Photos of Christmas celebrations around the world
From Bethlehem to Beijing, people around the world are celebrating the Christmas season.
World News
Trump-backed candidate Nasry Asfura declared winner of Honduras’ presidential vote
The election is continuing Latin America’s swing to the right.
Faithful return to Bethlehem and Pope Leo XIV celebrates his first Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter’s
Bethlehem had canceled celebrations the past two years due to the Israel-Hamas war.
A blast in Gaza wounds a soldier and Israel accuses Hamas of ceasefire violation
It was the latest incident as each side accuses the other of violations.
Everything you need to know about Christmas, and how it has evolved into a global holiday
Take a look at the history, beliefs and the evolution of Christmas celebrations worldwide.
Zelenskyy says he’s open to creating demilitarized zone in Ukraine’s industrial heartland
It offered another potential compromise on control of the Donbas region.
EU warns of possible action after the US bars 5 Europeans accused of censorship
The European Commission condemned on Wednesday the U.S. decision and says the EU is within...
US bars five Europeans who allegedly pressured tech firms to censor American viewpoints online
Secretary of State Marco Rubio identified them only as “radical” activists and “weaponized” nongovernmental organizations.
UK authorities bring new charges of rape and sexual assault against Russell Brand
The comedian is already facing similar charges involving four women.
Louvre tightens security after $102M jewel heist, installs bars on infamous window
The museum is addressing security flaws exposed by the theft.
Greta Thunberg arrested in London while supporting hunger-striking pro-Palestinian activists
Greta Thunberg has been arrested in central London while supporting pro-Palestinian activists on a hunger...
Banksy unveils new art in London following speculation over murals depicting stargazing figures
The artist posted two photos of the artwork on his official Instagram account Monday.
US signs new health deals with 9 African countries that mirror Trump’s priorities
The deals mark a sharp departure from how the U.S. has provided health care funding.
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy says progress in US-led peace talks is ‘quite solid’
Negotiations have run into sharply conflicting demands from Moscow and Kyiv.
Ukraine is leveraging its powerful – and cheap – new drone killers for air defense
Interceptor drones are becoming a cornerstone of counter-unmanned aerial systems in Ukraine and Europe.
Singer-songwriter Chris Rea, known for ‘Driving Home for Christmas,’ dies at 74
His family announced Monday that Rea died in the hospital after a short illness.
Starlink in the crosshairs: How Russia could attack Elon Musk’s conquering of space
NATO-nation intelligence services believe Russia is developing a weapon to target Starlink satellites.
Car bomb kills Russian general in Moscow
It is the third such killing of a senior Russian military officer in just over...
Trump’s appointment of envoy to Greenland sparks new tension with Denmark
Trump’s announcement on Sunday that Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry would be the U.S. special envoy...
Rubio fields questions on Russia-Ukraine, Gaza and Venezuela at wide-ranging news conference
Secretary of State Rubio has assumed the additional role of national security adviser.
Paris court rejects bid to suspend Shein platform in France
Authorities found illegal weapons and child-like sex dolls for sale on Shein's website.
Spread of famine in Gaza Strip averted but Palestinians there still face starvation, experts say
The report notes improvements in food security and nutrition following an October ceasefire.
Trump’s blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil raises new questions about legality
It's fueling fears that the U.S. could be edging closer to war.
British baker’s criticism of Mexican ‘ugly’ bread triggers social media outrage
What began as a dispute over bread soon ignited a national debate over food identity.
A mysterious fedora, a thieving cat and other stories that made us smile in 2025
These stories provided moments of brightness throughout 2025.
Rain creates a crimson spectacle on Iran’s Hormuz Island for the first time this year
The phenomenon regularly attracts tourists, photographers and social media attention.
Rubio hits 2 more International Criminal Court judges with sanctions over Israel prosecutions
It's the latest in a series of ICC judges and staffers to be targeted.
US official defends Trump’s nuclear test comments by citing mounting risks from other states
The U.S. and Russia have recently threatened to resume nuclear testing.
Russia is trying to overwhelm Europe with its sabotage campaign, Western officials say
So far, most known acts of sabotage have resulted in minimal damage.
In 2025, Trump told FIFA, Olympics and NCAA to get in line. For the most part, they complied
The U.S. president took unprecedented steps to bend sports to his own worldview.
Trump demands Venezuela pay for seized US oil assets after calling for ‘blockade’
U.S. oil companies dominated Venezuela's petroleum industry until its leaders moved to nationalize the sector.
Some sanctioned oil vessels divert from Venezuela as Trump threatens blockade
The move threatens to choke off revenue from the world’s largest oil reserves.
Winter Olympics 2026 guide: All you need to know about the Milan–Cortina Games
Get ready for all of the events with this guide of things to know.
