US to open ?new chapter? with Cuba

The deal to restore diplomatic relations came after 18 months of back-channel talks hosted by Canada and encouraged by Pope Francis.

ty burr

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2014/12/17/BostonGlobe.com/Lifestyle/Images/76f16b6960174db3a3bcfd873892da4f-76f16b6960174db3a3bcfd873892da4f-0.jpg Sony may set risky precedent by canceling movie

With its decision to not release ?The Interview,? Sony may have emboldened other people bent on threats and intimidation.

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2014/12/17/BostonGlobe.com/Metro/Images/caret150-7703.jpg UMass president Robert Caret to resign

Caret has been appointed to lead the University of Maryland system, officials in Maryland announced.

Delivery firms vow to avoid holiday delays

Companies are trying to avoid a repeat of last year?s debacle, when more than one million packages weren?t delivered in time for Christmas.

US Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz said at a news conference at her offices at the courthouse that the case was an ?unprecedented national tragedy.?

Sweeping federal indictment targets pharmacy in deaths

The outbreak case that killed at least 64 people is an ?unprecedented national tragedy,? US Attorney Carmen Ortiz said.

Stem cell scientist sues Harvard over misconduct investigation

One of Dr. Piero Anversa?s papers investigating the heart?s ability to regenerate itself was retracted earlier this year.

After hearing the news from Washington, Ida Lopez, 79, took out a

Cubans in Boston hope diplomatic thaw signals real change

?You don?t know freedom until you lose it,? said Sixto Lopez, who once worked for the Education Ministry in Cuba.

Rendering of Tremont Crossing. (Cambridge Seven Associates, Inc.)

MassDOT ponders a move from downtown to Roxbury

The blockbuster deal would shake up the real estate markets in both neighborhoods.

Nathaniel Kibby.

N.H. kidnap suspect?s alleged crimes detailed in indictment

Nathaniel Kibby faces more than 200 charges, including sexual assault, for allegedly kidnapping a 14-year-old girl and imprisoning her for nine months.

Mayor Martin Walsh spoke at an event about Boston?s Olympic bid Oct. 6.

Boston?s Olympic bid would set stage for city?s 400th anniversary

Development needed for the 2024 Games would complement planning for Boston?s 400th anniversary in 2030, officials say.

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2014/10/31/BostonGlobe.com/Sports/Images/Patriots_003A.jpg Patriots put top draft pick Dominique Easley on injured reserve

The 29th overall pick in the 2014 draft will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Stephen Collins played Rev. Eric Camden on ?7th Heaven.?

Stephen Collins reportedly admits to sexual abuse

Actor Stephen Collins, beset by allegations that he sexually abused young girls, has reportedly admitted for the first time, in an essay, that there were three victims.

Market Basket film, funded by fans, will retell the saga

A Portsmouth, N.H., filmmaker is hoping a second wave of public support will help pay for a documentary about the struggle that riveted New England for weeks.

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 03: A Dunkin' Donuts employee displays a fresh tray of

Dunkin? says croissant doughnuts will stay on menu

The coffee-and-donuts chain said it will continue selling its best-selling croissant doughnut into 2015 in response to demand.

Opinion

editorial

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2014/12/17/BostonGlobe.com/EditorialOpinion/Images/714aa68a7be8429fb8b0e73dba976af7-bfe95ddbfc44479abb93b96c9918d93d-0.jpg New US approach on Cuba is a welcome turning point

The US policy conversation can finally focus on half a century of atrocities committed by the island?s totalitarian government.

The Big Picture

A protester takes shelter from smoke billowing around during protests on Aug. 13 against the shooting of black teenager Michael Brown in Freguson, Mo., by white police officer Darren Wilson.

David Carson/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via Associated Press

Best photos of 2014: Part II

Photographs from May-August on a range topics from around the world.