DEC. 27:
A massive winter storm hitting much of the Midwest and northern U.S. has claimed 63 lives.
DEC. 30:
Filipino authorities say the death toll from heavy rains and floods climbs to 44 and revises the number missing to 28.
DEC. 31:
Rapidly deteriorating air quality in the Iranian capital of Tehran and adjacent cities forced authorities to order the closure of schools in some provinces.
