RECAP: Bomb Cyclone Slams U.S. Northeast With Blizzard Conditions and Widespread Disruptions

A powerful nor’easter intensified into a bomb cyclone, battering the northeastern United States and mid-Atlantic with blizzard conditions, wind gusts of 60–70 mph, and snowfall exceeding two feet in some areas. Blizzard warnings were issued for major cities including New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia as the storm triggered widespread power outages, travel shutdowns, thousands of flight cancellations, and states of emergency across multiple states.

Mexico: Wildfire Breaks Out in Atizapán de Zaragoza, State of Mexico 3

Firefighters in Atizapán de Zaragoza, State of Mexico, contained a major forest fire on Wednesday, February 18. The blaze erupted around 2:00 p.m. in the Lomas de Atizapán area, spreading rapidly through dry brush and fueled by strong winds. By late evening, Municipal President Pedro Rodríguez Villegas confirmed the fire was under control and all previously blocked roads had been reopened to traffic. No civilian injuries or structural losses were reported.

Mexico: Wildfire Breaks Out in Atizapán de Zaragoza, State of Mexico

Firefighters in Atizapán de Zaragoza, State of Mexico, contained a major forest fire on Wednesday, February 18. The blaze erupted around 2:00 p.m. in the Lomas de Atizapán area, spreading rapidly through dry brush and fueled by strong winds. By late evening, Municipal President Pedro Rodríguez Villegas confirmed the fire was under control and all previously blocked roads had been reopened to traffic. No civilian injuries or structural losses were reported.

Mexico: Wildfire Breaks Out in Atizapán de Zaragoza, State of Mexico 2

Firefighters in Atizapán de Zaragoza, State of Mexico, contained a major forest fire on Wednesday, February 18. The blaze erupted around 2:00 p.m. in the Lomas de Atizapán area, spreading rapidly through dry brush and fueled by strong winds. By late evening, Municipal President Pedro Rodríguez Villegas confirmed the fire was under control and all previously blocked roads had been reopened to traffic. No civilian injuries or structural losses were reported.

Vietnam: Fireworks Light Up Night as Lunar New Year Begins 6

Fireworks illuminated skies across Vietnam at midnight as crowds celebrated the start of the 2026 Lunar New Year with cheers and festive excitement.

Vietnam: Fireworks Light Up Night as Lunar New Year Begins 4

Fireworks illuminated skies across Vietnam at midnight as crowds celebrated the start of the 2026 Lunar New Year with cheers and festive excitement.

Vietnam: Fireworks Light Up Night as Lunar New Year Begins 5

Fireworks illuminated skies across Vietnam at midnight as crowds celebrated the start of the 2026 Lunar New Year with cheers and festive excitement.

Vietnam: Fireworks Light Up Night as Lunar New Year Begins 2

Fireworks illuminated skies across Vietnam at midnight as crowds celebrated the start of the 2026 Lunar New Year with cheers and festive excitement.

Vietnam: Fireworks Light Up Night as Lunar New Year Begins

Fireworks illuminated skies across Vietnam at midnight as crowds celebrated the start of the 2026 Lunar New Year with cheers and festive excitement.

Spain: Overcrowding Forces Temporary Closure of Parla Train Station in Madrid

Madrid’s Cercanías railway closed Parla station on Monday morning, February 9, for safety reasons due to overcrowding, caused by a train drivers’ strike and works on the C-4 line that sharply reduced train frequencies. The station was shut between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., with normal service expected to improve after C-4 works finish next week.

RECAP: Iguanas Drop From Trees as Florida Temperatures Plunge

As a cold snap pushed temperatures in south Florida into the mid-30s °F (around 1–2°C), cold-stunned iguanas began falling from trees. Around 600 iguanas were dropped off at Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission facilities over the weekend, while professional trappers collected hundreds more in a single day. Because iguanas are considered an invasive species, those collected are not released back into the wild.

