European floods leave more than 120 dead; rescues underway

Rescue operations are underway after flooding left more than 100 people dead in parts of Germany and Belgium.

WHO says it was 'premature' to rule out lab leak as COVID-19 origin

The head of the World Health Organization has acknowledged it was premature to rule out a potential link between the COVID-19 pandemic and a laboratory leak.

COVID-19 cases in Tokyo surge to 6-month high 1 week before Olympics

New daily coronavirus cases have surged above 1,300 in Tokyo, a six-month high, as fears rise of a possible dramatic increase that could flood hospitals during the Olympics that start in eight days.

More than 60 dead, dozens missing amid Germany, Belgium flooding 'disaster'

More than 60 people have died and dozens are missing as severe flooding in Germany and Belgium turned streams and streets into raging, debris-filled torrents that swept away cars and toppled houses.

US bolstering security at embassy in Haiti, won't send troops

President Joe Biden says the U.S. will bolster security at its embassy in Haiti following last week’s assassination of that country’s president, but sending American troops to stabilize the country is “not on the agenda.”

Brazil president Jair Bolsonaro in hospital after 10 days of hiccups

After 10 straight days of hiccups, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been admitted to a hospital with an intestinal obstruction.

Cuba protests: Government allows travelers to bring some food, medicine

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has acknowledged shortcomings in his government’s handling of shortages and of neglecting certain sectors, but he is urging Cubans to not act with hate — a reference to violence during recent street protests.

France, Greece, Italy mandate COVID-19 vaccine for health care workers

French President Emmanuel Macron has ordered all French health care workers to get virus vaccines by Sept. 15 and urged all of his compatriots to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Study: Parts of Amazon rainforest now emit more CO2 than what is absorbed

A new study shows portions of the Amazon rainforest are now emitting more carbon dioxide than they absorb due to factors including deforestation and climate change.

Calabrian villages offering $33K to young people who move to Italy

The Italian region of Calabria is offering cash incentives to entice young people to move to its many beautiful villages located at the tip of the peninsula in an attempt to revive the small cities.

Pope Francis returns to Vatican 10 days after surgery

Pope Francis arrived at the Vatican Wednesday after being discharged from a Rome hospital 10 days after intestinal surgery to remove half of his colon.

Biden to begin evacuating Afghans who aided US military during war

With American troops withdrawing, pressure has been mounting for the Biden administration to plan a military evacuation of Afghans who supported U.S. military operations during two decades of war in their country.

Death toll climbs to 92 after fire at Iraq hospital COVID-19 ward

At least 92 people were killed and dozens injured in a fire that tore through the COVID-19 ward at a hospital in Iraq.

San Francisco woman first female weightlifter to represent Tonga at Tokyo Olympics

A 20-year-old woman from San Francisco will be competing as a weightlifter in the Tokyo Olympics. Her coaches say she worked hard to overcome challenges to achieve success.

World’s deepest pool opens in Dubai with ‘Sunken City’

Deep Dive Dubai opened a 196 feet deep diving pool including an abandoned city, chess, foosball and cars. The pool opens to the public this July.

World hunger got dramatically worse in pandemic year, U.N. says

A United Nations report says last year saw a "dramatic worsening" of world hunger, much of that likely linked to the pandemic. Hunger outpaced population growth in 2020, with nearly 10% of all people estimated to be undernourished.