US: Severe Thunderstorms Bring Large Hail to California’s Central Valley

Multiple severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for parts of California's Central Valley on Friday, April 10. Severe thunderstorms were spotted across the region, and quarter- to ping pong-sized hail was reported.

US: Severe Thunderstorms Bring Large Hail to California’s Central Valley 2

Multiple severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for parts of California's Central Valley on Friday, April 10. Severe thunderstorms were spotted across the region, and quarter- to ping pong-sized hail was reported.

US: Smoke Rises as 160-Acre Wildfire in New Jersey Prompts Evacuations

A 160-acre wildfire in West Deptford Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey, was fully contained by 6 p.m. Saturday, April 11. The blaze prompted voluntary evacuations and threatened around 60 structures, but no injuries were reported and no buildings were damaged. The cause remains under investigation.

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on April 11, 2026.

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on April 11, 2026.

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on April 11, 2026.

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on April 11, 2026.

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on April 11, 2026.

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on April 11, 2026.

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on April 11, 2026.

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on April 11, 2026.

Japan: JASDF Blue Impulse Flyover to Mark 10 Years Since Kumamoto Earthquake

Japan's Air Self-Defense Force aerobatic team, Blue Impulse, performed a flyover above Kumamoto City on Saturday, April 11, to mark 10 years since the Kumamoto Earthquake, which struck the region with magnitude 6.5 and 7.3 tremors.

Japan: JASDF Blue Impulse Flyover to Mark 10 Years Since Kumamoto Earthquake 2

Japan's Air Self-Defense Force aerobatic team, Blue Impulse, performed a flyover above Kumamoto City on Saturday, April 11, to mark 10 years since the Kumamoto Earthquake, which struck the region with magnitude 6.5 and 7.3 tremors.

US: Dust Devil Spotted Whipping Through Field in Macon Lake, Arkansas

A dust devil was spotted spinning through a field in Macon Lake, Arkansas, on Thursday, April 9.

Japan: Low-Pressure System Brings Heavy Rain and Flooding to Nara

A low-pressure system brought heavy rain to the Tokai and Kinki regions on Friday, April 10, causing flooding damage in Nara Prefecture.

Ireland: Traffic Chaos Grips Ireland for Third Day as Fuel Price Protests Intensify 3

Severe traffic disruption gripped Ireland on Thursday, April 9, as fuel price protests entered their third day. Hauliers and contractors blocked major motorways including the M50, M7 and M8, while in Dublin, O'Connell Street was brought to a standstill, forcing bus and tram services to suspend or divert.

Ireland: Travel Disruption Enters Fourth Day Amid Ongoing Fuel Protest 2

Travel across parts of Ireland was disrupted for a fourth consecutive day on Friday, April 10, as slow-moving convoys and blockades continued over rising fuel prices linked to the US-Israel war against Iran. Two sections of the M50 motorway were shut, while blockades remained in place at fuel terminals in Limerick, Galway Port, and the Whitegate Oil Refinery in Cork.

Spain: Saharan Dust Blankets Parts of Andalusia 2

Thick Saharan dust, known as calima, blanketed parts of Andalusia, Spain, on April 9, 2026, notably reducing visibility across the region.

Japanese novelist Nishi publishes English translation

Japanese novelist Nishi publishes English translation

Japanese novelist Kanako Nishi, (far L) winner in 2015 of the prestigious Naoki Japanese literary award, attends a talk event at a bookstore in New York on April 9, 2026, held to celebrate the publication of a translation of her best-selling 2005 novel, Sakura, her first title to appear in English. Sitting beside her is translator, Allison Markin Powell.

Japanese novelist Nishi publishes English translation

Japanese novelist Nishi publishes English translation

Japanese novelist Kanako Nishi, (far L) winner in 2015 of the prestigious Naoki Japanese literary award, attends a talk event at a bookstore in New York on April 9, 2026, held to celebrate the publication of a translation of her best-selling 2005 novel, Sakura, her first title to appear in English. Sitting beside her is translator, Allison Markin Powell.

Japanese novelist Nishi publishes English translation

Japanese novelist Nishi publishes English translation

Japanese novelist Kanako Nishi (L), winner in 2015 of the prestigious Naoki Japanese literary award, talks about her novel Sakura, a best-seller published in Japan in 2005, during a talk event held at a bookstore in New York on April 9, 2026, to celebrate the publication of her first title to appear in English. Sitting beside her is translator, Allison Markin Powell.

