Brexit: Trade talks ‘have reached critical stage’
The UK says it is still working for a deal, but the EU’s mood is described as “gloomy”. BBC News – UK
Craig Taylor
Covid: Most of California under strict new lockdown as cases surge
Around 85% of the state’s 40 million people are under a stay-at-home order that includes Christmas. BBC News – US & Canada
Going undercover in the schools that chain boys
Reporter Fateh Al-Rahman Al-Hamdani writes about his experience of secretly filming inside Sudan’s Islamic boarding schools to expose abuse, and reveals why the investigation was so personal to him. BBC News – Africa
What will happen to closed High Street shops?
As retail chains fade, town centres may have to find other ways to attract custom. BBC News – Business
Beirut explosion: The abandoned ship in the blast ‘war zone’
This is what happened to Lebanon’s only cruise ship, which was docked in the explosion’s epicentre. BBC News – Middle East
Venezuela’s parliamentary poll: Five things you need to know
The ruling party is expected to regain control of parliament amid a boycott by most of the opposition. BBC News – Latin America & Caribbean