South Africa to stop most contact tracing as 80% of population gain some immunity
COVID-19 safety measures like contact tracing and quarantining are, for the most part, coming to an end in South Africa.
COVID-19 safety measures like contact tracing and quarantining are, for the most part, coming to an end in South Africa.
US will lift travel ban on southern African countries on Dec. 31
The Nov. 29 ban barred nearly all non-U.S. citizens who had recently been in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi.
The Nov. 29 ban barred nearly all non-U.S. citizens who had recently been in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi.
South Africa's COVID-19 case drop may show its omicron peak has passed
South Africa's noticeable drop in new COVID-19 cases may signal that the country's omicron-driven surge has passed its peak, medical experts say.
South Africa's noticeable drop in new COVID-19 cases may signal that the country's omicron-driven surge has passed its peak, medical experts say.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
Pope Francis turns 85 on Dec. 17, a milestone as he continues efforts to make the Catholic Church more attuned to the laity.
Haiti kidnapping: All Christian Aid Ministries hostages freed, police say
The Christian Aid Ministries hostages in Haiti have all been freed, according to the group and police. The group of 17 was kidnapped on Oct. 16.
The Christian Aid Ministries hostages in Haiti have all been freed, according to the group and police. The group of 17 was kidnapped on Oct. 16.
Bouncy castle in Australia lifted into air by wind, killing 5 children
A bouncy castle accident in Tasmania, Australia, left five children dead and several others hurt, authorities said.
A bouncy castle accident in Tasmania, Australia, left five children dead and several others hurt, authorities said.
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.
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.
Pfizer: COVID-19 pill remains effective against severe disease, omicron variant
Pfizer said its experimental COVID-19 pill Paxlovid reduced hospitalizations and deaths by 89% among high-risk adults when taken shortly after initial symptoms.
Pfizer said its experimental COVID-19 pill Paxlovid reduced hospitalizations and deaths by 89% among high-risk adults when taken shortly after initial symptoms.
Student creates Black medical illustrations to improve education, health care
Chidiebere Ibe, 25, of Nigeria hopes to improve medical education and health care with his textbook illustrations depicting Black skin.
Chidiebere Ibe, 25, of Nigeria hopes to improve medical education and health care with his textbook illustrations depicting Black skin.
Miss Universe 2021: Harnaaz Sandhu of India crowned as 70th winner
Harnaaz Sandhu of India was crowned the 70th Miss Universe on Sunday, topping a field of some 80 contestants.
Harnaaz Sandhu of India was crowned the 70th Miss Universe on Sunday, topping a field of some 80 contestants.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.



















