The world welcomes 2022 as COVID-19 cases surge
The Omicron variant, which is now driving record case numbers, forced many cities to tone down New Year's Eve events or cancel them altogether.
World
Omicron tones down celebrations as the world eagerly ushers in 2022
Fast-spreading variant crimps New Year's Eve plans around the globe as many pin hopes for a brighter year ahead on the COVID-19 vaccines.
South Africa lifts curfew, saying COVID-19 fourth wave has peaked
A ban on alcohol sales after 11 p.m. has also been ended. South Africa is where the Omicron variant was first detected. New infections fell almost 30 percent last week.
Biden tells Putin U.S. and allies will respond "decisively" if Russia invades Ukraine
A senior administration official said Mr. Biden and Putin and agreed to a "sequence of strategic stability dialogue."
Israel approves 4th dose of COVID vaccine for most vulnerable
It is the first country to approve a fourth shot to defend against the coronavirus.
Bank seeks to recover $175 million it paid out on Christmas by mistake
Santander's U.K. bank blames a "technical issue" for thousands of duplicate payments made on Christmas Day.
Iran says it launched three "research" satellites into space
But Tehran didn't say whether they made it into orbit. This comes amid difficult talks in Vienna about Iran's nuclear program.
Biden and Putin to speak Thursday amid tensions over Ukraine
The White House said Mr. Biden and Putin will discuss " a range of topics, including upcoming diplomatic engagements with Russia."
One of Hong Kong's last pro-democracy news sites shut after police raid
The shuttering of Stand News followed a police raid and arrests. One activist said Hong Kong is now "little more than a police state."
Top Israeli official and Palestinian president hold rare meeting inside Israel
After session with Mahmoud Abbas, Defense Minister Benny Gantz OK'd a series of measures designed to help relations with Palestinians.
Apple puts India iPhone plant "on probation" after mass food poisoning
Some 250 women working at Foxconn's iPhone factory in Tamil Nadu were treated for food poisoning this month. 159 were hospitalized. That prompted demonstrations against living conditions at company hostels.
Teen charged for allegedly partying at nightclub after positive COVID test
The 19-year-old now faces a maximum penalty of a $20,000 fine or two years in prison.
Biden lifts Omicron-related travel restrictions on 8 African countries
In a proclamation, Mr. Biden said the restrictions "are no longer necessary to protect the public health."
"Absolutely horrifying": Aid workers confirmed dead in Myanmar massacre
Save the Children confirmed two of its staff were among at least 35 people killed in a Christmas Eve attack in eastern Myanmar.
Mummy of ancient Egyptian pharaoh is "digitally unwrapped," revealing secrets
Amenhotep I, who ruled Egypt from about 1525 to 1504 BCE, was revealed to be decapitated and buried with 30 amulets when researchers peered inside.
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