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US: Long Lines and Chaos Hit Swatch Stores Over Royal Pop Launch 2

Long lines formed outside Swatch stores across the globe ahead of Saturday's launch of the Royal Pop, a $400–420 pocket watch collaboration with high-end Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet. At least 19 U.S. locations were affected, including the SoHo store in New York City. New York emerged as one of the worst flashpoints: at Roosevelt Field Mall on Long Island, cops appeared to break out pepper spray to push back surging crowds, while hundreds of shoppers stormed Times Square and SoHo locations, leading to at least one arrest, according to the NYPD. Swatch eventually shut the stores down over public safety concerns.

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Hello Kitty shinkansen makes final run

Hello Kitty shinkansen makes final run

Fans gather at JR Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka to witness the final run of a Hello Kitty shinkansen bullet train decorated with ribbons and character illustrations inside and out on May 17, 2026. The 500-series Shinkansen operated by West Japan Railway Co. carried about 1 million passengers since debuting in June 2018 on the route between Shin-Osaka and JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka.

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Hello Kitty shinkansen makes final run

Hello Kitty shinkansen makes final run

A Hello Kitty shinkansen bullet train decorated with ribbons and character illustrations inside and out arrives at JR Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka for its final run on May 17, 2026. The 500-series Shinkansen operated by West Japan Railway Co. carried about 1 million passengers since debuting in June 2018 on the route between Shin-Osaka and JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka.

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Hello Kitty shinkansen makes final run

Hello Kitty shinkansen makes final run

Fans gather at JR Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka to witness the final run of a Hello Kitty shinkansen bullet train decorated with ribbons and character illustrations inside and out on May 17, 2026. The 500-series Shinkansen operated by West Japan Railway Co. carried about 1 million passengers since debuting in June 2018 on the route between Shin-Osaka and JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka.

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Hello Kitty shinkansen makes final run

Hello Kitty shinkansen makes final run

A Hello Kitty shinkansen bullet train decorated with ribbons and character illustrations inside and out arrives at JR Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka for its final run on May 17, 2026. The 500-series Shinkansen operated by West Japan Railway Co. carried about 1 million passengers since debuting in June 2018 on the route between Shin-Osaka and JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka.

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Japan emperor, empress visit Ehime

Japan emperor, empress visit Ehime

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako receive an explanation about reconstruction efforts following deadly torrential rain in 2018 in Ozu, Ehime Prefecture, on May 16, 2026, during a two-day trip to the western Japan prefecture. (Pool photo)

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US: Episode 47 of Kīlauea Eruption Sends Lava Fountains and Ash

Episode 47 of the Halemaʻumaʻu eruption at the summit of Kīlauea, Hawaii, lasted nine hours, beginning at 3:27 p.m. HST on Wednesday, May 14, and ending at 12:27 a.m. HST on Thursday, May 15. Lava fountained from the north vent, with fine ash and Peleʻs hair falling in communities to the northeast of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

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US: Several Dust Devils Sweep Through Southern Colorado

Several dust devils were spotted in Alamosa, southern Colorado, on Thursday, May 14.

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Canada: High Winds Sweep Saskatchewan, Sparking Dust Storms and Outages

A powerful storm swept through Saskatchewan on Thursday, May 14, bringing thunderstorms, dust storms, and wind gusts of up to 115 km/h, downing power lines, damaging trees and structures, and leaving many communities without power. Wind alerts remained active into Friday morning.

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Japan: Rising Temperatures Bring Surge in Bear Sightings Near Residential Areas 2

As spring temperatures rose, bears in Japan emerged from hibernation and ventured closer to human settlements in search of food, with sightings reported one after another, prompting authorities to urge residents to stay alert. This video was captured in Joetsu, Niigata on May 13, 2026.

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China: Concerned Mother Horse Runs Behind Car Carrying Sick Foal to Vet

On May 13, 2026, in Inner Mongolia, northern China, a video captured an emotional moment as a sick foal was taken by car for medical treatment. As the owner drove the foal to a veterinarian, the mother horse ran closely behind the vehicle, seemingly worried about where her baby was being taken. The sound of the horse’s hooves echoed along the ground as she chased after the car, creating a touching scene.

