China: Soap Bubbles Freeze Instantly in Minus 27°C Cold

On January 21, 2026, in Jilin, northeastern China, a video showed extremely cold outdoor conditions with temperatures reaching minus 27 degrees Celsius. A young boy was seen blowing soap bubbles into the air. As the bubbles floated and landed on a nearby table, they quickly froze into crystal-like bubbles. Their surfaces reflected colorful light, creating a sparkling appearance. When the frozen bubbles eventually broke, they turned into soft white fragments instead of liquid. The unusual effect could only be observed under severe winter conditions.

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.

US: Ice Floes Cover NYC Rivers After Snowstorm 2

Ice floes were seen floating on the Hudson and East rivers in New York on Tuesday, January 27, following a winter snowstorm that forced NYC Ferry service to be suspended.

US: Ice Floes Cover NYC Rivers After Snowstorm 3

Ice floes were seen drifting along the Hudson and East rivers in New York on Tuesday, January 27, following a winter snowstorm that forced the suspension of NYC Ferry service. NYC Ferry service across all routes remained suspended for a second day on Wednesday, January 28, due to floating ice in both the East and Hudson rivers.

Canon Inc. Vice President Ogawa to become president

Canon Inc. Vice President Ogawa to become president

Canon Inc. Executive Vice President Kazuto Ogawa (L) attends a press conference in Tokyo on Jan. 29, 2026, alongside Fujio Mitarai, president and chairman, following an announcement that Ogawa will be promoted to president on March 27.

Canon Inc. Vice President Ogawa to become president

Canon Inc. Vice President Ogawa to become president

Canon Inc. Executive Vice President Kazuto Ogawa (L) shakes hands with Fujio Mitarai, president and chairman, after a press conference in Tokyo on Jan. 29, 2026, following an announcement that Ogawa will be promoted to president on March 27.

Japan: Tokyo’s Beloved Panda Twins Depart for China Amid Fan Farewell

Twin giant pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, born and raised at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo, departed for their return to China on Tuesday, January 27. As the two pandas left Ueno Zoo by truck in the afternoon, heading to Narita Airport, hundreds of fans gathered along the sidewalk near the zoo to see them off.

US: Snow Squall Warnings Issued Across Ohio, Triggering Dangerous Travel Conditions 3

The National Weather Service issued multiple snow squall warnings for parts of Ohio on Tuesday, January 27, as intense bursts of snow and high winds created dangerous travel conditions. These fast-moving squalls produced heavy snowfall and wind gusts exceeding 35 mph, resulting in near-zero visibility across several counties. Video captures a plane landing at a snow-blanketed John Glenn Columbus International Airport.

US: Ice Floes Cover NYC Rivers After Snowstorm

Ice floes were seen floating on the Hudson and East rivers in New York on Tuesday, January 27, following a winter snowstorm that forced NYC Ferry service to be suspended.

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Japanese Prime Minister and Liberal Democratic Party head Sanae Takaichi makes a stump speech in Tokyo's Akihabara area on Jan. 27, 2026, as official campaigning begins across Japan for the House of Representatives election on Feb. 8.

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Japanese Prime Minister and Liberal Democratic Party head Sanae Takaichi makes a stump speech in Tokyo's Akihabara area on Jan. 27, 2026, as official campaigning begins across Japan for the House of Representatives election on Feb. 8.

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Japanese Prime Minister and Liberal Democratic Party head Sanae Takaichi makes a stump speech in Tokyo's Akihabara area on Jan. 27, 2026, as official campaigning begins across Japan for the House of Representatives election on Feb. 8.

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Japanese Prime Minister and Liberal Democratic Party head Sanae Takaichi makes a stump speech in Tokyo's Akihabara area on Jan. 27, 2026, as official campaigning begins across Japan for the House of Representatives election on Feb. 8.

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Japanese Prime Minister and Liberal Democratic Party head Sanae Takaichi makes a stump speech in Tokyo's Akihabara area on Jan. 27, 2026, as official campaigning begins across Japan for the House of Representatives election on Feb. 8.

