US: Large Hail Batters Southeast Iowa as Tornado-Warned Storm Sweeps Through

A tornado-warned storm swept through southeast Iowa, including Ottumwa, on Thursday, April 2, leaving a trail of damage across the region. Several tornadoes and large hail were also reported in portions of Washington, Johnson, and Cedar counties, damaging homes and vehicles.

Egypt: Sandstorm Reduces Visibility in Multiple Cities 3

A sandstorm struck Cairo and other Egyptian cities on Thursday, April 2, reducing visibility and darkening the sky.

Taiwan: Fire Breaks Out at CPC Dalin Refinery After Heavy Oil Leak in Kaohsiung 2

A fire broke out at CPC Corporation's Dalin Refinery in Kaohsiung on April 3, 2026, after heavy oil leaked from a tank in Zone F. Firefighters dispatched 10 vehicles and 22 personnel to the scene, where the valve was immediately shut off. The cause of the incident is still under investigation.

Anti-U.S. rallies in Tehran

Anti-U.S. rallies in Tehran

Anti-U.S. rallies are held in Teheran on April 2, 2026.

Anti-U.S. rallies in Tehran

Anti-U.S. rallies in Tehran

Anti-U.S. rallies are held in Teheran on April 2, 2026.

Anti-U.S. rallies in Tehran

Anti-U.S. rallies in Tehran

Anti-U.S. rallies are held in Teheran on April 2, 2026.

Anti-U.S. rallies in Tehran

Anti-U.S. rallies in Tehran

Anti-U.S. rallies are held in Teheran on April 2, 2026.

Anti-U.S. rallies in Tehran

Anti-U.S. rallies in Tehran

Anti-U.S. rallies are held in Teheran on April 2, 2026.

Football: Base camp for Japan World Cup squad

Football: Base camp for Japan World Cup squad

Photo taken in Nashville, Tennessee, on April 2, 2026, shows a football ground at the training center that will serve as the base camp for Japan squad members during the 2026 World Cup finals, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, opening in June.

Football: Base camp for Japan World Cup squad

Football: Base camp for Japan World Cup squad

Photo taken in Nashville, Tennessee, on April 2, 2026, shows the interior of a training center that will serve as the base camp for Japan squad members during the 2026 football World Cup finals, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, opening in June.

Football: Base camp for Japan World Cup squad

Football: Base camp for Japan World Cup squad

Photo taken in Nashville, Tennessee, on April 2, 2026, shows the training center to be used as the base camp for Japan squad members during the 2026 football World Cup finals, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, opening in June.

Football: Base camp for Japan World Cup squad

Football: Base camp for Japan World Cup squad

Photo taken in Nashville, Tennessee, on April 2, 2026, shows the interior of a training center that will serve as the base camp for Japan squad members during the 2026 football World Cup finals, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, opening in June.

Football: Base camp for Japan World Cup squad

Football: Base camp for Japan World Cup squad

Photo taken in Nashville, Tennessee, on April 2, 2026, shows the interior of a training center that will serve as the base camp for Japan squad members during the 2026 football World Cup finals, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, opening in June.

Egypt: Sandstorm Reduces Visibility in Multiple Cities 2

A sandstorm struck Cairo and other Egyptian cities on Thursday, April 2, reducing visibility and darkening the sky.

Japan emperor, empress meet with French President Macron, wife

Japan emperor, empress meet with French President Macron, wife

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (2nd from L) and Empress Masako (far R) meet with French President Emmanuel Macron (far L) and his wife Brigitte at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on April 2, 2026. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress meet with French President Macron, wife

Japan emperor, empress meet with French President Macron, wife

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (2nd from L) and Empress Masako (far R) meet with French President Emmanuel Macron (far L) and his wife Brigitte at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on April 2, 2026. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress meet with French President Macron, wife

Japan emperor, empress meet with French President Macron, wife

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (3rd from L) and Empress Masako (far R) meet with French President Emmanuel Macron (2nd from L) and his wife Brigitte at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on April 2, 2026. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress meet with French President Macron, wife

