Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

People who gathered at a public viewing site in Rosario, Argentina, to cheer for local football hero Lionel Messi appear shocked following a 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final in the United States on July 19, 2026.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

Thousands of people gather at a public viewing site in Rosario, Argentina, on July 19, 2026, to cheer for local football hero Lionel Messi in the World Cup final against Spain.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

Thousands of people gather at a public viewing site in Rosario, Argentina, on July 19, 2026, to cheer for local football hero Lionel Messi in the World Cup final against Spain.

Chile: Deadly Storm Pounds Valparaiso, Cuts Power to 400,000 Homes

A powerful storm system battered central Chile, killing four people and prompting Valparaíso to declare a red alert as rainfall exceeded 140 millimeters in under two days and winds reached up to 160 kilometers per hour. The storm, described by Chile's meteorological service as one of the most intense in recent years, affected 10 of the country's 16 regions, cutting power to more than 400,000 homes and forcing evacuations of entire neighborhoods near rivers such as the Marga Marga and Quilpué amid fears of flooding.

US: 200 Evacuated as Fire Breaks Out at Midtown Skyscraper Restaurant in NYC 2

A fire broke out at a restaurant on East 54th Street in midtown Manhattan on Friday and spread to the 43-story high-rise at 520 Madison Avenue. More than 200 people were evacuated and five civilians suffered minor injuries. The cause of the blaze remained under investigation.

Japan: Level 5 Alert Issued as Torrential Rains Trigger Flooding, Landslide in Kanto Region

Torrential rain pounded a wide swath of the Kanto region in eastern Japan on Friday, July 17, bringing record-breaking downpours to Gunma and southern Tochigi prefectures as well as heavy rain in Tokyo, Yokohama and Kawasaki. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its highest-level "emergency safety" evacuation order for some areas. A landslide in Ashikaga, Tochigi Prefecture, collapsed a building and left three people unaccounted for.

Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan revises Imperial House Law

People visit a square facing the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on July 17, 2026. Japan enacted the revised Imperial House Law the same day, permitting the imperial family to adopt males aged 15 or older who are descended from emperors through the male line in 11 former branch families and allowing female members to retain their imperial status even after marrying commoners.

US: Canadian Wildfire Smoke Blankets Midwest, Triggers Air Quality Warning 4

Heavy smoke from wildfires burning in Canada and Minnesota engulfed large swaths of the Midwest and Northeast U.S., exposing millions of people to hazardous levels of air pollution. It turned skies orange-tinged and hazy and triggered Air Quality Alerts across the region. This drone video shows Canadian wildfire smoke over the sky of Northeast Ohio.

Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan revises Imperial House Law

People visit a square facing the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on July 17, 2026. Japan enacted the revised Imperial House Law the same day, permitting the imperial family to adopt males aged 15 or older who are descended from emperors through the male line in 11 former branch families and allowing female members to retain their imperial status even after marrying commoners.

Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan revises Imperial House Law

People visit a square facing the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on July 17, 2026. Japan enacted the revised Imperial House Law the same day, permitting the imperial family to adopt males aged 15 or older who are descended from emperors through the male line in 11 former branch families and allowing female members to retain their imperial status even after marrying commoners.

US: Haze From Canadian Wildfires Blankets New York, Northeast 9

Wildfire smoke from Canada and the Great Lakes region turned skies hazy over Manhattan and much of the Northeast, prompting air quality alerts. New York City officials warned of possibly deteriorating air quality through Wednesday, July 15, urging caution for people with health conditions sensitive to pollution. This video shows the sun turned red amid the haze from Canadian wildfire smoke on July 16.

US: Two Dead as Flash Floods Sweep Through Texas Hill Country 2

At least two people were dead in catastrophic flash flooding that tore through the Texas Hill Country, as torrential rain sent creeks and rivers rapidly rising. Governor Greg Abbott declared disasters in 59 counties and said more than 230 people were rescued.

Gion Festival in Kyoto

Gion Festival in Kyoto

People fill the streets as decorated floats adorned with illuminated lanterns are displayed during the annual Gion Festival's Yoiyama event in Kyoto, western Japan, on July 16, 2026, the eve of the Yamahoko Junko parade, the highlight of the month-long festival.

Gion Festival in Kyoto

Gion Festival in Kyoto

People fill the streets as decorated floats adorned with illuminated lanterns are displayed during the annual Gion Festival's Yoiyama event in Kyoto, western Japan, on July 16, 2026, the eve of the Yamahoko Junko parade, the highlight of the month-long festival.

Gion Festival in Kyoto

Gion Festival in Kyoto

People fill the streets as decorated floats adorned with illuminated lanterns are displayed during the annual Gion Festival's Yoiyama event in Kyoto, western Japan, on July 16, 2026, the eve of the Yamahoko Junko parade, the highlight of the month-long festival.

