From Canada to the UK and the US, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has crossed a major milestone in being deployed in public COVID-19 vaccine programs. But lots of other vaccine efforts are in the works around the globe, with greater and lesser success. And, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated US President-elect Joe Biden on winning the US election. He was one of the last world leaders to acknowledge Biden's victory. Also, a 100-year-old Christmas tree could be the oldest artificial tree in the United Kingdom.

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The European Commission is gearing up to unveil a set of major proposals aimed at reigning in big online platforms and marking the first big overhaul of the European Union’s internet rules in decades. And, it's been almost four full years since the start of Brexit negotiations between the United Kingdom and EU. But, the ending of the saga remains uncertain. Also, Franco Belgian cellist Camille Thomas is performing solo at some of Paris' most striking, and currently empty, art venues during France's second COVID-19 lockdown.

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A federal judge recently ordered the Trump administration to reinstate DACA — the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program— to its original form and to start accepting new applications. But the window of time to do so might be short-lived. And, what are the implications of the newly inked deal between Israel and Morocco to normalize relations? Also, with the blessing of Sting, Benin-born musician Shirazee updated the 1988 hit “Englishman in New York” to “African in New York.”

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As coronavirus cases spike, the US and other countries are looking to measures such as COVID-19 vaccines and rapid self-testing. But steps such as mask-wearing and social distancing remain critical. As part of our regular series of conversations about the pandemic and as a special episode in The World's podcast feed, reporter Elana Gordon moderated a discussion with Harvard epidemiologist Megan Murray for the latest insights.

Big news in the Middle East today: Israel and Morocco have agreed to normalize relations. And in Lebanon, caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab and three former government ministers have been charged with negligence related to the explosion that rocked the port of Beirut in August. And, in what could be a dramatic development in global antitrust in decades, more than 40 US states and the federal government are suing to break up Facebook. Also, team archaeologists have been working to uncover an enormous stretch of paintings covering cliff faces in the Amazon in Colombia.

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Debate over the safety and effectiveness of coronavirus vaccines to be used in Brazil is becoming a political tug of war. And, more than 10 years since Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky’s death inspired the US Magnitsky Act, which sanctions human rights abuses, the EU has approved its own human rights sanctions law. Also, to fend off boredom during the latest pandemic lockdown, the Sea Life London Aquarium has been showing its gentoo penguins Christmas movies.

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If confirmed as President-elect Joe Biden’s secretary of defense, retired Gen. Lloyd Austin will be the first Black man to lead the Pentagon. And, it’s “V-Day” in Britain — “V” for vaccine — as the UK on Tuesday became the first Western nation to start vaccinating people against the coronavirus. China and Nepal have long debated the actual height of the world’s tallest mountain, which borders the two countries. But on Tuesday, they put an end to the dispute. 

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Several European countries are planning to ease coronavirus lockdowns for the Christmas holidays despite the risk that lifting restrictions could cause COVID-19 cases to skyrocket. And, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s political alliance claimed a sweeping victory Monday in congressional elections boycotted by the most influential opposition politicians. Also, Kenya's Kibiwott Kandie broke the world record on Sunday for the half marathon by 29 seconds in Valencia, Spain.

Be a superhero and help keep The World spinning! Our coverage wouldn’t be possible without incredible individuals working behind the scenes. Donate today to support the work of our superhero staff and help keep our coverage free and open to all. Donate $100 or pledge $8.33/month to receive an invite to a virtual party with Marco Werman and The World team! Visit theworld.org/WhoWeAre to make your contribution and learn more about the superheroes behind The World's compelling stories! Thank you for your support.

The economic fallout from COVID-19 has driven an unprecedented increase in hunger — up 82% from a year ago, to an astounding 270 million people categorized as chronically hungry around the world. And, it’s now less than four weeks before Britain’s relationship with the European Union officially ends. Businesses across both sides of the channel are worried and one unexpected casualty could be chip shops in Ireland. Also, there's a music revival going on in Poland among populist, political leaders: “Disco Polo” combines folk melodies with drum machines and synthesizers.

Be a superhero and help keep The World spinning! Our coverage wouldn’t be possible without incredible individuals working behind the scenes. Donate today to support the work of our superhero staff and help keep our coverage free and open to all. Donate $100 or pledge $8.33/month to receive an invite to a virtual party with Marco Werman and The World team! Visit theworld.org/WhoWeAre to make your contribution and learn more about the superheroes behind The World's compelling stories! Thank you for your support.

In 1958, a movie about a man-eating, bloodcurdling mass from outer space introduced the world to "The Blob." But in recent years, that term has taken on a whole new meaning among foreign policy professionals in Washington. What exactly defines this Blob can be as amorphous as the movie monster, so we reached out to three people to explain who exactly belongs in this group. The term, we learned, describes a perspective that transcends party lines and has remained relatively unchallenged for decades. In this new episode of "Things That Go Boom," The World's partner podcast from PRX, host Laicie Heeley explores the moment all of that changed, and the Blob came face-to-face with ... the anti-Blob.

Ben Armbruster, managing editor of ResponsibleStatecraft.org at The Quincy Institute

Emma Ashford, senior fellow at the New American Engagement Initiative in the Scowcroft Center of the Atlantic Council

Van Jackson, professor of international relations at Victoria University of Wellington.