Vaccine inequity: Global initiative to share shots struggles to meet goal

The vaccine alliance that helps run COVAX warned in internal documents that a substantial number of doses might only show up in late 2022 or even 2023.

India confirms 1st 2 cases of the omicron variant

The Health Ministry said the cases involved two men in southern Karnataka state, a 66-year-old man who had traveled to India from South Africa and a 46-year-old doctor.

Germany bans unvaccinated from nonessential stores, recreational venues

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said people who aren't vaccinated against COVID-19 will be excluded from nonessential stores, cultural and recreational venues.

Nearly 1,000 Facebook, Instagram accounts deactivated over COVID-19 misinformation

In total, Meta deleted 979 accounts, groups and pages across its platforms last month, most of which were found to belong to a sprawling network from China trying to spread COVID-19 misinformation.

Greece to impose monthly fine on unvaccinated residents over 60

Greek residents have until Jan. 16 to get their first jabs, or will be fined 100 euros ($113) for every month they remain unvaccinated.

China clears Boeing 737 Max to fly again

China’s aviation regulator cleared the Boeing 737 Max on Thursday to return to flying with technical upgrades more than two years after the plane was grounded worldwide following two fatal crashes.

Peng Shuai worries lead women's tennis tour to suspend China events

In the strongest public stand against China taken by a sports body, the head of the women’s professional tennis tour announced Wednesday that all WTA tournaments there would be suspended because of concerns about the safety of Peng Shuai, a Grand Slam doubles champion who accused a former government official of sexual assault.

IKEA renting tiny home in Tokyo for less than $1 per month

IKEA family members have a shot at renting a Tokyo-based tiny home that will cost less than $1 per month to rent.

Omicron variant: Airlines must ID passengers who traveled through southern Africa, CDC says

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has ordered all airlines to turn over the names of passengers who have traveled to southern African countries now under travel restrictions.

Wife of Mexican drug lord 'El Chapo' sentenced to 3 years in prison on US charges

The wife of Mexican drug kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman was sentenced Tuesday to three years in prison after pleading guilty to helping her husband run his multibillion-dollar criminal empire.

Facebook owner Meta ordered to sell Giphy by UK antitrust watchdog

The U.K.'s antitrust watchdog has blocked Facebook's acquisition of Giphy and ordered the social network to sell off the GIF-sharing platform.

Barbados cuts ties with Queen Elizabeth II, becomes republic for 1st time

Barbados has stopped pledging allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II and officially became a republic. A ceremony was attended by Prince Charles and Rihanna.

Dozens stuck in remote UK pub after blizzard

Dozens of customers who stopped for a drink at Britain’s highest pub are getting a longer stay than they bargained for after the building was cut off by a blizzard. Sixty-one people woke up Monday after their third night at the Tan Hill Inn in the Yorkshire Dales about 270 miles (435 kilometers) north of London.

WHO says omicron variant poses 'very high risk'

The U.N. health agency, in a technical paper issued to member states, said "considerable uncertainties” remain about the variant that was first detected days ago in southern Africa.