Gion Festival in Kyoto

Gion Festival in Kyoto

People fill the streets as decorated floats adorned with illuminated lanterns are displayed during the annual Gion Festival's Yoiyama event in Kyoto, western Japan, on July 16, 2026, the eve of the Yamahoko Junko parade, the highlight of the month-long festival.

Gion Festival in Kyoto

Gion Festival in Kyoto

People fill the streets as decorated floats adorned with illuminated lanterns are displayed during the annual Gion Festival's Yoiyama event in Kyoto, western Japan, on July 16, 2026, the eve of the Yamahoko Junko parade, the highlight of the month-long festival.

Protests in Ukraine

Protests in Ukraine

People gather in Kyiv on July 16, 2026, to protest Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's decision to dismiss Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.

Protests in Ukraine

Protests in Ukraine

People gather in Kyiv on July 16, 2026, to protest Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's decision to dismiss Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.

Protest against Japan PM Takaichi

Protest against Japan PM Takaichi

People protest against the administration of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo on July 16, 2026, ahead of parliament's enactment of a law introducing criminal penalties for desecrating the national flag, a key legislative goal of the prime minister.

Protest against Japan PM Takaichi

Protest against Japan PM Takaichi

People protest against the administration of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo on July 16, 2026, ahead of parliament's enactment of a law introducing criminal penalties for desecrating the national flag, a key legislative goal of the prime minister.

US: Haze From Canadian Wildfires Blankets New York, Northeast 8

Wildfire smoke from Canada and the Great Lakes region turned skies hazy over Manhattan and much of the Northeast, prompting air quality alerts. New York City officials warned of possibly deteriorating air quality through Wednesday, July 15, urging caution for people with health conditions sensitive to pollution.

US: Canadian Wildfire Smoke Blankets Midwest, Triggers Air Quality Warning 2

Heavy smoke from wildfires burning in Canada and Minnesota engulfed large swaths of the Midwest and Northeast U.S., exposing millions of people to hazardous levels of air pollution. It turned skies orange-tinged and hazy and triggered Air Quality Alerts across the region.

US: Canadian Wildfire Smoke Blankets Midwest, Triggers Air Quality Warning 3

Heavy smoke from wildfires burning in Canada and Minnesota engulfed large swaths of the Midwest and Northeast U.S., exposing millions of people to hazardous levels of air pollution. It turned skies orange-tinged and hazy and triggered Air Quality Alerts across the region.

US: Haze From Canadian Wildfires Blankets New York, Northeast 7

Wildfire smoke from Canada and the Great Lakes region turned skies hazy over Manhattan and much of the Northeast, prompting air quality alerts. New York City officials warned of possibly deteriorating air quality through Wednesday, July 15, urging caution for people with health conditions sensitive to pollution.

US: Haze From Canadian Wildfires Blankets New York, Northeast 6

Wildfire smoke from Canada and the Great Lakes region turned skies hazy over Manhattan and much of the Northeast, prompting air quality alerts. New York City officials warned of possibly deteriorating air quality through Wednesday, July 15, urging caution for people with health conditions sensitive to pollution.

US: Haze From Canadian Wildfires Blankets New York, Northeast 5

Wildfire smoke from Canada and the Great Lakes region turned skies hazy over Manhattan and much of the Northeast, prompting air quality alerts. New York City officials warned of possibly deteriorating air quality through Wednesday, July 15, urging caution for people with health conditions sensitive to pollution.

US: Canadian Wildfire Smoke Blankets Midwest, Triggers Air Quality Warning

Wildfire smoke from Canadian wildfires blanketed the U.S. Midwest on Wednesday, July 15, prompting evacuations from a remote Minnesota wilderness area. Unhealthy air quality warnings were issued from Minnesota to New York, and people were advised to stay indoors to avoid both the smoke and extreme heat.

US: Haze From Canadian Wildfires Blankets New York, Northeast 3

Wildfire smoke from Canada and the Great Lakes region turned skies hazy over Manhattan and much of the Northeast, prompting air quality alerts. New York City officials warned of possibly deteriorating air quality through Wednesday, July 15, urging caution for people with health conditions sensitive to pollution.

US: Haze From Canadian Wildfires Blankets New York, Northeast 4

Wildfire smoke from Canada and the Great Lakes region turned skies hazy over Manhattan and much of the Northeast, prompting air quality alerts. New York City officials warned of possibly deteriorating air quality through Wednesday, July 15, urging caution for people with health conditions sensitive to pollution.

US: Haze From Canadian Wildfires Blankets New York, Northeast 2

Wildfire smoke from Canada and the Great Lakes region turned skies hazy over Manhattan and much of the Northeast, prompting air quality alerts. New York City officials warned of possibly deteriorating air quality through Wednesday, July 15, urging caution for people with health conditions sensitive to pollution.

