Here’s a brief look at some of the top news stories around the world for Jan. 27, 2015.

Snowstorm pummels Massachusetts; spares New York City

The potentially catastrophic snowstorm that hit the Northeast Monday evening into Tuesday spared New York City, but walloped Long Island, parts of Connecticut, Massachusetts and Maine. Some areas saw over two feet of snow, with 70 mph wind gusts creating snow drifts reaching more than 5 feet in the air.

[Read more from the Boston Globe]

Survivors return to Auschwitz to mark Holocaust Remembrance Day

Events around the world were held Tuesday for International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which marked 70 years since the liberation of Auschwitz from the Nazis. To recognize the somber day, President Barack Obama released a statement on "our renewed recognition of the value and dignity" of every person.

[Read more from the International Business Times]

 Mormon church backs legal protections for LGBT people

In a major move, leaders of the Mormon church pledged Tuesday to support anti-discrimination laws for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people, so long as the laws also protect the rights of religious groups. In exchange, the church hopes gay rights advocates will stop attacking their rights.

[Read more from the Salt Lake Tribune]