James Webb Space Telescope, world’s largest and most powerful, launched Christmas morning

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope launched successfully early Christmas morning from French Guiana on South America’s northeastern coast, riding a European Ariane rocket into the sky.

FBI: Pan Am Flight 103 bombing still under investigation 33 years later

FBI officials believe they have not captured all of the people responsible for the Pan Am bombing that killed 270 people, including 190 Americans in 1988.

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.

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.

France:  5th wave is here, New Year's concerts and fireworks banned

“The fifth wave is here and it is here in full force,” Prime Minister Jean Castex told a news conference, adding that the fast-spreading omicron variant is expected to dominate infections in France at the start of January.

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.

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.

British Court opens door for Julian Assange extradition to United States

A British appellate court has opened the door for Julian Assange to be extradited to the United States by overturning a lower court ruling.