EU leaders prepare to take unprecedented steps to help Ukraine at a high-stakes summit
The proposal involves using the frozen assets for a 90 billion-euro or $105 billion reparations...
Good news: Behind the scenes of some of the world’s most uplifting stories of 2025
Journalists have captured some of 2025’s most uplifting stories amid global challenges.
Strikes and a $100 million heist push the Louvre into historic crisis
Pressure is mounting on Louvre President Laurence des Cars to resolve the crisis.
Trafficked, exploited, married off: Rohingya children’s lives crushed by foreign aid cuts
Violations against children in the camps have risen sharply this year, according to UNICEF.
The US labels another Latin American cartel a terrorist group as the anti-drug war escalates
Clan del Golfo is based in Colombia.
FIFA slashes price of some World Cup tickets to $60 after global fan backlash
Fans worldwide reacted with shock and anger last week on seeing FIFA’s ticketing plans.
A photographer finds thousands of dinosaur footprints near Italian Winter Olympic venue
The entrance of the park is located just a mile from the town of where...
After a year of Trump, EU leaders begrudgingly learn to live with the reality of an unreliable ally
Over the course of 2025, a new reality has sunk in for Europe.
Britain’s BBC is both beloved and maligned. Now it faces a $10 billion Trump lawsuit
Legal experts say Trump faces challenges proving his case.
Toxic smog blankets New Delhi, disrupting travel and plunging air quality to hazardous levels
New Delhi ranks among the world's most polluted cities, with air quality worsening every winter.
Small plane crashes in central Mexico, killing at least 7 people, official says
The plane had taken off from Acapulco.
Trinidad and Tobago will open Caribbean nation’s airports to US military as Venezuela tensions grow
Only seven miles separate Venezuela from the twin-island Caribbean nation at their closest point.
US officials say Washington has agreed to give Ukraine security guarantees in peace talks
Ukraine has continued to reject the U.S. push for ceding territory to Russia.
What to know about the attack on the Hanukkah festival in Australia that killed 15 people
The government proposed tougher gun laws Monday amid criticism.
US accuses Rwanda of violating the peace deal as M23 rebels seize a key eastern Congo city
Waltz warned that the U.S. will hold accountable those undermining peace efforts.
South Africa eases affirmative action regulations on Starlink and others that Musk said were racist
Musk, who was born in South Africa, accused his home country of having 'openly racist...
Russian police and National Guard will stay in Ukraine’s Donbas postwar, a Kremlin official says
Ukraine is likely to reject such a stance as U.S.-led negotiations drag on.
Hunger and makeshift shelters persist in north Caribbean nearly 2 months after Hurricane Melissa
Thousands are still looking for food and struggling to rebuild their lives.
Germany summons Russian ambassador over alleged sabotage, cyberattacks and election interference
Germany has also accused Moscow of perpetrating disinformation campaigns.
Watch: Skydiver dangles at 15,000 feet after parachute catches on plane’s tail in Australia
The skydiver used a hook knife to cut himself free, sustaining minor leg injuries.
Russian lugers plan to race in Lake Placid next week. Ukrainian sliders say it shouldn’t be allowed
The International Olympic Committee wants Russians to compete as neutral athletes.
Iran arrests Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, supporters say
Supporters said she was “violently detained earlier today by security and police forces.”
Belarus leader hosts US envoy as he seeks to improve his country’s ties with the West
A press service said the talks would continue Saturday.
Cut off by their banks and even iced out by Alexa, sanctioned ICC staffers remain resolute
They face the same restrictions brought against Vladimir Putin and Osama bin Laden.
Danish intelligence report warns of US military threat under Trump
The report highlights Washington's increased assertiveness under the Trump administration.
A Chinese official exposed his boss. Now in Texas, he’s hunted by Beijing — with help from US tech
Li Chuanliang claims he is targeted for criticizing the government.
EU indefinitely freezes Russian assets so Hungary and Slovakia can’t veto their use for Ukraine
The EU used a special procedure meant for economic emergencies.
Thai and Cambodian leaders have agreed to renew a ceasefire after days of deadly clashes, Trump says
Trump announced the agreement to restart the ceasefire in a social media posting.
US seizure of rogue oil tanker off Venezuela signals new crackdown on shadow fleet
The tanker is part of the illicit “shadow fleet” used to sidestep U.S. sanctions.
Mexico’s Congress approves tariff hikes on imports from China and others
Tariff increases of up to 50% will affect textiles, shoes, appliances, and cars in January.
Bulgaria’s government resigns after mass protests and just weeks before nation due to join eurozone
The resignation will be formally submitted to parliament on Friday.
US sanctions Venezuelan President Maduro’s 3 nephews as pressure campaign ratchets up
The sanctions are meant to deny them access to any property or financial assets held...
