Underperforming schools show gains in MCAS scores

At 16 of the 35 underperforming schools, scores increased by double digits on either the English or math sections of MCAS, while a few other schools made smaller gains.

Lawyer for 2 Americans jailed in Iran says bail deal approved

The lawyer for two Americans jailed as spies in Iran says a $1 million bail-for-freedom deal has been approved by the courts, clearing the way for the release of the men.

Texas State Library and Archives

Perry’s political career took root in Democrats’ soil

Governor Rick Perry’s years as a Democratic lawmaker in Texas are drawing national scrutiny now that he is a front-runner for the Republican nomination.

Essdras M Suarez/Globe Staff

ROTC back at Harvard after 40 years

Harvard University welcomed the Navy’s ROTC onto campus yesterday, the same day the government ended the “Don’t Ask” policy, ending four decades of frosty relations.

Senator’s aide offers poetic respite from politics

Professor Huck Gutman, an aide to Senator Bernie Sanders, distributes poetry to 1,700 readers who include all the Senate chiefs of staff and several White House staffers, among others.

Review of child transport begins

A special committee examined the procedures used in other states to try to prevent the kind of tragic oversight that apparently led to the death of 17-month-old Gabriel Josh-Cazir Pierre.

Metro

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Man’s fatal shooting in Avon first since ’96

Kristopher Rosa, 23, was killed as he and his girlfriend were making the 10-minute drive from his home to his mother’s house Monday night.

Business

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Quincy Center renewal nears reality

Quincy is prepping for the longawaited renewal of its downtown, with a concourse area off Hancock Street slated to open next month, and several public works projects on the calendar for next year.

Sports

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Orioles 7, Red Sox 5

Jonathan Papelbon heads back to the mound after allowing a bases-clearing double in the eighth in the loss to the Orioles.

Red Sox stuck in holding pattern

Jonathan Papelbon gave up a three-run double in the eigth as the Orioles overcame a 5-4 deficit to beat the Sox. The Sox’ lead in the wild-card race remains two games.

Food & dining

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As the nation’s relationship with food becomes ever more complicated, the potluck has turned into a minefield.

The perils of potluck

Used to be the bar at a potluck was a cooler. Now the bar is set higher. Bringing a dish of your own choosing (or one dictated by the host) isn’t always a piece of cake.

Opinion

“For the better part of a century, Arab leaders of Palestine have consistently said no when presented with the chance to build a state of their own.”

Jeff Jacoby 

Ideas

“It doesn’t make any difference whether you assign more homework in English, science, or history. Students will still do the same.”

Ozkan Eren,   assistant professor of economics at the University of Nevada, on whether homework works