RECAP: Storm Chandra Brings Heavy Rain and Strong Winds to UK and Ireland

Storm Chandra brought unsettled weather to parts of the UK and Ireland on Tuesday, January 27, delivering heavy rain, strong winds, and colder conditions. The system caused localized flooding, travel disruption, and weather warnings in several regions as it moved across the British Isles.

RECAP: Snow Falls in Madrid as Storm Kristin Sweeps Spain

Storm Kristin brought snow to Madrid on Wednesday, January 28, along with rain, strong winds, and cold air across much of Spain. The snowfall caused minor traffic disruptions in the capital, and authorities urged drivers to drive with caution.

RECAP: Strongest Solar Storm in Over 20 Years Triggers Widespread Auroras

A powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by one of the strongest solar eruptions in more than 20 years lit up skies across large parts of Europe and North America on Monday, January 19 and Tuesday, January 20. The rare event allowed the northern lights to be seen far south of their usual range, including in parts of the United States, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, according to NOAA.

BASKET - Serie A2 - Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre

BASKET - Serie A2 - Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre

00 Nicola Giordano Gemini Mestre - SERIE A2 match Fortitudo - Gemini Mestre - 17-01-2026 abbraccio ex tifosi during Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre, Italian Basketball Serie A2 Men match in Bologna, Italy, January 18 2026

BASKET - Serie A2 - Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre

BASKET - Serie A2 - Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre

00 Nicola Giordano Gemini Mestre - SERIE A2 match Fortitudo - Gemini Mestre - 17-01-2026 abbraccio ex tifosi during Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre, Italian Basketball Serie A2 Men match in Bologna, Italy, January 18 2026

BASKET - Serie A2 - Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre

BASKET - Serie A2 - Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre

00 Nicola Giordano Gemini Mestre - SERIE A2 match Fortitudo - Gemini Mestre - 17-01-2026 abbraccio ex tifosi during Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre, Italian Basketball Serie A2 Men match in Bologna, Italy, January 18 2026

BASKET - Serie A2 - Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre

BASKET - Serie A2 - Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre

00 Nicola Giordano Gemini Mestre - SERIE A2 match Fortitudo - Gemini Mestre - 17-01-2026 21 Fantinelli Matteo Fortitudo Flats Service Bologna SERIE A2 match Fortitudo - Gemini Mestre - 17-01-2026 fossa during Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre, Italian Basketball Serie A2 Men match in Bologna, Italy, January 18 2026

BASKET - Serie A2 - Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre

BASKET - Serie A2 - Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre

26 Nicolo' De Vico Fortitudo Flats Service Bologna SERIE A2 match Fortitudo - Gemini Mestre - 17-01-2026 15 Seraphin Boussounka Kadjividi Gemini Mestre - SERIE A2 match Fortitudo - Gemini Mestre - 17-01-2026 00 Nicola Giordano Gemini Mestre - SERIE A2 match Fortitudo - Gemini Mestre - 17-01-2026 during Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre, Italian Basketball Serie A2 Men match in Bologna, Italy, January 18 2026

BASKET - Serie A2 - Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre

BASKET - Serie A2 - Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre

21 Fantinelli Matteo Fortitudo Flats Service Bologna SERIE A2 match Fortitudo - Gemini Mestre - 17-01-2026 00 Nicola Giordano Gemini Mestre - SERIE A2 match Fortitudo - Gemini Mestre - 17-01-2026 during Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre, Italian Basketball Serie A2 Men match in Bologna, Italy, January 18 2026

BASKET - Serie A2 - Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre

BASKET - Serie A2 - Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre

00 Nicola Giordano Gemini Mestre - SERIE A2 match Fortitudo - Gemini Mestre - 17-01-2026 during Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre, Italian Basketball Serie A2 Men match in Bologna, Italy, January 18 2026

