US to boost COVID-19 vaccine global distribution with $400M investment

“This money will speed efforts both to get shots in arms and to support vaccine manufacturing in low-and-middle-income countries,” USAID administrator Samantha Power announced Monday.

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.

Fossils reveal a new dinosaur species that was the size of dogs

The plant-eating critter had a combination of traits from different species that initially sent paleontologists down the wrong path.

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.

'Significant' human smuggling ring taken down as part of US-Brazil investigation

A “significant” human smuggling ring involving people ultimately bound for the U.S. was taken down and eight people were arrested, U.S. immigration officials said.

Oxford scientist behind COVID-19 vaccine says next pandemic may be worse

Professor Sarah Gilbert, one of the scientists behind the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, is warning that more money needs to be devoted to research and preparations.

Biden, Putin to hold video call Tuesday amid Ukraine tensions

The last known call between the leaders was in July, when Biden pressed Putin to rein in Russia-based criminal hacking gangs launching ransomware attacks against the United States.

Antarctica observes total eclipse, next one expected in 2039

Saturday’s total eclipse was a rare event in Antarctica, only to have happened one other time in the last century.

Italian man tries to get COVID-19 vaccine with fake arm

A nurse said she could tell right away that something was off when a 57-year-old man presented the phony limb for a shot earlier this week.

Omicron variant: South Africa may offer glimpse into the future

The new omicron variant appears to be driving a dramatic surge in South Africa, providing the world a glimpse of where the pandemic might be headed.

1 in 100 in Germany infected with COVID-19, health minister says

More than 1% of the German population is currently infected with the coronavirus, according to the country's health minister

Study suggests past COVID-19 infection may not fend off omicron variant

A research group has been tracking reinfections in South Africa and reported a jump with the arrival of omicron that they hadn't seen when two previous variants, including the extra-contagious delta variant, moved through the country.

Omicron: WHO says measures used against delta should work for new variant

The WHO says measures like higher vaccination rates, social-distancing guidelines and wearing masks should remain the foundation for fighting the pandemic.

Vaccine inequity: Global initiative to share shots struggles to meet goal

The vaccine alliance that helps run COVAX warned in internal documents that a substantial number of doses might only show up in late 2022 or even 2023.

Germany bans unvaccinated from nonessential stores, recreational venues

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said people who aren't vaccinated against COVID-19 will be excluded from nonessential stores, cultural and recreational venues.

Greece to impose monthly fine on unvaccinated residents over 60

Greek residents have until Jan. 16 to get their first jabs, or will be fined 100 euros ($113) for every month they remain unvaccinated.

Barbados cuts ties with Queen Elizabeth II, becomes republic for 1st time

Barbados has stopped pledging allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II and officially became a republic. A ceremony was attended by Prince Charles and Rihanna.

Dozens stuck in remote UK pub after blizzard

Dozens of customers who stopped for a drink at Britain’s highest pub are getting a longer stay than they bargained for after the building was cut off by a blizzard. Sixty-one people woke up Monday after their third night at the Tan Hill Inn in the Yorkshire Dales about 270 miles (435 kilometers) north of London.