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.

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.

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: 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.

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 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.

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.

China: Woman Narrowly Escapes as Plant Blocks Falling Gate

In Yongzhou, Hunan, on August 2, a heavy sliding gate suddenly collapsed toward a woman closing it in her yard. A bougainvillea plant beside the entrance absorbed part of the impact, slowing the gate and preventing it from fully crushing her, allowing her to escape unharmed.

US: Widemouth 2 Fire Burns 84,000 Acres and Remains Uncontained

The lightning-caused Widemouth 2 Fire in Millard County, Utah, grew to more than 84,000 acres and remained at zero percent containment as of Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 4, prompting evacuation orders for Fillmore, Kanosh, and Meadow as crews worked to protect structures and infrastructure.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

A national road is congested with vehicles in Hikawa in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Kumamoto on Aug. 2, 2026, after suffering damage when a powerful earthquake struck the region on July 28.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

A national road is congested with vehicles in Hikawa in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Kumamoto on Aug. 2, 2026, after suffering damage when a powerful earthquake struck the region on July 28.

Chile: Panimex Plant Blaze Sparks Explosions in Quilicura

A large chemical fire broke out Tuesday night, Aug. 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 firefighters continued working to contain the third-alarm fire.

Memorial event for Korean A-bomb victims

Memorial event for Korean A-bomb victims

A memorial service is held for 2,826 Korean victims of the 1945 U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima in Peace Memorial Park in the western Japan city on the eve of the attack's 81st anniversary on Aug. 5, 2026.

Memorial event for Korean A-bomb victims

Memorial event for Korean A-bomb victims

A memorial service is held for 2,826 Korean victims of the 1945 U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima in Peace Memorial Park in the western Japan city on the eve of the attack's 81st anniversary on Aug. 5, 2026.

US: Little Giant Fire Grows to Nearly 60,000 Acres in Washington Forest 3

The Little Giant Fire, sparked by lightning on July 15 in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, grew to an estimated 59,345 acres with no containment as of Tuesday, August 4. Gusty winds under a Red Flag Warning drove rapid spread, sparking a new spot fire and prompting additional evacuations. Smoke from the blaze also triggered an Air Quality Alert across multiple counties.

US: Sinlahekin Fire Grows to Over 100,000 Acres Near Tonasket, Washington

The Sinlahekin Fire, which sparked on July 26 near Tonasket, grew to an estimated 102,934 acres with 5% containment as of Tuesday, August 4. At least two structures were destroyed, though no injuries or fatalities have been reported.

US: Dust Storm Rolls Through Southeast Arizona 2

A dust storm rolled through southeast Arizona on Monday, August 3, reducing visibility.

Japan: Typhoon Dolphin Brings Powerful Winds and Outages to Ogasawara Islands 2

Powerful Typhoon Dolphin was making its closest approach to the Ogasawara Islands, located about 1,000 kilometers south of central Tokyo, on Tuesday, August 4, with maximum sustained winds near the center of 45 meters per second and maximum gusts of 60 meters per second, while power outages were reported on Chichijima and Hahajima.

US: American Dream Mall Evacuates After Power Failure 2

A power outage struck the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Monday, August 3, stalling some amusement rides and prompting evacuations. The outage was caused by an issue with equipment internal to American Dream's electrical system. The first clip shows the mall during the power outage, while the second clip shows the situation at the water park.

US: Footage Captures Damage From Spokane Wildfires 2

Fast-moving wildfires fueled by strong winds and high temperatures forced roughly 60,000 people to evacuate in Spokane County, Washington. The Old Trails, Fairview and Autumn Lane fires burned about 7,500 acres combined and destroyed more than 600 structures. The state issued air quality warnings as the fires continued to spread. No injuries or deaths were confirmed as of Sunday, August 2.

Nissan logs 1st net profit in 2 yrs in April-June

Nissan logs 1st net profit in 2 yrs in April-June

Nissan Motor Co. President and CEO Ivan Espinosa speaks at a press conference in Yokohama near Tokyo on Aug. 3, 2026. Nissan returned to profitability for the first time in two years, posting a net profit of 3.76 billion yen in the April-June quarter with restructuring measures.

US: Storm Triggers Flash Flood Warning in Northern Virginia

On Sunday, August 2, a flash flood warning was issued for parts of Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia, as a storm moved through the area.

US: Massive Shelf Cloud Captured Over Florida’s Tampa Bay Area

A massive shelf cloud loomed over the Tampa Bay Area of Florida on Sunday, August 2.

Train featuring World Heritage-listed ancient sites

OSAKA, Japan, Aug. 2 Kyodo - A departure ceremony is held at Kintetsu Railway's Osaka Abenobashi Station in Osaka on Aug. 1, 2026, for a train with liveries based on a group of ancient sites in the Asuka-Fujiwara area in Nara Prefecture, western Japan, that were recently added to UNESCO's World Heritage list. (Kyodo)

Golf: Rocket Classic

Golf: Rocket Classic

Hideki Matsuyama of Japan plays during the final round of the Rocket Classic golf tournament on Aug. 2, 2026, at Detroit Golf Club in Detroit, Michigan.

Golf: Rocket Classic

Golf: Rocket Classic

Hideki Matsuyama of Japan plays during the final round of the Rocket Classic golf tournament on Aug. 2, 2026, at Detroit Golf Club in Detroit, Michigan.

Golf: Rocket Classic

Golf: Rocket Classic

Hideki Matsuyama of Japan acknowledges the crowd after making a birdie on the ninth hole during the final round of the Rocket Classic golf tournament on Aug. 2, 2026, at Detroit Golf Club in Detroit, Michigan.

Golf: Rocket Classic

Golf: Rocket Classic

Hideki Matsuyama of Japan plays during the final round of the Rocket Classic golf tournament on Aug. 2, 2026, at Detroit Golf Club in Detroit, Michigan.

Golf: Rocket Classic

Golf: Rocket Classic

Michael Thorbjornsen of the United States holds the victor's trophy after winning the Rocket Classic golf tournament on Aug. 2, 2026, at Detroit Golf Club in Detroit, Michigan.

Baseball: Red Sox vs. Dodgers

Baseball: Red Sox vs. Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers newly acquired pitcher Tarik Skubal (2nd from L) is pictured with teammates Shohei Ohtani and Miguel Rojas (72) in the dugout during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Aug. 2, 2026.

France: Vehicle Fire on A61 Sparks Blaze Near Carcassonne

A vegetation fire that broke out Sunday, Aug. 2, near Carcassonne, after a vehicle caught fire on the A61 motorway, spread across 100 hectares, 50 of which were burnt, and prompted about 100 evacuations before firefighters brought it under control by evening.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

A collapsed house is reflected in a road mirror in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto Prefecture, on Aug. 2, 2026, after a powerful earthquake struck the southwestern Japan prefecture on July 28.