Most notable quotes of 2023
As this year of war, chaos and beauty comes to a close, here are quotes from people around the world who shared their experiences, thoughts and insights.
US announces new weapons package for Ukraine as funds dwindle
The U.S. is announcing what officials say could be the final package of military aid to Ukraine unless Congress approves supplemental funding legislation that is stalled on Capitol Hill.
NASA spacecraft to converge with Demon of Chaos asteroid as it nears Earth
NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft is on a new adventure to intersect the asteroid Apophis, named after the Egyptian spirit of chaos, as it makes a close approach to Earth.
Japanese Moon lander SLIM successfully reaches lunar orbit on Christmas
Japan's lunar lander began its orbit of the Moon on Monday, setting the nation up for its first Moon landing in the coming weeks.
Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny found in remote prison colony after 20-day search
Alexei Navalny's team lost contact with him a week before his scheduled Dec 5 court appearance.
Human trafficking probe grounds about 300 Indian travelers at French airport
Authorities in France say about 300 Indian citizens heading to Central America are sequestered in a French airport for a third day because of an investigation into suspected human trafficking.
Prague university shooting: Police seek motive after 14 killed, dozens injured
Czech police are investigating why a student went on a dayslong violent rampage culminating in a shooting at the university he attended in Prague that left 14 dead and dozens wounded.
Spain's Christmas lottery 'El Gordo' rolls out millions in prizes
Spain's popular lottery known as “EL Gordo" (the fat one) often prompts street and bar celebrations , with winners uncorking bottles of sparkling wine and singing and dancing.
Mass shooting in downtown Prague kills at least 15 people, wounds 2 dozen more
A mass shooting in downtown Prague has left at least 15 people dead, and authorities warn the death toll could rise.
Immigration drives 2nd consecutive year of US population growth, Census Bureau reveals
The number of immigrants to the U.S. jumped to the highest level in two decades this year, driving the nation’s overall population growth.
Iceland volcano: Photos, video show powerful eruption in display of Earth's power
The town of Grindavik was evacuated in November after strong seismic activity damaged homes and raised fears of an imminent eruption.
Watch: Purse stolen from grieving daughter during mother's funeral
In a disturbing incident, police are on the lookout for a heartless thief who targeted a grieving daughter during her mother's funeral last month.
Earthquake in northwestern China kills at least 126 people
More than 700 people were injured in China's deadliest earthquake in nine years, authorities said.
Iceland volcano erupts near Grindavik after swarm of earthquakes rattle region
The IMO has been warning of the possible eruption ever since a swarm of "intense" earthquakes was detected north of Grindavík at the end of October.
Buenos Aires music festival descends into chaos as storm rips apart stage
A violent storm wreaked havoc at the Fiesta Bresh music festival in Buenos Aires, causing chaos as heavy winds and rain tore apart a stage.
Running for a bonus: Company gives larger cash rewards if workers can run 2 miles a day
The Chinese paper company swapped its year-end bonuses for monthly, exercise-based cash rewards, telling a state-owned newspaper how “a company can last long when its employees are healthy."
Tensions rise after North Korea conducts first long-range missile test in months
North Korea on Monday conducted its first intercontinental ballistic missile test in five months. It also launched a short-range ballistic missile on Sunday.
North Korea launches ballistic missile amid US-South Korea nuclear deterrence talks
North Korea on Sunday fired a short-range ballistic missile into the sea, South Korea said.
Pope Francis celebrates birthday amid church reforms, health concerns
Pope Francis turned 87 on Sunday, closing out a year that saw big milestones in his efforts to reform the Catholic Church as well as health scares that raise questions about his future as pope.
Train collision in southern Spain leaves 13 injured
In a recent incident in southern Spain, two trains, each carrying 253 people, collided near El Chorro, a village north of Malaga city.