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.

49 migrants dead, 58 injured in truck crash in south Mexico

A cargo truck jammed with people who appeared to be Central American migrants rolled over and crashed into a pedestrian bridge over on a highway in southern Mexico on Thursday, killing at least 49 people and injuring nearly five dozen others, authorities reported.

Dozens of camels ejected from annual Saudi Arabia beauty contest over Botox injections

Saudi media says that authorities have conducted their biggest-ever crackdown on camel beauty contestants that received Botox injections and other artificial touch-ups.

WHO warns omicron variant fears may set off hoarding of COVID-19 vaccines

The World Health Organization has expressed concerns that rich countries spooked by the emergence of the omicron variant could step up hoarding of COVID-19 vaccines.

New Zealand plans to implement lifetime ban on cigarettes for youth

New Zealand plans to end tobacco smoking by implementing a lifetime ban for those aged 14 or younger. The minimum age to buy cigarettes would keep rising year after year.

Biden-Putin square off over Russian troop buildup near Ukraine border

President Biden warned Vladimir Putin that the U.S. would exact “a very real cost” on the Russian economy if it invades neighboring Ukraine.

What's behind Russia-Ukraine tensions?

Ukrainian and Western officials are worried that a Russian military buildup near Ukraine could signal plans by Moscow to invade its ex-Soviet neighbor.

Alleged kidnapper and teen stopped at Canadian border after invalid COVID-19 tests

A complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Burlington on Friday says the 19-year-old man was apprehended by U.S. border agents at the Highgate Springs port of entry on Thursday after he and the girl were refused entry to Canada.

3 decades of warnings of an inevitable Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor went unheeded

As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, warnings of an inevitable Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor were ignored for almost 30 years.

Beijing Winter Olympics: US announces diplomatic boycott of games

White House press secretary Jen Psaki says U.S. athletes will continue to compete and will “have our full support,” but added “we will not be contributing to the fanfare of the games.

Haiti kidnapping: 3 more hostages freed, 12 remain abducted, organization says

The Haitian 400 Mawozo gang kidnapped a group of 17 missionaries in mid-October, made up of 12 adults and five children — including an 8-month-old.