Venezuela crisis: US blacklists Russian oil firm for helping Maduro
The move freezes any US-held assets of Rosneft Trading SA, accused of supporting Venezuela’s leader. BBC News – Latin America & Caribbean
Craig Taylor
Storm Dennis: Fears for Severn towns amid fresh flood warnings
Residents in communities on the river are being evacuated as water threatens to top flood defences. BBC News – UK
Rod Blagojevich: Why did Trump just free a jailed Democrat?
Even the president’s fellow Republicans disavowed his move to show mercy to the infamous ex-governor. BBC News – US & Canada
University of Ghana lecturers suspended after ‘sex-for-grades’ exposé
Undercover filming showed the Ghanaian academics breaching university policies on sexual harassment. BBC News – Africa
Israeli soldiers duped by Hamas ‘fake women’ phone ruse
Hamas militants hacked dozens of smartphones by posing as female admirers, Israel’s military says. BBC News – Middle East
Laura Ashley appeals for funding as sales fall 10%
The British retailer warns it will “consider all appropriate options” if it cannot raise the extra money. BBC News – Business