US: Boat Capsizes Near Alcatraz, Leaving One Dead, Three Missing

A pontoon boat carrying 20 people, mostly on a memorial service outing, capsized near Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay on Tuesday, July 14, killing one person and leaving three others missing. Three injured passengers were hospitalized in stable condition, 13 others returned safely to shore.

US: New Yorkers Gather for Last Manhattanhenge Sunset of the Year 2

People gathered along Manhattan's cross streets on Sunday, July 12, to watch Manhattanhenge, when the setting sun aligned with the city's grid for a "half sun" effect. Clear skies allowed for near perfect viewing conditions of the phenomenon, which had occurred the night before as a "full sun" alignment and marked the last chance to see it in 2026.

US: Haze From Canadian Wildfires Blankets New York, Northeast

Wildfire smoke from Canada and the Great Lakes region turned skies hazy over Manhattan and much of the Northeast, prompting air quality alerts. New York City officials warned of possibly deteriorating air quality through Wednesday, July 15, urging caution for people with health conditions sensitive to pollution.

Japan PM Takaichi in parliament

Japan PM Takaichi in parliament

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (standing) speaks to Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the opposition Democratic Party for the People, during one-on-one debates with opposition party leaders in parliament in Tokyo on July 15, 2026.

Japan PM Takaichi in parliament

Japan PM Takaichi in parliament

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (standing) speaks to Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the opposition Democratic Party for the People, during one-on-one debates with opposition party leaders in parliament in Tokyo on July 15, 2026.

Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival in Fukuoka

Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival in Fukuoka

People run while carrying a "yamakasa" decorated float along a 5-kilometer course during the annual Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival in the early morning of July 15, 2026, in the southwestern Japan city of Fukuoka.

Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival in Fukuoka

Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival in Fukuoka

People run while carrying a "yamakasa" decorated float along a 5-kilometer course during the annual Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival in the early morning of July 15, 2026, in the southwestern Japan city of Fukuoka.

Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival in Fukuoka

Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival in Fukuoka

People run while carrying a "yamakasa" decorated float along a 5-kilometer course during the annual Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival in the early morning of July 15, 2026, in the southwestern Japan city of Fukuoka.

Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival in Fukuoka

Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival in Fukuoka

People run while carrying a "yamakasa" decorated float along a 5-kilometer course during the annual Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival in the early morning of July 15, 2026, in the southwestern Japan city of Fukuoka.

Gion Festival in Kyoto

Gion Festival in Kyoto

People stroll by a decorated float illuminated by lanterns in Kyoto, western Japan, on July 14, 2026, ahead of a parade three days later, a highlight of the month-long Gion Festival.

Gion Festival in Kyoto

Gion Festival in Kyoto

People stroll by a decorated float illuminated by lanterns in Kyoto, western Japan, on July 14, 2026, ahead of a parade three days later, a highlight of the month-long Gion Festival.

Gion Festival in Kyoto

Gion Festival in Kyoto

People stroll by a decorated float illuminated by lanterns in Kyoto, western Japan, on July 14, 2026, ahead of a parade three days later, a highlight of the month-long Gion Festival.

Gion Festival in Kyoto

Gion Festival in Kyoto

People stroll by a decorated float illuminated by lanterns in Kyoto, western Japan, on July 14, 2026, ahead of a parade three days later, a highlight of the month-long Gion Festival.

US: New Yorkers Gather for Last Manhattanhenge Sunset of the Year

People gathered along Manhattan's cross streets on Sunday, July 12, to watch Manhattanhenge, when the setting sun aligned with the city's grid for a "half sun" effect. Clear skies allowed for near perfect viewing conditions of the phenomenon, which had occurred the night before as a "full sun" alignment and marked the last chance to see it in 2026.

Lavender fields in northern Japan

Lavender fields in northern Japan

People take photos as they stroll through lavender fields at a farm in Nakafurano, Hokkaido, northern Japan, on July 13, 2026.

Hakata Gion festival in Fukuoka

Hakata Gion festival in Fukuoka

People carry a "yamakasa" decorated float during the annual Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival on July 13, 2026, in the southwestern Japan city of Fukuoka.

Hakata Gion festival in Fukuoka

Hakata Gion festival in Fukuoka

People run while carrying a "yamakasa" decorated float during the annual Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival on July 13, 2026, in the southwestern Japan city of Fukuoka.

Hakata Gion festival in Fukuoka

Hakata Gion festival in Fukuoka

People carry a "yamakasa" decorated float during the annual Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival on July 13, 2026, in the southwestern Japan city of Fukuoka.

Hakata Gion festival in Fukuoka

Hakata Gion festival in Fukuoka

People carry a "yamakasa" decorated float during the annual Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival on July 13, 2026, in the southwestern Japan city of Fukuoka.