160th anniversary of Japan-Belgium diplomatic ties

160th anniversary of Japan-Belgium diplomatic ties

Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Jan Jambon (L) gives a speech during a ceremony at Egmont Palace in Brussels on Jan. 27, 2026, marking the 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Japan and Belgium.

US: Snow Squall Warnings Issued Across Ohio, Triggering Dangerous Travel Conditions 2

The National Weather Service issued multiple snow squall warnings for parts of Ohio on Tuesday, January 27, as intense bursts of snow and high winds created dangerous travel conditions. These fast-moving squalls produced heavy snowfall and wind gusts exceeding 35 mph, resulting in near-zero visibility across several counties.

China return for Ueno zoo pandas

China return for Ueno zoo pandas

People bid farewell to male giant panda Xiao Xiao and his twin sister Lei Lei of Tokyo's Ueno Zoological Gardens as an airplane carrying them left for China from Narita airport near Tokyo on Jan. 27, 2026.

China return for Ueno zoo pandas

China return for Ueno zoo pandas

Male giant panda Xiao Xiao and his twin sister Lei Lei of Tokyo's Ueno Zoological Gardens are loaded into an airplane at Narita airport near Tokyo on Jan. 27, 2026, to depart to China.

China return for Ueno zoo pandas

China return for Ueno zoo pandas

A farewell message for male giant panda Xiao Xiao and his twin sister Lei Lei of Tokyo's Ueno Zoological Gardens is posted on a building of department store Matsuzakaya Ueno in Tokyo on Jan. 27, 2026, ahead of their departure to China.

China return for Ueno zoo pandas

China return for Ueno zoo pandas

A truck carrying male giant panda Xiao Xiao and his twin sister Lei Lei leaves Ueno Zoological Gardens in Tokyo on Jan. 27, 2026 before they are sent to China.

Canada: Snow Squalls and Cold Weather Continue to Batter Southern Ontario

Environment Canada issued snow squall and cold warnings on Tuesday, January 27, as the chilly weather continued to batter the region, including the Greater Toronto Area.

US: Snow Squall Warnings Issued Across Ohio, Triggering Dangerous Travel Conditions

The National Weather Service issued multiple snow squall warnings for parts of Ohio on Tuesday, January 27, as intense bursts of snow and high winds created dangerous travel conditions. These fast-moving squalls produced heavy snowfall and wind gusts exceeding 35 mph, resulting in near-zero visibility across several counties.

China return for Ueno zoo pandas

China return for Ueno zoo pandas

People watch a truck carrying male giant panda Xiao Xiao and his twin sister Lei Lei leave Ueno Zoological Gardens in Tokyo on Jan. 27, 2026, before the animals are sent to China, marking the first time that Japan will be without pandas since the first ones arrived in the country in 1972.

China return for Ueno zoo pandas

China return for Ueno zoo pandas

A truck carrying male giant panda Xiao Xiao and his twin sister Lei Lei leaves Ueno Zoological Gardens in Tokyo on Jan. 27, 2026, before the animals are sent to China, marking the first time that Japan will be without pandas since the first ones arrived in the country in 1972.

China return for Ueno zoo pandas

China return for Ueno zoo pandas

People watch a truck carrying male giant panda Xiao Xiao and his twin sister Lei Lei leave Ueno Zoological Gardens in Tokyo on Jan. 27, 2026, before the animals are sent to China, marking the first time that Japan will be without pandas since the first ones arrived in the country in 1972.

China return for Ueno zoo pandas

China return for Ueno zoo pandas

A truck carrying male giant panda Xiao Xiao and his twin sister Lei Lei leaves Ueno Zoological Gardens in Tokyo on Jan. 27, 2026, before the animals are sent to China, marking the first time that Japan will be without pandas since the first ones arrived in the country in 1972.

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) who heads the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and Japan Innovation Party leader Hirofumi Yoshimura make a stump speech in Tokyo's Akihabara area on Jan. 27, 2026, as official campaigning begins across Japan for the House of Representatives election on Feb. 8.

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) who heads the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and Japan Innovation Party leader Hirofumi Yoshimura make a stump speech in Tokyo's Akihabara area on Jan. 27, 2026, as official campaigning begins across Japan for the House of Representatives election on Feb. 8.

