France mandates COVID-19 vaccines for health care workers amid protests
France passed a new law requiring health care workers to get a COVID-19 vaccine, as well as setting up a health pass for restaurants and other venues.
India’s COVID-19 death toll estimated in the millions, study finds
Most experts believe India’s official toll of more than 414,000 dead is a vast undercount, but the government has dismissed those concerns as exaggerated and misleading.
Bay Area activists take fight for Cuba to Washington as Biden imposes new sanctions
Alian Collazo came to Florida on a raft from Cuba at the age of eight. On Monday, he will voyage from Largo to Washington to exercise a right family still in Cuba don't have: The right to demonstrate. He will protest on behalf of the Cuban people.
Reports of ‘breakthrough’ COVID-19 cases alarming medical experts, world governments
While reports of athletes, lawmakers and others occasionally getting the coronavirus despite vaccination may sound alarming, top health experts point to overwhelming evidence that the shots dramatically reduce severe disease and death.
China rejects WHO's terms for further study of COVID-19 origins
A senior Chinese health official said he was “taken aback" that the WHO plan includes further investigation of the COVID-19 lab leak theory.
Powerful magnitude-6.8 quake shakes Panama and Costa Rica
A powerful magnitude-6.8 earthquake shook Panama and Costa Rica on Wednesday afternoon, but it was relatively far from the largest population centers and there were no immediate reports of damage.
Twitter hack: UK man arrested in Spain, charged in US for attack
The Twitter accounts of prominent politicians, celebrities and technology moguls were compromised last year in the attack. A 22-year-old is now facing several charges.
Norwegian women’s beach handball team fined for ‘improper clothing’ over shorts
The team reportedly wore blue thigh-length shorts instead of their usual uniform of bikini bottoms and a sports bra in a championship game against rival Spain.
US extends restrictions on travel to Canada until Aug. 21
The United States has extended the non-essential travel ban to Canada until Aug. 21, days after Canada said the border would open to vaccinated U.S. citizens on Aug. 9.
China flooding kills at least 25, traps passengers in subway system
Flooding in central China left at least 25 dead, including some who became trapped in an underground subway system.
Pfizer vaccine will be made at South African firm, a first for Africa
This is the first time Pfizer's vaccine will be produced in Africa, in a move to help address the continent's desperate need for more doses amid a recent surge of cases.
Tokyo Olympics: Sweden stuns US 3-0 in women's soccer opener
Sweden beat the No. 1-ranked U.S. 3-0 in the Olympics women’s soccer opener. The Americans will next face New Zealand.
Monkey B virus: Veterinarian dies in 1st case reported in China
A veterinary surgeon who died in May has become the first reported Monkey B virus case in China, according to the China Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
India's pandemic deaths could be 10X official toll, researchers say
India's deaths during the pandemic could be 10x the official COVID-19 toll, likely making it modern India’s worst human tragedy, researchers said.
Canadian border changes could boost Florida tourism
State economists expressed optimism Tuesday that already-rebounding tourism numbers will see a quicker-than-anticipated boost from international travelers as Canada eases COVID-19 border restrictions.
2020 set record for negative emotions, according to Gallup index
In 2020, the world was sadder, angrier, more worried and more stressed than it has been in the past 15 years.
Becca Meyers, decorated US Paralympian, withdraws from Games over lack of 'reasonable' accommodations
Becca Meyers, a 3X Paralympic gold medalist who is blind and deaf, is withdrawing from the Tokyo Games over a lack of "reasonable" accommodations.
Olympic sponsor Toyota pulls Games-related ads in Japan, citing 'mixed sentiment' over event
One of the Olympic Games' top sponsors announced it will be pulling any Games-related TV ads in Japan, citing "many issues with these Games that are proving difficult to be understood."
Afghans who aided US military to be evacuated to Army base in Virginia
The Biden administration says it will evacuate about 2,500 Afghans who worked for the U.S. government and their families to a military base in Virginia pending approval of their visas.
Canada to open U.S. border to fully vaccinated citizens Aug. 9
Those that wish to cross the border will need to show a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of crossing the border, as well as showing proof of a full series of vaccines at least two weeks prior to crossing the border.