Omicron infections 'just raging around the world,' Fauci says
The prospect of a winter chilled by a wave of infections is a severe reversal from the optimism projected by Biden months ago when he suggested the country would be back to normal by Christmas.
The prospect of a winter chilled by a wave of infections is a severe reversal from the optimism projected by Biden months ago when he suggested the country would be back to normal by Christmas.
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.
Typhoon hits Philippines; crew rescues infant from floodwaters
The Philippine Coast Guard released a video from Cagayan de Oro showing two crew members in chest-high water pushing a floating plastic tub, which they said had an infant inside. The men wrapped the month-old baby in a blanket and sheltered them with an umbrella.
The Philippine Coast Guard released a video from Cagayan de Oro showing two crew members in chest-high water pushing a floating plastic tub, which they said had an infant inside. The men wrapped the month-old baby in a blanket and sheltered them with an umbrella.
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 surge: Medical surveillance can't keep up with rate variant is spreading
Medical experts say the omicron coronavirus variant is spreading so fast, surveillance attempts can’t keep up.
Medical experts say the omicron coronavirus variant is spreading so fast, surveillance attempts can’t keep up.
Fireball from toppled tanker kills scores of people in Haiti
A gas tanker was trying to avoid an oncoming motorcycle when it veered and flipped, sending a fireball into homes in Haiti. At least 75 people died in the explosion.
A gas tanker was trying to avoid an oncoming motorcycle when it veered and flipped, sending a fireball into homes in Haiti. At least 75 people died in the explosion.
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.
Artist draws massive fox on frozen lake in Finland
Architect-designer Pasi Widgren drew a fox that measures about 295 feet on Lake Pitkajarvi, north of Helsinki, on Dec. 4. This is the sixth year in a row that he has drawn a large animal on the ice of the frozen lake.
Architect-designer Pasi Widgren drew a fox that measures about 295 feet on Lake Pitkajarvi, north of Helsinki, on Dec. 4. This is the sixth year in a row that he has drawn a large animal on the ice of the frozen lake.
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.
One year of COVID vaccines: Many lives saved, many needlessly lost
The first full year of the biggest vaccination drive in American history has saved many lives but has left many behind. The COVID-19 vaccines have proven incredibly safe and wildly effective, and many hoped they would bring an end to the crisis. But a year later, too many Americans remain unvaccinated and too many are dying.
The first full year of the biggest vaccination drive in American history has saved many lives but has left many behind. The COVID-19 vaccines have proven incredibly safe and wildly effective, and many hoped they would bring an end to the crisis. But a year later, too many Americans remain unvaccinated and too many are dying.
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.