UK health officials announce 2nd new COVID-19 strain

The latest discovery has the United Kingdom taking extra precautions amid increased spread of COVID-19 due to the newly discovered coronavirus variants.

Vatican says its 'morally acceptable' to get coronavirus vaccines using abortion cell lines

After drawing on Vatican pronouncements in past years about developing vaccines prepared from cells derived from aborted fetuses, the Vatican issued a statement on the COVID-19 vaccine following requests for "guidance."

Coronavirus mutation not vaccine-resistant, current, future surgeon generals believe

News of a more virulent strain of COVID-19 found in the U.K. has unsettled world leaders and citizens alike, seeming to arise just as global distribution of vaccines is underway.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gets COVID-19 vaccine

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was vaccinated against the coronavirus on live television Saturday, becoming the first Israeli and one of the world’s leaders to be inoculated.

Peruvian police officers dress as Santa, elf for undercover drug bust

Police in Peru uploaded a video on social media showing officers dressed as Santa and an elf busting down the door of an alleged criminal with a hammer before arresting him.

Russia banned from using its name, flag and anthem at next 2 Olympics

Russia has been banned from using its name, flag and anthem at the next two Olympics or at any world championships for the next two years.

Kenyan man charged with plotting 9/11-style attack on US

Prosecutors say a Kenyan man got flight training in the Philippines between 2017 and 2019 and obtained a pilot's license in preparation for a 9/11-style attack on the United States.

Air pollution ruled as cause of 9-year-old's death in UK

A British coroner has ruled that excessive air pollution from traffic fumes contributed to the death of a 9-year-old girl who died of a fatal asthma attack.

Germany enters stricter lockdown as coronavirus deaths hit new high

Germany has hit a new record level of deaths from the coronavirus as it enters a stricter lockdown, closing shops and schools.

Barcelona uses music concert to test COVID-19 same-day screening

Barcelona residents gathered Saturday to participate in a medical study to evaluate the effectiveness of same-day coronavirus screening to safely hold cultural events.

Precious painting lost in airport found in dumpster

A surrealist painting worth more than a quarter-million dollars forgotten at an airport in Germany has been recovered from a nearby dumpster. 

Canadian health officials approve Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine

Canadian health officials on Wednesday approved Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, days ahead of possible approval in the United States.

After coronavirus vaccination, Russians warned to avoid alcohol for 2 months

Russian citizens have been warned to curb alcohol intake for two months after receiving the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine. Excessive drinking can weaken the immune system.

Hundreds ill, 1 dead due to mystery illness in India

At least one person has died and 200 others have been hospitalized due to an unidentified illness in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.