Belarus Olympic sprinter to seek asylum after Instagram post, airport standoff

Krystsina Tsimanouskaya's tension with Belarus started with an Instagram post that set off massive backlash in state-run media back home, where authorities relentlessly crack down on government critics.

Japan expands virus state of emergency amid record cases, Tokyo Olympics

Japan expanded a state of emergency to four more areas in addition to Tokyo following record COVID-19 spikes as the capital hosts the Olympics.

1st evacuation flight of Afghan interpreters arrives in US

The first flight evacuating more than 200 Afghans who served as interpreters or other roles alongside the U.S. military arrived in the U.S.

Video: UK truck driver texting before crashing into van

A lorry driver who was captured on camera using his mobile phone ahead of a dramatic collision in Sussex, England, was jailed on July 27.

Tokyo's daily COVID-19 cases exceed 3,000 in day for 1st time

Tokyo reported 3,177 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, another all-time high just days after the start of the Tokyo Olympics.

German chemical explosion: 1 dead, 4 missing in Leverkusen complex blast

An explosion at a complex of chemical companies in Leverkusen, Germany, killed at least one person. Another 31 were hurt and four are still missing.

German gymnastics team wears unitards to push back on 'sexualization' of sport

The German women’s gymnastics team took the floor for their first competition at the Tokyo Olympics wearing unitards with leggings that stretched down to the ankle.

France mandates COVID-19 vaccines for health care workers amid protests

France passed a new law requiring health care workers to get a COVID-19 vaccine, as well as setting up a health pass for restaurants and other venues.

India’s COVID-19 death toll estimated in the millions, study finds

Most experts believe India’s official toll of more than 414,000 dead is a vast undercount, but the government has dismissed those concerns as exaggerated and misleading.

Magnitude 6.7 earthquake strikes Philippines

The Philippines was struck by a magnitude 6.7 earthquake on Friday, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

Moderna COVID-19 vaccine cleared in EU for children 12-17

Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine is being recommended by the European Medicines Agency for children between 12 and 17 years old.

Anti-Olympics protests heard inside National Stadium during opening ceremonies

Dozens of protesters gathered outside the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony on Friday demanding the cancelation of the Games over the ongoing pandemic.

Bay Area activists take fight for Cuba to Washington as Biden imposes new sanctions

Alian Collazo came to Florida on a raft from Cuba at the age of eight. On Monday, he will voyage from Largo to Washington to exercise a right family still in Cuba don't have: The right to demonstrate. He will protest on behalf of the Cuban people.

China rejects WHO's terms for further study of COVID-19 origins

A senior Chinese health official said he was “taken aback" that the WHO plan includes further investigation of the COVID-19 lab leak theory.

Tokyo new COVID-19 cases near 2,000 a day before Olympics open

A day before the Olympics open, Tokyo hit another six-month high in new COVID-19 cases. Fans are banned from venues as worries grow of a worsening surge.

US extends restrictions on travel to Canada until Aug. 21

The United States has extended the non-essential travel ban to Canada until Aug. 21, days after Canada said the border would open to vaccinated U.S. citizens on Aug. 9.

Pfizer vaccine will be made at South African firm, a first for Africa

This is the first time Pfizer's vaccine will be produced in Africa, in a move to help address the continent's desperate need for more doses amid a recent surge of cases.

Brisbane picked to host 2032 Summer Olympics without a rival bid

Brisbane has been picked to host the 2032 Summer Olympics. It won in a new bidding format that let the IOC pick a preferred choice early.