World News

Hack against US is 'grave' threat, cybersecurity agency says

WASHINGTON — Federal authorities expressed increased alarm Thursday about a long-undetected intrusion into U.S. and other computer systems around the globe that officials suspect was carried out by Russian hackers.

Dec 17, 2020 8:48 PM Read more >

In historic pick, Biden taps Haaland as interior secretary

President-elect Joe Biden selected New Mexico Rep.

Dec 17, 2020 6:37 PM Read more >

Biden picks Regan for EPA nominee, Haaland for interior head

President-elect Joe Biden announced Thursday that he had chosen North Carolina regulator Michael S. Regan as his nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency and New Mexico Rep. Deb Haaland as his pick for interior secretary.

Dec 17, 2020 6:35 PM Read more >

US inmate scheduled to be executed tests positive for virus

WASHINGTON — A federal prisoner scheduled to be executed just days before President-elect Joe Biden takes office has tested positive for coronavirus, his lawyer said Thursday.

Dec 17, 2020 4:41 PM Read more >

Rarely seen Shirley Jackson story is finally published

NEW YORK — Laurence Hyman, son of the late Shirley Jackson, has been on a quest for more than 20 years. Jackson was just 48 when she died, in 1965, and left behind an extensive backlog of unreleased material.

Dec 17, 2020 3:48 PM Read more >

Turkey that had online fans but real-life haters is killed

SOMERVILLE, Mass. — A wild turkey that had developed an online fan following but also drew complaints about aggressive behaviour was euthanized last week, Massachusetts wildlife officials said.

Dec 17, 2020 3:15 PM Read more >

Family behind OxyContin attests to its role in opioid crisis

Two owners of the company that makes OxyContin acknowledged to Congress on Thursday that the powerful prescription painkiller played a role in the opioid epidemic but they stopped short of apologizing or admitting wrongdoing.

Dec 17, 2020 2:53 PM Read more >

Hot spot: California hospitals buckle as virus cases surge

LOS ANGELES — Hospitals across California have all but run out of intensive care beds for COVID-19 patients, ambulances are backing up outside emergency rooms, and tents for triaging the sick are going up as the nation’s most populous state emerges a

Dec 17, 2020 2:40 PM Read more >

French President Macron tests positive for COVID-19

PARIS — Wearing a white medical mask, French President Emmanuel Macron went ahead with a planned speech by videoconference Thursday, hours after testing positive for COVID-19 following a week in which he met with numerous European leaders.

Dec 17, 2020 2:00 PM Read more >

Snow days, virtual opera: The office holiday party goes on

NEW YORK — An online murder mystery. Law-themed opera arias. A snowman-building competition. With dancing, drinking and fancy dinners a no-go because of virus concerns, companies are getting creative about their holiday office parties this year.

Dec 17, 2020 11:12 AM Read more >