Baseball: Dodgers vs. Cubs

Baseball: Dodgers vs. Cubs

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani gestures towards the dugout after hitting a solo home run in the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Aug. 5, 2026.

Baseball: Dodgers vs. Cubs

Baseball: Dodgers vs. Cubs

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani gestures towards the dugout after hitting a solo home run in the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Aug. 5, 2026.

Japan: Performers Balance Towering Lanterns at Akita Kanto Festival

The Akita Kanto Festival, one of the three major festivals in Japan's Tohoku region with roughly 270 years of history, opened Sunday, August 2, in central Akita City and runs through August 6. This year's event features 67 groups—38 neighborhood teams and 29 school and workplace teams—swaying 273 lantern-laden bamboo poles through the night sky in a prayer for a bountiful harvest, the poles representing rice stalks. The largest of the poles measure up to 12 meters long and weigh 50 kilograms, balanced skillfully by performers on their foreheads, palms, and other parts of the body.

Baseball: Dodgers vs. Cubs

Baseball: Dodgers vs. Cubs

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani drops his bat after hitting a solo home run in the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Aug. 5, 2026.

Baseball: Dodgers vs. Cubs

Baseball: Dodgers vs. Cubs

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani watches his solo home run in the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Aug. 5, 2026.

Baseball: Dodgers vs. Cubs

Baseball: Dodgers vs. Cubs

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani runs after hitting a solo home run in the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Aug. 5, 2026.

Baseball: Dodgers vs. Cubs

Baseball: Dodgers vs. Cubs

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani hits a solo home run in the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Aug. 5, 2026.

Baseball: Dodgers vs. Cubs

Baseball: Dodgers vs. Cubs

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani hits a solo home run in the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Aug. 5, 2026.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Chile: Panimex Plant Blaze Sparks Explosions in Quilicura 2

A large chemical fire broke out Tuesday night, August 4, at the Panimex plant in Quilicura, Chile, sending flames high into the air and triggering a series of explosions after the blaze reached a reactor. All workers evacuated safely, and more than 300 firefighters and volunteers were mobilized.

Chile: Panimex Plant Blaze Sparks Explosions in Quilicura 3

A large chemical fire broke out Tuesday night, August 4, at the Panimex plant in Quilicura, Chile, sending flames high into the air and triggering a series of explosions after the blaze reached a reactor. All workers evacuated safely, and more than 300 firefighters and volunteers were mobilized.

Chile: Panimex Plant Blaze Sparks Explosions in Quilicura 4

A large chemical fire broke out Tuesday night, August 4, at the Panimex plant in Quilicura, Chile, sending flames high into the air and triggering a series of explosions after the blaze reached a reactor. All workers evacuated safely, and more than 300 firefighters and volunteers were mobilized.

Polar bear at Osaka zoo

OSAKA, Japan, Aug. 4 Kyodo - A polar bear swims in her new home at Osaka Tennoji Zoo on Aug. 4, 2026, the first day of public display in the enclosure in the western Japan city of Osaka. (Kyodo)

[Breaking News]Japan, U.S. intervene in currency market to strengthen yen

TOKYO, Japan, Aug. 3 Kyodo - Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama speaks to reporters at the Finance Ministry in Tokyo on Aug. 3, 2026, commenting on a coordinated yen-buying intervention by Japan and the United States in the currency market to strengthen the Japanese currency. (Kyodo)

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

KASHIMA, Japan, Aug. 5 Kyodo - Flowers, snacks and a message are seen placed near Aeon Mall Kumamoto in Kashima in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Aug. 4, 2026, after a deadly explosion at the shopping center on July 28 following a powerful earthquake. (Kyodo)

[Breaking News]Football: J-League kickoff event

TOKYO, Japan, Aug. 4 Kyodo - Players from J-League football teams pose for a photo at an event in Tokyo on Aug. 3, 2026, ahead of the start of the new season on Aug. 7. The J-League switched to an August-to-June season from the conventional February-to-December schedule, corresponding with the schedule of major European leagues. (Kyodo)

US: Man Rides Jet Ski Through Flooded Streets in Norfolk 2

A man was seen riding a jet ski through flooded roads in Norfolk on Tuesday, August 4, as heavy rain triggered flash flooding across Virginia's Hampton Roads region. The video was captured on Monticello Avenue.

US: Gann Fire Burns Homes, Forces Evacuations in Calaveras County, California

California's Gann Fire in Calaveras County has burned 9,363 acres with 10% containment as of August 5, destroying homes and forcing the evacuation of more than 1,400 residents.

Guatemala: Fuego Volcano Eruption Triggers Red Alert and Mass Evacuations

Guatemala's Fuego volcano has prompted a red alert across the Sacatepéquez, Chimaltenango, and Escuintla regions, home to about 1.6 million people. Nearly 1,700 people have been evacuated since the volcano erupted Monday, sending pyroclastic flows, mudflows up to 7 kilometers long, and ash plumes over 5,000 meters high—affecting roughly 29,000 people.

US: Man Rides Jet Ski Through Flooded Streets in Norfolk

A man was seen riding a jet ski through flooded roads in Norfolk on Tuesday, August 4, as heavy rain triggered flash flooding across Virginia's Hampton Roads region. The video was captured on Monticello Avenue.

