Netherlands lockdown: Omicron spread prompts closures for nearly 1 month
The Netherlands lockdown began Sunday, with all non-essential stores, bars and restaurants closing until Jan. 14.
Omicron variant detected in 89 countries; WHO says cases rapidly doubling
WHO said on Saturday that omicron’s “substantial growth advantage” over the delta variant means it's likely to soon overtake delta as the dominant variant.
North Korea, Kim Jong Un mark 10th anniversary of Kim Jong Il's death
North Korea on Friday commemorated the 10th anniversary of former leader Kim Jong Il’s death with calls for greater public loyalty toward his son Kim Jong Un.
France: 5th wave is here, New Year's concerts and fireworks banned
“The fifth wave is here and it is here in full force,” Prime Minister Jean Castex told a news conference, adding that the fast-spreading omicron variant is expected to dominate infections in France at the start of January.
Osaka fire: 24 dead after suspected arson attack in Japanese building
A fire in Osaka, Japan, on Friday left 24 dead in what police were treating as a possible case of arson and murder.
Two sets of twins killed in house fire in London, woman arrested
Two sets of twins were killed in a London area house fire, and a woman, 27, was arrested on suspicion of child neglect, officials said.
Pope Francis celebrates 85th birthday as reform hits stride
Pope Francis turns 85 on Dec. 17, a milestone as he continues efforts to make the Catholic Church more attuned to the laity.
Haiti kidnapping: All Christian Aid Ministries hostages freed, police say
The Christian Aid Ministries hostages in Haiti have all been freed, according to the group and police. The group of 17 was kidnapped on Oct. 16.
Bouncy castle in Australia lifted into air by wind, killing 5 children
A bouncy castle accident in Tasmania, Australia, left five children dead and several others hurt, authorities said.
Siberia set arctic heat record in 2020, UN weather agency affirms
Average temperatures were up to 10 degrees Celsius more than usual in Arctic Siberia. It played a key role in forest fires, loss of sea ice and global temperature rises that made 2020 one of the three hottest years on record.
Omicron variant is milder but better at evading vaccines, South African data indicates
The omicron variant appears to cause less severe disease than previous strains, South African data suggests. But the Pfizer vaccine seems to offer less defense against infection.
Student creates Black medical illustrations to improve education, health care
Chidiebere Ibe, 25, of Nigeria hopes to improve medical education and health care with his textbook illustrations depicting Black skin.
Man gets vaccinated up to 10 times in a single day
A man allegedly got vaccinated against COVID-19 as many as 10 times in a single day. Here's why:
Miss Universe 2021: Harnaaz Sandhu of India crowned as 70th winner
Harnaaz Sandhu of India was crowned the 70th Miss Universe on Sunday, topping a field of some 80 contestants.
South African president tests positive for COVID-19, has mild symptoms
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is self-isolating in Cape Town and is being monitored by the South African Military Health Service.
Vicente Fernández, beloved Mexican singer, dies at 81
Vicente Fernández,was known for hits such as “El Rey,” “Volver, Volver” and “Lástima que seas ajena,” and his command of the ranchera and mariachi styles of music attracted fans far beyond Mexico’s borders.
Pope Francis addresses nun abuse detailed in investigative expose
During an audience with members of the Vatican’s congregation for religious orders, Pope Francis cited a new investigative expose of the problem written by a reporter for the Holy See’s media, Salvatore Cernuzio.
Omicron variant appearing milder than delta, South African doctors say
In the two weeks since omicron first was reported in Southern Africa, other doctors have shared similar stories. All caution that it will take many more weeks to collect enough data to be sure, their observations and the early evidence offer some clues.
Julian Assange: UK opens door to extradition of WikiLeaks founder to US
A U.K. appellate court has opened the door for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's extradition to the U.S. to face spying charges, overturning a lower court.
Shots fired at Cancun beach after gunmen arrive on jet skis, police say
Gunfire broke out on a beach in Mexico’s Caribbean coast resort of Cancun, but authorities said nobody was apparently injured.