Many Clouds, winner of 2015 Grand National, dies after race

Many Clouds, the winner of Britain's 2015 Grand National, collapsed and died after producing one final stunning victory on Saturday.

At Cheltenham, Many Clouds shocked Thistlecrack to win the Cotswold Chase by a head before falling after the winning post. He was treated by veterinary staff before his death was confirmed.

Chinese visit temples, fairs to ring in Year of the Monkey

Chinese flocked to temples and fairs to pray for good health and fortune on Monday, the first day of the Lunar New Year.

In Beijing, hundreds of thousands of people visited traditional fairs held in parks, as well as Buddhist and Taoist temples offering singing and dance performances and open-air markets selling handicrafts.

New Year's Eve skyscraper fire in Dubai burns on into 2016

A massive skyscraper fire in Dubai that began on New Year's Eve has burned on into the first morning of 2016.

The blaze at the Address Downtown, one of the most upscale hotels and residences in Dubai, started around 9:30 p.m. Thursday. More than 12 hours later on Friday morning, Dubai firefighters largely watched the fire from the ground, unable at one point to use a water hose on a ladder truck.

Despite fears and huge Dubai fire, New Year revelry rolls on

On a New Year's Eve haunted by fears of terrorism, a spectacular fire in one of Dubai's tall towers captured the world's attention. With few exceptions, the celebrations rolled on, and while fire still raged, the Dubai Media office declared on Twitter: "New Year celebrations in Dubai will continue as scheduled."

As 2015 drew to a close, many people were bidding a weary and wary adieu to a year marred by attacks that left nations reeling and nerves rattled.

In Bangkok, site of a deadly bombing months ago, police flanked partygoers. In Paris, residents recovering from their city's own deadly attacks enjoyed scaled-back celebrations. And in Munich, police warned of the threat of a terror attack.

A look at how people around the welcomed the new year:

Spain's Mireia Lalaguna Royo wins Miss World title in China

Spain's Mireia Lalaguna Royo was named the winner of the Miss World 2015 competition Saturday night in the southern Chinese island resort of Sanya, an event dogged by controversy over China's refusal to allow Canada's entrant to attend.

Sofia Nikitchuk of Russia was the runner-up and Indonesia's Maria Harfanti took third place in the final following a lengthy competition featuring 114 women.

Oxford Dictionaries 2015 Word of the Year is not even a word

Oxford Dictionaries announced its 2015 Word of the Year this week, and the choice is a reflection of computer-aided communication.  

It’s actually not even a word; it’s a pictograph — the “face with tears of joy” emoji.  

Beach parties, fireworks: World rings in new year

After a turbulent year marred by terror woes, Ebola outbreaks and a horrific series of airline disasters, many could be forgiven for saying good riddance to 2014 and gratefully ringing in a new year.

Across the globe, revelers looking for a respite from the gloom will converge on the beaches of Brazil, the shores of Sydney harbor and the potentially snowy streets of Las Vegas (yes, really) to welcome 2015. Here's a look at how the world is celebrating: