Emily Taylor

Department store chain John Lewis reports strong sales over the Christmas period, but rival Debenhams says its chief financial officer has resigned.
BBC News – Business

The condition of Israeli ex-PM Ariel Sharon – who has been in a coma since 2006 – is now critical, “with some danger to life”, his doctors say.
BBC News – Middle East

People living on the slopes of the Salvadoran volcano Chaparrastique are being evacuated as it continues to spew gas following an eruption on Sunday.
BBC News – Latin America & Caribbean

The French island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean has been put on red alert in preparation for the arrival of cyclone Bejisa.
BBC News – Europe

An average 2.8% increase in rail fares comes into effect on Thursday, pushing the cost of some commuter travel to more than £5,000 a year.
BBC News – UK

Millions of Americans are to receive health insurance cover for the first time as President Obama’s flagship healthcare reforms come into effect.
BBC News – US & Canada

Fighting is continuing in South Sudan, the army tells the BBC, as the warring factions prepare to begin peace talks in Ethiopia.
BBC News – Africa

Coins marking the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the 100th anniversary of the start of World War One will enter circulation in 2014.
BBC News – Business

A UN deadline for Syria to hand over its chemical weapons stockpile looks certain to be missed after the European ships due to collect them turn back.
BBC News – Middle East

The worst heatwave in northern Argentina since records began has killed at least seven people since Christmas Eve.
BBC News – Latin America & Caribbean

Citizens of Romania and Bulgaria can work without restrictions across the European Union after transitional controls end.
BBC News – Europe

All Bulgarian and Romanian citizens will be free to live and work in the UK after temporary controls in place since 2007 come to an end.
BBC News – UK

The US hails the release of the last three Chinese Muslim Uighurs from the US military prison at Guantanamo Bay as a “significant milestone”.
BBC News – US & Canada

Observers say they hope talks between South Sudan’s government and rebels will begin in the near future, but fighting continues to rage.
BBC News – Africa

The head of the CBI, John Cridland, says too many people are “stuck” in minimum wage jobs despite an improvement in the UK economy.
BBC News – Business

Lebanese troops fire at Syrian aircraft crossing into Lebanese airspace, the first time they have taken such action since the conflict in Syria began.
BBC News – Middle East

Buenos Aires officials ask public sector workers to stay at home in an attempt to drive down electricity demand heightened by a heatwave.
BBC News – Latin America & Caribbean

At least 14 people are killed in a blast in the Russian city of Volgograd, in what officials say is the second suicide attack there in two days.
BBC News – Europe

Migrants are to face new charges for some NHS services in England, ministers say, but GP consultations will remain free.
BBC News – UK