Published January 3, 2011

Good Monday morning, and happy new year! Expect sunshine and highs in the 30s today.

The new year in politics starts this week on Beacon Hill. Gov. Deval Patrick opens his second term Thursday with what’s being called a low-key inauguration ceremony.

The number of Republicans in the House doubles — from 16 to 32 — but Democrats gain one seat in the state Senate, expanding their megamajority.

Scott Brown is the Globe’s Bostonian of the Year for 2010. Which has people asking, Scott Brown is a Bostonian?

The Patriots closed their regular season at the top of their game.

From the Herald:

No other team is 14-2. No other team is riding an eight-game winning streak.

No other team has scored 30 points or more in each of its last eight games. No other team has committed as few turnovers. No other team has beaten practically every potential AFC opponent.

No other team has Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.

Pats beat the Miami Dolphins 38-7.

Christmas tree recycling is available in the city of Boston today through Jan. 14.

Instructions from the city: “Remove all ornaments, decorations, and stands from trees and place trees at the curb by 7am on your recycling day. Do not put trees in plastic bags.”

You can look up your recycling day.

If you missed it: Relive the top stories of 2010 in our interactive timeline.