MIT president Susan Hockfield to step down

In her letter to the university, Hockfield says she felt it would be best served by a new leader as MIT embarks on a major fund-raising campaign.

Colleges see record applicants

Applications have reached record highs at dozens of local colleges, with increased interest by foreign students among the reasons.

Loss to Santorum in Mich. would be blow to Romney

Rick Santorum is trying to broaden his coalition in Michigan by attracting blue collar fiscal conservatives — and do it all in Mitt Romney’s boyhood backyard.

Deal reached on treatment of state’s mentally ill inmates

The state Department of Correction’s agreement to provide better care for prisoners with severe mental illnesses comes years after an alarming series of suicides by inmates.

Joseph Kennedy III formally announces campaign

Kennedy, the grandson of Robert F. Kennedy, declared his candidacy for the seat being vacated by Barney Frank.

Newton, MA. 02/16/12, Joe Kennedy III officially launches his campaign for Congress Thursday, by visiting spots around the district. He greets commuters and supporters in Newton. Section: Metro Suzanne Kreiter/Globe staff

Suzanne Kreiter/Globe staff

Joseph P. Kennedy III visited spots around the district this morning, followed by supporters and the media.

Newton, MA. 02/16/12, Joe Kennedy III officially launches his campaign for Congress Thursday, by visiting spots around the district. He greets commuters and supporters in Newton. Section: Metro Suzanne Kreiter/Globe staffNewton, MA. 02/16/12, Joe Kennedy III officially launches his campaign for Congress Thursday, by visiting spots around the district. He greets commuters and supporters in Newton. Section: Metro Suzanne Kreiter/Globe staff

Suzanne Kreiter/Globe staff

He greeted commuters in Newton.

Newton, MA. 02/16/12, Joe Kennedy III officially launches his campaign for Congress Thursday, by visiting spots around the district. He greets commuters and supporters in Newton. Section: Metro Suzanne Kreiter/Globe staff

Suzanne Kreiter/Globe staff

If elected, he will be the first member of his family to return to Washington since his cousin, Patrick Kennedy, ended his House service last year.

Newton, MA. 02/16/12, Joe Kennedy III officially launches his campaign for Congress Thursday, by visiting spots around the district. He greets commuters and supporters in Newton. Section: Metro Suzanne Kreiter/Globe staff

Suzanne Kreiter/Globe staff

Kennedy received a hug from a Newton supporter this morning.

Newton, MA. 02/16/12, Joe Kennedy III officially launches his campaign for Congress Thursday, by visiting spots around the district. He greets commuters and supporters in Newton. Section: Metro Suzanne Kreiter/Globe staff

Suzanne Kreiter/Globe staff

Kennedy has declared that he will not rely on family recognition but on campaigning to win the race.

Curt Ingram has become a mini-celebrity in Brighton for doing iPhone repairs not covered by the warranty.

Dropped it in the toilet? iPhone Curt can help

Curt Ingram is part of the expanding mini-industry of repairmen working outside the realm of Apple, whose warranty does not cover “damage caused by accident.”

Track’s perceived clout may deter rivals

The perception that the Suffolk Downs casino proposal has a lock on development rights may be discouraging some companies from competing in the gambling market.

“You’re seeing that Anybody But Romney vote unite around Santorum here in Michigan.”

Steve Mitchell,  an East Lansing-based pollster

Globe Insiders

Globe Insiders Event | Feb. 27, 7 p.m.

http://c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2012/02/15/BostonGlobe.com/Special/Images/137921177-017--90x90.jpg Movie screening, Q&A with Emily Blunt

Join the Boston Globe’s movie editor Janice Page for a sneak screening of the movie and Q&A session with Emily Blunt, star of the new romantic comedy “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen.”

Metro

Tags in this section:

Police search for 2 passing fake $100 bills

Newburyport police are searching for two women who used counterfeit $100 bills in a supermarket earlier this month that were made from bleached $5 bills.

Business

Tags in this section:

Harvard challenges students to think big

Harvard University has posed a challenge to its students: come up with an entrepreneurial solution to the world’s social problems and win $100,000.

Sports

Tags in this section:

On baseball

New Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine, second from left (with Red Sox Larry Lucchino, left, and JetBlue official Marty St. George, is set to run his first spring training camp with the team.

Bobby Valentine running camp his way

This year, there are few illusions the Sox are a 100-win team. In some ways, they are the underdog, a role the new manager relishes.