Britain tightens COVID rules as world on alert over omicron
The U.K. tightened up rules Saturday on mask-wearing and on testing of international arrivals after finding two cases of the new potentially more contagious omicron variant of the coronavirus that was identified just a few days ago in South Africa.
Russia jails 5 people over coal mine disaster that killed 51
A Russian court on Saturday ordered five people to remain in pre-trial detention for two months pending an investigation into a devastating blast in a coal mine in Siberia that resulted in dozens of deaths.
Burkina Faso security forces fire tear gas at protesters
Security forces fired tear gas at protesters throwing rocks in Burkina Faso's capital on Saturday, as tensions rose across the conflict-riddled nation with the population angry at the government's inability to stem violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.
Nation
How omicron, the new COVID-19 variant, got its name
There are now seven "variants of interest" or "variants of concern," and they each have a Greek letter.
World
At least 3 people dead during first winter storm in UK
At least three people have died in the U.K. after the year's first winter storm battered parts of the countries with gusts of nearly 100 mph (160 kph).
World
Afghan prime minister defends Taliban's rule amid crisis
Afghanistan's Taliban prime minister defended the group's rule in a public address Saturday, saying it was not to blame for a worsening economic crisis and is working to repair the corruption of the ousted government. He also dismissed international pressure for the formation of a more inclusive Cabinet.
Business
Amid riots, France to consider some autonomy for Guadeloupe
France's government is offering to discuss some autonomy for the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, which has been wracked by virus-related rioting and strikes that reflect long-running frustrations over inequality with the French mainland.
Business
Anti-government protesters block bridges, roads in Serbia
Skirmishes on Saturday erupted in Serbia between police and anti-government demonstrators who blocked roads and bridges in the Balkan country in protest against new laws they say favor interests of foreign investors devastating the environment.
World
German minister hopes patient transfers a 'wake-up call'
Germany's health minister said Saturday he hopes that the sight of air force planes transferring patients across the country will act as a "wake-up call" to millions who are still holding out on getting vaccinated against COVID-19.
World
COVID-19 positive Czech president discharged from hospital
Czech President Miloš Zeman was discharged Saturday from the capital's military hospital after testing positive for the coronavirus.
Business
Channel migrant deaths: Smugglers net millions per kilometer
The price to cross the English Channel varies according to the network of smugglers, between 3,000 and 7,000 euros ($3,380 and $8,000) though there are rumors of discounts.
Business
South African scientists brace for wave propelled by omicron
Worried scientists in South Africa are scrambling to combat the lightning spread across the country of the new and highly transmissible omicron COVID-19 variant as the world grapples with its emergence.
World
Spanish police protest government plan to reform 'gag law'
Tens of thousands of Spanish police officers and their supporters marched in Madrid on Saturday to protest against government plans to reform a controversial security law known by critics as the "gag law."
World
Austria arrests 15 people suspected of smuggling migrants
Austrian authorities said Saturday they have arrested 15 people suspected of smuggling Syrian, Lebanese and Egyptian migrants into the country, and seized 14 vehicles that were used to transport them.
World
Dutch government apologizes for discredited transgender law
The Dutch government made a public apology Saturday for a now discredited and scrapped law that required transgender people to undergo surgery and sterilization if they wanted to change their gender on their birth certificate.
World
Tunisia's interior ministry: Knife attacker known extremist
Tunisia's Interior Ministry has said that a man who attempted to attack security officials in central Tunis was a known extremist.
World
Fresh snow beckons Italian skiers returning after 20 months
After nearly two years of being restricted to watching snow accumulate on distant mountains, Italian skiers are finally returning to the slopes that have been off-limits since the first pandemic lockdown in March 2020.
World
Algerians hold local elections amid anger over rising prices
Algerians are voting Saturday to elect mayors and regional leaders amid widespread worry and frustration over rising prices for basic goods, housing and health care.
Business
Macao detains Suncity boss on China gambling charge
Macao police on Saturday detained the head of Macao's biggest casino junket organizer and others after Chinese authorities issued an arrest warrant for them over accusations that they ran an illegal cross-border gambling syndicate.
World
Solomon Islands police find 3 bodies after violent protests
Solomon Islands police found three bodies in a burned-out building and arrested more than 100 people in this week's violence sparked by concerns about the Pacific nation's increasing links with China.
Business
India asks Starlink to obtain license for internet services
The Indian government has asked Starlink Internet Services of Elon Musk's SpaceX aerospace company to comply with the country's regulatory framework before offering its satellite-based internet services.
Business
Workers' paradise? Portugal's new teleworking law takes flak
Portugal's new law on working from home makes the European Union country sound like a workers' paradise.
World
AP PHOTOS: Town in Syria's Idlib province transformed by war
In the opposition-held town of Sarmada near the border with Turkey, thousands of displaced Syrians go about their daily lives with little hope of returning to their homes any time soon.
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