Uproar in Greece as mascot seal killed in protected area

A young endangered monk seal who became the mascot of a Greek island in a marine protected area after surviving a cyclone and endearing himself to locals has been killed, sparking an uproar.

Virus-wracked Indonesia to loosen COVID-19 curbs

Virus-wracked Indonesia said Sunday that small businesses and some shopping malls could reopen despite warnings that loosening curbs could spark another devastating COVID-19 wave, even as it moved to extend a web of restrictions launched last month.

Health fears as killer DR Congo volcano spouts ash

The DR Congo's Nyirangongo volcano has released large amounts of ash some two months after its eruption, sparking concerns for local residents' health, experts said on Sunday.

S.Africa has 'largely' passed peak of third virus wave: president

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday said the country had "largely" passed the peak of its third coronavirus wave and eased restrictions, including a ban on alcohol sales.

Fauci says US headed in 'wrong direction' on coronavirus

The United States is in an "unnecessary predicament" of soaring COVID-19 cases fueled by unvaccinated Americans and the virulent delta variant, the nation's top infectious diseases expert said Sunday.

Sparked by pandemic fallout, homeschooling surges across US

Although the pandemic disrupted family life across the U.S. since taking hold in spring 2020, some parents are grateful for one consequence: They're now opting to homeschool their children, even as schools plan to resume in-person classes.

Turkey daily COVID cases top 14,000

Turkey's daily COVID-19 cases surged past 14,000 on Sunday, marking the highest toll since May.

East China battens down as Typhoon In-Fa approaches

Typhoon In-Fa lashed eastern China with high winds and heavy rain on Sunday as other parts of the country were still cleaning up following historic flooding.

India: on the frontline of climate change

Swathes of India are battling deadly floods and landslides after heavy monsoon rains, just the latest example of how the vast country is on the frontline of climate change.

Greece's first underwater museum opens ancient world to dive tourists

Emerging from the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea, Hans-Juergen Fercher has just returned from his fourth dive to where mounds of 2,500-year-old wine pots mark the site of an ancient shipwreck—and Greece's first underwater museum.

Jordan to open COVID vaccinations for 12-year-olds

Jordan's health ministry announced Saturday that COVID-19 vaccines will now be available for children aged 12 and above.

Spaniards put faith in COVID-19 vaccines even as cases surge

Like far too many of Spain's 20-somethings, Sergio Rosado has seen the new, more contagious coronavirus strain strike those too eager to cut loose when authorities rolled back health restrictions with vaccinations picking up pace.

Coffee froths to new highs as Brazil frost hits crops

Coffee prices surged this week to multi-year peaks, extending stellar gains this year after frost damaged crops in the world's biggest producer Brazil.

Nobel prize-winning physicist Steven Weinberg dies at 88

Physicist Steven Weinberg, who won the Nobel prize in 1979 with two other scientists for their separate contributions unlocking mysteries of tiny particles and their electromagnetic interaction, has died at 88, the University of Texas at Austin said Saturday.

Unvaccinated snow leopard at San Diego Zoo catches COVID-19

An unvaccinated snow leopard at the San Diego Zoo has contracted COVID-19.

India monsoon death toll climbs to 124 as rescuers search for missing

The death toll from flooding and landslides triggered by heavy monsoon rains in India climbed to 124 Sunday, officials said, with rescuers searching for dozens more missing.