Covid school closures ‘put children’s lives on hold’, says Ofsted chief
England’s chief inspector for schools speaks out after teaching unions call for nationwide closures. BBC News – UK
Craig Taylor
Senators in final bid to derail certification of Biden’s victory
Ted Cruz and 10 others say they want a commission to investigate unsubstantiated fraud allegations. BBC News – US & Canada
Suspected Islamists kill dozens in attacks on two Niger villages
The government said soldiers had been sent to protect the area, close to Niger’s border with Mali. BBC News – Africa
Activists cheer as ‘sexist’ tampon tax is scrapped
Campaigners say cutting of the 5% VAT rate on tampons and sanitary towels ends a ‘sexist’ tax. BBC News – Business
Iran nuclear crisis: Tehran to enrich uranium to 20%, UN says
The move would be Tehran’s most serious breach of an international nuclear deal yet. BBC News – Middle East
Deepening divisions: Venezuela’s haves and have nots
A relaxation of economic restraints has some benefits – for those with access to US dollars. BBC News – Latin America & Caribbean