INTERNATIONAL

There are many holiday rituals that are celebrated by just about everyone around the world, whether that means exchanging gifts, family get-togethers or attending church services.

An estimated 200 foreigners, including Americans, have left Kabul on an international commercial flight, marking the first large-scale evacuation since U.S. and NATO forces left Afghanistan last week.

When we think of castles, we often think of kings and queens, or maybe even some fairytale Disney movie -- but always some extravagant place, and certainly not one in which we’d be able to stay -- until now.

How would you like to live forever? If a child prodigy in Belgium has his way, then that could eventually be the case.

Thousands of people poured into the streets in Cuba on Sunday in what is becoming the largest anti-government protest in decades.

Back in May, a farm in Mexico started developing a sinkhole that has since caused the evacuation of a family living in a nearby house, the collapse of that same house and a rescue operation for two dogs that, like the house, were also swallowed up by the sinkhole.

What are some interesting facts about flags around the globe?

Already famous at home, China's wandering elephants are now becoming international stars.

As the United States has seen vaccination numbers rise and COVID-19 cases decline, many Americans might be feeling a desire to travel more.

Some countries celebrate Father's Day a little differently than in the U.S.

How well do you know your international travel destinations? It’s time to test your knowledge.

Forty-eight people in the Moncton area and New Brunswick Acadian peninsula of Canada have suffered from a rare and debilitating brain disorder.

Award winning rabbit goes missing on Easter weekend in England.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, arrive to attend the annual Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey on March 9, 2020 in London, England. As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently completed their North America transition, many things have changed for them, including from where they are getting their income. Harry told James Corden in an interview last week that he had to step back and eventually withdraw from his royal duties, because: “We all know what the British press can be like, and it was destroying my mental health. The reason for the couple removing themselves from their royal duties will likely be one of the hottest topics of the interview. But the couple’s endeavors and expenses will no longer be covered with royal money.

Valentine’s Day is big business in the United States.

(2020 Getty Images)On Jan. 9, the World Health Organization first announced news about the deadly coronavirus that had emerged in Wuhan, China. (2020 Getty Images)On March 24, it became official: The Olympics would be postponed. (2020 Getty Images)On May 4, it was reported that giant insects called “murder hornets” were spotted in the U.S., specifically, Washington state. (Getty Images)On Aug. 18, on the second night of the (virtual) 2020 Democratic National Convention, the party officially nominated Biden. (Getty Images)On Oct. 11, the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Miami Heat in NBA Finals to win another championship.

MADRID – Masks will be mandatory for all students in Spain, ages 6 or older, when returning to schools in September because of increased coronavirus cases, the government announced Thursday. Previously, masks were only required for students above age 12 by some Spanish regions. Students will receive a daily body temperature check, must wash hands at least five times per day and classrooms will need frequent ventilation, the government said. That allows localized quarantines if there’s a positive test, rather than closing entire schools. Parents and teachers have expressed concern, with new waves of outbreaks since the country emerged from a strict lockdown.

Police in Singapore have taken an extraordinary step to ensure people are following social distancing rules. In a 3 1/2-month trial, police have used 22-pound pilotless drones, developed by Israel’s Airobotics, as a way to enforce social distancing and contain the spread of COVID-19, according to Reuters. Airobotics CEO Ran Krauss told Reuters the company is simply helping police maintain normal operations, specifically related to COVID-19. “The pandemic created a situation where it might be difficult for police to maintain,” Krauss said. The trial continues on in the social distancing aspect, according to Airobotics, and Krauss said the company is in talks with other cities to deploy drones.

Photo by Daniel Carde (Getty Images)Scenes in Beirut, Lebanon following an explosion near the city's port area on Tuesday. Photo by Daniel Carde (Getty Images)Scenes in Beirut, Lebanon following an explosion near the city's port area on Tuesday. Photo by Daniel Carde (Getty Images)Scenes in Beirut, Lebanon following an explosion near the city's port area on Tuesday. Photo by Daniel Carde (Getty Images)Scenes in Beirut, Lebanon following an explosion near the city's port area on Tuesday. Photo by Marwan Tahtah (Getty Images)Scenes in Beirut, Lebanon following an explosion near the city's port area on Tuesday.

The United States isn’t the only country gearing up for a birthday celebration this week.

Here are answers to five questions about what “basic” life is like for astronauts on the ISS. As if they are going to a restaurant, astronauts can choose which food items they want off of a menu. On the ISS, astronauts use liquid soap, water and no rinse shampoo. Given the microgravity means, there is no up or down, and astronauts can sleep in any orientation, according to NASA. The station has small crew cabins with sleeping bags that astronauts sleep in.

