Haiti kidnapping: 3 more hostages freed, 12 remain abducted, organization says

The Haitian 400 Mawozo gang kidnapped a group of 17 missionaries in mid-October, made up of 12 adults and five children — including an 8-month-old.

'Significant' human smuggling ring taken down as part of US-Brazil investigation

A “significant” human smuggling ring involving people ultimately bound for the U.S. was taken down and eight people were arrested, U.S. immigration officials said.

Oxford scientist behind COVID-19 vaccine says next pandemic may be worse

Professor Sarah Gilbert, one of the scientists behind the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, is warning that more money needs to be devoted to research and preparations.

Biden, Putin to hold video call Tuesday amid Ukraine tensions

The last known call between the leaders was in July, when Biden pressed Putin to rein in Russia-based criminal hacking gangs launching ransomware attacks against the United States.

Antarctica observes total eclipse, next one expected in 2039

Saturday’s total eclipse was a rare event in Antarctica, only to have happened one other time in the last century.

Italian man tries to get COVID-19 vaccine with fake arm

A nurse said she could tell right away that something was off when a 57-year-old man presented the phony limb for a shot earlier this week.

Omicron variant: South Africa may offer glimpse into the future

The new omicron variant appears to be driving a dramatic surge in South Africa, providing the world a glimpse of where the pandemic might be headed.

Israel health officials confirm 7 omicron COVID-19 cases, 27 others suspected

Israel's Health Ministry says it has confirmed seven cases of the new omicron variant of the coronavirus, stoking fears of a pending surge in infections.

1 in 100 in Germany infected with COVID-19, health minister says

More than 1% of the German population is currently infected with the coronavirus, according to the country's health minister

Omicron COVID-19 variant detected in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has confirmed its first case of the omicron variant of the coronavirus in an unvaccinated person who returned from Nigeria.

Study suggests past COVID-19 infection may not fend off omicron variant

A research group has been tracking reinfections in South Africa and reported a jump with the arrival of omicron that they hadn't seen when two previous variants, including the extra-contagious delta variant, moved through the country.

IKEA customers forced to stay in store overnight during snowstorm

An IKEA showroom turned into a vast bedroom for customers and employees who were stranded by a snowstorm. They spent the night in the store, sleeping in the beds that are usually on show.

Omicron: WHO says measures used against delta should work for new variant

The WHO says measures like higher vaccination rates, social-distancing guidelines and wearing masks should remain the foundation for fighting the pandemic.

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.