BEIRUT—A large explosion shook a Hezbollah stronghold in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, sending a thick plume of smoke over a country still reeling from the deadly Beirut explosion last month that devastated parts of the capital. Smoke was seen rising from the area surrounding the towns of Ain Qana and Kafarfila, the state-run National News … Read more
The World Economic Forum won’t be meeting in Davos at all in 2021 after initially postponing its annual session in January because of the coronavirus crisis, and it is now looking at other locations elsewhere in Switzerland for the gathering. The yearly event in the Swiss alpine town is a highlight of the international business … Read more
LONDON—British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a series of new coronavirus restrictions for England, including earlier pub-closing times, as his government tries to quell a second wave of infections while avoiding another economically damaging nationwide lockdown. In an address to Parliament, Mr. Johnson unveiled both tightening and tougher enforcement of social-distancing rules, with fines of … Read more
President Trump used a virtual speech at the United Nations General Assembly to assail China on Tuesday, blaming Beijing for the coronavirus pandemic that has stricken the world while weighing on the global economy. “The United Nations must hold China accountable for their actions,” Mr. Trump said. Mr. Trump, facing a re-election challenge while grappling … Read more
HONG KONG—A Beijing court sentenced an influential businessman known for his outspoken criticism of China’s leader, Xi Jinping, to 18 years in prison, meting out harsh punishment in a corruption case that is likely to chill dissent within the Chinese political elite. Ren Zhiqiang, 69 years old, was sentenced Tuesday after being convicted of corruption, … Read more
Months after Italy’s lockdown against the coronavirus ended, Enrica Grazioli still sanitizes everything that comes into her Milan apartment, wears face masks diligently and limits interactions between her sons and their grandparents. Ms. Grazioli, a self-proclaimed social butterfly who loves to cook for guests, still hasn’t had friends over for dinner since the virus struck. … Read more
ROME—The Vatican condemned the spreading international acceptance of euthanasia and assisted suicide, including in some traditionally Catholic countries in Europe, in a strongly worded document that reasserts traditional teaching. “Euthanasia is an act of homicide that no end can justify and that does not tolerate any form of complicity or active or passive collaboration,” the … Read more