Buffalo blizzard: Storm turns city into ‘war zone’
The city’s death toll from severe blizzard conditions soars to 25, about half the nationwide total. BBC News – US & Canada
Craig Taylor
Al-Shabab: 14 Iranian fishermen freed years after abduction
Some of the 14 fishermen were abducted by al-Shabab militants off the Somali coast eight years ago. BBC News – Africa
Workers over 50 encouraged to end early retirement
Older people who have given up work could be offered a “midlife MoT” to entice them back into employment. BBC News – Business
Iran protests: Activist Narges Mohammadi details ‘abuse’ of detained women
Narges Mohammadi writes to the BBC with fellow inmates’ accounts of physical and sexual abuse. BBC News – Middle East
Peru crisis: Family of ousted leader Castillo leaves for Mexico
Mexico grants asylum to family of Pedro Castillo but the ex-president himself remains in detention. BBC News – Latin America & Caribbean
Ukraine war: Zelensky delivers defiant Christmas message after Russian strikes
President Zelensky urges his people to persevere as Russian attacks leave millions without power. BBC News – Europe