North America deep freeze to ease
The deep freeze that has left people in North America shivering for days, shattering century-old temperature records, is set to loosen its icy grip. BBC News – US & Canada
Craig Taylor
CAR leader’s future in balance
Central African Republic interim leader Michel Djotodia is expected to face pressure to step down when he attends a regional summit in Chad. BBC News – Africa
JP Morgan to pay $1.7bn over Madoff
JP Morgan Chase has agreed to pay $ 1.7bn to victims of the Bernard Madoff fraud. BBC News – Business
First chemical weapons leave Syria
The first consignment of chemical weapons materials leaves Syria on a Danish ship, as part of a UN-backed deal to destroy Syria’s chemical arms. BBC News – Middle East
Venezuelan ex-beauty queen murdered
Actress Monica Spear, who won Miss Venezuela in 2004, has been killed along with her British husband during a roadside robbery in Venezuela. BBC News – Latin America & Caribbean
Turkish corruption probe row deepens
Turkey dismisses 350 police officers and the top judiciary body says it will investigate officials overseeing an inquiry into government corruption. BBC News – Europe