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.

President Obama, Michelle Obama, former president Bill Clinton, and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at John F. Kennedy's gravesite at the Arlington National Cemetery.

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.

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2013/11/20/BostonGlobe.com/National/Images/450776913.jpg 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.

Gemvara chief executive Janet Holian said the shortened season is an issue because the company makes jewelry to order.

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

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2013/11/16/BostonGlobe.com/Lifestyle/Images/maeda_20din_g5.jpg Showcasing the craft of cooking

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

Richie Incognito

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.

Christopher Lydon is glad to be returning to Boston’s airwaves. “There’s so much to talk about,” he said. His show will broadcast Thursday nights.

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

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2013/11/20/BostonGlobe.com/EditorialOpinion/Images/jacoby-1285.jpg 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.

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.’’