Craig Taylor

Cubans react with shock at what some term “crazy” prices as foreign-made cars go on sale for the first time since the 1959 revolution.
BBC News – Latin America & Caribbean

The Russian authorities relax a ban on protest rallies at the Sochi Winter Olympics but set strict conditions for demonstrations.
BBC News – Europe

Dozens of flood warnings remain in place in parts of the UK, with the Environment Agency warning many areas could be at risk into next week.
BBC News – UK

Parts of the US are braced for potentially record-breaking low temperature as an Arctic chill brings more freezing weather to the US and Canada.
BBC News – US & Canada

Direct talks between teams representing the warring parties in South Sudan officially open in Ethiopia, despite earlier fears that the process had run into trouble.
BBC News – Africa

Next shareholders are due for extra payouts after bumper profits leave the retailer with a huge cash pile to distribute.
BBC News – Business

Sunni militants linked to al-Qaeda are reportedly still in control of parts of two cities in western Iraq following days of fierce fighting.
BBC News – Middle East

The Spanish government says it is in talks with Panama and Sacyr, the builder at the heart of a row over a contract to expand the global shipping hub.
BBC News – Latin America & Caribbean

Fans of injured Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher hold a vigil to mark his birthday at the French hospital treating him.
BBC News – Europe

High tides and strong winds lead to flooding in Wales and south-west England as officials warn of a continuing flood threat across the west of the UK.
BBC News – UK

A winter storm has blanketed parts of Canada and the north-eastern US with up to 2ft (61cm) of snow, with dangerously cold temperatures.
BBC News – US & Canada

The number of internally displaced people in the Central African Republic has doubled to 935,000 in a month amid escalating violence, the UN warns.
BBC News – Africa

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