Theo Epstein accepts Cubs deal

Theo Epstein

Elise Amendola/AP

Two team sources confirmed that Epstein has agreed to a five-year contract believed to be worth $15 million, and he will officially leave the Red Sox before the end of the week.

With their clubhouse hbehavior, pitchers Josh Beckett, John Lackey, and John Lester violated unwritten rules about supporting teammates in the dugout

Inside the collapse of the Red Sox

The indifference of pitchers Josh Beckett, John Lackey, and Jon Lester - who allegedly drank beer and ate fried chicken in the clubhouse during games - was a key reason for the team’s failures, team sources said.

Heating bills expected to hit record high

Households that heat with oil are expected to spend nearly $200 more than last year, according to a forecast released today.

Paramount Pictures

Exclusive Thursday Preview | MOVIE REVIEW

‘Footloose’ not the guilty pleasure of ‘80s original

The movie, directed by Craig Brewer, paddles Kenny Wormald between shots that seem stolen, albeit with love, from the original.

MOVIE REVIEW

‘Savage Memory’ presents a study of island culture

This documentary from Boston-area filmmaker Zachary Stuart feels like unfinished business.

Metro

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Boston public housing going smoke-free in 2012

About 25,000 tenants will receive letters announcing that their buildings will be smoke-free and that they will have to agree to the new policy when they sign their annual leases.

Politics

Campaign 2012

Rivals focus on Romney in N.H. debate

GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney, who has proven to be a consistent presence at the top of the polls, did little to damage his campaign’s recent momentum.

Sports

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PATRIOTS MIDWEEK REPORT

The Cowboys are putting up 417.8 yards per game, good for fifth in the league.

Cowboys offense a big challenge for Patriots

What the Patriots likely will try to do is continue their theme of limiting the big play and make the Cowboys go on lengthy, time-consuming drives.

Arts

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BOOK REVIEW

‘Lightning Rods’ by Helen DeWitt

DeWitt’s new novel traces a con man’s scheme for greater worker productivity: prostitutes.