US: Flash Flooding Hits Virginia’s Hampton Roads Region 2

Heavy rain triggered flash flooding across Virginia's Hampton Roads region and northeastern North Carolina on Tuesday, August 4, causing significant travel delays and impassable roads.

US: Man Struts Through Flooded Road in Norfolk, Virginia

A man was seen strutting through a flooded road in his swimwear or underwear in Norfolk on Tuesday, August 4, as heavy rain triggered flash flooding across Virginia's Hampton Roads region.

US: Flash Flooding Hits Virginia’s Hampton Roads Region

Heavy rain triggered flash flooding across Virginia's Hampton Roads region and northeastern North Carolina on Tuesday, August 4, causing significant travel delays and impassable roads.

Japan: Nagaoka Fireworks Festival Lights Up Sky With 20,000 Shells 5

The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival, one of Japan's three major fireworks displays, was held on Sunday and Monday, August 2 and 3, along the Shinano River in Nagaoka, Niigata Prefecture. The two-day event featured about 20,000 fireworks, including large traditional shells that bloomed into flowers roughly 650 meters wide.

Japan: Nagaoka Fireworks Festival Lights Up Sky With 20,000 Shells 4

The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival, one of Japan's three major fireworks displays, was held on Sunday and Monday, August 2 and 3, along the Shinano River in Nagaoka, Niigata Prefecture. The two-day event featured about 20,000 fireworks, including large traditional shells that bloomed into flowers roughly 650 meters wide.

Japan high school baseball tournament

Japan high school baseball tournament

The opening ceremony of the 108th National High School Baseball Championship is held at Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya in Hyogo Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 5, 2026.

Japan high school baseball tournament

Japan high school baseball tournament

The opening ceremony of the 108th National High School Baseball Championship is held at Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya in Hyogo Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 5, 2026.

Japan high school baseball tournament

Japan high school baseball tournament

The opening ceremony of the 108th National High School Baseball Championship is held at Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya in Hyogo Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 5, 2026.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Officials offer silent prayers at a Kumamoto Prefectural government's disaster countermeasures meeting at the prefectural government's head office in Kumamoto Prefecture on Aug. 4, 2026, after a powerful earthquake struck the southwestern Japan prefecture on July 28.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Officials offer silent prayers at a Kumamoto Prefectural government's disaster countermeasures meeting at the prefectural government's head office in Kumamoto Prefecture on Aug. 4, 2026, after a powerful earthquake struck the southwestern Japan prefecture on July 28.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is pictured ahead of an extraordinary Cabinet meeting at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is pictured ahead of an extraordinary Cabinet meeting at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is pictured ahead of an extraordinary Cabinet meeting at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C) and her ministers are pictured ahead of an extraordinary Cabinet meeting at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Photo shows collapsed stone walls at Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto Prefecture on Aug. 3, 2026, after a powerful earthquake struck the southwestern Japan prefecture on Aug. 3, 2026. The castle has been under restoration following damage from a pair of back-to-back earthquakes in 2016.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Officials of the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs check collapsed stone walls at Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto Prefecture on Aug. 3, 2026, after a powerful earthquake struck the southwestern Japan prefecture on July 28. The castle has been under restoration following damage from a pair of back-to-back earthquakes in 2016.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Officials of the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs check collapsed stone walls at Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto Prefecture on Aug. 3, 2026, after a powerful earthquake struck the southwestern Japan prefecture on July 28. The castle has been under restoration following damage from a pair of back-to-back earthquakes in 2016.

Japan: Nagaoka Fireworks Festival Lights Up Sky With 20,000 Shells

The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival, one of Japan's three major fireworks displays, was held on Sunday and Monday, August 2 and 3, along the Shinano River in Nagaoka, Niigata Prefecture. The two-day event featured about 20,000 fireworks, including large traditional shells that bloomed into flowers roughly 650 meters wide.

Japan: Nagaoka Fireworks Festival Lights Up Sky With 20,000 Shells 3

The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival, one of Japan's three major fireworks displays, was held on Sunday and Monday, August 2 and 3, along the Shinano River in Nagaoka, Niigata Prefecture. The two-day event featured about 20,000 fireworks, including large traditional shells that bloomed into flowers roughly 650 meters wide.

Japan: Nagaoka Fireworks Festival Lights Up Sky With 20,000 Shells 2

The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival, one of Japan's three major fireworks displays, was held on Sunday and Monday, August 2 and 3, along the Shinano River in Nagaoka, Niigata Prefecture. The two-day event featured about 20,000 fireworks, including large traditional shells that bloomed into flowers roughly 650 meters wide.

Golf: Women's British Open winner Kuwaki

Golf: Women's British Open winner Kuwaki

Shiho Kuwaki poses with the Japan National Press Club guestbook in which she wrote a Japanese character meaning "shine" during a press conference in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. Kuwaki won the Women's British Open golf tournament on Aug. 2 in England.

Golf: Women's British Open winner Kuwaki

Golf: Women's British Open winner Kuwaki

Shiho Kuwaki speaks during a press conference at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026, following her victory in the Women's British Open golf tournament on Aug. 2 in England.

Golf: Women's British Open winner Kuwaki

Golf: Women's British Open winner Kuwaki

Shiho Kuwaki speaks during a press conference at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026, following her victory in the Women's British Open golf tournament on Aug. 2 in England.