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.
“If Harvard wants to commit itself to excellence in all areas, I think ROTC ought to be among them.’’
Paul E. Mawn, a retired Navy captain and ‘63 Harvard grad
Inside The Boston Globe
Columnists
Metro
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
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.
Nation
Few clues where satellite will hit
NASA scientists are doing their best to tell us where a plummeting six-ton satellite will hit later this week.
World
Bomber kills key Afghan leader
Former Afghan president Burhanuddin Rabbani was killed inside his Kabul home yesterday afternoon in a suicide bombing, Afghan officials said.
Sports
Orioles 7, Red Sox 5
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
g cover
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.
Arts
Stage Review
‘Persian Quarter’ a panorama too light on history
It’s easy to be a retroactive clairvoyant where well-known world events are concerned.
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