National

• Sounds of firecrackers mark failure of terror plot

  • Detroit explosive common, easily detectible

• No danger on Sunday flight -- just an ill passenger

• New restrictions add to air-travel headaches

• 9 fires in western Massachusetts leave 2 dead

• Is Rachel Yould a victim or schemer?

• Families of 3 Americans held in Iran hire lawyer

• LA lawyers put objections aside to make music

• NYC's New Year's Eve ball gets new crystal

• Percy Sutton, Harlem political pioneer, dies at 89

• Recall information

International

• Terror suspect's family sought, got no help

• Suicide bombing in Karachi kills 20

• Israeli defense chief: Iran can build bomb by 2011

• Reports: Iran steps up crackdown on opposition

• Activist: NKorea apparently detains US missionary

• Thai troops raid camp, deport 4,000 Hmong to Laos

• Israel to build 700 apartments in east Jerusalem

• China finds likely tomb of 3rd-century general

Politics & Government

• Obama stresses airline security

• House Democrats pessimistic about public option

  • Seniors worry about Medicare Advantage cuts

• Napolitano concedes airline security system failed

ODD & Extraordinary

• Friends pack apartment with gifts in holiday prank

• Pa. student suspended for wearing Santa suit

• Boston newspaper cane goes to oldest town resident

• Donkeys escape from live Nativity scene in Colo.

Entertainment, Entertainers, Media & Arts

• Merry Xmas in Hollywood: Box-office record falls

• Charlie Sheen accused of using weapon

• Polanski thanks supporters for their solidarity

Science, Technology & Environment

• 125 pilot whales die on NZ beaches, 43 saved

• Magma building up in Philippines' Mayon volcano

Today

• This day in history