumacki (metro)

Peabody says goodbye to a hero

James M. Rice’s funeral marked the second time in two weeks that firefighters from across the region flocked to a final salute for a colleague.

Business

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Historic theater gets new hope

The Everett Square Theatre in Hyde Park has been closed for three decades, but a new marquee is sparking hopes for a larger renovation project.

Nation & World

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Sports

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Thomas has become next in line for Patriots

Donald Thomas hadn’t played a regular-season game in two years. Suddenly, last week against the Dolphins, he was starting at left guard against the team that drafted him.