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Wed. Feb. 29, 2012 Celtic Greg Stiemsma will cheer on Hancock Tower race that benefits MS Boston Celtics rookie Greg Stiemsma will be on hand at a Saturday MS fund-raising event that features a race to the top of Boston’s Hancock Tower. The race will benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. People who have agreed to participate in the “MS Climb to the Top” event include Celtics managing partner and co-owner Stephen Pagliuca and strength-and- conditioning coach Bryan Doo. The race is sponsored by Normandy Real Estate Partners and Boston Properties.	Advertisement
Boston website launches hotel search engine for reserving blocks of rooms A new Boston-based travel website is aiming to take the hassle out of booking a block of hotel rooms for meetings, family reunions, weddings, sports teams, and other group getaways. Groupize.com, which launches today, allows users to search for and reserve up to 25 rooms at once at more than 25,000 hotels across the country. The person making the reservation can designate the type of group and if guests will need meeting space or meals at the hotel, then invite guests to customize the type of room they want and pay with their own credit cards.
CHR: Renters snap up new apartments in Norwood Chestnut Hill Realty, a real estate company also known as CHR, said it was able to lease 54 new apartments in Norwood within three months of those apartments going on the market, another sign of a tight rental market in Greater Boston. During the fourth quarter of 2011, the vacancy rate for the local rental market dropped to a nine-year low of 4 percent, and rents were at record highs.
iRobot is launching new emerging technology division Bedford-based iRobot Corp. is implementing a reorganization that will create a new emerging technology division at the company, in addition to the more established businesses focusing on home robots like the Roomba and military robots like the Packbot. The company is also naming a new chief operating officer: Jeff Beck. Chief executive Colin Angle says that no jobs will be lost as part of the reorg. The company laid off about 55 employees last October, anticipating a drop in its military revenues.
State Street investor confidence index falls An investor confidence index maintained by State Street Global Markets posted a February reading of 86.5, down 6.1 points from January’s revised level of 92.6. The decline was steepest among North American investors, whose confidence fell 9.5 points to 80.5, its lowest reading in more than three years, said State Street Global Markets, the investment research and trading arm of State Street Corp. Headquartered in Boston, State Street is a financial services company.
Staples 4Q net income rises 3 percent Staples Inc., the office-supply giant based in Framingham, said its fourth quarter net income increased 3 percent on a year-over-year basis to $284 million. Fourth quarter sales rose 1 percent to $6.5 billion when compared with the same period a year ago, Staples said in a press release. For the full year of 2011, company sales increased 2 percent to $25 billion. Net income rose 12 percent to $985 million.
Betty White and Slash star in new LA Zoo ads from Allen & Gerritsen Watertown ad agency Allen & Gerritsen said that TV ads it created to promote the Los Angeles Zoo’s “Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles” exhibit are ready to air. While the reptiles and amphibians are the stars, the ads cast actress Betty White and Slash in important supporting roles. (Rock ‘n’ roller Slash may be best known for his work with the band Guns N’ Roses.) The marketing campaign looks to build and expand the exhibit’s awareness through efforts that include TV, video, print, and out-of-home media.
Alere agrees to buy eScreen Alere Inc., a Waltham-based company that provides health management services, said today that it has agreed to buy eScreen Inc., a technology firm that specializes in toxicology screening and employee health products and services. The purchase price is $270 million and potential additional payments of up to $70 million, Alere said. Kansas-based eScreen had 2011 revenues of about $120 million. Among the services it offers are urine drug screens.
One United Bank takes steps to foreclose on Roxbury church More than a year into a legal battle with a famous black Boston church, OneUnited Bank is taking steps to foreclose on the Charles Street African Methodist Episcopal Church, its customer of several years. OneUnited last week ran a notice in a Boston newspaper announcing that it plans to auction off the historic Roxbury church. That was how the church learned of the bank’s intentions, said the Rev. Gregory G. Groover Sr.
