News Headlines - 17 December 2014

▽U.S., Cuba restore ties after 50 years | Reuters

The United States and Cuba agreed on Wednesday to restore diplomatic ties that Washington severed more than 50 years ago, and President Barack Obama called for an end to the long economic embargo against its old Cold War enemy.

▽U.S. Concludes North Korea Is Behind Sony Hack - WSJ

U.S. officials have concluded North Korea is behind the hacking attack on Sony Pictures, elevating the issue from a question of corporate security to national security, according to people familiar with the investigation.

▽Pakistan school attack: Taliban kill 145 - CNN.com

As Pakistan started three days of national mourning Wednesday, the Taliban said they targeted a school that mostly admits soldiers' children because the students aspired to follow in their fathers' footsteps and target militants.

▽BBC News - First female bishop named as the Reverend Libby Lane

Reverend Libby Lane has been announced as the first female bishop for the Church of England, just a month after a historic change to canon law.

▽Nigel Pearson accepts FA charge for fan rant | Daily Star

The 51-year-old has refused to apologise for his foul-mouthed response to criticism during the 3-1 defeat to Liverpool earlier this month.
But he has now acknowledged that he used "abusive and/or insulting words towards a spectator" and has requested a personal hearing on a date to be decided.