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Japan: Rising Temperatures Bring Surge in Bear Sightings Near Residential Areas

As spring temperatures rose, bears in Japan emerged from hibernation and ventured closer to human settlements in search of food, with sightings reported one after another, prompting authorities to urge residents to stay alert. This video was captured at Natsui Community Center in Iwate on Friday, May 15.

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Spain: Teachers Strike Continue Across Valencian Community

A strike in public education continued across the Valencian Community on Thursday, May 14. Teachers and the wider education community took to the streets demanding better pay, quality public education, and instruction in Valencian.

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US: Grand Fire Threatens 650 Homes in Chino Hills, California

A brush fire dubbed the Grand Fire broke out near Chino Hills, San Bernardino County, California, on Wednesday evening, May 13, burning approximately 30 acres and prompting temporary evacuation orders for around 650 homes. Some 250 firefighters, helicopters, and ground crews brought the blaze under control by 10:30 p.m., and all evacuation orders were lifted. One firefighter was hospitalized with minor injuries. No structural damage was reported. The cause remains under investigation.

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US: Powerful Storms Bring Rain, Hail and Flooding to Central Florida 2

Powerful storms swept through Central Florida on Tuesday, May 12, bringing widespread rain, hail, and flooding with severe thunderstorm warnings issued for multiple counties.

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Japan: Hailstorms Reported Across Kansai Region 2

Hail fell across multiple prefectures in Japan's Kansai region, including Kyoto and Hyogo, on Wednesday, May 13.

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Hobby Show in Shizuoka

Hobby Show in Shizuoka

The Shizuoka Hobby Show featuring products such as plastic and radio-controlled models opens in the central Japan city of Shizuoka on May 13, 2026. The show will be open to about 4,000 students from Shizuoka Prefecture on May 15 before opening to the public on May 16 and 17.

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Mexico: Heavy Rain Causes Severe Flooding Across Mexico City 2

Mexico City authorities issued a red alert Monday evening, May 11 as heavy rainfall triggered severe flooding across multiple boroughs, including Álvaro Obregón, Tlalpan, and Cuajimalpa. Rainfall of up to 50mm caused rivers and reservoirs to overflow, inundating homes and roads. No injuries were reported.

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Spain: Indefinite Teachers’ Strike Kicks Off Across Valencia Region 2

An indefinite strike in public education kicked off across the Valencia region on Monday, May 11, with large demonstrations held in Valencia, Alicante, Castellón de la Plana, and Elche. Teachers and the wider education community took to the streets demanding better pay, quality public education, and instruction in Valencian.

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Antarctic Treaty meeting in Hiroshima

Antarctic Treaty meeting in Hiroshima

Ambassador Hideki Uyama (R), from Japan's Foreign Ministry, meets the press in Hiroshima on May 12, 2026, after the opening ceremony of the 48th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in the western Japan city. The closed meeting, running through May 21, will discuss the peaceful use and environmental protection of Antarctica, with about 30 member countries taking part.

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Antarctic Treaty meeting in Hiroshima

Antarctic Treaty meeting in Hiroshima

The opening ceremony of the 48th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting is held in Hiroshima on May 12, 2026. The closed meeting, running through May 21, will discuss the peaceful use and environmental protection of Antarctica, with about 30 member countries taking part.

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Antarctic Treaty meeting in Hiroshima

Antarctic Treaty meeting in Hiroshima

The opening ceremony of the 48th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting is held in Hiroshima on May 12, 2026. The closed meeting, running through May 21, will discuss the peaceful use and environmental protection of Antarctica, with about 30 member countries taking part.