Venezuelan Nobel laureate credits Trump for pressuring Maduro with ‘decisive’ actions
Machado spoke after her first public appearance in 11 months in Oslo.
EU pushes Ukraine membership bid forward despite Hungary’s objections
The European Union has handed Ukraine a list of reforms needed to join the bloc.
Denmark plans to severely restrict social media use for young people
The Danish government’s plans could become law as soon as mid-2026.
Zelenskyy says US-led peace talks wrestling with Russian demands for Ukrainian territory
On Wednesday, Ukraine submitted a 20-point plan to the U.S.
Over 400 civilians killed in fighting in eastern Congo, despite US-mediated peace deal
The U.S. and U.N. accuse Rwanda of supporting M23, which Rwanda denies.
US and Japan hold joint flight drills as China ups military activity near Japan
The Japanese air force and U.S. military conducted the exercise, emphasizing their resolve to prevent...
Tens of thousands join anti-government protests across Bulgaria
Protesters are now calling for the center-right government of Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov to resign.
Former Bolivian President Arce arrested in corruption investigation a month after leaving office
Arce was arrested on alleged embezzlement charges.
IOC president Coventry sets early 2026 target for new Olympic policy on gender eligibility
A new policy could see transgender athletes excluded from the Olympic Games.
Trump says the US has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela
The U.S. has built up the largest military presence in the region in decades
Study finds humans were making fire 400,000 years ago, far earlier than once thought
Researchers say the discovery sheds new light on early Neanderthal behavior.
North Korea’s ruling elite prepares for once-in-5-years party meeting
The plenary meeting will set an official agenda for the party congress.
Aid flow into Gaza falls short of the terms of the ceasefire deal, Israeli figures show
Food remains scarce and many are displaced by war in Gaza.
Sophie Kinsella, author of the millions-selling ‘Shopaholic’ novels, dies at 55
She published 10 "Shopaholic" novels, selling over 45 million copies worldwide.
Louvre thieves escaped with just 30 seconds to spare, Senate inquiry finds
All four suspected members of the motorbike-mounted crew have been arrested, but the missing jewels...
Nine Russian and Belarusian skiers get neutral status to compete in Olympics qualifying events
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation says it cleared applications for neutral athlete status and...
Ukraine to give revised peace plans to US as Kyiv readies for more talks with its coalition partners
Military aid for Ukraine has declined, with European support uneven.
European nations agree to consider weakening protections for migrants dating back to WW2
Illegal border crossings are actually falling in Europe.
After months in hiding, Venezuelan opposition leader Machado reappears as a Nobel laureate
Her daughter accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf a day earlier.
A symphony of woofs: This is what happens when 2,397 golden retrievers gather in an Argentina park
The event broke the unofficial world record for the largest-ever gathering of golden retrievers.
Mexican president says Mexico will send more water to US but not immediately
Mexico is proposing a water delivery this month and another one in the coming years.
Iain Douglas-Hamilton, British zoologist and Save the Elephants founder, dies at 83
Douglas-Hamilton was known for decades of conservation work.
Hamas calls for more international pressure on Israel before ceasefire’s next phase
Hamas wants Israel to cease deadly strikes and allow more aid into Gaza.
Trump’s ceasefire plan for the Israel-Hamas war faces pitfalls as it moves into a new phase
The ceasefire moves to a far more complicated second phase, which could reshape the Middle...
Google facing a new antitrust probe in Europe over content it uses for AI
Regulators are examining whether Google used web publishers and YouTube content without permission or payment.
UN says world must jointly tackle issues of climate change, pollution, biodiversity and land loss
The U.N. Environment Assembly produced the this week by almost 300 scientists from 83 countries.
UN agency reports rise in violence against women journalists and activists linked to online abuse
The study calls for stronger laws and accountability for tech companies.
Why Japan has issued an advisory for a possible megaquake in the country’s north
Officials said the advisory is not a prediction.
Honduras seeks arrest of ex-President Hernández after Trump pardon
Hernández had been sentenced to 45 years for helping move cocaine to the U.S.
Planned appearance by Venezuelan opposition leader called off on eve of Nobel Peace ceremony
A planned news conference was canceled.
German leader says US strategy shows the need for more European security independence
The U.S. strategy, published Friday, paints European allies as weak.
Zelenskyy reaffirms his refusal to cede land to Russia as he rallies European support
Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine's legal and moral stance against giving up land.
Trump approves sale of more advanced Nvidia computer chips used in AI to China
Trump’s announcement appeared to drive the stock slightly higher in after hours trading.
Hockey at the Winter Olympics will be played on shorter ice than NHL dimensions
The Olympic ice will be slightly wider and more than 3 feet shorter.
Bomb explosion kills over 30 in eastern Congo after army clashes with pro-government militia
The explosion occurred despite a recent U.S.-brokered peace deal.