Bronx NYC fire ’caused by child playing’
A three year old playing with a cooker started the blaze that killed 12 people, officials believe. BBC News – US & Canada
Craig Taylor
Mortgage approvals ‘lowest for over a year’
The number of new mortgages being approved in November was the lowest since August 2016, the industry says BBC News – Business
Syria child evacuees may be used as bargaining chips, UN warns
The UN says sick children from a rebel enclave near Damascus should not be used to trade prisoners. BBC News – Middle East
Ukraine crisis: Exchange of hundreds of prisoners takes place
It was one of the biggest swaps of prisoners since the conflict in eastern Ukraine began in 2014. BBC News – Europe
Peru’s culture minister resigns after Fujimori pardon
The Peruvian president’s decision to pardon the jailed ex-leader has also triggered protests. BBC News – Latin America & Caribbean
UK enjoyed ‘greenest year for electricity ever’ in 2017
Renewables provided more electricity than coal for 90% of year, National Grid figures show. BBC News – UK