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Huge carp streamer in eastern Japan

KAZO, Japan, May 3 Kyodo - Video taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows a carp streamer, about 100 meters long and weighing around 330 kilograms, flying over the Tone River in the Saitama Prefecture city of Kazo, eastern Japan, on May 3, 2026, ahead of Children's Day on May 5. (Kyodo)

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Japan: Three Hospitalized After Suspected Spray Incident on JR Tokaido Line in Kawasaki

Three people, including a child, were taken to hospital after emergency report of something being sprayed inside a JR Tokaido Line train traveling through Kawasaki City on Sunday, May 10. No toxic substances were found, though some passengers reported smelling something resembling pepper.

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US: Several Tornadoes Including EF3 Tear Through Mississippi, Leaving Trail of Damage 2

Several tornadoes, including an EF3, ripped through Mississippi on Wednesday, May 6, spawned by supercell thunderstorms and triggering a tornado emergency. Governor Tate Reeves confirmed that 17 people were injured and more than 300 homes were damaged across several counties, with no deaths reported. This video shows the damaged area in Bogue Chitto, Lincoln County, which was flattened by the tornadoes.

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Japan: Bears Spotted Near Residential Areas as Spring Temperatures Rise

As spring temperatures rose, bears in Japan emerged from hibernation and ventured closer to human settlements in search of food, prompting authorities to urge residents to stay alert. This video was captured at "Inori no Sato Aizumura", a religious and tourist site in Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima, on Thursday, May 7.

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US: Severe Storms Sweep Alabama, Prompting Tornado Warnings 2

The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for central Alabama on Wednesday, May 6 as a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado moved through the region. Forecasters warned of golf-ball-sized hail, damaging winds and flying debris. A broader tornado watch remained in effect for most of the state through Wednesday night.

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[Breaking News]Key bond yield hits 27-year high

TOKYO, Japan, April 13 Kyodo - A financial monitor in Tokyo shows the yield on the newly issued benchmark 10-year government bond rising to 2.515 percent, its highest level in about 27 years, on April 30, 2026. (Kyodo)

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US: Secret Service Shoots Armed Man Near White House, Bystander Wounded

Secret Service agents shot and wounded an armed man near the White House on Monday, May 4 after he fired at officers. A 15-year-old bystander was grazed but sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The episode began around 3:30 p.m. near the intersection of 15th Street Southwest and Independence Avenue, when officers approached the man, who then fled on foot and fired at them. President Trump was inside the White House and was not in danger. No law enforcement officers were injured. The shooting came just over a week after a separate armed attack at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.

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US: Hail and Strong Storms Strike Chicago Area

Strong storms swept through the Chicago area on Monday, May 4, bringing hail, gusty winds and heavy rain.

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Japan: Bear Spotted at Golf Course in Fukushima

A wild bear was spotted at a golf course in Fukushima Prefecture on Sunday, May 3.

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Germany: Car Rams Into Crowd in Leipzig, Two Killed and Dozens Injured 2

A 33-year-old German man drove a Volkswagen SUV into pedestrians in Leipzig's city center on Monday, May 4, killing two people and injuring 22 others, before being arrested.

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Huge carp streamer in eastern Japan

Huge carp streamer in eastern Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows a carp streamer, about 100 meters long and weighing around 330 kilograms, flying over the Tone River in the Saitama Prefecture city of Kazo, eastern Japan, on May 3, 2026, ahead of Children's Day on May 5.

  •  
Huge carp streamer in eastern Japan

Huge carp streamer in eastern Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows a carp streamer, about 100 meters long and weighing around 330 kilograms, flying over the Tone River in the Saitama Prefecture city of Kazo, eastern Japan, on May 3, 2026, ahead of Children's Day on May 5.

  •  
Huge carp streamer in eastern Japan

Huge carp streamer in eastern Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows a carp streamer, about 100 meters long and weighing around 330 kilograms, flying over the Tone River in the Saitama Prefecture city of Kazo, eastern Japan, on May 3, 2026, ahead of Children's Day on May 5.

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US: Severe Storms Sweep Through South Texas, Bringing Heavy Rain and Hail

Severe storms swept through parts of South Texas on Friday, May 1, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and hail to areas including the Houston metro area.

