Six climate breakthroughs that made 2022 a step toward net zero
All of the gloomy climate news in 2022 came with a silver lining. New policy breakthroughs have the potential to unlock enormous progress.
World News
In El Salvador, a tough anti-gang crackdown proves popular
Nine months into a state of emergency declared by President Nayib Bukele to fight street gangs, El Salvador has seen more than 1,000 documented human rights abuses and about 90 deaths of prisoners in custody. Yet Bukele’s popularity ratings have soared.
Divisive social media star Andrew Tate detained in Romania
The former professional kickboxer was detained on charges of human trafficking and rape, an official said Friday.
China faces bumpy road to normal as infections surge
China is on a bumpy road back to normal life as schools, shopping malls and restaurants fill up again following the abrupt end of some of the world’s most severe restrictions even as hospitals are swamped with feverish, wheezing COVID-19 patients.
South Korea's unannounced rocket launch causes UFO scare
South Korea’s military confirms it test-fired a solid-fueled rocket after its unannounced launch triggered brief public scare of a suspected UFO appearance or a North Korean missile launch.
Quebec coast fights climate change by retreating
Over the past decade, civilization has been pulled back from the water’s edge where possible along the eastern stretch of Canada's Gaspe Peninsula where the coastline is particularly vulnerable to erosion. Defenses erected against the sea ages ago have been dismantled, rock by rock, concrete chunk by chunk.
Russia hits key infrastructure with missiles across Ukraine
Russia dispatched explosive drones to selected regions overnight before broadening the barrage with air and sea-based missiles, the Ukrainian air force said.
Biden faces international climate-aid challenge
He couldn’t convince even a Democratic-controlled Congress to fully fund his requests to help poor nations address climate change.
Pelé, Brazil's mighty king of 'beautiful game,' has died at 82
Pelé, the Brazilian king of soccer who won a record three World Cups and became one of the most commanding sports figures of the last century, died Thursday.
Afghan women determined, frustrated after Taliban NGO ban
After the Taliban’s ban on women working for non-government groups in Afghanistan, some women staffers say they will try to continue their work under the radar. The ban has prompted international aid agencies to halt operations in the country and forced dozens of smaller groups to stop or reduce their work.
Esports seen as pathway to boost diversity in STEM careers
A growing effort to channel students' enthusiasm for esports toward preparing them for jobs in science, technology, engineering and math could address the lack of racial diversity in STEM careers.
Iraq prime minister orders crackdown on trademark violations
In one prominent example, a chain of fake Starbucks has been operating under the international coffee company's logo in Baghdad, the Iraqi capital
A cue for success? Zimbabwe's pool players are betting on it
Once a minority sport played mostly in Zimbabwe's wealthier neighborhoods, pool has increased in popularity over the years, first as a pastime and now as a survival mode for many in a country where employment is hard to come by.
Femicides in Mexico: Little progress on longstanding issue
For decades, officials have recognized Mexico's high femicide rate and violence against women in general as a major problem. Yet little progress is evident in national data. On average, 10 women or girls are killed daily in Mexico. Most cases get little attention. But a recent 11-day spate of killings has put pressure on authorities.
Official: Ukraine aims to develop air-to-air combat drones
Ukraine has bought some 1,400 drones, mostly for reconnaissance, and plans to develop combat models that can attack the exploding drones Russia has used during its invasion of the country, according to the Ukrainian government minister in charge of technology.
US marks anniversary of Paul Whelan's detention in Russia
The Biden administration is marking the four-year anniversary of the detention in Russia of American businessman Paul Whelan.
Retired pope's ailing health raises questions of what's next
The Vatican has detailed rituals and procedures to follow when a pope dies, but it has not published such rules for a pope emeritus. As a result, official word Wednesday that the health of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI had worsened prompted questions about what happens if and when he dies.
Vatican says retired pope Benedict's health worsening, airline travel woes drag on, and more top news
Here are today's top stories, plus celebrity birthdays and a look back at this day in history. Get caught up.
Real coffee, but a fake 'Starbucks' in piracy-ridden Iraq
There are three “Starbucks” cafes in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, all serving authentic Starbucks coffee in authentic Starbucks cups. But they're unlicensed by the international chain. Iraq has emerged as a hub for trademark violations and piracy that cuts across sectors.
Dinosaurs were in their prime, not in decline, when fateful asteroid hit
Paleontologists agree that a massive asteroid strike triggered the end of the dinosaurs, but a debate has persisted over the reptiles’ overall state at the time of the fateful collision.
