Craig Taylor

Turkey says it is working with Russia on a ceasefire across Syria to take effect before the new year.
BBC News – Middle East

Colombia approves a law offering amnesty to some accused of minor crimes in a decades-long conflict.
BBC News – Latin America & Caribbean

A leading Turkish investigative journalist, Ahmet Sik, is held over social media postings, police say.
BBC News – Europe

Children convicted by courts in England and Wales should be given lifetime anonymity, says a review.
BBC News – UK

Hollywood musical star Debbie Reynolds dies a day after her film star daughter Carrie Fisher.
BBC News – US & Canada

At least 50 people die as heavy floods hit the south-west of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
BBC News – Africa

MIAMI – A first quarter run did the requisite damage.
Oklahoma City Thunder

The American League champion Indians were just one of 15 teams in the AL, and each one had its own Game of the Year. In consultation with the MLB.com beat reporters for every team, here are the best individual […]

Italian lender Monte dei Paschi faces a capital shortfall of €8.8bn, higher than the €5bn previously estimated by the bank.
BBC News – Business

A US air strike reportedly disables the last functioning bridge over the River Tigris in IS-held Mosul.
BBC News – Middle East

Former Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner is charged over corruption allegations.
BBC News – Latin America & Caribbean

Air experts in Russia examine the first of the flight recorders found from Sunday’s plane crash.
BBC News – Europe

Middle-aged people in England face a health crisis because of unhealthy lifestyles, experts warn.
BBC News – UK

Japan’s PM Shinzo Abe visits the site of a devastating 1941 attack on the US Pearl Harbor naval base.
BBC News – US & Canada

Families of 21 Nigerian Chibok girls freed by Boko Haram say the girls are being closely guarded by authorities.
BBC News – Africa

Given that the Thunder is 19-12 so far this season, the best mark in the NBA’s Northwest Division, and the level of excitement around the
Oklahoma City Thunder

The A’s agreed to a Minor League deal with Cuban international free agent Norge Ruiz on Friday, the team announced.
OAK Homepage News

The value of the Bitcoin virtual currency has hit a three-year high with each one now worth about $ 900 (£730).
BBC News – Business

Israel’s prime minister summons the US ambassador amid a growing row over a UN vote on settlements.
BBC News – Middle East

A tsunami alert issued after a powerful earthquake off the coast of Chile has now been lifted.
BBC News – Latin America & Caribbean