Sanofi leader to address BC’s Chief Executives’ Club Christopher Viehbacher, chief executive of French drug maker Sanofi SA, is scheduled to be the keynote speaker at Boston College’s Chief Executives’ Club of Boston luncheon March 6. Last year, Sanofi acquired Cambridge-based Genzyme Corp., one of the largest biotechnology companies in Massachusetts, for $20.1 billion. Besides an update on the Genzyme purchase, Viehbacher is scheduled to discuss current and future innovations in the world-wide pharmaceutical and health care industry.
Massachusetts economy expected to grow modestly, but risks loom, economists say The Massachusetts economy should grow modestly this year and slowly bring down the unemployment -- provided energy prices and the European debt crisis don’t spin out of control, a group of leading local economists said. The economists noted a number improving indicators that suggest the economic recovery will remain on track. Unemployment is down, production is up, and national economy is on the mend. But events beyond the state’s borders could derail the state’s recovery.
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To ensure you receive your Boston.com e-mails, please add newsletters@boston.com to your address book. If you have trouble reading this e-mail, go to http://www.boston.com/news/daily_headlines/. Daily Headlines Feb. 29, 2012 NEWS SPORTS MOST POPULAR Features News Analysis: Super Tuesday knockout appears unlikely Romney wins in Ariz., Mich., repels Santorum challenge Leapers celebrate special birthday Seafood sustainability confounds chefs N.E. Aquarium’s approved fish list What fish are selling Mormons baptized slain reporter Pearl More News » Sports Stopped cold On hockey: Injured regulars sorely missed Bruins’ Corvo aware of crowded blue line NHL: Toronto, Wilson feeling the heat Celtics 86, Cavs 83: Celtics regain control Return of Bass adds offensive dimension Red Sox: Praise piled on Varitek’s plate On baseball: Valentine already has critics Red Sox’ Albers looking for consistency More Sports » ADVERTISEMENT Looking to catch the next big game in town? Search from a wide range of Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics and Patriots seats in our exclusive ticket section powered by Ace Ticket. For the best seats to any sporting event in Boston, go to Boston.com Tickets. Most E-Mailed Nyiragongo Crater: Journey to the Center of the World Gerd Ludwig's iRobot re-org aims to enable company to dedicate more resources to emerging applications The twilight of the color photograph More Most E-Mailed » Features Thieves take Miss Wash. crown, sash, car In History: ‘Sgt. Pepper’s‘ wins Grammy More Features » ADVERTISEMENT Boston Globe Special Offer Special offer: 99¢ for Sunday home delivery, and get complete access to BostonGlobe.com for free!

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Tue. Feb. 28, 2012 Alere agrees to buy eScreen Alere Inc., a Waltham-based company that provides health management services, said today that it has agreed to buy eScreen Inc., a technology firm that specializes in toxicology screening and employee health products and services. The purchase price is $270 million and potential additional payments of up to $70 million, Alere said. Kansas-based eScreen had 2011 revenues of about $120 million. Among the services it offers are urine drug screens.	Advertisement
One United Bank takes steps to foreclose on Roxbury church More than a year into a legal battle with a famous black Boston church, OneUnited Bank is taking steps to foreclose on the Charles Street African Methodist Episcopal Church, its customer of several years. OneUnited last week ran a notice in a Boston newspaper announcing that it plans to auction off the historic Roxbury church. That was how the church learned of the bank’s intentions, said the Rev. Gregory G. Groover Sr.
Sanofi leader to address BC’s Chief Executives’ Club Christopher Viehbacher, chief executive of French drug maker Sanofi SA, is scheduled to be the keynote speaker at Boston College’s Chief Executives’ Club of Boston luncheon March 6. Last year, Sanofi acquired Cambridge-based Genzyme Corp., one of the largest biotechnology companies in Massachusetts, for $20.1 billion. Besides an update on the Genzyme purchase, Viehbacher is scheduled to discuss current and future innovations in the world-wide pharmaceutical and health care industry.
Massachusetts economy expected to grow modestly, but risks loom, economists say The Massachusetts economy should grow modestly this year and slowly bring down the unemployment -- provided energy prices and the European debt crisis don’t spin out of control, a group of leading local economists said. The economists noted a number improving indicators that suggest the economic recovery will remain on track. Unemployment is down, production is up, and national economy is on the mend. But events beyond the state’s borders could derail the state’s recovery.
