Fenway’s changing profile to claim landmark HoJo’s

The Howard Johnson Inn, a Boylston Street landmark built in 1959, is slated to close by year’s end to make way for new developments.

Obama renews focus on income gap

In a speech today, Obama said the income gap between America’s rich and poor is a ‘‘defining challenge of our time.’’

State income tax rate will drop slightly on Jan. 1

The rate will drop to 5.2 percent from 5.25 percent because state revenues came in above projections.

Harvard professor says grade inflation rampant

A longtime government professor lashed out at what he deemed a system of rampant grade inflation after learning that students are receiving mainly A’s at the college.

Dan Shaughnessy | Exclusive Thursday preview

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2013/12/04/BostonGlobe.com/Sports/Images/shaughnessy.png Jacoby Ellsbury’s exit is no big surprise

Ellsbury never pretended that staying in Boston was a priority. For him, it was always about the money.

The Red Sox now must work toward finding a suitable replacement for Jacoby Ellsbury and/or make up his offense and defense in some other way.

Stan Grossfeld/Globe Staff/File

On Baseball

Don’t blame Red Sox for letting Ellsbury go

The money the Yankees offered was just too much for the Red Sox, and Ellsbury will never live up to this deal.

President Obama giving his State of the Union address last February. Lawmakers this year have approved just 55 laws.

This Congress going down as least productive

A look at the most significant legislative accomplishments shows just how dire the situation in Washington has become.

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2013/12/04/BostonGlobe.com/Metro/Images/mbta150-7127.jpg T’s late-night service plan could be arriving right on time

MBTA riders and some local businesses hailed news that the T plans to try service until 3 a.m. on weekends.

Opinion

TOM KEANE

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2013/12/02/BostonGlobe.com/EditorialOpinion/Images/gas010.jpg A well-regulated history

The US economy today is freer than ever, a point neatly illustrated by an ignominious 40-year anniversary.

Sports

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On basketball

Jordan Crawford has turned into the team’s best distributor, its clutch shotmaker, and its assist leader.

Celtics’ progress has been outstanding

A quarter of the way through the season, this Celtics team that many wrote off is doing a good job seizing the opportunities in front of it.