Republicans get opportunity with new political map

Mass. Republicans are setting their sights on two US House seats in the new redistricting plan, including the North Shore area now represented by John F. Tierney.

Alex B Morse

Alex Morse, 22, elected Holyoke mayor

Recent Brown University graduate Alex B. Morse is no stranger to the Western Massachusetts city with a history of economic struggles.

Joe Paterno

Retiring Joe Paterno: ‘I wish I had done more’

The embattled Hall of Fame Penn State coach said he will step down after he completes his 46th season. He said he is “absolutely devastated” by the sex abuse allegations against his former assistant.

David L. Ryan/Globe Staff

David L. Ryan/Globe Staff

food

Smartphone app works as a super-fast self-checkout

Stop & Shop’s new SCAN IT! app allows customers to scan and bag their groceries as they shop. You whip through the checkout by basically waving your phone at the register.

CHEAP EATS

Strip-T’s menu gets a delicious shake-up

The french fries look hand cut, and when we bite into them, they’re crisp and stunning. “These are homemade!’’ exclaims someone at our table. In a glorified sub shop, you’re not expecting this. The burger ($12) is powerfully savory, as if this ground beef is the very definition of umami. Smoked miso on the bun enhances moist, sausage-y meat. Fries also accompany plump mussels ($9 and $13), presented in a tall footed Polynesian bowl decorated with dancing ladies. These mollusks are covered with a salted-crab sauce mixed with chilies, lime, and cilantro. The sauce that falls to the bottom of the bowl bathes the fries in the most wonderful, juicy seafood tastes. Even wings ($8) are exceptional, a sauce made from reduced Moxie turning them succulent. And charred baby octopus ($10), its curvy tentacles offered in a tomato-wasabi sauce, is tender and unusual.

Short Orders

Come to Cheddar’s in Cambridge for the food, not to be coddled

You shouldn’t take the owner’s gruff demeanor personally.

Metro

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Boston-110811 Michael Flaherty is downcast as he thanks his supporters at the Cornerstone Pub in South Boston after losing his souncilor at large race. Globe staff photo by John Tlumacki (metro)

Flaherty’s comeback bid for Boston City Council fails

Michael Flaherty lost his bid to win back a seat on the Boston City Council, falling short in his political comeback just two years after appearing as a finalist on the mayoral stage.

Nation & World

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Sports

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ON FOOTBALL

Chad Ochocinco has struggled to develop rapport with Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

Haynesworth a lost cause — but Chad Ochocinco isn’t

The Patriots waived Albert Haynesworth because his deplorable effort left Bill Belichick with no other choice, but there’s still hope for the struggling Ochocinco.

Food and dining

G Force

Ed Levine of SeriousEats.com explains his very opinionated palate

Since the author founded SeriousEats.com in December 2006, it has won two James Beard Awards and been named one of the Top 50 Websites by Time magazine.

Top Places to Work

Special section

Chelsea Pollen of Goog

Top Places to Work - 2011

The Globe’s 2011 Top Places to Work survey ranks 100 of the best workplaces in Massachusetts.