General election in Japan

General election in Japan

Japanese Prime Minister and Liberal Democratic Party head Sanae Takaichi makes a stump speech in Tokyo on Jan. 27, 2026, as official campaigning begins across Japan for the House of Representatives election on Feb. 8.

General election in Japan

General election in Japan

Japanese Prime Minister and Liberal Democratic Party head Sanae Takaichi makes a stump speech in Tokyo on Jan. 27, 2026, as official campaigning begins across Japan for the House of Representatives election on Feb. 8.

General election in Japan

General election in Japan

Japanese Prime Minister and Liberal Democratic Party head Sanae Takaichi makes a stump speech in Tokyo on Jan. 27, 2026, as official campaigning begins across Japan for the House of Representatives election on Feb. 8.

Annual spring wage talks in Japan

Annual spring wage talks in Japan

Combined photo shows Japan Business Federation Chairman Yoshinobu Tsutsui (L) and Japanese Trade Union Confederation President Tomoko Yoshino holding talks in Tokyo on Jan. 27, 2026, effectively starting the year's spring wage negotiations.

Annual spring wage talks in Japan

Annual spring wage talks in Japan

Officials of the Japanese Trade Union Confederation and the Japan Business Federation hold a meeting in Tokyo on Jan. 27, 2026, as the year's spring wage negotiations effectively begin.

Annual spring wage talks in Japan

Annual spring wage talks in Japan

Officials of the Japanese Trade Union Confederation and the Japan Business Federation hold a meeting in Tokyo on Jan. 27, 2026, as the year's spring wage negotiations effectively begin.

China return for Ueno zoo pandas

China return for Ueno zoo pandas

Combined photo shows male giant panda Xiao Xiao (R) and his twin sister Lei Lei at Ueno Zoological Gardens in Tokyo on Jan. 25, 2026, ahead of their departure to China on Jan. 27. (Pool photo)

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.

Giant Panda Returns to China - Tokyo

Giant Panda Returns to China - Tokyo

A visitor chooses souvenirs of giant panda Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, Japan, Dec. 25, 2025. Giant pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, currently residing at a zoo in Tokyo, will depart for China on Jan. 27, marking the first time in about half a century that Japan will be without any pandas, local media reported. Photo by Jia Haocheng/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Giant Panda Returns to China - Tokyo

Giant Panda Returns to China - Tokyo

Visitors take photos of giant panda Xiao Xiao at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, Japan, Dec. 25, 2025. Giant pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, currently residing at a zoo in Tokyo, will depart for China on Jan. 27, marking the first time in about half a century that Japan will be without any pandas, local media reported. Photo by Jia Haocheng/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Giant Panda Returns to China - Tokyo

Giant Panda Returns to China - Tokyo

Giant panda Xiao Xiao is seen at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, Japan, Dec. 25, 2025. Giant pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, currently residing at a zoo in Tokyo, will depart for China on Jan. 27, marking the first time in about half a century that Japan will be without any pandas, local media reported. Photo by Jia Haocheng/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Giant Panda Returns to China - Tokyo

Giant Panda Returns to China - Tokyo

Giant panda Xiao Xiao is seen at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, Japan, Dec. 25, 2025. Giant pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, currently residing at a zoo in Tokyo, will depart for China on Jan. 27, marking the first time in about half a century that Japan will be without any pandas, local media reported. Photo by Jia Haocheng/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Giant Panda Returns to China - Tokyo

Giant Panda Returns to China - Tokyo

Giant panda Lei Lei is seen at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, Japan, Dec. 25, 2025. Giant pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, currently residing at a zoo in Tokyo, will depart for China on Jan. 27, marking the first time in about half a century that Japan will be without any pandas, local media reported. Photo by Jia Haocheng/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Giant Panda Returns to China - Tokyo

Giant Panda Returns to China - Tokyo

Visitors take photos of giant panda Lei Lei at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, Japan, Dec. 25, 2025. Giant pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, currently residing at a zoo in Tokyo, will depart for China on Jan. 27, marking the first time in about half a century that Japan will be without any pandas, local media reported. Photo by Jia Haocheng/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Italian Fashion Designer Valentino Dead At 93

