We’re going to keep it tasteful as today marks the 50th anniversary of the burial of President John F. Kennedy, and likely caps Kennedy week.

The JFK Eternal Flame in Arlington (via wikipedia)

…And the World:

We begin today in Geneva where world powers and Iran signed a historic deal in an effort to curb the latter’s nuclear ambitions, made possibly in part by secret talks between the US and Iran in addition to the international round table.  In short, it forces Iran to accept greater monitoring for six months as sanctions are eased and a long term deal is hammered out.  NPR says some consider a long term deal impossible.  Although some of it may be political/diplomatic posturing Israel does not like it and it could have other diplomatic casualties, but Secretary of State John Kerry defends it nevertheless.  Pro-Israel writers like Jeffrey Goldberg, however, have endorsed the deal.  Meanwhile, the Senate may push for additional sanctions on Iran regardless amid a chorus of complaints that Iran does not have to do enough.

The government of Yingluck Shinawatra, the Thai Prime Minister, is under pressure as crowds demand her ouster.  Protesters complain she is a puppet for her brother, Thaksin, who was removed in a coup several years ago, notes NPR.  The Los Angeles Times adds that an effort to allow her brother to return to Thailand without facing corruption charges prompted the demonstrations.

Elsewhere in the world, The LA Times also reports on Honduras’ presidential election, but The Washington Post worries that it may descend into chaos as one contestant claims victory and the other cries foul.

An international headline to which the Pioneer Valley should pay attention.  After going nearly a year without a formal ambassador in Dublin, President Obama appears poised to nominate Tom Carnahan, a campaign bundler for president and brother to a former Congressman, to lead the nation’s embassy in Eire.  Looks like Richie Neal is not going anywhere…yet.

The Feds:

The United States Supreme Court will consider, in the shadow of its Citizens United decision that seemingly confirmed “corporations are people,” whether to take a case that will decide whether corporations can also have religious beliefs.

After weeks of immigration activists ratcheting up pressure on Republicans individually, Greg Sargent at The Washington Post notes the GOP knows something must be done, but don’t want to actually do anything.

Obamacare hysteria has seemingly peaked for now, but for all the horrors of the federal website and cancellations of catastrophically crappy health plans, Kentucky and California have become examples of the law’s success.

Election potpourri: The Virginia State Board of Elections has certified Mark Herring as the winner of that state’s Attorney General contest by a whopping 165 votes out of 2 million cast.  Now come the recounts!  In the Ocean State’s open gubernatorial race next year: The Claiborne Pell (IV) factor.

There may be more evidence New York Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio is living a charmed political life.  Outgoing mayor Michael Bloomberg says his successor will inherit no deficit.

The State of Things:

The Boston Globe takes a look at the troubles Massachusetts Health Connector website has had since the launch of Obamacare in October.

Lawrence Dan Rivera prevailed over incumbent Mayor William Lantigua in a recount of that city’s tight election.  Of course, Lantigua is not conceding anything yet.

Maybe the House doesn’t always win…WBUR looks at the string of losses for casino proposals across the commonwealth, which has companies thinking twice.  Meanwhile, Joan Vennochi of the Boston Globe talks to former Attorney General Scott Harshbarger about his own opposition to expanded casino gambling and the recent votes’ apparent vindication of his belief.

In local recounts, Holyoke Ward 7 Councilor Gordon Alexander will retain his seat having maintained his eleven vote margin over challenger Alan Fletcher.

The Fourth Estatements:

Word has it that Red Sox owner John Henry may sell The Worcester Telegram & Gazette, possibly to Gatehouse media, which recently restructured its finances.  Gatehouse owns a number of local Massachusetts media outlets including wickedlocal.com.  Henry bought the Telegram along with The Boston Globe from The New York Times Co. earlier this fall.

The New York Times takes a look at changes underway at Bloomberg L.P., which has been in the news of late for its decisions on China coverage.  Also, its owner is leaving his current job soon and due to return to the office.

City Slickers:

Western Mass and Springfield in particular, remember JFK, at the Eternal Flame in Forest Park.  Masslive has some remembrances from Rep. Richard Neal, who was at City Hall in Springfield when Kennedy campaigned there just before Election Day 1960.

During a big meeting last week, Gov. Deval Patrick announced that work in the I-91 viaduct in downtown Springfield would begin next year.  However, the work is only a preliminary step with the hopes that much of the viaduct could be relocated to stitch the city back to its riverfront.

Ward 1 Councilor Zaida Luna has won her recount of the results from the this month’s election.  She narrowly defeated New North Citizen Council Development Director Jose Claudio.

Stephanie Barry at The Republican has a deep dive into the uneven recovery in the area of downtown rocked and in some cases leveled by the gas explosion last year.  Elsewhere, the paper’s Rob Rizzuto writes about Springfield’s introduction of bike lanes on city streets.

Twitter Chatter

No Twitter Chatter today, due to technical difficulties. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!