This week was a sad one for Christians around the world, as advocate, author and apologist Ravi Zacharias died Tuesday of sarcoma. Here are notable facts about the life of Zacharias:He was an atheist until a suicide attempt changed his life. He attempted suicide by swallowing poison, but he survived, and his life completely changed while at an Indian hospital, according to the Ravi Zacharias International Ministries website. At age 19, Zacharias won a preaching contest, and his life in ministry was off to a flying start. Celebrities, politicians and church leaders around the world paid tribute to Zacharias this week on Twitter.

While the second Sunday in May is the most common day Mother’s Day is celebrated around the world -- the United States and Canada are two of 96 countries to celebrate Mother’s Day that day -- other countries honor their mothers during other days and months. Bulgaria, Romania, SerbiaThese three are among 20 countries that celebrate Mother’s Day on International Women’s Day, which is March 8. United Kingdom, Ireland, NigeriaThese countries celebrate Mother’s Day on the fourth Sunday of Lent, or “Mothering Sunday.”Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, IraqAlong with 16 other countries, these nations have their Mother’s Day on March 21, the same day as the spring equinox. France, Dominican Republic, SwedenThe last Sunday of May is when these countries celebrate Mother’s Day. RussiaThe world’s largest country celebrates Mother’s Day the last Sunday of November.

A St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland without celebrations at local pubs? Yes, it is true, and just the latest example of how serious the coronavirus pandemic has become. The Irish government sent a release Sunday asking all pubs be closed from Sunday night until March 29 to help quell the spread of the coronavirus. St. Patrick’s Day celebrations surely will be affected around the world, and it’s hard to imagine you can’t even go to a pub in the heart of Ireland anymore to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. But that once again emphasizes the seriousness of the pandemic and the sacrifices so many are making.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – A fire swept through a Haitian children’s home run by a Pennsylvania-based religious nonprofit group, killing 15 children, officials said Friday. A state worker puts a child into a social services bus after her removal from another branch of the Orphanage of the Church of Bible Understanding, in the Kenscoff area outside Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Friday, Feb. 14, 2020. ((AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery))The Church of Bible Understanding lost accreditation for its homes after a series of inspections beginning in November 2012. The Church of Bible Understanding operates two homes for nearly 200 children in Haiti as part of a “Christian training program,” according to its most recent nonprofit organization filing. ___Associated Press journalists Evens Sanon reported this story in Port-au-Prince, AP writer Michael Weissenstein reported from Havana and AP writer Ben Fox reported from Washington.

Shakira may have created the best new meme of 2020, but there’s cultural significance behind the tongue trill that instantly became iconic Sunday night. There were hit songs, lasers, sexy backup dancers, guitar solos and Lopez on a stripper pole absolutely living her best life. Most people know that Shakira is Colombian, but her father is Lebanese, and the tongue flick she did is actually called a zaghrouta, which is a traditional Arabic expression of celebration and happiness. This is called zaghrouta. https://t.co/bixdVn34vF — Bozi Tatarevic (@hoonable) February 3, 2020Chiming in because I know everyone will be making jokes about this for days — this is a popular Arab tradition, called zaghrouta, used to express joy at celebrations.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Sunday marks 10 years since a massive earthquake rocked Haiti, killing hundreds of thousands of people. Local 10 News anchor Calvin Hughes was in Haiti right after the historic earthquake and is back a decade later. Some Haitians have tried to make the best of the situation while still recovering from the earthquake. Haitians in Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood had a silent march to commemorate and reflect on the devasting day. Johanne St. Leger lost her uncle and father in the earthquake and had been grieving silently for nearly 10 years.

“Deep down, I know there was an element of trying to get a pat on the back,” Albert said. “That’s when they completely blew me away with their response.”What the community leaders essentially told Albert and Zelaya was this: Thanks for your efforts and compassion, but you actually did more harm than good. The experience was such an eye-opener that it led Albert and Zelaya to a greater purpose and mission. “That goes back to the negative aid that is undermining the natural development of the Haitian people,” Albert said. The two discovered that nearly 80% of Haitian teachers haven’t been properly trained, and 60% of kids dropped out of classes during elementary school.

A view of the damaged city after the passing Hurricane Matthew in Jeremie, Haiti, Friday. If you need help with the Public File, call (954) 364-2526.