Pro-Constitution rally in Japan

Pro-Constitution rally in Japan

People in support of keeping the pacifist Constitution intact gather in front of the Diet building in Tokyo on April 8, 2026, in protest over recent moves to revise it by some forces. Nearly 50,000 people rallied at over 160 places in Japan's 47 prefectures the same day in response to a social media call for action three days earlier by a woman in her 20s in Ibaraki Prefecture.

Pro-Constitution rally in Japan

Pro-Constitution rally in Japan

People in support of keeping the pacifist Constitution intact gather in front of the Diet building in Tokyo on April 8, 2026, in protest over recent moves to revise it by some forces. Nearly 50,000 people rallied at over 160 places in Japan's 47 prefectures the same day in response to a social media call for action three days earlier by a woman in her 20s in Ibaraki Prefecture.

Pro-Constitution rally in Japan

Pro-Constitution rally in Japan

People in support of keeping the pacifist Constitution intact gather in front of the Diet building in Tokyo on April 8, 2026, in protest over recent moves to revise it by some forces. Nearly 50,000 people rallied at over 160 places in Japan's 47 prefectures the same day in response to a social media call for action three days earlier by a woman in her 20s in Ibaraki Prefecture.

U.N. disarmament chief Nakamitsu

U.N. disarmament chief Nakamitsu

U.N. high representative for disarmament affairs Izumi Nakamitsu speaks during a press conference at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on April 10, 2026.

US: Smoke Reported Over Newark Liberty Airport in New Jersey

Thick black smoke was seen filling the skies above Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey on the night of Thursday, April 9, 2026. The cause of the smoke remains unclear.

Ireland: Traffic Chaos Grips Ireland for Third Day as Fuel Price Protests Intensify 2

Severe traffic disruption gripped Ireland on Thursday, April 9, as fuel price protests entered their third day. Hauliers and contractors blocked major motorways including the M50, M7 and M8, while in Dublin, O'Connell Street was brought to a standstill, forcing bus and tram services to suspend or divert.

PM Takaichi meets British rock band group Deep Purple

PM Takaichi meets British rock band group Deep Purple

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (3rd from L), an avid fan of the British rock band Deep Purple, hands made-in-Japan drum sticks to Ian Paice (2nd from L), drummer of the group at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on April 10, 2026.

PM Takaichi meets British rock band group Deep Purple

PM Takaichi meets British rock band group Deep Purple

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (3rd from L), an avid fan of the British rock band Deep Purple, hands made-in-Japan drum sticks to Ian Paice (2nd from L), drummer of the group at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on April 10, 2026.

PM Takaichi meets British rock band group Deep Purple

PM Takaichi meets British rock band group Deep Purple

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (3rd from L), an avid fan of the British rock band Deep Purple, meets with members of the group at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on April 10, 2026.

Myanmar's new president

Myanmar's new president

The swearing-in ceremony is held for Myanmar's newly elected President Min Aung Hlaing at parliament in Naypyitaw on April 10, 2026.

Myanmar's new president

Myanmar's new president

Myanmar's newly elected President and former military chief Min Aung Hlaing (C) takes the oath during his swearing-in ceremony at parliament in Naypyitaw on April 10, 2026.

Myanmar's new president

Myanmar's new president

Myanmar's newly elected President and former military chief Min Aung Hlaing arrives at parliament to attend his swearing-in ceremony in Naypyitaw on April 10, 2026.

Myanmar's new president

Myanmar's new president

Myanmar's newly elected President and former military chief Min Aung Hlaing delivers a speech at parliament in Naypyitaw on April 10, 2026, following his swearing-in ceremony.

Myanmar's new president

Myanmar's new president

Myanmar's newly elected President and former military chief Min Aung Hlaing delivers a speech at parliament in Naypyitaw on April 10, 2026, following his swearing-in ceremony.

Ireland: Traffic Chaos Grips Ireland for Third Day as Fuel Price Protests Intensify

Severe traffic disruption gripped Ireland on Thursday, April 9, as fuel price protests entered their third day. Hauliers and contractors blocked major motorways including the M50, M7 and M8, while in Dublin, O'Connell Street was brought to a standstill, forcing bus and tram services to suspend or divert. This video shows a traveler with a suitcase, appearing to head toward the airport.

