Study finds new UK coronavirus variant is 'substantially' more transmissible
A new study has confirmed that the new variant B.1.1.7 first discovered in the U.K. and since reported in the U.S. is more transmissible than COVID-19.
New Year's Eve celebrations toned down worldwide
The coronavirus scourge that dominated the year is also looming over New Year's festivities and forcing officials worldwide to tone them down.
Spain to keep registry of people who refuse COVID-19 vaccine, will share with EU: health minister
Spain will begin keeping a record of those who refuse a coronavirus vaccine and will share that information with other nations in the European Union, the country's health minister said Monday.
UK approves second COVID-19 vaccine with easier storage
Britain became the first country to authorize an easy-to-handle COVID-19 vaccine whose developers hope it will become the “vaccine for the world.”
Girl Scout cookies tied to child labor in palm oil industry
An Associated Press investigation has found an army of children toiling beneath a canopy of towering palm oil trees in Indonesia and Malaysia, the main suppliers of the world’s most consumed vegetable oil.
Europe comes together to receive COVID-19 vaccine
Doctors, nurses and the elderly rolled up their sleeves across the European Union to receive the first doses of the coronavirus vaccine Sunday.
First two cases of more contagious COVID virus detected in Canada
Two people in Canada have the new, more contagious strain of COVID-19. They are a couple. They have not been traveling. They did not have any exposure to anyone who was at high risk.
Hospital develops 'hugging curtain' for sick children to touch loved ones
A hospital in Rome has come up with a unique solution to allow families to have personal contact with children who are patients while also minimizing the risk of them catching the coronavirus.
Trump pardons of Blackwater contractors in killing of Iraqi civilians stir angry response
The pardons of four Blackwater contractors convicted in the shooting deaths of more than a dozen Iraqi civilians has prompted outrage from some human rights activists and Iraqis.
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.
McDonald's China releasing Oreo, Spam burger for limited time
McDonald’s will be releasing a Spam burger topped with Oreos in China next week.
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.
2020 Vatican nativity display draws comparisons to ‘Star Wars’ scene
The Vatican’s 2020 nativity scene, which is different every year, has drawn criticism from some for its futuristic style.
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.
After coronavirus vaccination, Russians warned to avoid alcohol for 2 months
Russian citizens have been warned to curb alcohol intake for two months after receiving the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine. Excessive drinking can weaken the immune system.
UN warns 2021 could be ‘bleakest and darkest’ year
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said humanitarian aid budgets are now facing dire shortfalls as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to worsen.
Hundreds ill, 1 dead due to mystery illness in India
At least one person has died and 200 others have been hospitalized due to an unidentified illness in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
China successfully lands spacecraft on moon to bring rocks back to Earth
The China National Space Administration says Chang'e 5 successfully landed at its designated site shortly after 11 p.m., or 1500 GMT, Tuesday after making a powered descent from its orbiter.
Scientist linked to Iranian military's nuclear program 'assassinated'
Authorities say an Iranian scientist named by the West as the leader of the Islamic Republic’s disbanded military nuclear program has been killed in an ambush on the outskirts of Tehran.