EU agency to confirm ‘causal link’ between AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine and rare blood clots

A top official at the European Medicines Agency says there is a causal link between AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine and rare blood clots, but that it's unclear what the connection is.

South Korea's LG to stop making mobile phones, focus on other electronic products, services

South Korean electronics maker LG says it is getting out of its loss-making mobile phone business to focus on electric vehicle components, robotics, artificial intelligence and other products and services.

'This is scandalous': Pope decries war, weapons spending amid the pandemic in Easter message

“The pandemic is still spreading, while the social and economic crisis remains severe, especially for the poor. Nevertheless — and this is scandalous — armed conflicts have not ended, and military arsenals are being strengthened,'' Francis said, sounding angry. “That is today's scandal.”

UK to test series of COVID-19 safety measures to bring back mass gatherings - including vaccine passport

Britain is planning to test a series of measures including “coronavirus status certifications” over the coming weeks to see if they can allow people to safely return to sports arenas, nightclubs and concerts.

Nearly a third of UK COVID-19 patients hospitalized readmitted within 4 months, study finds

Nearly a third of individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 in the U.K. were readmitted within a period of four months, and they suffered from multi-organ dysfunction at higher rates than the general population, a study found.

US to begin indirect talks with Iran on returning to nuclear deal

The United States and Iran will talk with other world powers about returning to the Obama-era agreement that limited Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for the removal of crippling economic sanctions.

Notre Dame: '15 or 20 years' needed for restoration after fire, rector says

The rector of Notre Dame said Friday that the burned-out Paris cathedral and its esplanade could remain a building site for another “15 or 20 years.”

Truck knocks train off tracks in Taiwan, killing at least 48

A train partially derailed in eastern Taiwan on Friday, April 2 after being hit by an unmanned vehicle that had rolled down a hill, killing 48 people.

WHO: Europe's COVID-19 vaccination program is 'unacceptably slow'

European nations' immunization campaigns against COVID-19 are “unacceptably slow” and risk prolonging the pandemic, a senior World Health Organization official said.

France closes schools, bans domestic travel amid new COVID-19 surge

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday announced a three-week nationwide school closure and a month-long domestic travel ban, as the rapid spread of the virus ramped up pressure on hospitals.

People play volleyball in front of erupting volcano in Iceland

Video posted on Twitter by Rut Einarsdottir shows a group passing a volleyball amongst themselves as Mount Fagradalsfjall spewed lava nearby.

Louvre digitizes over 480,000 pieces of art, makes them free to view online

The Louvre announced it has digitized more than 480,000 pieces of art, allowing anyone with a smartphone or a computer to enjoy the museum’s collections without booking a ticket to Paris.

Probe into Suez Canal blockage begins in what could cost billions in lost trade

Egyptian officials are looking for more details about what caused the massive Ever Given ship to become wedged across the Suez Canal. The grounding of the ship halted billions of dollars a day in maritime commerce.

World leaders call for international treaty on pandemic preparedness

More than 20 heads of government and global agencies called for an international treaty for pandemic preparedness that they say will protect future generations in the wake of COVID-19.

White House, UN signal possible 'additional actions' after N. Korea missile tests

The Biden administration said Monday it's looking at “additional actions” that the United Nations might take to respond to North Korea’s recent missile tests.