Ireland: Travel Disruption Enters Fourth Day Amid Ongoing Fuel Protest

Travel across parts of Ireland was disrupted for a fourth consecutive day on Friday, April 10, as slow-moving convoys and blockades continued over rising fuel prices linked to the US-Israel war against Iran. Two sections of the M50 motorway were shut, while blockades remained in place at fuel terminals in Limerick, Galway Port, and the Whitegate Oil Refinery in Cork.

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng meets with Xi

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng meets with Xi

Cheng Li-wun (back, C), leader of Taiwan's main opposition party, the Nationalist Party, holds a press conference in Beijing on April 10, 2026, following talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the first time in nearly a decade Xi has held talks with the incumbent head of the Taiwanese party, also known as Kuomintang.

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng meets with Xi

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng meets with Xi

Cheng Li-wun (back, C), leader of Taiwan's main opposition party, the Nationalist Party, holds a press conference in Beijing on April 10, 2026, following talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the first time in nearly a decade Xi has held talks with the incumbent head of the Taiwanese party, also known as Kuomintang.

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng meets with Xi

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng meets with Xi

Cheng Li-wun, leader of Taiwan's main opposition party, the Nationalist Party, is surrounded by photographers after a press conference she held in Beijing on April 10, 2026, following talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the first time in nearly a decade Xi has held talks with the incumbent head of the Taiwanese party, also known as Kuomintang.

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng meets with Xi

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng meets with Xi

Cheng Li-wun, leader of Taiwan's main opposition party, the Nationalist Party, holds a press conference in Beijing on April 10, 2026, following talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the first time in nearly a decade Xi has held talks with the incumbent head of the Taiwanese party, also known as Kuomintang.

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng meets with Xi

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng meets with Xi

Cheng Li-wun, leader of Taiwan's main opposition party, the Nationalist Party, holds a press conference in Beijing on April 10, 2026, following talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the first time in nearly a decade Xi has held talks with the incumbent head of the Taiwanese party, also known as Kuomintang.

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng meets with Xi

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng meets with Xi

Cheng Li-wun, leader of Taiwan's main opposition party, the Nationalist Party, holds a press conference in Beijing on April 10, 2026, following talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the first time in nearly a decade Xi has held talks with the incumbent head of the Taiwanese party, also known as Kuomintang.

[Breaking News]Astronaut Yui meets press

TOKYO, Japan, April 9 Kyodo - Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui poses for a photo at the end of a press conference in Tokyo on April 9, 2026, held after returning to Earth in January following a five-month mission at the International Space Station. (Kyodo)

[Breaking News]Ancient cherry tree in Japan

MIHARU, Japan, April 9 Kyodo - A full-bloomed cherry tree estimated to be over 1,000 years is illuminated in Miharu in Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 8, 2026. With its flowers spreading in all directions from the branches, the government-protected tree is known as the "waterfall cherry tree of Miharu." (Kyodo)

Chinese foreign minister arrives in Pyongyang

PYONGYANG, North Korea, April 9 Kyodo - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is greeted by his North Korean counterpart Choe Son Hui upon his arrival at Pyongyang International Airport in Pyongyang on April 9, 2026, for a two-day visit to North Korea. (Kyodo)

Carp streamers in Hokkaido

Carp streamers in Hokkaido

Carp streamers flutter in the wind over Jozankei hot spring resort in Sapporo in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on April 10, 2026, ahead of Children's Day on May 5.

Carp streamers in Hokkaido

Carp streamers in Hokkaido

Carp streamers flutter in the wind over Jozankei hot spring resort in Sapporo in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on April 10, 2026, ahead of Children's Day on May 5.

Carp streamers in Hokkaido

Carp streamers in Hokkaido

Carp streamers flutter in the wind over Jozankei hot spring resort in Sapporo in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on April 10, 2026, ahead of Children's Day on May 5.

Min Aung Hlaing sworn in as Myanmar president

Min Aung Hlaing sworn in as Myanmar president

Former military chief Min Aung Hlaing arrives at parliament in Naypyitaw on April 10, 2026. He was sworn in as Myanmar's president the same day.