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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

Vicente Fernández, beloved Mexican singer, dies at 81

Vicente Fernández,was known for hits such as “El Rey,” “Volver, Volver” and “Lástima que seas ajena,” and his command of the ranchera and mariachi styles of music attracted fans far beyond Mexico’s borders.

Pope Francis addresses nun abuse detailed in investigative expose

During an audience with members of the Vatican’s congregation for religious orders, Pope Francis cited a new investigative expose of the problem written by a reporter for the Holy See’s media, Salvatore Cernuzio.

Omicron variant appearing milder than delta, South African doctors say

In the two weeks since omicron first was reported in Southern Africa, other doctors have shared similar stories. All caution that it will take many more weeks to collect enough data to be sure, their observations and the early evidence offer some clues.

Julian Assange: UK opens door to extradition of WikiLeaks founder to US

A U.K. appellate court has opened the door for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's extradition to the U.S. to face spying charges, overturning a lower court.