UK Tightens Restrictions 

As coronavirus transmissions rise within the UK, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has decided to toughen lockdown rules over the holidays in London and most of England's southeast. Johnson declared a new variant of the virus is spreading rapidly. The lockdown measures will cut off the capital and its surroundings from the rest of England.

New COVID-19 Variant 

The World Health Organization is in close contact with UK officials over a possible new strain of coronavirus under study. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said a new virus variant identified in the UK is up to 70% more transmissible than previous versions. However, there is no evidence that the virus is more dangerous.

Biden Appoints Climate Team

US President-elect Joe Biden has introduced the nominees of his climate team. Calling for a unified national response to climate change, he said, "We're in a crisis, [...], We literally have no time to waste." Biden promised to rejoin the Paris climate accord once he takes office.

US Relief Package Deal 

Congress temporarily averted a government shutdown by passing a short-term spending bill that gives lawmakers additional two days to negotiate a $900 billion relief package for people affected by the pandemic. The package would include direct payments and weekly unemployment benefits. US President Donald Trump complained early Sunday that a deal had not been reached.