If you have missed out on all the latest updates of the day, then don't worry, we got you all covered. Find out the gist of the top 5 stories of The Daily Star today (December 24, 2022).

AL council at Suhrawardy Udyan

Awami League's 22nd national council is underway after Prime Minister and the party President Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the event this morning. The PM reached Suhrawardy Udyan around 10:20am. She inaugurated the council by hoisting the national flag and releasing a white pigeon and balloons.

The party's triennial council is likely to be a formality to keep the status quo in the party's top leadership. AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader has already said there will be no major changes in the AL rank and file.

Photo: Palash Khan

US announces in-person interview waivers for certain visa applicants

The United States has extended the authority of consular officers to waive in-person interviews for certain non-immigrant visa categories throughout 2023.

The Department of State said it recognises the positive impact of travel to the United States by foreign students and temporary work visa holders on the US economy and is committed to facilitating non-immigrant travel and further reducing visa wait times.

Richarlison's scissor kick voted best goal of WC 2022

The stunning scissor kick by Richarlison against Serbia has been voted the best goal of the 2022 World Cup. The Tottenham forward's strike came in the 73rd minute of the South American side's opening game of the tournament to wrap up a 2-0 win.

'Epic' winter storm wallops US, leaving 1m without power

More than a million US power customers were in the dark Friday as a "bomb cyclone" winter storm walloped the country, closing highways, grounding flights and causing misery for Christmas travelers.

Shoppers brave the weather in downtown Birmingham, Michigan on December 23, 2022. Photo: AFP

1,000MW solar power project stuck in red tape

An investment proposal to produce 1,000 megawatts of solar power is waiting for approval at a time when the country is facing persistent power-cuts.

The 1.79 billion project came in February 2022, just before the Russia-Ukraine war which has triggered the global energy market prices to soar up, forcing the government to stop LNG import from the spot market.