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.

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.

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.

South Korea lifts ban on imported full-body sex dolls

South Korea has formally lifted a ban on the import of full-body sex dolls, ending years of debate over how much the government can interfere in private life.

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.

US to let MLB stars play for Cuba in 2023 World Baseball Classic

It clears the way for MLB stars like José Abreu, Yordan Alvarez, and Randy Arozarena to represent their home country in the World Baseball Classic next year.

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.

‘Hard road’ lies ahead for China as COVID-19 cases spiral

China has reduced testing and stopped reporting most mild COVID cases. China is among a few countries that managed to stop most domestic transmission of the virus in 2020, but it’s the last to end restrictions.

Brittney Griner asks supporters to advocate for Paul Whelan

"I hope you’ll join me in writing to Paul Whelan and continuing to advocate for other Americans to be rescued and returned to their families," Griner wrote.

Ali Ahmed Aslam, often credited as inventor of chicken tikka masala, dies at 77

Ali Ahmed Aslam said in a 2009 interview that he first came up with the dish in the 1970s when a customer asked if there was a way of making his chicken tikka less dry.

Ex-Twitter employee headed to prison for leaking information to Saudi Arabia

A California man has been sentenced to 3 ½ in federal prison for his role conveying confidential and sensitive information that could be used to identify and locate Twitter users of interest to the Saudi Royal Family.