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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A bouncy castle accident in Tasmania, Australia, left five children dead and several others hurt, authorities said.
Nonprofit helping Afghan refugees settle in Arizona seeks volunteers, donations
Afghanistan refugees receive essential items like household supplies, bikes, computers, dishes and bedding, according to Katy Thoene with the Welcome to America Project.
Afghanistan refugees receive essential items like household supplies, bikes, computers, dishes and bedding, according to Katy Thoene with the Welcome to America Project.
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.
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.
Barry and Honey Sherman: Police share video of 'suspect' in billionaire couple’s murder
Toronto police shared a video showing a potential suspect in the 2017 murders of billionaire couple Barry and Honey Sherman.
Toronto police shared a video showing a potential suspect in the 2017 murders of billionaire couple Barry and Honey Sherman.
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.
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.
Geminid meteor shower: Shooting stars light up night sky during peak
The Geminid meteor shower peaked early on Dec. 14, presenting a dazzling display for many stargazers on Earth.
The Geminid meteor shower peaked early on Dec. 14, presenting a dazzling display for many stargazers on Earth.
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.
Chidiebere Ibe, 25, of Nigeria hopes to improve medical education and health care with his textbook illustrations depicting Black skin.
No US troops will be punished for errant drone strike that killed Afghan civilians
No U.S. troops involved in the August drone strike that killed innocent Kabul civilians and children will face disciplinary action, U.S. defense officials said Monday.
No U.S. troops involved in the August drone strike that killed innocent Kabul civilians and children will face disciplinary action, U.S. defense officials said Monday.
How to watch: Geminid meteor shower to peak Monday night
If you’re outside overnight, look up. You might see a shooting star!
If you’re outside overnight, look up. You might see a shooting star!
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:
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.
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.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is self-isolating in Cape Town and is being monitored by the South African Military Health Service.