Memo calls for Madison Park to improve or close

Boston?s only vocational school needs to improve quickly or be shut down, according to an internal School Department memo.

Few Republican foes for Mass. delegation

Six of nine House seats will go uncontested in November.

Flames and smoke billowed over a Beverly neighborhood after three houses caught fire on Folger Avenue Sunday night.

Fire blazes in Beverly, burning three houses

The fire began in a house under construction before spreading to two others.

An Israeli army drone flew over Gaza City Sunday.

Israel says it downed drone from Gaza

It?s the first time Israel?s military has encountered such a weapon since its campaign against Gaza Strip militants began last week.

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2014/05/05/BostonGlobe.com/Metro/Images/IMG_2707.jpg Questions rise of why no lawmakers were charged in Probation case

The strategy of alleging that the scheme went as far as bribing legislators could backfire for prosecutors, analysts said.

Ho-Pin Tung sat in a Formula E race car for a test. Backers hope the races will enhance electric-vehicle technology.

Support builds for battery-powered auto racing

Celtics co-owner Wyc Grousbeck has invested in an environmentally friendly auto racing series that uses electric cars.

Adrian Walker

Mayor likes idea of Olympics, but worries about cost to city

If Boston?s bid for the 2024 Olympics is to move forward, the private sector is going to have to provide the big bucks.

Keeper Manuel Neuer of Germany kisses the World Cup trophy with teammates after defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time.

on soccer

Triumph of German engineering

This team, in retrospect, will be viewed as one of the most impressive of champions.

Jim Rooney has played major governmental roles for decades.

Convention center director leaves no loose ends

Jim Rooney has become one of the state?s most influential public figures without ever having run for office.

Ideas

ideas

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2014/07/09/BostonGlobe.com/Ideas/Images/YeOldSlotsFINAL2.jpg Gambling: an American love/hate story

Behind the Massachusetts casino kerfuffle is a country that?s always been torn about whether to trust Lady Luck.

Health and wellness

Daily Dose

Cause of obesity epidemic remains elusive

Researchers have for years been struggling to determine why 36 percent of American adults are now obese, compared to fewer than 15 percent in 1990.