Curtatone at midterm address: Somerville chose 'confident and decisive action' (Somerville Journal)

I know that optimism and confidence are not exactly fashionable these days, but I also know that the recent history of our city gives us every reason to embrace them.

A white New Year (The Eagle-Tribune)

Today is a holiday synonymous with drinking, and Mother Nature is dumping up to six inches of snow across the region. That has police urging drivers to stay off the roads. "First of all, do not drink and drive," said state Trooper Eric Benson.

Police: Do not drink, drive (The Daily News of Newburyport)

Snow and New Year's Eve celebrations aren't the best combination. So while last New Year's Eve was relatively quiet for police despite a light snow falling, forecasts for today are calling for 4 to 6 inches of snow with high winds that will make driving more difficult. With that in mind, police have some advice for those who choose to ring in 2009 with a cocktail.

First Night stretches offshore (Boston Globe)

Though the idea of taking a ride around Boston Harbor might seem like a luxury, at this year's First Night celebration it can become a reality.

Arts & entertainment calendar (The MetroWest Daily News)

Check out these events in MetroWest and beyond, for the week of Dec. 28 to Jan. 3.