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Massachusetts gets 'No Child Left Behind' waiver

The state today was granted an exemption from the federal law, a move sought to give educators flexibility in helping the state's troubled schools. (Globe, 10:13 a.m.)

States, banks reach $25b foreclosure deal

Federal officials say the five largest mortgage lenders have settled with 49 states over abuses that took place after the housing bubble burst. (AP, 11:29 a.m.)

Patriots players to keep...or dump

Patriots players to keep...or dump
The Super Bowl hangover lingers, but decisions are looming on players with expiring contracts, like Wes Welker. Tell us who should stay and who should go.

Church takes action against Little League coach accused of luring teens on Internet

A Winchester Catholic church said it placed Raymond McAllister on leave after the worker was arraigned on charges of enticing teens into sex acts. (Globe, 11:02 a.m.)
Joey's long legacy
Brian McGrory

Joey’s long legacy

Behind the FDA approval announcement for the cystic fibrosis drug Kalydeco is a human narrative, a quarter century in the making, of loss, hope, and triumph. (Boston Globe)

Fees for closing accounts draw attention

Many banks across the country, including several in Mass., are charging customers if they close an account within several months of opening it. (Globe)

Local

  • 2 suspects in Boston massacre seek dismissal

    Two men charged in connection with the fatal shootings of four people, including a 2-year-old boy, on a Boston street in 2010 have asked a judge to dismiss charges just days before their trials are scheduled to start. (AP, 6:48 a.m.)

Nation

  • McCain: US must act to help Syrians under siege

    Sen. John McCain says the United States should find ways to help the Syrian people under siege from President Bashar Assad, without putting American "boots on the ground." (AP, 7:39 a.m.)

World

  • Gorbachev: Putin has 'exhausted' his potential

    Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has "exhausted" his potential as Russia's leader, Mikhail Gorbachev declared Thursday, saying Putin's inability to change the Kremlin's political system might prompt more massive anti-government protests. (Associated Press, 10:40 a.m.)

Education

Science

  • Life in Antarctic lake? It's everywhere else

    If scientists find microbes in a frigid lake two miles beneath the thick ice of Antarctica, it will illustrate once again that somehow life finds a way to survive in the strangest and harshest places. (AP Science Writer, 2:10 a.m.)
The Big Picture
Fighting in Syria continues

Fighting in Syria continues

The 11-month-old uprising against the country’s regime led by President Bashar al-Assad continues after Russia has stepped in to promote talks between the two sides.

On BostonGlobe.com

Driven by loss, father inspires tireless pursuit of a cure

Joey O’Donnell’s death from cystic fibrosis led to an unusual collaboration between his father, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, and the ...

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