Mass. to receive up to $50m for early education efforts

The state’s efforts to overhaul its early education system received a boost today from the Obama administration’s Race to the Top program.

Former Freddie Mac CEO Richard Syron, left, and former Fannie Mae CEO Daniel Mudd waited to testify on Capitol Hill in Washington in 2008.

Boston Capital

Syron’s reputation at odds with charges

It’s hard to picture former Freddie Mac CEO Dick Syron as the bad guy, even if that is the role cast for him in today’s SEC lawsuit.

Freddie, Fannie execs charged over role in mortgage crisis

Former Freddie Mac CEO Richard Syron, who once headed the Federal Reserve in Boston, is among six executives facing civil charges over their roles in the housing meltdown.

Barry Bonds

Bonds spared jail time; receives 30 days of house arrest

A judge delayed the home run champion’s sentence while he appeals his conviction for obstructing a probe of illegal steroid use.

Adam Hunger for The Boston Globe

Exclusive Sunday Preview | Globe Magazine

Boston’s best new restaurants of 2011

Best of the New: Retro burgers, a giant grocery store, and a life-changing cookie are just a few reasons why 2011 was a great year in dining.

Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich speaks at a meet and greet session at the Willow Ridge Golf Course in Fort Dodge, Iowa, December 15, 2011. REUTERS/Jeff Haynes (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS)

Gingrich’s stimulus support benefited his consulting clients

After bashing the stimulus package, Newt Gingrich reversed course and supported $27 billion for electronic medical records, which would benefit clients of his consulting firm.

The heyday of Hans Haacke

The List Visual Arts Center has mounted a series of four solo shows devoted to artists associated with MIT in the ’60s and ’70s. The latest is a fascinating show by Haacke.

“This one strikes at the heart. It’s one of the most dreaded fears of parents.”

Rich Robison,  on allegations of abuse by a teacher’s aide

Metro

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Teacher’s aide arraigned on charges of lewd behavior

A Boston public school teacher’s aide pleaded not guilty to charges he allegedly unzipped his pants and that of an autistic student, according to a court report.

Business

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Chinese turn to Boston for job-training techniques

Visitors from Beijing Polytechnic learned about the YMCA job training program that teaches computer and administrative skills to low-income job seekers.

Nation & World

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Mike McQueary

In court today, the Penn State assistant said he believes he saw Sandusky sexually molesting a boy in 2002, but cannot say he is 100 percent sure it was intercourse.