EU agency to confirm ‘causal link’ between AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine and rare blood clots

A top official at the European Medicines Agency says there is a causal link between AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine and rare blood clots, but that it's unclear what the connection is.

South Korea's LG to stop making mobile phones, focus on other electronic products, services

South Korean electronics maker LG says it is getting out of its loss-making mobile phone business to focus on electric vehicle components, robotics, artificial intelligence and other products and services.

'Playful' dog steals reporter's mic during live weather report

A reporter in Moscow was recently giving a live weather update when a four-legged bystander jumped into the shot and stole her microphone.

'This is scandalous': Pope decries war, weapons spending amid the pandemic in Easter message

“The pandemic is still spreading, while the social and economic crisis remains severe, especially for the poor. Nevertheless — and this is scandalous — armed conflicts have not ended, and military arsenals are being strengthened,'' Francis said, sounding angry. “That is today's scandal.”

UK to test series of COVID-19 safety measures to bring back mass gatherings - including vaccine passport

Britain is planning to test a series of measures including “coronavirus status certifications” over the coming weeks to see if they can allow people to safely return to sports arenas, nightclubs and concerts.

Christians celebrate second Easter marred by COVID-19 pandemic

Christianity’s most joyous feast day is being celebrated worldwide with faithful sitting far apart in pews and singing choruses of “Hallelujah” through face coverings for the second Easter Sunday.

Volcanic eruptions in Italy, Iceland and Guatemala spew lava, draw crowds

Since February and March, three volcanoes in three separate countries have released lava, including the Fagradalsfjall volcano in Iceland, Mount Etna in Italy and Pacaya in Guatemala.

Nearly a third of UK COVID-19 patients hospitalized readmitted within 4 months, study finds

Nearly a third of individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 in the U.K. were readmitted within a period of four months, and they suffered from multi-organ dysfunction at higher rates than the general population, a study found.

US to begin indirect talks with Iran on returning to nuclear deal

The United States and Iran will talk with other world powers about returning to the Obama-era agreement that limited Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for the removal of crippling economic sanctions.

Notre Dame: '15 or 20 years' needed for restoration after fire, rector says

The rector of Notre Dame said Friday that the burned-out Paris cathedral and its esplanade could remain a building site for another “15 or 20 years.”

France closes schools, bans domestic travel amid new COVID-19 surge

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday announced a three-week nationwide school closure and a month-long domestic travel ban, as the rapid spread of the virus ramped up pressure on hospitals.

White House, UN signal possible 'additional actions' after N. Korea missile tests

The Biden administration said Monday it's looking at “additional actions” that the United Nations might take to respond to North Korea’s recent missile tests.

WHO report says animals likely source of COVID-19, lab leak 'extremely unlikely'

A joint WHO-China study says that transmission of the virus from bats to humans through another animal is the most likely scenario, according to a copy obtained by the Associated Press.

Tugboats deployed to help cargo ship stuck in Suez Canal

Two additional tugboats deployed Sunday to Egypt's Suez Canal to aid efforts to free a skyscraper-sized container ship wedged for days across the crucial waterway.

20 injured in suicide bombing at Indonesian church during Palm Sunday Mass

Two attackers have blown themselves up outside a packed Roman Catholic cathedral during a Palm Sunday Mass on Indonesia’s Sulawesi island, wounding at least 20 people.