Brazil's Lula sworn in as president amid a polarized country

Lula’s presidency is unlikely to be like his previous two mandates, coming after the tightest presidential race in more than three decades.

More countries imposing COVID rules on travelers from China

China is battling a nationwide outbreak of the coronavirus after abruptly easing restrictions that were in place for much of the pandemic.

Mean Mother Nature: Top 5 extreme forces of nature in 2022

From the historic Mauna Loa volcano eruption to a deadly earthquake in Indonesia, 2022 saw some of the most extreme forces of nature.

Pelé, legendary Brazilian soccer star, dies at 82

Brazilian soccer legend Pelé, winner of record 3 World Cups and standard-bearer for ‘the beautiful game,’ has died at 82.

World population projected to hit 7.9 billion on New Year’s Day

A combination of births, deaths, and international migration increases the U.S. population by a person every 27 seconds, Census Bureau data finds.

French serial killer 'The Serpent' freed from Nepal prison

Confessed French serial killer Charles Sobhraj was freed from prison in Nepal on Friday after serving most of his sentence for killing American and Canadian backpackers. The crimes were dramatized in a series co-produced by Netflix called "The Serpent."

Massive fire at Cambodia hotel casino kills at least 19, officials say

Thai media reported dozens of Thais were trapped and Cambodian rescuers say calls for help were heard hours after the fire began.

Russia launches biggest wave of missile strikes in weeks across Ukraine

The attack is the latest in a series of Russian strikes targeting power and water supplies that have increased the Ukrainian population's suffering in freezing weather.

Legendary soccer star Pelé nears 1 month in hospital with no sign of improvement

One of Pelé’s daughters says she and her family are enduring moments of sadness and despair as the 82-year-old Brazilian soccer great’s hospitalization nears one month.

World governments using COVID-19 tech to expand global surveillance

Now, from Beijing to Jerusalem to Hyderabad, India, and Perth, Australia, The Associated Press has found that authorities used these technologies and data to halt travel for activists and ordinary people, harass marginalized communities and link people’s health information to other surveillance and law enforcement tools.

Climate in 2022: Extreme heat, drought, floods fueled by warming planet

By October, the U.S. had experienced 15 major weather disasters with losses exceeding $1 billion in damage each, according to NOAA.

South Korean military apologizes for failing to down North Korea’s drones

North Korean drones entered South Korean airspace for the first time since 2017 . The drone flights came days after South Korea said North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles, extending its record testing activities this year.

Pelé's family gathers at hospital as cancer worsens

Doctors said the three-time World Cup winner is under “elevated care” at a Brazilian hospital with his family by his side.

‘Hard road’ lies ahead for China as COVID-19 cases spiral

China has reduced testing and stopped reporting most mild COVID cases. China is among a few countries that managed to stop most domestic transmission of the virus in 2020, but it’s the last to end restrictions.