Exclusive: America’s least-vaccinated states led in-store holiday shopping

American shoppers flocked to brick-and-mortar stores this holiday season, with especially strong sales in several states where the rate of full vaccinations against the COVID-19 virus is less than 60%, according to an analysis of Mastercard SpendingPulse holiday sales data.
A family’s vaccine hopes shattered in Brazil

As newly vaccinated people in countries such as the United States and Britain celebrate their freedom from the pandemic, the shots are coming too late for others in the rest of the world. A vicious COVID-19 variant cut through three generations of the large, close-knit Cunha family in Brazil. Within the space of six weeks, several would be intubated and four would die.
EU envoy urges U.S. to ease travel restrictions; sees time to resolve metals dispute

The European Union’s top diplomat in Washington said the United States should safely ease COVID-19 travel restrictions on Europeans, calling it a mistake to prevent European business executives from overseeing their U.S. investments.