Seven people were killed and 48 others injured in an attack that targeted the heart of London on Saturday night. Here's how the terror attack unfolded:

A rush hour blast caused by an improvised explosive device on a London Underground train which injured 22 people is being treated as terrorism by London's Metropolitan Police.

SAMARA, RUSSIA - JULY 02: A Mexico fan enjoys the pre match atmosphere prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 match between Brazil and Mexico at Samara Arena on July 2, 2018 in Samara, Russia. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

SAMARA, RUSSIA - JULY 02: Javier Hernandez of Mexico collides with Alisson of Brazil as they compete for the ball during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 match between Brazil and Mexico at Samara Arena on July 2, 2018 in Samara, Russia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Hurricane Michael impacts Cuba's province of Pinar del Rio. Photo by Cuba Correspondent for Local 10 News Hatzel VelaIf you need help with the Public File, call (954) 364-2526.

This place doesn’t even seem real. But it is -- check out the Jewel Changi Airport.

MIAMI – Panama seized a shipment of cocaine valued at $90 million. It was inside of a container that was in a ship that was coming from Cuba, authorities said. There were 1,517 wide bricks of cocaine hidden inside of 46 large black duffle bags with wheels. Although the incident remains under investigation, authorities suspect the cocaine was placed in the ship in Panama and not Cuba. Experts believe the cocaine that goes through Panama on its way to Europe originates from Colombia, Peru or Ecuador.

A 7-year-old Scottish boy addressed a letter to his father in heaven, left it for his postman and received a heartwarming reply. Just weeks after Jase Hyndman dropped the letter in the mail, he received confirmation from postman Sean Milligan with Royal Mail that his letter had made a safe delivery. "This was a difficult challenge avoiding stars and other galactic objects on the route to heaven ... " Milligan wrote. “However please be assured that this particular important item of mail has been delivered.”Jase's mother, Teri Copland, took to Facebook to show her gratitude for the postman's response, thanking him for his effort and saying that he "just restored my faith in humanity." The BBC reported that Jase was overwhelmed after receiving Milligan's letter, telling his mother, "Dad really got my letter, Mum.”

The residents of a home ran out to their backyard to investigate and found black and white sparkly rocks on the floor. Cuban scientists who examined the rocks late Friday said they were without a doubt from outer space. Several researchers reported a satellite that covers the western hemisphere detected an apparent meteor flash in the Viñales area. The GOES-16 Lightning Mapper (GLM) may have caught the flash from the #Cuba meteorite this aftn. #cuba @WPLGLocal10 pic.twitter.com/AMmb9ZE6vB — Hatzel Vela (@HatzelVelaWPLG) February 1, 2019#Cuba: Fragmentos del meteorito caído en las inmediaciones del Valle de Viñales en Pinar del Río, Cuba.

MIRAMAR, Fla. – Relatives and friends of 28-year-old U.S. Marine Corps Capt. The U.S. Marine Corps was able to recover the bodies of Resilard and another Marine. While Resilard's family was in mourning, the Marine Corps was still searching for five other Marines who vanished after the crash. Resilard was stationed at the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Yamaguchi. His decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal.

PINAR DEL RIO, Cuba – Cuban government workers were cleaning up debris on Tuesday morning after Hurricane Michael destroyed already-damaged buildings in the western tip of the island. The storm's winds and heavy rainfall affected residents in Pinar del Rio where authorities evacuated about 300 people. She said it was already in bad shape, and she had been trying to get local authorities to help her secure it. Cuban authorities evacuated about 17,000 tourists staying at beach hotels in La Habana, Artemisa, Mayabeque and Matanzas, Granma. Cruise ships in the Western Caribbean also altered their course to avoid the storm.

LONDON – Meghan Markle will have an heir to the British throne walk her down the aisle — and have her mother and friends on hand for support — when she marries Prince Harry at Windsor Castle. Kensington Palace said Prince Charles “is pleased to be able to welcome Ms. Markle to the royal family in this way” after Markle’s father Thomas was unable to attend due to illness. Harry and Prince William, his brother and best-man, delighted royal fans when they emerged from Windsor Castle late Friday afternoon to greet well-wishers. The monarch’s sister, the late Princess Margaret, was walked down the aisle by Prince Philip because her father was dead. The 600 invited guests include members of the royal family and celebrity friends of Harry and Meghan’s including, it’s rumored, Elton John.

