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Moo Deng the pygmy hippo, Flaco the escaped eagle-owl, Charlotte the maybe-pregnant stingray — they distracted us from the messy human world but were also clear reflections of it.

The ancient Christian community in the coastal city of Tyre has little cause for celebration this year, with many mourning their dead and still rattled by months of Israeli bombardment.

More than 180 years after its publication, “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens is more relevant than ever.

Those affected by the president’s action on Monday are still subject to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Three men will remain on federal death row.

Three people were rescued from the wharf. The powerful surf also fatally trapped a man under debris on a beach in Santa Cruz, the authorities said.

It is a daunting task for Bangladesh. But an unusual mix of young people and seasoned technocrats are determined to make the most of their opening.

In recent days the president-elect has called for asserting U.S. control over the Panama Canal and Greenland, showing that his “America First” philosophy has an expansionist dimension.

They make us love them. No matter how closed our hearts, no matter how battered and crusted over with scars.

She sang the famous refrain “Le freak, c’est chic” on one of the biggest hits of the disco era and was a sought-after vocalist for many prominent artists.

For 14 years, scientists have been growing a tree akin to the Judean balsam — the source of the balm of Gilead — but with no modern counterpart.

A reporter and photographer documented life in New York City’s shelter system for migrants, through the eyes of those living there.

A wave of viral videos highlight a style that participants call addictive and innovative. Descended from the Lindy Hop, it has few traditional markers of swing.

Attempts to restrict pharmaceutical advertisements have failed many times over the years, often on First Amendment grounds.

Johnny Marks wrote the beloved holiday song, as well as “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” But he felt pigeonholed by the success of “Rudolph.”

Gangs are filling a power vacuum left by Israel in some parts of southern Gaza, hijacking desperately needed aid for Palestinian residents.

After decades of silence, dozens of older men are talking about the sexual abuse they suffered at schools run by religious orders. We spoke to four of them.

Private messages detail an alleged campaign to tarnish Blake Lively after she accused Justin Baldoni of misconduct on the set of “It Ends With Us.”

At least five people, including a 9-year-old child, were killed in the attack, which took place in the eastern city of Magdeburg. The authorities are still seeking a motive.

Widely regarded as the greatest leadoff hitter in baseball history, he was not just one of the game’s most exciting players but also one of its most eccentric.

Mark Burnett and President-elect Donald J. Trump had a long and successful collaboration that made Mr. Trump a household name.