Vaccinate or repent, Russian church says amid hundreds of COVID-19 deaths
MOSCOW — Russia’s powerful Orthodox Church admonished people refusing to be vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), calling them sinners who would have to atone for the rest of their lives, as the country reported another jump in new infections and deaths.
Japan to ship millions more COVID-19 vaccines to Taiwan, Asian neighbours this week
TOKYO - Japan said on Tuesday it would ship millions more doses of AstraZeneca Plc's COVID-19 vaccine to Asian neighbours this week as a...
Sydney COVID lockdown call looms as new case numbers drop
SYDNEY - The premier of Australia's New South Wales (NSW) said on Tuesday she aims to decide within the next 24 hours whether to...
China’s Xi, Europe leaders said to plan talks as tensions flare
CHINA’s Xi Jinping is expected to speak this week with Germany’s Angela Merkel and France’s Emmanuel Macron, people with knowledge of the matter said, as they attempt to keep human rights disputes from scuttling efforts at cooperation.
Hackers demand $70M from companies hit in cyberattack
WASHINGTON — Hackers suspected to be behind a mass extortion attack that affected hundreds of companies worldwide late on Sunday demanded $70 million to restore the data they are holding ransom, according to a posting on a dark web site.
Americans’ July Fourth festivities sparkle after last year’s pandemic cancellations
NEW YORK — Americans marked their nation’s 245th birthday on Sunday with fireworks that may look brighter, hot dogs that may taste juicier and marching bands that may sound jauntier after the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of nearly all celebrations last year.
Celebrating nation’s birth, Biden urges Americans to help end COVID-19 pandemic
US President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., celebrated the nation’s 245th birthday on Sunday by opening the gates of the White House and calling on Americans to do their part to end the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic once and for all.
White House reaching out with assistance to latest ransomware victims
WASHINGTON — The White House said on Sunday it was reaching out to victims of a wide-ranging ransomware outbreak that is centered on a Florida-based information technology company and has had an impact on hundreds of businesses worldwide.
Queen Elizabeth honors Britain’s health service for pandemic work
LONDON — Queen Elizabeth has awarded Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) the George Cross — the highest civilian gallantry award — in recognition of 73 years of dedicated service, including during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Saudi Arabia pushes back on UAE opposition to OPEC+ deal
DUBAI — Saudi Arabia’s energy minister pushed back on Sunday against opposition by fellow Gulf producer the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to a proposed OPEC+ deal and called...
Canada’s Hong Kong diaspora helps new arrivals with jobs, housing, psychotherapy
OTTAWA — Hong Kongers in Canada are banding together to help the latest wave of immigrants fleeing Beijing’s tightening grip on their city.
Networks across the country,...
Vatican cardinal among ten indicted for financial crimes
VATICAN CITY — A prominent Italian cardinal was among 10 people sent to trial in the Vatican on Saturday for financial crimes including embezzlement, money laundering, fraud, extortion and abuse of office.
