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.

More EU nations ban travel from UK, fearing virus variant

A growing list of European Union nations and Canada barred travel from the U.K. on Sunday and others were considering similar action, in a bid to block a new strain of coronavirus sweeping across southern England from spreading to the continent.  

Cayman Islands jails Georgia college student in coronavirus case

A U.S. college student and her boyfriend have been sentenced to four months in prison in the Cayman Islands for violating strict COVID-19 measures following a recent ruling that will be appealed, their attorney said Thursday.

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.

International trio indicted in Austin for illegal exports to Russia

The indictment alleges the trio used a Bulgarian company to receive controlled items from the U.S. and send them to Russia.

Final goodbye: Recalling influential people who died in 2020

In a year defined by a devastating pandemic, the world lost iconic defenders of civil rights, great athletes and entertainers who helped define their genres.

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.

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.

As leaders fete Paris climate pact, Biden pledges to rejoin

U.S. President-elect Joe Biden pledged Saturday to rejoin the Paris climate accord on the first day of his presidency.

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. 

World Food Program receives Nobel Peace Prize in online event

The World Food Program will receive its Nobel Peace Prize on Thursday in a different way from the pomp-filled traditional celebration in the Norwegian capital, because of the coronavirus outbreak.

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.