Japan emperor, empress meet with French President Macron, wife

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (3rd from L) and Empress Masako (far R) meet with French President Emmanuel Macron (2nd from L) and his wife Brigitte at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on April 2, 2026. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress meet with French President Macron, wife

Japan emperor, empress meet with French President Macron, wife

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (2nd from L) and Empress Masako (far L) meet with French President Emmanuel Macron (3rd from L) and his wife Brigitte at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on April 2, 2026. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress meet with French President Macron, wife

Japan emperor, empress meet with French President Macron, wife

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (2nd from R) and Empress Masako (far R) greet French President Emmanuel Macron (2nd from L) and his wife Brigitte at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on April 2, 2026. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress meet with French President Macron, wife

Japan emperor, empress meet with French President Macron, wife

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (3rd from L), Empress Masako (far R), French President Emmanuel Macron (2nd from L) and his wife Brigitte pose for a photo at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on April 2, 2026. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress meet with French President Macron, wife

Japan emperor, empress meet with French President Macron, wife

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (2nd from L), Empress Masako (far L), French President Emmanuel Macron (3rd from L) and his wife Brigitte pose for a photo at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on April 2, 2026. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor meets with French president

Japan emperor meets with French president

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (R) and French President Emmanuel Macron (L) meet at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on April 2, 2026. (Pool photo)

April Pink Moon Dazzles Sky Watchers Worldwide 2

April's full pink moon lit up the night sky on April 1, or April 2 in some regions, visible to sky watchers across both hemispheres. Despite its rosy name, the moon does not actually appear pink — the name comes from the early spring bloom of "moss pink," a wildflower native to eastern North America.

Egypt: Sandstorm Reduces Visibility in Multiple Cities

A sandstorm struck Cairo and other Egyptian cities on Thursday, April 2, reducing visibility and darkening the sky.

US: Artemis II Launches, Marking First Crewed Lunar Mission in Half Century 2

NASA's Artemis II lifted off from Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, marking humanity's first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17 in 1972. The SLS (Space Launch System) rocket carried four astronauts — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen — on a 10-day lunar flyby.

April Pink Moon Dazzles Sky Watchers Worldwide

April's full pink moon lit up the night sky on April 1, or April 2 in some regions, visible to sky watchers across both hemispheres. Despite its rosy name, the moon does not actually appear pink — the name comes from the early spring bloom of "moss pink," a wildflower native to eastern North America.

Emperor meets with French president

Emperor meets with French president

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (2nd from R) and Empress Masako (far R) greet French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on April 2, 2026. (Pool photo)

Emperor meets with French president

Emperor meets with French president

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (2nd from R) and Empress Masako (far R) meet with French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on April 2, 2026. (Pool photo)

Emperor meets with French president

Emperor meets with French president

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (2nd from R), Empress Masako (far R), French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, pose for a photo at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on April 2, 2026. (Pool photo)

Emperor meets with French president

Emperor meets with French president

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (2nd from R), Empress Masako (far R), French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, pose for a photo at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on April 2, 2026. (Pool photo)

Humanoid robot learning athlete's running techniques

Humanoid robot learning athlete's running techniques

Elite long-distance runner Asahi Kuroda runs with a humanoid robot developed by GMO Internet Group at an athletic field in Kawasaki near Tokyo on April 2, 2026. The company is developing a humanoid robot that can be deployed in manufacturing processes by having robots learn athletes' running techniques.

Humanoid robot learning athlete's running techniques

Humanoid robot learning athlete's running techniques

Elite long-distance runner Asahi Kuroda runs with a humanoid robot developed by GMO Internet Group at an athletic field in Kawasaki near Tokyo on April 2, 2026. The company is developing a humanoid robot that can be deployed in manufacturing processes by having robots learn athletes' running techniques.

World Autism Awareness Day

World Autism Awareness Day

Tokyo Tower is illuminated in blue, a color used as a symbol for autism as it represents hope and healing, on April 2, 2026, the U.N.-set World Autism Awareness Day.

