Whats New?

Supermarket group Sainsbury’s says it made a bid approach for Argos owner Home Retail Group in November, but that the offer was rejected.
BBC News – Business

Kuwait says it is recalling its ambassador to Iran as a regional row over the execution of a Shia cleric in Saudi Arabia deepens.
BBC News – Middle East

A new National Assembly controlled by opposition parties is sworn in in Venezuela, putting an end to 16 years of government majorities.
BBC News – Latin America & Caribbean

Hundreds of women protest in the German city of Cologne over sexual assaults and thefts carried out by groups of men on New Year’s Eve.
BBC News – Europe

Labour MP Hilary Benn is to remain as shadow foreign secretary, as details of leader Jeremy Corbyn’s reshuffle emerge.
BBC News – UK

An emotional US President Barack Obama unveils new restrictions on gun purchases, but the House leader warns of a legal challenge.
BBC News – US & Canada

South Africa’s governing party says it will push for tougher legislation to punish “racial bigotry” following a racism row sparked by comments on Facebook.
BBC News – Africa

Sweat poured from the brows of Russell Westbrook, Cameron Payne, Anthony Morrow, Serge Ibaka and Steven Adams as the seconds ticked away.
Oklahoma City Thunder

The multi-part Around the Horn series, which features a position-by-position look at Oakland’s projected starters and backup options heading into the season, begins at first base.
OAK Homepage News

US and European stock markets fall after a sharp decline in Chinese shares, while oil and gold prices rise as tensions increase in the Middle East.
BBC News – Business

Saudi Arabia’s allies cut or downgrade their diplomatic ties with Iran, after the Saudi embassy in Tehran is attacked over a Shia cleric’s execution.
BBC News – Middle East

Veteran Venezuelan politician Henry Ramos Allup is chosen by opposition lawmakers as the new head of the country’s legislative body.
BBC News – Latin America & Caribbean

Denmark tightens its border controls with Germany, just hours after Sweden imposed similar measures to reduce the flow of migrants from Denmark.
BBC News – Europe

A video by so-called Islamic State featuring a man and a young boy with British accents is “desperate stuff” from a group that is “losing territory”, Prime Minister David Cameron says.
BBC News – UK

Armed protesters occupy a US government building in Oregon in support of a ranching family ordered to return to jail.
BBC News – US & Canada

Fighters from the so-called Islamic State (IS) group clash with guards, killing two, in an attempt to enter Libya’s Sidra oil port.
BBC News – Africa

During an 82-game NBA season, the games come quickly.
Oklahoma City Thunder

With pitching in high demand, will the A’s see what they can get for Sonny Gray? Jane Lee opens the Inbox.
OAK Homepage News

The price of rail tickets in England, Scotland and Wales goes up by 1.1%, the lowest rise for six years.
BBC News – Business

The US warns that Saudi Arabia’s execution of a prominent Shia cleric could worsen sectarian tensions in the Middle East.
BBC News – Middle East