S Sudan urged to release prisoners
The UN Security Council calls on President Salva Kiir to free political prisoners in the hope of bringing about a ceasefire in South Sudan with rebels led by his former vice-president. BBC News – Africa
Craig Taylor
US job growth in surprise slowdown
The US economy created only 74,000 jobs in December, less than forecast, with many Americans giving up looking for work, latest figures show. BBC News – Business
Syria rebel clashes ‘kill hundreds’
Almost 500 people have been killed in clashes between Syrian rebels and the al-Qaeda-linked Islamist State in Iraq and the Levant, activists say. BBC News – Middle East
Colombia halts Drummond coal loading
Colombia suspends the loading of coal by US-based mining company Drummond after it failed to abide by stricter rules aimed at preventing pollution. BBC News – Latin America & Caribbean
Met PC admits ‘plebgate’ misconduct
A Metropolitan Police officer admits misconduct in public office over the “plebgate” affair and will offer to resign from the force. BBC News – UK
US chemical spill hits water supply
About 300,000 people in the US state of West Virginia are warned not to drink tap water after a chemical spill into a river near the state capital. BBC News – US & Canada