BASKET - Serie A2 - Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre

BASKET - Serie A2 - Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre

31 Toni Perkovic Fortitudo Flats Service Bologna SERIE A2 match Fortitudo - Gemini Mestre - 17-01-2026 00 Nicola Giordano Gemini Mestre - SERIE A2 match Fortitudo - Gemini Mestre - 17-01-2026 during Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre, Italian Basketball Serie A2 Men match in Bologna, Italy, January 18 2026

BASKET - Serie A2 - Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre

BASKET - Serie A2 - Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre

07 Della Rosa Gianluca Fortitudo Flats Service Bologna SERIE A2 match Fortitudo - Gemini Mestre - 17-01-2026 00 Nicola Giordano Gemini Mestre - SERIE A2 match Fortitudo - Gemini Mestre - 17-01-2026 during Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre, Italian Basketball Serie A2 Men match in Bologna, Italy, January 18 2026

BASKET - Serie A2 - Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre

BASKET - Serie A2 - Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre

03 Sarto Alvise Fortitudo Flats Service Bologna SERIE A2 match Fortitudo - Gemini Mestre - 17-01-2026 00 Nicola Giordano Gemini Mestre - SERIE A2 match Fortitudo - Gemini Mestre - 17-01-2026 during Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre, Italian Basketball Serie A2 Men match in Bologna, Italy, January 18 2026

BASKET - Serie A2 - Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre

BASKET - Serie A2 - Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre

00 Nicola Giordano Gemini Mestre - SERIE A2 match Fortitudo - Gemini Mestre - 17-01-2026 during Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre, Italian Basketball Serie A2 Men match in Bologna, Italy, January 18 2026

BASKET - Serie A2 - Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre

BASKET - Serie A2 - Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre

03 Sarto Alvise Fortitudo Flats Service Bologna SERIE A2 match Fortitudo - Gemini Mestre - 17-01-2026 00 Nicola Giordano Gemini Mestre - SERIE A2 match Fortitudo - Gemini Mestre - 17-01-2026 during Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre, Italian Basketball Serie A2 Men match in Bologna, Italy, January 18 2026

BASKET - Serie A2 - Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre

BASKET - Serie A2 - Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre

00 Nicola Giordano Gemini Mestre - SERIE A2 match Fortitudo - Gemini Mestre - 17-01-2026 Premiato come ex della partita during Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre, Italian Basketball Serie A2 Men match in Bologna, Italy, January 18 2026

BASKET - Serie A2 - Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre

BASKET - Serie A2 - Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre

03 Sarto Alvise Fortitudo Flats Service Bologna SERIE A2 match Fortitudo - Gemini Mestre - 17-01-2026 00 Nicola Giordano Gemini Mestre - SERIE A2 match Fortitudo - Gemini Mestre - 17-01-2026 during Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre, Italian Basketball Serie A2 Men match in Bologna, Italy, January 18 2026

BASKET - Serie A2 - Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre

BASKET - Serie A2 - Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre

06 Anumba Simon Fortitudo Flats Service Bologna SERIE A2 match Fortitudo - Gemini Mestre - 17-01-2026 12 Wayne Stewart Jr Gemini Mestre - SERIE A2 match Fortitudo - Gemini Mestre - 17-01-2026 00 Nicola Giordano Gemini Mestre - SERIE A2 match Fortitudo - Gemini Mestre - 17-01-2026 during Fortitudo Bologna vs Gemini Mestre, Italian Basketball Serie A2 Men match in Bologna, Italy, January 18 2026

Lara Comi Acquitted Of Corruption Charges - Milan

Lara Comi Acquitted Of Corruption Charges - Milan

MILAN - Court of Appeal 1:00 PM Second-degree trial in the soup kitchen case involving, among others, Lara Comi Mila, Italy on January 14, 2026. Photo by Maurizio Maule/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

Lara Comi Acquitted Of Corruption Charges - Milan

Lara Comi Acquitted Of Corruption Charges - Milan

MILAN - Court of Appeal 1:00 p.m. Second-degree trial on the soup kitchen case against, among others, Lara Comi and her lawyer Antonio Bana Mila, Italy on January 14, 2026. Photo by Maurizio Maule/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