Galvin fines State Street unit $5m Massachusetts Secretary of State William F. Galvin said he has fined a unit of State Street Corp. $5 million for its role in a mortgage-backed debt obligation. State Street is a Boston-based financial services company. According to Galvin’s office, State Street Global Advisors failed to disclose a hedge-fund’s involvement in a $1.56 billion collateralized debt obligation known as Carina CDO Ltd. State Street acted as the investment manager of Carina.
Biogen Idec submits FDA application for promising MS drug Biogen Idec Inc., a Weston-based biotechnology company known for its multiple sclerosis drugs, said it has submitted a New Drug Application to federal regulators to get approval to market a potential new MS treatment known as BG-12. In December, Biogen Idec shares hit their high for 2011 when the company released promising results from a clinical trial of BG-12. BG-12 would be taken twice a day in pill form, and it is designed to treat the most common form of MS.
January sales rise for single-family homes in Massachusetts, but prices slip Massachusetts sales for single-family homes increased just over 3 percent to 2,425 last month, the highest January total since 2007, the Warren Group reported this morning. But median prices in January dropped 3.7 percent to $260,000 on a year-to-year comparison basis. January was the fifth consecutive month that median home prices have been below $300,000, the firm added. In the Massachusetts condo market, the volume of sales fell in January, dropping 4.3 percent to 903.
Samsonite expects European travel market to ‘go back slightly’ Samsonite International SA, the world’s largest maker of branded luggage, expects the European travel market to retreat in the first six months of the year and then begin to recover. “Maybe in the first half it will go back slightly but I think in the second half of this year and next year, things will get better,” chairman Tim Parker said in an interview in London yesterday. “I’m not pessimistic about Europe and I think we’re probably over the worst in terms of the credit crunch.”
New Panasonic TV’s use Nuance technology to respond to voice commands Nuance Communications Inc. of Burlington is getting into the television business. The company, a leader in speech recognition software, has signed a deal with Japan’s Panasonic Corp. to add its Dragon TV speech control technology to Panasonic’s Viera TV line. Panasonic has begun shipping sets with Dragon TV to customers in Europe; the company has not announced when similar sets will be available in the United States.
Bridal-gown event could evoke Filene’s Basement deja vu Even though the famous Filene’s Basement wedding dress sale “Running of the Brides” is no more, local brides can still get a chance to buy discounted wedding dresses this year. Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries and Lasell College are hosting “Brides on a Budget,” an event that will display high-end wedding dresses for sale starting at $100. The event was held for the first time in 2009, and will happen again this Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m., at the Goodwill headquarters at 1010 Harrison Ave. in Boston.
New York regulators probe State Street foreign exchange practices State Street Corp. said the attorney general in New York and the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York has made inquiries into its foreign exchange business. Boston-based State Street was the first bank sued for alleged overcharging in foreign exchange, in what has become a nationwide probe. In October 2009, the attorney general in California sued State Street on behalf of the state’s two largest public pension plans for $56 million in alleged overcharges from 2001 to 2009.
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Daily Headlines

To ensure you receive your Boston.com e-mails, please add newsletters@boston.com to your address book. If you have trouble reading this e-mail, go to http://www.boston.com/news/daily_headlines/. Daily Headlines Feb. 28, 2012 NEWS SPORTS MOST POPULAR Features News Rivals trade last jabs on eve of Mich., Ariz. primaries Santorum courts Mich. Dems Romney predicts wins Impact of GOP primary discord is debatable Tax deal reduces funds for hospitals Shaughnessy: Gonzalez a sweet-swinging, quiet star Pitching plans put into motion 2011 keeps coming up Varitek to retire Prosecutors to probe police shooting Walgreens plans large downtown emporium More News » Sports Fulfilling day for Bruins Bruins add depth, experience at deadline Bruins: Boychuk has a concussion NHL trades: Canucks toughen up US, Canada leagues push to end fighting There’s a catch with Welker, Patriots NFL combine: Kuechly shows his skills Celtics try to get back in the mix Daytona 500: Kenseth survives marathon Daytona 500: Patrick slowed from start Olympics: Rome’s decision on the money Super 8: St. John’s (S), Central Catholic win More Sports » ADVERTISEMENT Looking to catch the next big game in town? Search from a wide range of Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics and Patriots seats in our exclusive ticket section powered by Ace Ticket. For the best seats to any sporting event in Boston, go to Boston.com Tickets. Most E-Mailed Gerd Ludwig's 2 new Single Batch beers from Sam Adams Estate Planning Update Bruins acquire Brian Rolston, Mike Mottau from Islanders More Most E-Mailed » Features Weather: Tricky forecast for Wednesday More seeking dental treatment at the ER Today in history: Calif. gold rush begins More Features » ADVERTISEMENT Boston Globe Special Offer Special offer: 99¢ for Sunday home delivery, and get complete access to BostonGlobe.com for free!

