North Korea fires a ballistic missile into the sea as South Korea and U.S. step up deterrence plans

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are at their highest in years, with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un accelerating the expansion of his nuclear and missile program.

Russia’s ruling party backs Putin while pro-peace candidate clears first hurdle

A little-known Russian presidential hopeful who calls for peace in Ukraine also inched closer to formally registering as a candidate, securing a nomination from a group of more than 500 supporters in the Russian capital.

Spilling the tea: Boston Tea Party turns 250 with reenactments of the revolutionary protest

Tea for the reenactment was supplied by the East India Co., the same British company that was at the center of the raucous dispute.

Church of England blesses same-sex couples for the first time, but they still can’t wed in church

The church’s national assembly voted in February to allow clergy to bless the unions of same-sex couples who have had civil weddings or partnerships.

Traveling for the holidays? Hotels are doing Elf on the Shelf and in-room trees so you don’t have to

Your chosen tree and ornaments will be delivered to your room before you arrive, so you can have fun decorating with your family in privacy. Or you can decide not to lift a finger and have it all set up by the time you check-in.

Over 60 people have drowned in the capsizing of a migrant vessel off Libya, the UN says

The shipwreck, which took place overnight between Thursday and Friday, was the latest tragedy in this part of the Mediterranean Sea, a key but dangerous route for migrants seeking a better life in Europe.

Pope Francis’ 87th birthday closes out a big year of efforts to reform the church, cement his legacy

Francis celebrated his birthday with cake during a festive audience with children Sunday morning, and there were “Happy Birthday” banners in St. Peter's Square during his weekly noon blessing.

Israel faces new calls for truce after killing of hostages raises alarm about its conduct in Gaza

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel 'will continue to fight until the end,' with the goal of eliminating Hamas, which triggered the war with its Oct. 7 attack into southern Israel.

J.P. Devine Podcast: I remember Mrs. Klein

Today’s editorial cartoon