By Derek J. Anderson, Globe Correspondent A Dorchester man pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court to four counts of arson, federal prosecutors said. Jose L. Baez, 40, set fire to a Whole Foods Market in Cambridge on Dec. 26, 2008, to Jamaica Plain Auto Body in Boston’s Jamaica Plain neighborhood on April 29, 2009, a brownstone building in the Back Bay neighborhood on July 31, 2009, and a three-family residence in the Roslindale neighborhood on Aug. 9, 2010, all buildings that he had connections to, the US attorney’s office in Boston said in a statement. Baez, who had previously Continue reading >>>

The third annual Boston Equestrian Classic will host some of the top equestrians on the beautiful Myopia Hunt Club show grounds in historic Hamilton, Sept. 6-7. The World Class show jumping competition begins on Thursday, Sept. 6, with competitors vying for more than $83,000 in prize money culminating on Sunday, Sept. 9, with the Donald V. Little $35,000 Grand Prix. Coming on the heels of the exciting equestrian events at the 2012 Olympics, the Boston Equestrian Classic will feature some of the world’s best athletes including Leslie Burr Howard, winner of Olympic Silver and Gold medals; Continue reading >>>

The state Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight Hearing held a fact-finding hearing today to investigate the granting of tax incentives to businesses to spur job creation and retention. The committee heard testimony about the need for greater transparency and evaluation of such incentives and for remedies to ensure that taxpayers’ money is used effectively. Witnesses included Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development Secretary Greg Bialecki, the Executive Office of Administration and Finance General Counsel David Sullivan, Noah Berger of the Massachusetts Budget and Public Policy Continue reading >>>

WASHINGTON (MNI) - The following is the second and final part of the text of the Beige Book survey of economic conditions in the Federal Reserve's First District, published Wednesday: Staffing Services New England staffing firms generally report lighter-than-expected volumes through mid-August, with most contacts characterizing business as "slow" or "flat." The May-to-August dip reportedly reflects a softening of demand for office and clerical assistants and light industrial workers. Nevertheless, year-over-year revenue changes in the second quarter remained largely Continue reading >>>

TPC Boston's New 18th Green Set to Make Things More Interesting at 2012 Deutsche Bank Championship (Video) Even if the local teams played poorly over the last 10 years, sports fans could still count on the playoffs rolling through the Greater Boston area each year. That's because the Deutsche Bank Championship, a staple at TPC Boston since 2003, is coming to town Labor Day weekend. But this year's tournament is set to be a grand affair, as things Continue reading >>>

The Container Store plans to bring 80 jobs to Peabody with the opening of its third Greater Boston store at the Northshore Mall in October. With assistance from its majority owner, private equity firm Leonard Green Partners, The Container Store is in the midst of a major national expansion. The Coppell, Texas-based company said it aims to have as many as five stores in the region, including Continue reading >>>