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Mon. Feb. 27, 2012 New Panasonic TV’s use Nuance technology to respond to voice commands Nuance Communications Inc. of Burlington is getting into the television business. The company, a leader in speech recognition software, has signed a deal with Japan’s Panasonic Corp. to add its Dragon TV speech control technology to Panasonic’s Viera TV line. Panasonic has begun shipping sets with Dragon TV to customers in Europe; the company has not announced when similar sets will be available in the United States.	Advertisement
Bridal-gown event could evoke Filene’s Basement deja vu Even though the famous Filene’s Basement wedding dress sale “Running of the Brides” is no more, local brides can still get a chance to buy discounted wedding dresses this year. Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries and Lasell College are hosting “Brides on a Budget,” an event that will display high-end wedding dresses for sale starting at $100. The event was held for the first time in 2009, and will happen again this Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m., at the Goodwill headquarters at 1010 Harrison Ave. in Boston.
New York regulators probe State Street foreign exchange practices State Street Corp. said the attorney general in New York and the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York has made inquiries into its foreign exchange business. Boston-based State Street was the first bank sued for alleged overcharging in foreign exchange, in what has become a nationwide probe. In October 2009, the attorney general in California sued State Street on behalf of the state’s two largest public pension plans for $56 million in alleged overcharges from 2001 to 2009.
Dunkin’ adds Angus Steak & Egg to breakfast sandwich line-up Dunkin’ Donuts is adding a Angus Steak & Egg Sandwich to its breakfast sandwich line-up. The new entree features a toasted onion bagel topped with Angus beef, an egg, and melted American cheese; it will be offered for a limited time at participating Dunkin’ restaurants, the chain said. Folks chowing down on the Angus Steak & Egg will be eating “Like a Boss,” Dunkin’ suggests, and “Like a Boss” is a theme of a Facebook marketing effort that promotes the new sandwich.
Mass. gas prices rise 8 cents a gallon The average price for gas in Massachusetts is $3.689 a gallon in the latest weekly survey from AAA, up 8 cents from the previous week’s average, AAA Southern New England said. It is the 10th straight week of increases; the average is now 21 cents a gallon higher than a month ago, AAA Southern New England said. One reason for the rise in prices is concern about Iran shutting off its oil supply in retaliation for sanctions against its nuclear program.
Fidelity launches new ad campaign Fidelity Investments is launching its first all-digital marketing campaign. For several years, Fidelity has aired its so-called “Green Line” campaign. In TV ads, investors can follow a “green line” that guides them to good investment choices. The new digital marketing effort is dubbed “Thinking Big,” and it’s designed to complement the “Green Line” campaign and delve into subjects not easily addressed in a 30-second TV ad.
Adrian Gonzalez, Eastern Bank renew endorsement deal Red Sox slugger Adrian Gonzalez is re-upping as a pitchman for Eastern Bank, the Boston-based bank said today. Gonzalez and Eastern Bank will work together for a second consecutive year as part of an endorsement agreement that includes a charitable partnership and personal appearances as well as star turns in TV and online ads, the bank said. As part of last season’s agreement, Gonzalez and Eastern Bank donated $80,000 to eight Habitat for Humanity affiliates across Eastern Massachusetts.
