US aims to secure Kabul airport for departures, nations call for safe passage

U.S. officials say they are taking steps to secure Kabul’s international airport to enable the safe departure of thousands of U.S. and allied personnel from Afghanistan by way of civilian and military flights.

Gold Star families recognized at fundraising event in Philadelphia

Ten Gold Star families from around the country were recognized at a fundraising event Sunday afternoon in Philadelphia amid a stinging backdrop as the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan. 

Taliban seizes 4 more cities in sweep across southern Afghanistan

The Taliban has taken half of Afghanistan’s 34 provincial capitals in recent days, including its second- and third-largest cities, Herat and Kandahar.

Taliban seize 3 more Afghan provincial capitals, officials say

The Taliban seized three more provincial capitals in Afghanistan, officials said Wednesday. The insurgents now control some two-thirds of the nation.

France mandates COVID-19 pass to enter restaurants, trains

The measure is part of a government plan to encourage more people to get a COVID-19 vaccine shot and slow down a surge in infections.

China's migrating elephant herd may be finally heading home

The herd of elephants that made international headlines after wandering the populated streets of China may be finally heading home.

Taliban seizes key Afghan cities as US troops complete pullout

The Taliban advances in Afghanistan were the latest in a series of blows to government forces as U.S. troops complete their pullout after nearly two decades in the country.