South Africa's COVID-19 case drop may show its omicron peak has passed
South Africa's noticeable drop in new COVID-19 cases may signal that the country's omicron-driven surge has passed its peak, medical experts say.
National Geographic names Oakland's Ahmed Muhammad among select group of youth changemakers worldwide
A teen from Oakland, who has received national attention for his achievements both in the classroom and in his community, was now being recognized as one of 25 young people around the world inspiring global change.
Saudi Arabian 'potential terrorist' nabbed at US-Mexico border; ties to Yemeni subjects of interest, feds say
The man is allegedly from Saudi Arabia and "is linked to several Yemeni subjects of interest."
Israel to ban travel to US, Canada due to omicron variant concerns
Israel will ban travel to the United States, Canada and eight other countries amid the rapid, global spread of the omicron variant of the coronavirus.
New snake species discovered thanks to Instagram post
Oligodon churahensis is the newest snake species after a university student unknowingly posted a picture of it on Instagram in June 2020.
Missionaries freed from captivity in Haiti last week made daring overnight escape to elude kidnappers
Captive missionaries in Haiti found freedom last week by making a daring overnight escape, eluding their kidnappers and walking for miles over difficult, moonlit terrain with an infant and other children in tow, according to the agency they work for, officials said Monday.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
No US troops will be punished for errant drone strike that killed Afghan civilians
No U.S. troops involved in the August drone strike that killed innocent Kabul civilians and children will face disciplinary action, U.S. defense officials said Monday.
Man gets vaccinated up to 10 times in a single day
A man allegedly got vaccinated against COVID-19 as many as 10 times in a single day. Here's why:
Miss Universe 2021: Harnaaz Sandhu of India crowned as 70th winner
Harnaaz Sandhu of India was crowned the 70th Miss Universe on Sunday, topping a field of some 80 contestants.
South African president tests positive for COVID-19, has mild symptoms
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is self-isolating in Cape Town and is being monitored by the South African Military Health Service.