Boston?s Olympic plan distinct among US cities

Boston?s bid would make extensive use of area college venues, unique among competing plans.

Nicole Bollerman?s teaching and generosity gave her third grade class at UP Academy Dorchester many reasons to smile.

John Tlumacki/Globe Staff

Adrian Walker

In Dorchester, a teacher?s gift brings cheer

Nicole Bollerman, a teacher at UP Academy, donated her six-figure winnings in a contest to her school.

Mourners gathered at a memorial Sunday near the spot where two New York Police Department officers were shot and killed the day before.

Before shooting two officers, N.Y. gunman bragged about his plans

The gunman boasted to two people about what he was about to do just moments before he opened fire on the officers.

Caret?s legacy sets tone for UMass president search

Robert Caret earned high marks for lobbying lawmakers to boost funding and for his advocacy of public education.

OUTVETS, founded by Bryan Bishop, honors gay veterans.

Unexpected words led to yes on parade

An overture from an organizer of South Boston?s St. Patrick?s Day Parade led to the acceptance of a gay veterans group.

Massachusetts Governor-elect Charlie Baker talked with reporters outside the White House after meeting with US President Barack Obama on Dec. 5 in Washington, DC.

Baker team leaves Western Mass. wanting

Of the approximately 175 people named to Baker?s transition team, not a single one hails from Berkshire, Hampshire, or Franklin counties.

DAN SHAUGHNESSY

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2014/12/21/BostonGlobe.com/Sports/Images/shaughnessy-6898.jpg Do you feel better or worse about Patriots? chances?

The Patriots did what was necessary to defeat the Jets, but Rex Ryan demonstrated how to attack New England.

Tom Brady turned away from pressure from Jets outside linebacker Calvin Pace in the second quarter.

Barry Chin/Globe Staff

Ben Volin | On football

Offensive line obviously a problem area for Patriots

Anyone watching the game could tell: The Patriots? offensive line was getting whipped by the Jets.

The Jets sacked Tom Brady four times Sunday.

Tom Brady says Patriots? offense couldn?t find rhythm vs. Jets

New England totaled just 231 yards in its victory over New York and Brady was sacked four times.

Loui Eriksson scored the game-winning goal in overtime.

Bruins 4, Sabres 3 | OT

Bruins rally for overtime win against Sabres

The Bruins scored late in the third period to tie the game and then in extra time to win it.

Mandy Patinkin as Saul Berenson and Claire Danes as Carrie Mathison in Homeland.

television

For ?Homeland? finale, a change of pace

Recent episodes have been frenetic, but the season finale had a quieter tone.

Ella McGarva, 3, of Boston gives Globe Santa a hug at the Faneuil Hall Marketplace.

globe santa

Twins, 6, are focus of big brother?s Christmas solicitude

?I am writing this letter to beg for help this Christmas season? wrote the mother of three boys from a city northwest of Boston.

Opinion

JOHN E. SUNUNU

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2014/12/21/BostonGlobe.com/EditorialOpinion/Images/jsununu-1122.jpg Ted Cruz has gained attention but little else

To be effective, the Texas Republican needs to get other senators to work with him. They?d rather stick needles in their eyes.

The Big Picture

Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images

2014 Year in Pictures: Part III

Photos from the last four months of 2014 depicting news events and daily life around the world.