Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Houston Astros pitcher Tatsuya Imai is pictured in the dugout after throwing the first inning of a spring training game against the New York Mets at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Feb. 26, 2026.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Houston Astros pitcher Tatsuya Imai is pictured in the dugout after throwing the first inning of a spring training game against the New York Mets at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Feb. 26, 2026.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Tatsuya Imai of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning of a spring training game against the New York Mets at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Feb. 26, 2026.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Tatsuya Imai of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning of a spring training game against the New York Mets at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Feb. 26, 2026.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Tatsuya Imai of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning of a spring training game against the New York Mets at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Feb. 26, 2026.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Tatsuya Imai of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning of a spring training game against the New York Mets at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Feb. 26, 2026.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Tatsuya Imai of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning of a spring training game against the New York Mets at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Feb. 26, 2026.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Tatsuya Imai of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning of a spring training game against the New York Mets at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Feb. 26, 2026.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Tatsuya Imai of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning of a spring training game against the New York Mets at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss her pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss her pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss her pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss her pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss her pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Takahiro Anno (2nd from R), leader of Team Mirai, speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (2nd from L) speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss her pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Takahiro Anno, leader of Team Mirai, speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Takahiro Anno (R), leader of Team Mirai, speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Photo taken on Feb. 26, 2026, shows the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Photo taken on Feb. 26, 2026, shows the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Fumitake Fujita (L), co-leader of the Japan Innovation Party, attends the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Photo taken on Feb. 26, 2026, shows the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Fumitake Fujita, co-leader of the Japan Innovation Party, attends the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Fumitake Fujita (C), co-leader of the Japan Innovation Party, and Takahiro Anno (L), leader of Team Mirai, attend the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan gov't panel approves 2 iPS-derived drugs

OSAKA, Japan, Feb. 19 Kyodo - University of Osaka professor Yoshiki Sawa holds a press conference in Osaka on Feb. 19, 2026, after Japan's health ministry panel approved the commercialization of two regenerative medicine products prepared from iPS cells, the first of their kind in the world. One of the two drugs, ReHeart, heart muscle sheets derived from human iPS cells, was developed by a startup originating from Sawa's team at the university. (Kyodo)

Congress of Workers' Party of Korea

PYONGYANG, North Korea, Feb. 19 Kyodo - A notice board is set up in Pyongyang on Feb. 19, 2026, ahead of the upcoming congress of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, being held for the first time in five years. (Kyodo)

South Korea: Major Fire Erupts at Historic 91-Year-Old Restaurant in Downtown Seoul

A fire broke out on Thursday evening, February 26, at a restaurant in Bukchang-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul. The blaze sent thick smoke across the city center, disrupting the evening commutes. Fire authorities deployed 96 personnel and 42 fire vehicles to the scene. Built in 1935, the dilapidated two-story structure made the operation particularly hazardous for first responders.

Baseball: Hawks-CTBC Brothers friendly

Baseball: Hawks-CTBC Brothers friendly

SoftBank Hawks starter Naoyuki Uwasawa (top) gives up a run to Sung Cheng-Jui of Taiwanese pro baseball team CTBC Brothers in the first inning of a friendly game at Taipei Dome on Feb. 25, 2026.

Baseball: MLB spring training game

Baseball: MLB spring training game

Toronto Blue Jays rookie Kazuma Okamoto fields a grounder hit by Jahmai Jones of the Detroit Tigers in the first inning of a spring training baseball game on Feb. 25, 2026, in Lakeland, Florida.

Baseball: MLB spring training game

Baseball: MLB spring training game

Toronto Blue Jays rookie Kazuma Okamoto (L) is pictured alongside Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson after being hit by a pitch in the second inning of a spring training baseball game on Feb. 25, 2026, in Lakeland, Florida.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees celebrates with teammates in the dugout after scoring on an RBI single by Jazz Chisholm Jr. in the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays in Dunedin, Florida, on Feb. 24, 2026.

Japan: Baby Macaque “Punch” Wins Hearts After Finding Comfort in Plush Surrogacy 2

A six-month-old Japanese macaque named Punch at Ichikawa City Zoo has gained attention in Japan and abroad. After being rejected by his first-time mother, he was hand-raised by staff and often clung to an orangutan plush toy as a surrogate comfort, touching many hearts. Even after rejoining the troop, he kept the toy for a while, but he is gradually bonding with other monkeys and growing stronger. On social media, the hashtag “#GoPunch” has spread, with visitors continuing to cheer him on.

