Associated Press
Latest stories
Earth, Wind and Reindeer: Lapland Herders See Red over Turbines

On a gusty mountain crest, the Jama brothers weave between wind turbines that stretch as far as the eye can see, on what used to be their animals' winter pasture. Climate emergency or not -- for these reindeer herders, the turbines have to go.

"Before, the area was perfect for our reindeer. The place was pristine, unspoiled by human activity. Now, everything has been ruined for years to come," laments Leif Arne, the younger of the brothers, at the wheel of his 4x4.

W140 Full Story
Antwerp Zoo Put Kids at Ease for Virus Jab

The Belgian city of Antwerp has put its faith in monkey business to put kids at ease for their first COVID-19 jab.

With the expansion of the country's vaccination campaign to include children as young as 5, Belgian authorities are getting creative as they try to prevent kids getting spooked by the sight of vials and needles.

W140 Full Story
Pipeline Spills 300,000 Gallons of Diesel Near New Orleans

A severely corroded pipeline ruptured and spilled more than 300,000 gallons (1.1 million liters) of diesel fuel just outside New Orleans after the operator delayed needed repairs, according to federal records.

Most of the fuel drained into two artificial ponds called "borrow pits" and thousands of fish, birds and other animals were killed, state and local officials said Wednesday. The spill also contaminated soil, according to state and federal officials.

W140 Full Story
Newcastle Signs Wood from Relegation Rival, Digne to Villa

Newcastle strengthened its attacking options — and significantly weakened those of a relegation rival in the Premier League — by signing Chris Wood from Burnley for a reported 25 million pounds ($34.5 million) on Thursday.

Newcastle triggered the release clause in Wood's contract to make the New Zealand striker the club's second signing of the January transfer window, after England right back Kieran Trippier from Spanish champion Atlético Madrid.

W140 Full Story
Bayern Looks to Bounce Back as Virus Impact Recedes

Suddenly, it's business as usual again for Bayern Munich — maybe.

After a wave of coronavirus cases left the defending champions with a depleted squad for last week's 2-1 loss to Borussia Mönchengladbach, Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann is looking to get back on track against Cologne on Saturday.

W140 Full Story
Madrid Beats Barcelona for 100th Time, Reaches Cup Final

Barcelona put on a good fight as an underdog, but in the end it was Real Madrid celebrating again after a thrilling "clásico" between the Spanish powerhouses in Saudi Arabia.

Federico Valverde scored in extra time to give Real Madrid a 3-2 win over Barcelona on Wednesday for its 100th victory over its storied rival and a spot in the final of the Spanish Super Cup.

W140 Full Story
Lionel Richie to Receive Gershwin Prize for Pop Music

Lionel Richie will be honored all night long for his musical achievements.

The Library of Congress said Thursday that Richie will receive the national library's Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. He will be bestowed the prize at an all-star tribute in Washington, D.C., on March 9.

W140 Full Story
China Faces Omicron Test Weeks ahead of Beijing Olympics

Most access to a major city adjacent to Beijing was suspended Thursday as China tried to contain an outbreak of the highly contagious omicron variant, which poses a test to its "zero-tolerance" COVID-19 policy and its ability to successfully host the Winter Olympics.

Tianjin, a port and manufacturing center with 14 million people, is one of a half-dozen cities where the government is imposing lockdowns and other restrictions as part of a policy that aims to track down every virus case. But the outbreak in a city so close to the Olympic host is particularly worrying.

W140 Full Story
UK Government Cuts COVID Isolation Period to 5 Days, from 7

British officials said Thursday the self-isolation period for people in England who test positive for COVID-19 will be reduced from next week to five full days, instead of seven.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid also said that early signs indicate that the rate of hospitalization from the coronavirus in the country is starting to slow.

W140 Full Story
Djokovic in Australian Open Draw as Visa Saga Continues

Novak Djokovic remained in limbo even after he was included in the draw for the Australian Open on Thursday, with the tennis star still awaiting a government decision on whether to deport him for not being vaccinated for COVID-19.

Despite the cloud hanging over Djokovic's ability to compete, Australian Open organizers included the top seed in the draw. He is slated to play fellow Serb Miomir Kecmanovic, who is ranked world No. 78., in the opening round next week.

W140 Full Story