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US: EF-1 Tornado Confirmed in Fayette County, West Virginia, Causing Extensive Damage

An EF-1 tornado touched down in Fayette County, West Virginia, on Wednesday, April 29, causing extensive damage along Edmond Road and the Lookout area. No injuries were reported, though power lines were downed, causing widespread outages. No tornado warning was issued at the time of the storm.

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Scenic route reopens in World Heritage Shiretoko area

Scenic route reopens in World Heritage Shiretoko area

Cars and motorcycles travel on the Shiretoko crossing road in Shari in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on April 28, 2026, as the scenic route in the World Heritage-listed Shiretoko region resumes operation for the spring tourist season after being closed for about six months due to snowfall.

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Japanese farm minister Suzuki in Bangladesh

Japanese farm minister Suzuki in Bangladesh

Japanese Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Norikazu Suzuki (front, 2nd from L) is briefed about the food situation during a visit to a Rohingya refugee camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, on April 30, 2026.

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Key bond yield hits 27-year high

Key bond yield hits 27-year high

A financial monitor in Tokyo shows the yield on the newly issued benchmark 10-year government bond rising to 2.515 percent, its highest level in about 27 years, on April 30, 2026. (Kyodo)

  •  
Key bond yield hits 27-year high

Key bond yield hits 27-year high

A financial monitor in Tokyo shows the yield on the newly issued benchmark 10-year government bond rising to 2.515 percent, its highest level in about 27 years, on April 30, 2026. (Kyodo)

  •  
Key bond yield hits 27-year high

Key bond yield hits 27-year high

A financial monitor in Tokyo shows the yield on the newly issued benchmark 10-year government bond rising to 2.515 percent, its highest level in about 27 years, on April 30, 2026.

  •  
NPT review conference in New York

NPT review conference in New York

Toshiko Hamanaka (R), assistant secretary general of Hidankyo, Japan's leading organization of atomic bomb survivors and winner of the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, speaks about her experience of the bombing at an event in New York on April 29, 2026. The event, hosted by four anti-nuclear organizations in Japan, coincides with the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons held at the U.N. headquarters.

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Atomic bomb exhibition in New York

Atomic bomb exhibition in New York

Toshiko Hamanaka (far R), assistant secretary general of Hidankyo, Japan's leading organization of atomic bomb survivors and winner of the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, speaks about her experience of the bombing at an event in New York on April 29, 2026. The event, hosted by four anti-nuclear organizations in Japan, coincides with the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons held at the U.N. headquarters.

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US: Hail Storm Causes Damage, Over 10,000 Power Outages in Springfield, MO 2

A severe hailstorm struck Springfield, MO on April 28, bringing baseball-sized hail that caused over 10,000 power outages, damaged hundreds of vehicles at the airport, and forced multiple businesses to close.

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Indonesia: At Least 15 Killed and Over 80 Injured in Train Collision Near Jakarta 3

At least 15 people were killed and more than 80 injured after two trains collided at Bekasi Timur Station near Jakarta, Indonesia, late Monday night. A stationary commuter train was struck from behind by a long-distance train running on the same track.

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Indonesia: At Least 15 Killed and Over 80 Injured in Train Collision Near Jakarta 2

At least 15 people were killed and more than 80 injured after two trains collided at Bekasi Timur Station near Jakarta, Indonesia, late Monday night. A stationary commuter train was struck from behind by a long-distance train running on the same track.

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US: Hail Storm Causes Damage, Over 10,000 Power Outages in Springfield, MO

A severe hailstorm struck Springfield, MO on April 28, bringing baseball-sized hail that caused over 10,000 power outages, damaged hundreds of vehicles at the airport, and forced multiple businesses to close.

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US: Dramatic Cloud Formation Spotted in Kentucky Ahead of Severe Storm System

A dramatic cloud formation was spotted in Kentucky on Monday, April 27 as several rounds of storms swept through the state.

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US: Dramatic Cloud Formation Spotted in Kentucky Ahead of Severe Storm System 2

A dramatic cloud formation was spotted in Kentucky on Monday, April 27 as several rounds of storms swept through the state.

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