Biden calls on resistant governors to 'get out of the way' of COVID-19 vaccine push
President Joe Biden called the COVID-19 pandemic “largely preventable,” saying Americans need to get vaccinated as the delta variant fuels case surges across the country.
UK scientists say variant that can evade COVID-19 vaccines ‘almost certain’
Scientists in the U.K. said a COVID-19 variant with the ability to evade current vaccines is highly likely and will most likely require a new vaccine, possibly in the form of a yearly booster.
US expands Afghan refugee program, citing Taliban violence
The U.S. is expanding its efforts to evacuate at-risk Afghan citizens amid Taliban violence, now including aid workers, journalists and others.
USA Gymnastics' Simone Biles to return for balance beam finals
Simone Biles will compete in the balance beam finals on Tuesday, a little over a week after stepping away from the meet to focus on her mental health.
President Biden's late son Beau awarded presidential medal in Kosovo
Kosovo has awarded a presidential medal on the rule of law to U.S. President Joe Biden’s late son Beau.
US BMX rider Connor Fields sustained brain hemorrhage in Olympics crash
BMX rider Connor Fields, who previously won a gold medal in Rio, also sustained a collapsed lung and broken ribs in the crash.
1st evacuation flight of Afghan interpreters arrives in US
The first flight evacuating more than 200 Afghans who served as interpreters or other roles alongside the U.S. military arrived in the U.S.
Tokyo's daily COVID-19 cases exceed 3,000 in day for 1st time
Tokyo reported 3,177 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, another all-time high just days after the start of the Tokyo Olympics.
German chemical explosion: 1 dead, 4 missing in Leverkusen complex blast
An explosion at a complex of chemical companies in Leverkusen, Germany, killed at least one person. Another 31 were hurt and four are still missing.
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.