Brazilian soccer legend Pel? dies
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A look back at the extraordinary career of soccer great Pel?, who died Dec. 29 after battling cancer.

Massive fire at Cambodia hotel casino kills at least 19, officials say

Thai media reported dozens of Thais were trapped and Cambodian rescuers say calls for help were heard hours after the fire began.

Viking burial site discovered in backyard in Norway

A Viking burial site was discovered in a backyard in Oslo, Norway, where archeologists were brought in to excavate a site in the city's Holmen neighborhood.

Statue of Russian empress Catherine the Great removed in Ukrainian city of Odesa

Since Moscow's invasion, Ukrainian officials have accelerated efforts to erase the vestiges of Soviet and Russian influence from its public spaces.

Catherine the Great monument removed from Odesa
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A monument to former Russian empress Catherine the Great was removed from a central Odesa square and replaced with the flag of Ukraine early on Dec. 29, 2022. Credit: Suspilne News via Storyful

Russia launches biggest wave of missile strikes in weeks across Ukraine

The attack is the latest in a series of Russian strikes targeting power and water supplies that have increased the Ukrainian population's suffering in freezing weather.

Eyewitness video captures deadly fire at Cambodian hotel and casino
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A major fire burned through the Grand Diamond City hotel-casino in Poipet, Cambodia, on Dec. 29, 2022, killing several people. Credit: Samnang En via Storyful

US to require COVID-19 testing for travelers from China

Other countries have taken similar steps in an effort to keep infections from spreading beyond China’s borders.

Legendary soccer star Pelé nears 1 month in hospital with no sign of improvement

One of Pelé’s daughters says she and her family are enduring moments of sadness and despair as the 82-year-old Brazilian soccer great’s hospitalization nears one month.

Health of retired Pope Benedict XVI 'worsening,' Vatican says

Earlier Wednesday, Pope Francis asked the faithful to pray for Benedict and went to visit his predecessor in the monastery on Vatican grounds.

World governments using COVID-19 tech to expand global surveillance

Now, from Beijing to Jerusalem to Hyderabad, India, and Perth, Australia, The Associated Press has found that authorities used these technologies and data to halt travel for activists and ordinary people, harass marginalized communities and link people’s health information to other surveillance and law enforcement tools.

South Korean military apologizes for failing to down North Korea’s drones

North Korean drones entered South Korean airspace for the first time since 2017 . The drone flights came days after South Korea said North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles, extending its record testing activities this year.

Notable deaths of 2022: The influential people we lost this year

As 2022 comes to a close, here's a look back at the actors, athletes, entertainers, creators and politicians who died this year.

Pope Francis orders return of Parthenon Sculpture fragments to Greece

The Vatican on Friday termed the gesture a “donation” from the pope to His Beatitude Ieronymos II, the Orthodox Christian archbishop of Athens and all Greece.

King Charles' first Christmas address pays tribute to first responders, late queen

"Christmas is a particularly poignant time for all of us who have lost loved ones," Charles said. "We feel their absence ... and remember them in each cherished tradition."

Pope laments 'icy winds of war' in Christmas address

"Indeed, we must acknowledge with sorrow that, even as the Prince of Peace is given to us, the icy winds of war continue to buffet humanity," Pope Francis said.

Pelé's family gathers at hospital as cancer worsens

Doctors said the three-time World Cup winner is under “elevated care” at a Brazilian hospital with his family by his side.