World Autism Awareness Day

World Autism Awareness Day

Tokyo Tower is illuminated in blue, a color used as a symbol for autism as it represents hope and healing, on April 2, 2026, the U.N.-set World Autism Awareness Day.

JFA to part ways with women's national coach Nielsen

JFA to part ways with women's national coach Nielsen

Japan women's national football team head coach Nils Nielsen (C) celebrates after guiding his team to the Asian Cup title in Sydney on March 21, 2026. The Japan Football Association said on April 2 that it has decided not to renew Nielsen's contract as the team's skipper despite the victory.

JFA to part ways with women's national coach Nielsen

JFA to part ways with women's national coach Nielsen

Norio Sasaki, a Japan Football Association senior official in charge of the women's national team, holds a press conference in Tokyo on April 2, 2026, after the JFA decided not to renew Nils Nielsen's contract as the team's head coach, less than two weeks after he guided them to the Women's Asian Cup title.

JFA to part ways with women's national coach Nielsen

JFA to part ways with women's national coach Nielsen

Japan Football Association President Tsuneyasu Miyamoto holds a press conference in Tokyo on April 2, 2026, after the JFA decided not to renew Nils Nielsen's contract as the women's national team head coach, less than two weeks after he guided them to the Women's Asian Cup title.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning holds a press conference in Beijing on April 2, 2026.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning holds a press conference in Beijing on April 2, 2026.

Tokyo stocks plunge

Tokyo stocks plunge

A stock monitor in Tokyo shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ending over 1,200 points lower on April 2, 2026, from the previous day's close.

Tokyo stocks plunge

Tokyo stocks plunge

A stock monitor in Tokyo shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ending over 1,200 points lower on April 2, 2026, from the previous day's close.

Tokyo stocks plunge

Tokyo stocks plunge

A stock monitor in Tokyo shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ending over 1,200 points lower on April 2, 2026, from the previous day's close.

Tokyo stocks plunge

Tokyo stocks plunge

A stock monitor in Tokyo shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ending over 1,200 points lower on April 2, 2026, from the previous day's close.

Greece: Saharan Dust Storm Turns Skies Red Over Crete 4

A Saharan dust storm swept through Crete on Wednesday, April 1, turning skies red-orange, reducing visibility to 1,000 meters, and forcing flights to divert.

Indonesia: M7.4 Strikes Northern Molucca Sea, Killing One and Triggering Tsunami Warning

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the Northern Molucca Sea in Indonesia on Thursday, April 2, killing one person, damaging buildings, and triggering tsunami warnings.

Macron in Tokyo

Macron in Tokyo

French President Emmanuel Macron is pictured during his visit to Astroscale Holdings Inc., a Tokyo-based space company working on space debris removal in collaboration with French firms, in Tokyo on April 2, 2026, with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The visit came after the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to broad cooperation in the space sector during their first in-person summit the previous day.

Macron in Tokyo

Macron in Tokyo

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C) and French President Emmanuel Macron (L) speak with Nobu Okada, president and CEO of Astroscale Holdings Inc., a Tokyo-based space company working on space debris removal in collaboration with French firms, in Tokyo on April 2, 2026. The visit came after the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to broad cooperation in the space sector during their first in-person summit the previous day.

Macron in Tokyo

Macron in Tokyo

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C) and French President Emmanuel Macron (L) speak with Nobu Okada, president and CEO of Astroscale Holdings Inc., a Tokyo-based space company working on space debris removal in collaboration with French firms, in Tokyo on April 2, 2026. The visit came after the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to broad cooperation in the space sector during their first in-person summit the previous day.

Macron in Tokyo

Macron in Tokyo

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (L) and French President Emmanuel Macron visit Astroscale Holdings Inc., a Tokyo-based space company working on space debris removal in collaboration with French firms, in Tokyo on April 2, 2026. The visit came after the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to broad cooperation in the space sector during their first in-person summit the previous day.