Study: Many retirees die nearly broke About 57 percent of elderly people living alone have less than $10,000 in financial assets when they die. That’s according to the summary of a recent research study that was posted on the blog of the Financial Security Project at Boston College. Much of the focus on retirement has been on how much Americans have accumulated as they enter retirement. But a team that included economists James Poterba at MIT, Steven Venti at Dartmouth, and David Wise at Harvard concentrated on where retirees wind up financially.
Brockton retirement board confirms probe by AG Martha Coakley The head of the Brockton Retirement Board confirmed that Attorney General Martha Coakley’s office has been looking into the pension fund’s investment in an Oppenheimer private equity fund since last fall. Harold Hanna, executive director of the $311 million Brockton Retirement Board, said Coakley’s office requested a number of documents from him, including Oppenheimer’s response to a request for proposal and various investment reports the group has received since committing $5 million to the Oppenheimer Global Resource Private Equity Fund in March 2010.
FDIC: OneUnited Bank agrees to pay $4k civil penalty OneUnited Bank has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $4,000 in a consent agreement with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., the regulator announced today. The Boston bank, one of the largest minority-owned institutions in the country, was accused of violations of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act. OneUnited has been struggling since incurring large investment losses in the financial crisis and still owes the government $12 million in federal bailout funds.
Start-up developing new battery technology nets $12k in MIT contest SolidEnergy, a start-up focused on battery technology, won $12,000 in prizes after beating out 28 teams of semi-finalists during the inaugural MIT ACCELERATE Contest. SolidEnergy’s strong performance was based on its concept for a battery that would be superior to a regular lithium-ion battery. SolidEnergy’s prototype has potential applications for use in electric vehicles, biomedical devices, and oil-drilling equipment. SolidEnergy won the $10,000 Daniel M. Lewis Grand Prize along with a $2,000 Audience Choice Award.
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Daily Headlines

To ensure you receive your Boston.com e-mails, please add newsletters@boston.com to your address book. If you have trouble reading this e-mail, go to http://www.boston.com/news/daily_headlines/. Daily Headlines Feb. 27, 2012 NEWS SPORTS MOST POPULAR Features News Romney scrambles in Mich. ‘The Artist’ triumphs at the Oscars A Crystal ball on a night of nostalgia Fashion hits and misses TV gets social, thanks to Web More News » Sports Back for more Red Sox: Lester working on his moves Shaughnessy: Alcohol ban a lot to drink in Nationals’ Zimmerman gets $100m more Celtics’ Paul Pierce heckles Kobe Bryant NBA All-Stars: Durant, West are the best Bruins hope to do last-minute shopping Daytona 500 postponed by rain Daytona 500: Tuning up for restart NFL Combine: BC’ Kuechly checks out fine Vonn sets a career record in super-G More Sports » ADVERTISEMENT Looking to catch the next big game in town? Search from a wide range of Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics and Patriots seats in our exclusive ticket section powered by Ace Ticket. For the best seats to any sporting event in Boston, go to Boston.com Tickets. Most E-Mailed With warming predicted, new center at UMass to study climate change High winds leave thousands without power; ferries canceled Estate Planning Update Ben and Jerry’s joins Greek yogurt craze More Most E-Mailed » Features How to talk to doctors about how you’ll die Q&A: Doctor on treating Giffords’s aphasia Why are so many foods gluten-free now? ‘Gone’ only goes so far Today in history: Battle of the Java Sea More Features » ADVERTISEMENT Boston Globe Special Offer Special offer: 99¢ for Sunday home delivery, and get complete access to BostonGlobe.com for free!

