BBC News Briefing

6 January, 2025

Sofia Sofia has shoulder-length light brown hair and brown eyes and wears a green blouse.

Sofia Lotto Persio

Hello. A state of emergency has been declared in several US states due to a huge winter storm. My colleagues report on Storm Blair's impact as it bears down upon the East Coast. In Portugal, António Fernandes learns about the successful efforts to reintroduce the Iberian lynx to the country. We're also covering the latest news from Ukraine, Gaza, and South Korea, as well as the highlights from the Golden Globes ceremony. And finally, a motorbike-sized tuna is the top catch at an annual fish auction in Japan.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

Storm Blair bears down on US states

A red limousine parked on a street corner is covered in snow.

Louisville in Kentucky saw more snow on Sunday than it has in almost 30 years. Credit: Getty Images

More than 60 million Americans are under weather alerts as Storm Blair brings snow, ice and freezing temperatures. Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Arkansas and parts of New Jersey have all declared a state of emergency. Much of Canada is also under weather alerts, with as much as a foot of snow (30cm) recorded in some areas. Thousands of flights have been cancelled or delayed, as forecasters say the winter storm could bring the heaviest snowfall and coldest temperatures in more than a decade. Storm Blair is expected to ease on Monday as it moves towards the East Coast.

What to know

Focus on DC: The nation's capital is bracing for heavy snow on the day Congress is set to meet and formally certify Donald Trump's election as president.

Watch: Parts of the US have been covered in snow.

Get the latest: The US National Weather Service has warned of "severe storm conditions" and "dangerously cold temperatures" in some areas.

WORLD HEADLINES

A soldier in uniform, helmoet and gear, holds a rifle as he walks through a damaged building.

Ukraine in new offensive in Russia's Kursk region

As Kyiv officials suggested an operation was under way, Moscow said it had met the attack with artillery and air power.

Find out more >

A man walks past a screen showing a breaking news item about the launch of a rocket.

N Korea fires first ballistic missile in two months

South Korea's military said that the missile flew 1,100km (683.5 miles) before falling into the sea.

Why it matters >

Tributes to israeli hostages held by Hamas are written on pieces of paper shaped as the half of a broken heart. They hang from a black pole, held with a yellow ribbon.

Hamas lists 34 hostages it may free under ceasefire

The list is released as new Israeli air strikes kill dozens in Gaza over the weekend, according to local authorities.

What we know >

Demi Moore holds her Golden Globe award as she delivers her acceptance speech. She wears her long dark hair loose, diamond earrings and a shoulderless gold dress.

Golden Globes winners, red carpet and highlights

Hollywood stars have walked the red carpet at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Los Angeles for an eventful award night.

Check out the winners >

BEYOND THE HEADLINES

The slow return of the Iberian lynx

Navarro the lynx is seen walking through an arid terrain

Navarro the male lynx is one of the animals monitored by the National Breeding Centre for Iberian lynxes in the Algarve. Credit: CNRLI

There are now more than 2,000 Iberian lynxes in the wild across Spain and Portugal thanks to the success of a breeding programme that saved the species from the brink of extinction. António Fernandes talks to the programme's organisers about their work and hopes for the future.

Read now

Rachel Zegler in character as Snow White, wearing the Disney Princess's trademark look of a short black bob and a light blue dress with puffed sleeves with streaks of red. Her right arm is raised as if her hand has just released something into the sky.

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Cinema dates for 2025

Our critics look forward to 25 of the most anticipated film to hit the big screen this year.

See the list

And finally...

A bluefin tuna that is about the size and weight of a motorbike has been sold for 207m yen ($1.3m; £1m) at an annual new year auction at Toyosu Fish Market in Tokyo, Japan. Sushi restaurateurs Onodera Group had the winning bid and posed for a picture with the 276kg (608lb) catch.

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– Sofia

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