US: Bright Streak Observed Over California as SpaceX Crew-11 Re-enters

A bright streak was observed across the night sky over Southern California early Thursday, January 15 as the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule carrying four astronauts made its fiery re-entry before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego. The capsule returned NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, along with Japan’s Kimiya Yui and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, ending the Crew-11 mission about a month early due to a non-emergency medical condition affecting one crew member. NASA said the astronaut was stable and brought back to Earth for further evaluation.

RECAP: Protests Erupt Across U.S. After ICE Agent Fatally Shoots Woman in Minneapolis

Protests broke out in Minneapolis and other cities across the United States after a local resident, Renee Nicole Good, 37, was shot and killed by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent during a confrontation on Wednesday, January 7. In Minneapolis, the shooting sparked several days of demonstrations. On Friday, January 9, hundreds of protesters marched through downtown and gathered outside the Canopy by Hilton hotel believed to be hosting ICE agents, staging a noise protest and calling for federal agents to leave the city.

RECAP: U-Haul Truck Plows Into Protesters Supporting Iranian People in Los Angeles

A U-Haul truck plowed into a group of protesters as they rallied in support of the Iranian people in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles on Sunday, January 11. The vehicle displayed a large sign reading, “No Shah, No Regime. USA: Don’t Repeat 1953. No Mullah.” Calor Madansecht was identified as the driver and was later arrested at the scene. No serious injuries were reported.

Commemoration Ceremony for Victims of Crans-Montana - Martigny

Commemoration Ceremony for Victims of Crans-Montana - Martigny

Handout - Luxembourg's former Grand Duk Henri, France's President Emmanuel Macron and Italy's President Sergio Mattarella during a tribute ceremony for the victims of the deadly fire that ripped through the bar Le Constellation in Crans-Montana on New Year's Eve, in Martigny, Switzerland on January 9, 2026. All of Switzerland will mark a national day of mourning on January 9 for the dozens of mostly teenagers killed when fire ravaged a ski resort bar crammed with New Year revellers. Just over a week after the tragedy at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, which left 40 dead and 116 injured, the wealthy Alpine nation will come to a standstill for a minute of silence at 2:00 pm (1300 GMT). Photo by FDFA Federal Dep. of Foreign Affairs via ABACAPRESS.COM

Commemoration Ceremony for Victims of Crans-Montana - Martigny

Commemoration Ceremony for Victims of Crans-Montana - Martigny

Handout - Switzerland's President Guy Parmelin during a tribute ceremony for the victims of the deadly fire that ripped through the bar Le Constellation in Crans-Montana on New Year's Eve, in Martigny, Switzerland on January 9, 2026. All of Switzerland will mark a national day of mourning on January 9 for the dozens of mostly teenagers killed when fire ravaged a ski resort bar crammed with New Year revellers. Just over a week after the tragedy at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, which left 40 dead and 116 injured, the wealthy Alpine nation will come to a standstill for a minute of silence at 2:00 pm (1300 GMT). Photo by FDFA Federal Dep. of Foreign Affairs via ABACAPRESS.COM

Commemoration Ceremony for Victims of Crans-Montana - Martigny

Commemoration Ceremony for Victims of Crans-Montana - Martigny

Handout - State Councillor and president of the Council of State of the Canton of Valais Mathias Reynard during a tribute ceremony for the victims of the deadly fire that ripped through the bar Le Constellation in Crans-Montana on New Year's Eve, in Martigny, Switzerland on January 9, 2026. All of Switzerland will mark a national day of mourning on January 9 for the dozens of mostly teenagers killed when fire ravaged a ski resort bar crammed with New Year revellers. Just over a week after the tragedy at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, which left 40 dead and 116 injured, the wealthy Alpine nation will come to a standstill for a minute of silence at 2:00 pm (1300 GMT). Photo by FDFA Federal Dep. of Foreign Affairs via ABACAPRESS.COM

