Pope Francis celebrates Christmas Eve Mass amid COVID-19 surge in Italy
Pope Francis has celebrated Christmas Eve Mass before an estimated 2,000 people in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Pope Francis has celebrated Christmas Eve Mass before an estimated 2,000 people in St. Peter’s Basilica.
South Africa to stop most contact tracing as 80% of population gain some immunity
COVID-19 safety measures like contact tracing and quarantining are, for the most part, coming to an end in South Africa.
COVID-19 safety measures like contact tracing and quarantining are, for the most part, coming to an end in South Africa.
South Africa's COVID-19 case drop may show its omicron peak has passed
South Africa's noticeable drop in new COVID-19 cases may signal that the country's omicron-driven surge has passed its peak, medical experts say.
South Africa's noticeable drop in new COVID-19 cases may signal that the country's omicron-driven surge has passed its peak, medical experts say.
FBI: Pan Am Flight 103 bombing still under investigation 33 years later
FBI officials believe they have not captured all of the people responsible for the Pan Am bombing that killed 270 people, including 190 Americans in 1988.
FBI officials believe they have not captured all of the people responsible for the Pan Am bombing that killed 270 people, including 190 Americans in 1988.
Israel to ban travel to US, Canada due to omicron variant concerns
Israel will ban travel to the United States, Canada and eight other countries amid the rapid, global spread of the omicron variant of the coronavirus.
Israel will ban travel to the United States, Canada and eight other countries amid the rapid, global spread of the omicron variant of the coronavirus.
New snake species discovered thanks to Instagram post
Oligodon churahensis is the newest snake species after a university student unknowingly posted a picture of it on Instagram in June 2020.
Oligodon churahensis is the newest snake species after a university student unknowingly posted a picture of it on Instagram in June 2020.
Christmas light displays from around the world
While it seems to be an age-old tradition, electric Christmas lights didn’t really catch on until the early twentieth century. Here’s a look at displays nowadays from around the world.
While it seems to be an age-old tradition, electric Christmas lights didn’t really catch on until the early twentieth century. Here’s a look at displays nowadays from around the world.
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.
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.
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.
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.