US: Powerful Blizzard Continues to Batter Long Island, NY

A powerful blizzard — the first to strike the New York City area in a decade — began late Sunday night, February 22, and brought much of the U.S. Northeast to a standstill by Monday, February 23, prompting travel bans, school closures, and emergency measures. Central Park recorded 19.7 inches of snow, while parts of Long Island saw up to 31 inches. The storm produced heavy snow, fierce winds, coastal flooding risks, and widespread power outages, with states of emergency declared and millions under weather warnings across the region.

US: Powerful Blizzard Hits NYC, Travel Bans Issued Across Northeast

A powerful blizzard — the first to strike the New York City area in a decade — began late Sunday night, February 22, and brought much of the U.S. Northeast to a standstill by Monday, February 23, prompting travel bans, school closures, and emergency measures. Central Park recorded 19.7 inches of snow, while parts of Long Island saw up to 31 inches. The storm produced heavy snow, fierce winds, coastal flooding risks, and widespread power outages, with states of emergency declared and millions under weather warnings across the region. This video was captured on the Manhattan side beneath the Queensboro Bridge (59th Street Bridge), along the East River, on Sunday night, February 22.

Japan: Baby Macaque “Punch” Wins Hearts After Finding Comfort in Plush Surrogacy

A six-month-old Japanese macaque named Punch at Ichikawa City Zoo has gained attention in Japan and abroad. After being rejected by his first-time mother, he was hand-raised by staff and often clung to an orangutan plush toy as a surrogate comfort, touching many hearts. Even after rejoining the troop, he kept the toy for a while, but he is gradually bonding with other monkeys and growing stronger. On social media, the hashtag “#GoPunch” has spread, with visitors continuing to cheer him on.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Seiya Suzuki of the Chicago Cubs hits a single in the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Feb. 22, 2026.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Seiya Suzuki of the Chicago Cubs hits a single in the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Feb. 22, 2026.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Seiya Suzuki of the Chicago Cubs hits a single in the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Feb. 22, 2026.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Seiya Suzuki of the Chicago Cubs hits a single in the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Feb. 22, 2026.

US: Powerful Bomb Cyclone Continues to Batter Northeast With Record Snow

A powerful “bomb cyclone” continued to batter the northeastern United States on Monday, February 23, leaving hundreds of thousands without power and dumping up to 3 feet of snow in some states. It triggered states of emergency across several states and brought up to 19 inches of snow to parts of New York City, forcing the Boston Globe to suspend its print edition for the first time in its 153-year history.

UK: Britain First March in Manchester Sparks Clashes and Multiple Arrests

Greater Manchester Police made multiple arrests in the city centre on Saturday, February 21, as violence broke out between far-right Britain First supporters and a larger group of counter-protesters. The clashes erupted as supporters of Britain First marched through Manchester to demand remigration and mass deportations, leading to a tense standoff with opposing demonstrators.

UK: Hundreds Join Far-Right March in Manchester

Far-right group Britain First held a “March for Remigration” in Manchester on Saturday, February 21.

Milan Cortina Olympics: Ice hockey

Milan Cortina Olympics: Ice hockey

Matt Boldy (bottom) of the United States celebrates after scoring the opening goal in the first period of the men's ice hockey gold medal game against Canada at the Milan Cortina Olympics on Feb. 22, 2026, at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan.

Baseball: MLB spring training game

Baseball: MLB spring training game

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani hits an infield single in the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels on Feb. 21, 2026, in Tempe, Arizona.

Baseball: MLB spring training game

Baseball: MLB spring training game

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani hits an infield single in the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels on Feb. 21, 2026, in Tempe, Arizona.

Baseball: MLB spring training game

Baseball: MLB spring training game

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani hits an infield single in the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels on Feb. 21, 2026, in Tempe, Arizona.

Baseball: MLB spring training game

Baseball: MLB spring training game

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani hits an infield single in the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels on Feb. 21, 2026, in Tempe, Arizona.

Baseball: MLB spring training game

Baseball: MLB spring training game

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani hits an infield single in the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels on Feb. 21, 2026, in Tempe, Arizona.

Baseball: MLB spring training game

Baseball: MLB spring training game

Seiya Suzuki of the Chicago Cubs rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the first inning of a spring training game against the Chicago White Sox in Mesa, Arizona, on Feb. 20, 2026.

Baseball: MLB spring training game

Baseball: MLB spring training game

Seiya Suzuki of the Chicago Cubs rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the first inning of a spring training game against the Chicago White Sox in Mesa, Arizona, on Feb. 20, 2026.