US: Winter Storm Warning Issued for Several Counties, WA

A cold weather system is moving through western Washington this week, bringing heavy snowfall of 2 to 4 feet to the mountains and wind gusts reaching 50 mph. In response to this major front, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Winter Storm Warning for several counties, including King, Snohomish, and Pierce. The warning remains in effect until 4:00 PM today, Thursday, January 8, as hazardous travel and whiteout conditions continue to impact mountain passes.

RECAP: Celebrations and Protests Erupt After Maduro Captured by U.S.

Venezuelans around the world gathered in streets and public squares on January 3, 2026, celebrating after the U.S. announced the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.

BASKET - Serie A2 - Fortitudo Bologna vs Liofilchem Roseto

BASKET - Serie A2 - Fortitudo Bologna vs Liofilchem Roseto

00 Braccio Nicolo Fortitudo Flats Service Bologna SERIE A2 match Fortitudo - Liofilchem Roseto 04-01-2026 esultanza Fortitudo 33 Moretti Samuel Fortitudo Flats Service Bologna SERIE A2 match Fortitudo - Liofilchem Roseto 04-01-2026 during Fortitudo Bologna vs Liofilchem Roseto, Italian Basketball Serie A2 Men match in Bologna, Italy, January 04 2026

BASKET - Serie A2 - Fortitudo Bologna vs Liofilchem Roseto

BASKET - Serie A2 - Fortitudo Bologna vs Liofilchem Roseto

00 Braccio Nicolo Fortitudo Flats Service Bologna SERIE A2 match Fortitudo - Liofilchem Roseto 04-01-2026 esultanza Fortitudo during Fortitudo Bologna vs Liofilchem Roseto, Italian Basketball Serie A2 Men match in Bologna, Italy, January 04 2026

Australia: Sydney Rings in 2026 With Annual Fireworks Display 2

Sydney welcomed the New Year with the annual fireworks display over Sydney Harbour.

Germany: Massive Fireworks Display Lights Up Berlin Sky for New Year

Berlin celebrated the arrival of 2026 with a massive display of fireworks, even as opposition to the annual tradition grows. Police reported 400 arrests in the capital and at least 24 officers injured, as emergency responders were targeted with firecrackers and rockets in several German cities.

Taiwan: Taipei 101 Fireworks Light Up New Year’s Eve Countdown 3

Tens of thousands packed the plaza outside Taipei City Hall on Wednesday night for the annual New Year’s Eve countdown, highlighted by a six-minute fireworks display from Taipei 101 welcoming 2026.

UAE: Dubai Welcomes New Year With Burj Khalifa Fireworks 2

Fireworks illuminated the Burj Khalifa in Dubai as the city welcomed the New Year on January 1.

UAE: Dubai Welcomes New Year With Burj Khalifa Fireworks

Fireworks illuminated the Burj Khalifa in Dubai as the city welcomed the New Year on January 1.

South Korea: Seoul Rings in 2026 With Fireworks at Lotte World Tower 3

Fireworks lit up the Lotte World Tower as Seoul rang in 2026 on January 1.

UK: Hull Celebrates New Year With Fireworks

Fireworks lit up the city of Hull as residents celebrated the start of 2026 on January 1.

South Korea: Seoul Rings in 2026 With Fireworks at Lotte World Tower 2

Fireworks lit up the Lotte World Tower as Seoul rang in 2026 on January 1.

Taiwan: Taipei 101 Fireworks Light Up New Year’s Eve Countdown

Tens of thousands packed the plaza outside Taipei City Hall on Wednesday night for the annual New Year’s Eve countdown, highlighted by a six-minute fireworks display from Taipei 101 welcoming 2026.