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To ensure you receive your Boston.com e-mails, please add newsletters@boston.com to your address book. If you have trouble reading this e-mail, go to http://www.boston.com/news/daily_headlines/. Daily Headlines Feb. 26, 2012 NEWS SPORTS MOST POPULAR Features News Officers in Beverly killing arranged their meeting Special needs preschoolers on rise in city 1/22: The autism label controversy: A child’s view How to choose the right summer camp Some summer camp traditions never go out of style It’s not too early to plan for tax changes Fewer changes in 2011, but plenty that may affect returns More News » Sports Bruins fight for victory Bruins quiet as NHL trading deadline nears Paul Pierce is championship-driven Red Sox ban alcohol in clubhouse Shaughnessy: Henry’s chatter less Sox left fielder Crawford gets a lot done Sox owners take blame for 2011 collapse NFL: Safety concerns changing the position Wake Forest roughs up BC, 85-56 Another 20-win season for Vermont men Tony Stewart still riding high after NASCAR More Sports » ADVERTISEMENT Looking to catch the next big game in town? Search from a wide range of Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics and Patriots seats in our exclusive ticket section powered by Ace Ticket. For the best seats to any sporting event in Boston, go to Boston.com Tickets. Most E-Mailed Software can lead to happy tax returns - The Boston Globe Consumer watchdog assessing overdraft fee practices - The Boston Globe Haverhill Journal: On Thursday nights, rolling back the years G20 Protests in Toronto More Most E-Mailed » Features Local author readings Feb. 26-March 3 Globe Home of the Week Today in history: Napoleon escapes exile More Features » ADVERTISEMENT Boston Globe Special Offer Special offer: 99¢ for Sunday home delivery, and get complete access to BostonGlobe.com for free!

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To ensure you receive your Boston.com e-mails, please add newsletters@boston.com to your address book. If you have trouble reading this e-mail, go to http://www.boston.com/news/daily_headlines/. Daily Headlines Feb. 25, 2012 NEWS SPORTS MOST POPULAR Features News Police sergeant dead after allegedly shooting officer Housing is taking bigger bite of income Debate at BU extends to safety Vacationers finding the fun of winter where they can despite lack of snow 2 Upper Crust franchises shut down More News » Sports Sabres foil Rask, Bruins Bruins’ Seguin playing all-around game Morales feeling better with Red Sox Sox hope Carpenter has game, too Rondo determined to lead Celtics to top Gasper: Patriots need receiver help Patriots’ Gronkowski spikes criticism NFL Combine: Luck thinks Manning is tops Harvard rallies to beat Princeton 67-64 College hockey: BC blanks Friars College hockey: Merrimack ends skid East Boston boys win City League title Fenway girls defeat O’Bryant for city title More Sports » ADVERTISEMENT Looking to catch the next big game in town? Search from a wide range of Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics and Patriots seats in our exclusive ticket section powered by Ace Ticket. For the best seats to any sporting event in Boston, go to Boston.com Tickets. Most E-Mailed A steep roof over their heads - The Boston Globe Brown tries to win over ‘Reagan Democrats’ - The Boston Globe Start-up developing new battery technology nets $12k in MIT contest Forecasters warn of high winds on Saturday More Most E-Mailed » Features Shaughnessy: Ortiz identifies critical error No joy in no-frills Tyler Perry PBS documentary sells Cab a little short More Features » ADVERTISEMENT Boston Globe Special Offer Special offer: 99¢ for Sunday home delivery, and get complete access to BostonGlobe.com for free!

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Fri. Feb. 24, 2012 Brockton retirement board confirms probe by AG Martha Coakley The head of the Brockton Retirement Board confirmed that Attorney General Martha Coakley’s office has been looking into the pension fund’s investment in an Oppenheimer private equity fund since last fall. Harold Hanna, executive director of the $311 million Brockton Retirement Board, said Coakley’s office requested a number of documents from him, including Oppenheimer’s response to a request for proposal and various investment reports the group has received since committing $5 million to the Oppenheimer Global Resource Private Equity Fund in March 2010.	Advertisement
FDIC: OneUnited Bank agrees to pay $4k civil penalty OneUnited Bank has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $4,000 in a consent agreement with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., the regulator announced today. The Boston bank, one of the largest minority-owned institutions in the country, was accused of violations of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act. OneUnited has been struggling since incurring large investment losses in the financial crisis and still owes the government $12 million in federal bailout funds.
Start-up developing new battery technology nets $12k in MIT contest SolidEnergy, a start-up focused on battery technology, won $12,000 in prizes after beating out 28 teams of semi-finalists during the inaugural MIT ACCELERATE Contest. SolidEnergy’s strong performance was based on its concept for a battery that would be superior to a regular lithium-ion battery. SolidEnergy’s prototype has potential applications for use in electric vehicles, biomedical devices, and oil-drilling equipment. SolidEnergy won the $10,000 Daniel M. Lewis Grand Prize along with a $2,000 Audience Choice Award.