Italian Fashion Designer Valentino Dead At 93

File photo - Valentino and Anne Hathaway arrive at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards, held at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, CA, USA on February 27, 2011. - Italian fashion legend Valentino Garavani has died at 93. Photo by Lionel Hahn/ABACAUSA.COM

Israeli Airstrike in Lebanon

Israeli Airstrike in Lebanon

This photo shows an explosion during an Israeli airstrike in Kfar Hatta, southern Lebanon, January 11, 2026. The Israeli forces carried out on Sunday afternoon over ten airstrikes on the village of Kfar Hatta in southern Lebanon's Litani River area, Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA) reported. Israel on Sunday launched wide-scale airstrikes on several areas in southern Lebanon, including the towns of Jbaa and Jezzine. There were no immediate reports of casualties. The Israeli army has carried out frequent strikes in Lebanon, claiming they are aimed at removing Hezbollah "threats," despite a U.S.- and French-brokered ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel that has been in effect since Nov. 27, 2024. Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Israeli Airstrike in Lebanon

Israeli Airstrike in Lebanon

This photo shows an explosion during an Israeli airstrike in Kfar Hatta, southern Lebanon, January 11, 2026. The Israeli forces carried out on Sunday afternoon over ten airstrikes on the village of Kfar Hatta in southern Lebanon's Litani River area, Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA) reported. Israel on Sunday launched wide-scale airstrikes on several areas in southern Lebanon, including the towns of Jbaa and Jezzine. There were no immediate reports of casualties. The Israeli army has carried out frequent strikes in Lebanon, claiming they are aimed at removing Hezbollah "threats," despite a U.S.- and French-brokered ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel that has been in effect since Nov. 27, 2024. Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Israeli Airstrike in Lebanon

Israeli Airstrike in Lebanon

This photo shows an explosion during an Israeli airstrike in Kfar Hatta, southern Lebanon, January 11, 2026. The Israeli forces carried out on Sunday afternoon over ten airstrikes on the village of Kfar Hatta in southern Lebanon's Litani River area, Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA) reported. Israel on Sunday launched wide-scale airstrikes on several areas in southern Lebanon, including the towns of Jbaa and Jezzine. There were no immediate reports of casualties. The Israeli army has carried out frequent strikes in Lebanon, claiming they are aimed at removing Hezbollah "threats," despite a U.S.- and French-brokered ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel that has been in effect since Nov. 27, 2024. Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Temporary And Permanent Housing After Cyclone - Aceh Tamiang

Temporary And Permanent Housing After Cyclone - Aceh Tamiang

Temporary and permanent housing is constructed in Aceh Tamiang, Indonesia, on December 27, 2025, following the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Senyar and the climate crisis, as part of a government initiative to guarantee the right to housing and provide sustainable living conditions for affected communities. Photo by Sutanta Aditya/ABACAPRESS.COM

Temporary And Permanent Housing After Cyclone - Aceh Tamiang

Temporary And Permanent Housing After Cyclone - Aceh Tamiang

Temporary and permanent housing is constructed in Aceh Tamiang, Indonesia, on December 27, 2025, following the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Senyar and the climate crisis, as part of a government initiative to guarantee the right to housing and provide sustainable living conditions for affected communities. Photo by Sutanta Aditya/ABACAPRESS.COM

Temporary And Permanent Housing After Cyclone - Aceh Tamiang

Temporary And Permanent Housing After Cyclone - Aceh Tamiang

Temporary and permanent housing is constructed in Aceh Tamiang, Indonesia, on December 27, 2025, following the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Senyar and the climate crisis, as part of a government initiative to guarantee the right to housing and provide sustainable living conditions for affected communities. Photo by Sutanta Aditya/ABACAPRESS.COM

Temporary And Permanent Housing After Cyclone - Aceh Tamiang

Temporary And Permanent Housing After Cyclone - Aceh Tamiang

Temporary and permanent housing is constructed in Aceh Tamiang, Indonesia, on December 27, 2025, following the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Senyar and the climate crisis, as part of a government initiative to guarantee the right to housing and provide sustainable living conditions for affected communities. Photo by Sutanta Aditya/ABACAPRESS.COM