What we’re watching Sunday

Good morning. Here are some of the top stories we’re watching today:

Winter cold blast continues

• An Arctic blast moving into Midwest and Northeast with severe, record-breaking sub-zero cold forecast.

• NFL playoff game in Green Bay may be played in near record coldest conditions.
  
  Violence continues in Iraq

• Sporadic clashes continue in Fallujah, Ramadi. The military says it will take two to three days to dislodge al-Qaeda fighters (ISIL).

• Anbar commander says Sunni tribes are leading opposition against ISIL with army backing.

• The Guardian reports that Iraqi police confirm explosions across the Iraqi capital, including two car bombs that killed 10 and wounded 26 in the Shaab area.

• Secretary of State John Kerry says the US will support the Iraqi government, but will not send troops.

Secretary of State’s Mideast trip

• Secretary of State Kerry continues Mideast trip, meeting with leaders of Jordan, Saudi Arabia.

• Palestinians say Kerry is asking Palestinian President Abbas to recognize Israel as Jewish homeland.

Election violence in Bangladesh

• Opposition activists burn more than 100 polling stations in boycott of today’s national election; at least 13 killed.