Study: Many Mass. households spend more than half their income on housing Nearly a quarter of working households in Massachusetts spend more than half their income on housing, according to a study released today by the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Housing Policy. That is equal to the national average, according to the report based on the latest Census data. Nationwide, housing costs grew between 2008 and 2010 largely because of falling incomes and rising rental costs, the center said.
BAE Systems wins $23m Army contract BAE Systems, a defense contractor with operations in such states as Massachusetts and New Hampshire, said that it has been awarded a $23 million contract to provide the US Army with handheld Laser Target Locator Modules. Work for the contract will be performed at BAE facilities in Lexington; Nashua, N.H.; and Austin, Texas. Each module weighs just under 5.5 pounds, and it incorporates such features as a night-vision camera, a laser range finder, a digital compass, and a GPS receiver.
In a depressed housing market, renters abound The housing market remains a potent drag on the economy as home prices continue to slip, foreclosed homes fill some neighborhoods, and millions of construction workers scramble for jobs. But one group is sitting pretty: landlords. Unlike home prices, rents have been rising, up 2.4 percent in January from a year earlier, according to recent data, not adjusted for inflation, released by the Labor Department. Nationwide, the apartment vacancy rate is down to 5.2 percent, its lowest level in more than a decade,
Hydroid unveils the Remus 100-S, a new automated underwater vehicle Hydroid Inc., a Bourne-based manufacturer of autonomous underwater vehicles, or AUVs, has unveiled a new version of its Remus 100 AUV, the vehicle’s first major upgrade in more than five years. Navies use the Remus 100 to detect underwater mines and improvised explosive devices in areas where the water is shallow. Scientists can also configure the Remus 100 to do research projects. Painted yellow, the Remus 100-S is an evolution of the “man-portable” Remus 100 system that is configured specifically for hydrographic and offshore surveys.
Senator John Kerry urges Congress to act on Internet privacy US Senator John Kerry called President Obama’s proposed online privacy principles “an important statement of priorities” and urged Congress to take action on “common sense rules” that protect consumers. Earlier this week, the Obama administration outlined a set of principles designed to help consumers control the use of their personal data that is gathered during Internet searches. Kerry, a Massachusetts Democrat, said that Obama’s proposal is “wholly consistent” with legislation that he and US Senator John McCain, an Arizona Republican, have been promoting.
US Postal Service plan: Big Boston facility will stay open The US Postal Service’s massive Boston mail processing facility will stay open at its current location under a new plan released today that saves the plant from closure, but affects other centers in Wareham, Waltham, and Shrewsbury. The Boston plant may eventually relocate to elsewhere in the city to make way for the planned expansion of South Station, but no final decisions have been made. Under the plan, the postal service will consolidate operations from central and northwest Massachusetts into the Boston facility, which will gain employees.
Lynch calls it “premature” to tap oil reserve to tamp down gas prices Splitting with some of his Democratic colleagues, US Representative Stephen Lynch said today that he doesn’t favor releasing oil crude from the country’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve to try to drive down gas prices. In addition, Lynch joined the chorus of Republicans and Democrats who called for overhauling the tax system, but said it might be difficult to broker a deal between Republicans and Democrats, partly because it’s an election year.
Katherine Bowdish is the new president of Permeon Biologics Permeon Biologics Inc. announced the appointment of Katherine S. Bowdish to the positions of president and chief scientific officer. The top managment positions at the Cambridge company are president and executive chairman, and Bowdish has assumed the day-to-date duties of leading Permeon. She has also been appointed to the company’s board. John Edwards is the company’s executive chairman. Permeon is looking to leverage its understanding of intracellular protein biologics to develop new treatments for diseases.
ADVERTISEMENT Looking to catch the next big game in town? Search from a wide range of Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics and Patriots seats in our exclusive ticket section powered by Ace Ticket. For the best seats to any sporting event in Boston, go to Boston.com Tickets.