New York National Guard helicopter crash leaves 3 dead

A helicopter with New York Army National Guard crashed in upstate New York on Wednesday evening, said a statement by New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Brazil sees second highest daily COVID-19 death toll since mid-August
Brazil on Wednesday reported more 1,340 deaths from COVID-19 in a day, the second highest daily count since Aug. 19, the Health Ministry said.
Japan govt. to spend $3.7 bil. on Tokyo Games .
NHK has learned that the Japanese government's expenses for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics this summer will total more than 390 billion yen, or about 3.76 billion dollars.
Suga to work with Biden for stronger alliance
Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide says he looks forward to working closely with the new president of the United States on global issues to make the Japan-US alliance stronger.
UK coronavirus strain detected in at least 60 countries: WHO
The UK coronavirus strain has been detected in at least 60 countries, the World Health Organization said Wednesday, 10 more than a week ago.
Road crashes kill over 1,000 in Laos in 2020
The death toll for road accidents throughout Laos reached 1,031 in 2020, with the majority of accidents caused by drunk or reckless driving.
Germany tightens shutdown as virus variants fuel fears
Germany on Tuesday toughened a partial lockdown and extended it to February 14, with Chancellor Angela Merkel warning of possible border checks to contain "the danger" of new coronavirus variants believed to be more contagious.