The Boston Globe

Boston teacher evaluations reflect wide variation

While some schools were quite generous in rating their teachers “exemplary,” several schools did not give any teachers the highest rating.

US, Afghanistan agree on security pact, Kerry says

The agreement will govern the presence of US forces in Afghanistan after the NATO combat mission ends next year.

Obamas, Clintons honor JFK

President Obama made no public comments at a wreath-laying ceremony at JFK’s grave, but greeted Kennedy relatives gathered to honor the former president’s legacy.

Obama awards freedom medals

President Obama opened a day of tributes to John F. Kennedy by honoring Bill Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, and others.

Advances in areas such as training and nutrition mean that athletes such as 36-year-old Tom Brady and 37-year-old Peyton Manning can stay at the top of their games longer.

Brady, Manning still going strong

Over the years, Tom Brady, 36, and Peyton Manning, 37, have fought through serious injuries and continued to set records.

Retailers start holiday shopping push early

With six fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year than last, retailers are already trying to cut their losses.

DINING out

Showcasing the craft of cooking

In Somerville, the Kirkland Tap & Trotter is the new, more-casual restaurant from Craigie on Main chef Tony Maws.

megan tench

A locker room where white is black

Let’s be clear: The Dolphins bullying issue is not about blackness or race at all. This is about class.

After messy split, Christopher Lydon returns to WBUR

Starting in January, Lydon, 73, will host an hourlong program to be broadcast live on WBUR every Thursday night.

Opinion

JEFF JACOBY

When the joke was on JFK

A comedian from Maine named Vaughn Meader rocketed to fame for his impersonation of Kennedy during a time when political humor was more measured.

Globe exclusives

A mailman finished a delivery Tuesday near the scene where the bodies of family in Arlington were discovered.

Arlington man had troubled history

“Eventually I’ll forget what she sounded like, what her speech pattern was like,” said Janie Crockford, after years of messages by her grandmother vanished.

After a loss, comfort in sounds of the departed

Stephen Crosby (left) spoke at a 2011 news conference at the State House.

Shirley Leung

Crosby may regulate a little too well

The Tesla showroom at the Natick Mall has an electric car on display.

Tesla looks to bypass dealers

Pass interference? Holding? Nothing at all? Rob Gronkowski battles Luke Kuechly in the end zone Monday night.

NFL backs officials in controversial Patriots loss

Bill Belichick leaves after Monday night’s loss; officials made a controversial non-call on the last play.

Christopher L. Gasper

There’s no anti-Patriots bias here

Hubway bikes on a rack in Copley Square are ready to go. But, salt aside, the bikes can also roll in winter weather.

Hubway tests out winter service in Cambridge

Thanksgiving with Persian seasonings

Above: Tufts students Carrie Gershoff and Bradley Balandis enjoy brunch at Tamper Cafe. Top (from left): turkey club sandwich, Americano coffee, and brioche French toast.

Cheap Eats

At Tamper, a healthy helping of breakfast, lunch

Left: Boston Musica Viva music director Richard Pittman. Right: Baritone David Kravitz, who sang “The Mocking-bird.”

Music Review

Boston Musica Viva: ‘Trials of Youth,’ at Longy

Tour guide Dorothy Kennedy looked over a display.

Kennedy Library to open funeral exhibit

Bonnie Raitt (left) surprised the Orpheum’s audience by inviting Bonnie Hayes, new on Berklee’s faculty, on stage.

Berklee brings in Bonnie Hayes

Sports

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Alex Rodriguez arrived at Major League Baseball headquarters for his grievance hearing on Tuesday.

Alex Rodriguez walks out of MLB grievance hearing

Angered that commissioner Bud Selig was not compelled to testify, a “disgusted” Rodriguez said he “will not participate any further in this farce.’’

Metro

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Accused child molester John Burbine (right) with defense attorney William Barabino (left) at Burbine’s arraignment in December, 2012.

Accused molester seeks deal for reduced sentence

A lawyer for John Burbine proposed that his client be castrated in exchange for a reduced sentence, but prosecutors rejected the idea.

Columnists