US, Venezuela swap prisoners: Maduro ally for 10 Americans, plus fugitive contractor ‘Fat Leonard’
The largest release of American prisoners in Venezuela’s history comes weeks after the Biden administration agreed to suspend some sanctions, following a commitment by Maduro and an opposition faction to work toward free and fair conditions for the 2024 presidential election.
Immigration drives 2nd consecutive year of US population growth, Census Bureau reveals
The number of immigrants to the U.S. jumped to the highest level in two decades this year, driving the nation’s overall population growth.
Iceland volcano: Photos, video show powerful eruption in display of Earth's power
The town of Grindavik was evacuated in November after strong seismic activity damaged homes and raised fears of an imminent eruption.
On this day in history, December 19, 1843, Charles Dickens publishes 'A Christmas Carol'
"A Christmas Carol," a globally celebrated timeless tale of heartwarming human redemption crafted as a haunting holiday ghost story, was published in London on this day in history, Dec. 19, 1843.
Watch: Purse stolen from grieving daughter during mother's funeral
In a disturbing incident, police are on the lookout for a heartless thief who targeted a grieving daughter during her mother's funeral last month.
Earthquake in northwestern China kills at least 126 people
More than 700 people were injured in China's deadliest earthquake in nine years, authorities said.
Iceland volcano erupts near Grindavik after swarm of earthquakes rattle region
The IMO has been warning of the possible eruption ever since a swarm of "intense" earthquakes was detected north of Grindavík at the end of October.
EU launches probe into Elon Musk's X for alleged failure to counter illegal content, disinformation
The European Union has opened an investigation into Elon Musk’s social media platform X under its Digital Services Act (DSA).
Watch: Buenos Aires music festival descends into chaos as storm rips apart stage
A violent storm wreaked havoc at the Fiesta Bresh music festival in Buenos Aires, causing chaos as heavy winds and rain tore apart a stage.
Mexico's president calls for state prosecutor's ouster after 12 killed at holiday party
Mexico's president has called for the resignation of the state prosecutor in Guanajuato in light of the state’s high levels of violence.
Running for a bonus: Company gives larger cash rewards if workers can run 2 miles a day
The Chinese paper company swapped its year-end bonuses for monthly, exercise-based cash rewards, telling a state-owned newspaper how “a company can last long when its employees are healthy."
Tensions rise after North Korea conducts first long-range missile test in months
North Korea on Monday conducted its first intercontinental ballistic missile test in five months. It also launched a short-range ballistic missile on Sunday.
North Korea launches ballistic missile amid US-South Korea nuclear deterrence talks
North Korea on Sunday fired a short-range ballistic missile into the sea, South Korea said.
Pope Francis celebrates birthday amid church reforms, health concerns
Pope Francis turned 87 on Sunday, closing out a year that saw big milestones in his efforts to reform the Catholic Church as well as health scares that raise questions about his future as pope.
Train collision in southern Spain leaves 13 injured
In a recent incident in southern Spain, two trains, each carrying 253 people, collided near El Chorro, a village north of Malaga city.
UN: Migrant vessel capsizes off Libya, drowning more than 60
A boat carrying dozens of migrants trying to reach Europe capsized off the coast of Libya, leaving more than 60 people dead, including women and children, the U.N. migration agency said.
10-year-old boy receives 'Iron Man'-themed bionic arm in early Christmas miracle
A 10-year-old boy named Harry from Lancashire, England, born without the lower part of his arm, received a remarkable early Christmas gift—a bionic arm.
Notre Dame Cathedral spire gets golden rooster back: see the photos
The new Notre Dame rooster symbolizes resilience amid destruction after the devastating April 2019 fire.
Israeli strike on school in Gaza kills Al Jazeera cameraman, network says
An Israeli strike killed a Palestinian cameraman for the TV network Al Jazeera and wounded its chief Gaza correspondent as they reported at a school in the south of the besieged territory.
Pentagon orders US aircraft carrier to remain near Israel as war in Gaza rages on
U.S. officials say Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is ordering the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier and one other warship to remain in the Mediterranean Sea for several more weeks as Israel's war with Hamas grinds on.