Europe

2 Die from Fireworks in Germany, No Repeat of Mass Groping

In Brandenburg region outside Berlin, police say that 35-year-old man died after igniting fireworks, and 19-year-old suffered fatal head injuries after he set off homemade device

Storm Cuts Power to 65,000 Households in Western France

Weather service Meteo France kept the French Atlantic coast areas south of Brittany on orange alert, but downgraded the threat level in most other areas of western France

Pope on 2018: Forget Life's Useless Baggage, Work for Peace

Francis offered his reflections on paring down non-essentials as he celebrated New Year's Day Mass Monday in St. Peter's Basilica and later greeted some 40,000 people in St. Peter's Square

New Year Celebrations Around the World

2018 Starts With a Bang as Fireworks Around the World Greet New Year

The final new years celebrations got underway in the Americas, with revelers in New York City braving frigid temperatures

Fugitive Catalonian Leader Seeks Talks With Spain

Carles Puigdemont called on Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy to recognize the ‘legitimate government’ of Catalonia

Polish Climbers Attempt Record Winter Ascent of K2

The world’s second highest peak is known for a high fatality rate for climbers

May Says 2018 Brexit Progress Will Renew British Pride

Divorce talks between London and Brussels are set to move on to transition arrangements, trade and security next year

Ukrainian Police Storm Post Office, Free Hostages

The hostage-taker was arrested, and none of the hostages was harmed

German Party Leader: Deport Young Refugees Involved in Crime

The stabbing death of a teen adds fuel to a debate about unaccompanied refugees

Turkey Rages After Coup 'Plotter' Is Granted Asylum in Greece

Helicopter co-pilot — who flew seven other Turkish military officers to Greece — was granted asylum after Greek authorities ruled that his human rights would be at risk