JERUSALEM – Israeli soldiers shot and killed at least 52 Palestinians during mass protests along the Gaza border on Monday. The military said its troops came under fire in some areas, and said protesters tried to break through the border fence. At the embassy ceremony in Jerusalem, Trump son-in-law and chief Mideast adviser Jared Kushner placed the blame on the Gaza protesters. Since weekly border marches began in late March, 85 Palestinian protesters have been killed and more than 2,500 wounded by Israeli army fire. Israel has said it would prevent a potential breach of the Gaza border at all costs.

As Israelis commemorate the milestone this week, satisfaction and a grim disquiet share the stage. The issue of religion has also affected relations with U.S. Jews — the largest Jewish community outside Israel and a key base of support. RELATIONS WITH ARAB WORLDAfter Israel declared independence, its Arab neighbors attacked it. That began to change with the 1979 peace agreement with Egypt, Israel’s first with an Arab country. Hamas, which is committed to Israel’s destruction, has repeatedly fired rockets at Israel, with Israel accusing its leaders of using civilians as cover for attacks.

CANCUN – If you've been looking for the perfect job that combines the life of a beach bum with a good salary, there's a job with your name on it. No, not a Chief Executive Officer, but a Cancun Experience Officer. The company is willing to pay the right hire $10,000 per month to help share the "experience" of living in Cancun through videos, photos and other formats. If the strong salary isn't enough to sway you, how about being housed in a luxury hotel with all excursions being paid for? Candidates who wish to apply can CLICK HERE, but must do it before Dec. 17.

CARACAS, Venezuela – From his home in Caracas, Leopoldo López released his first public video since Venezuelan authorities released him to house arrest earlier this month. The former mayor of Cachao, who was convicted of inciting violence during 2014 protests against President Nicolas Maduro, asked Venezuelans to support a 48-hour general strike and the Venezuelan military to rebel against orders to work during Sunday's election. The video comes during nearly four months of protests that began when the Supreme Court justices loyal to Maduro decided to take powers away from Congress. I ask you not to become accomplices in the annihilation of the republic," López said. After the National Assembly appointed justices to an alternate Supreme Court, Venezuelan authorities arrested Ángel Zerpa, one of the appointees.

MIAMI – Oscar Perez, the man who used a stolen government helicopter to fire grenades at the supreme court and the interior ministry building, appeared at a protest in Caracas on Thursday night. Perez wants Venezuelans to vote on Sunday in a symbolic referendum to oppose President Nicolas Maduro's plan to modify the constitution. "The true way to pay respects to those who've died is for this dictatorship to fall," Perez, 36, said in Spanish. Perez, who said he belongs to a coalition of members of the security forces, left the crowd on the back of a motorcycle. There is a manhunt for Perez, who was accused of treason and engaging in terrorism.

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – A former president of Panama, Ricardo Martinelli, was arrested Monday on a warrant out of Panama, the U.S. Martinelli, who served as president from 2009 to 2014, is in federal custody. Marshals Service spokesman Manny Puri says he was in custody Monday evening at a federal detention center in Miami. The former president was arrested earlier in the evening near his home in Coral Gables, Florida. Martinelli left Panama in 2015, and in 2016 Panama sent the U.S. an extradition request.

LIMA – The Venezuelan President of the National Assembly Julio Borges was in Peru on Thursday to discuss the crisis in Venezuela. Borges wants Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to implement a democratic agenda. He told Peruvian radio station RPP Noticias that he was also asking Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Ecuador for support. "It's important, fundamental, that we get several governments in the region to unite in the short term to make sure that only a popular and democratic agenda exists in Venezuela," Borges said. The unrest in Venezuela continued after Maduro announced that he wanted to create a new assembly and re-write the Constitution.

MIAMI – A woman covered in mud escaped a devastating mudslide in Peru, and the dramatic video went viral worldwide on Thursday. While people were looking for trapped farm animals, Evangelina Chamorro crawled out of the dangerous floodwaters full of thick debris in Punta Hermosa, near the Panamericana Sur, according to Peruvian media. Landslides left hundreds homeless and blocked access to the central highway leading to areas in need. Unusually heavy rains have ravaged Peru's mostly-desert climate this year, killing 62 people and destroying 12,000 homes. But schools nationwide are suspending classes and in Lima the swelling of the Huaycoloro River swept away two trucks and is threatening to destroy a bridge.

MIAMI – A video of a Venezuelan girl was going viral on social media Saturday, as the oil-rich country's economy continues to descend into a downward spiral. The unidentified girl said she has a message for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The girl voices the frustrations of Venezuelans who are dealing with widespread shortages. In numerous televised speeches, he has asked for patience as he fights an "economic war" designed to topple his government. In the video, the little girl took off her hat to show her messy hair.