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Japan's lower house dissolved for snap electionn

Japan's lower house dissolved for snap electionn

Yoshihiko Noda (L) and Tetsuo Saito (R), co-leaders of the Centrist Reform Alliance, leave parliament after a House of Representatives plenary session in Tokyo on Jan. 23, 2026. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi dissolved the lower house during the session for a snap election on Feb. 8.

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Mexico: Massive Fire Destroys Plastics Factory in Xochimilco, Mexico City

A massive fire broke out at a 2,000-square-meter plastics factory in the La Noria area of Xochimilco, Mexico City, on Thursday, January 22, forcing at least 50 people to evacuate. Firefighters and Navy personnel brought the fire under control after several hours of work.

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US: Blowing Snow and Gusty Winds Sweep Iowa

Strong gusts caused blowing snow and low visibility in Iowa on Wednesday, January 21. The National Weather Service has issued extreme cold warnings for most of the state until Friday.

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US: Panic Buying as People Rush to Stock Up Ahead of Winter Storm 2

As a potentially historic winter storm dubbed “Fern” approaches the United States, residents from Texas to the Northeast are stockpiling essential goods. Fears of being trapped indoors by heavy snow, ice and extreme cold have triggered widespread panic buying, leaving grocery store shelves bare across many areas. This video was shot at Walmart in Nicholasville, Kentucky.

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Frozen waterfall in western Japan

Frozen waterfall in western Japan

Photo taken on Jan. 23, 2026, shows a frozen waterfall basin and icy rock surface at the World Heritage-listed Nachi Falls in Nachikatsuura in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan.

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New Zealand: Landslide Hits Mount Maunganui 2

Six people, including two teenagers, are missing after a major landslide struck a local campground in Mount Maunganui on Thursday, January 22. Police are also seeking information on three others as search and rescue operations continue in a dangerous environment, with authorities describing the incident as a national tragedy and the community rallying to support affected families.

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US: Panic Buying as People Rush to Stock Up Ahead of Winter Storm

As a potentially historic winter storm dubbed “Fern” approaches the United States, residents from Texas to the Northeast are stockpiling essential goods. Fears of being trapped indoors by heavy snow, ice and extreme cold have triggered widespread panic buying, leaving grocery store shelves bare across many areas.

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Inauguration of Japan's new opposition party

Inauguration of Japan's new opposition party

Yoshihiko Noda (L) and Tetsuo Saito, co-leaders of the Centrist Reform Alliance, raise their fists during the new opposition party's inaugural convention in Tokyo on Jan. 22, 2026.

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Spain: New Railway Accident, Passenger Train Collides with Construction Crane in Murcia

The Spanish rail network experienced another accident on Thursday, January 22—the fourth in less than a week—though this incident resulted in fewer casualties than recent tragedies. The collision occurred when a tow truck crane intruded into the safety clearance of a narrow-gauge FEVE train on the Cartagena-Los Nietos route in Murcia. At the time, the train was carrying 16 passengers; at least six individuals sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene.

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Italy: Storm Harry Brings Flooding and Massive Waves to Sicily 2

Severe weather battered southern Italy from January 18, 2026, as Storm Harry swept through the central Mediterranean, hitting Calabria, Sicily, and Sardinia with violent winds, torrential rain, and massive waves. Authorities issued red alerts, evacuated nearly 200 people across Sicily, and deployed thousands of emergency workers as coastal flooding, transport disruptions, and storm surges caused widespread damage, while officials warned that conditions remained critical.

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US: Extreme Cold Watch in Effect in Iowa as Strong Gusts Create Dangerous Conditions

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for Iowa, warning of high winds, snow, and an extended period of low temperatures. A wind advisory remained in effect until 11 p.m. Wednesday, January 21, for several counties. In northern and northeastern Iowa, strong gusts caused blowing snow and reduced visibility, potentially triggering blizzard conditions.

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New Zealand: Landslide Hits Mount Maunganui

Search and rescue operations are underway in Mount Maunganui after a major landslide struck a local campground at 9:30 a.m. today. With up to nine people missing, emergency crews are working through the night. States of Emergency remain active across several regions, including Northland and the Bay of Plenty, as authorities assess the widespread damage.

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Helicopter accident on Mt. Aso

Helicopter accident on Mt. Aso

Firefighters wear gas masks in Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Jan. 22, 2026, as they prepare to resume a rescue and recovery mission for a sightseeing helicopter that went missing in the crater area of Mt. Nakadake, one of the peaks of Mt. Aso, on Jan. 20.

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Frozen lake in northern Japan

Frozen lake in northern Japan

Bubbles trapped within the ice are visible on the frozen surface of the man-made Lake Nukabira in Kamishihoro in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 22, 2026. These "ice bubbles" form when methane gas rises from the lake and becomes sealed in as the water freezes.

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Frozen lake in northern Japan

Frozen lake in northern Japan

Bubbles trapped within the ice are visible on the frozen surface of the man-made Lake Nukabira in Kamishihoro in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 22, 2026. These "ice bubbles" form when methane gas rises from the lake and becomes sealed in as the water freezes.

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Frozen lake in northern Japan

Frozen lake in northern Japan

Bubbles trapped within the ice are visible on the frozen surface of the man-made Lake Nukabira in Kamishihoro in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 22, 2026. These "ice bubbles" form when methane gas rises from the lake and becomes sealed in as the water freezes.

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Frozen lake in northern Japan

Frozen lake in northern Japan

Bubbles trapped within the ice are visible on the frozen surface of the man-made Lake Nukabira in Kamishihoro in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 22, 2026. These "ice bubbles" form when methane gas rises from the lake and becomes sealed in as the water freezes.

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Italy: Storm Harry Brings Flooding and Massive Waves to Sicily

Severe weather battered southern Italy from January 18, 2026, as Storm Harry swept through the central Mediterranean, hitting Calabria, Sicily, and Sardinia with violent winds, torrential rain, and massive waves. Authorities issued red alerts, evacuated nearly 200 people across Sicily, and deployed thousands of emergency workers as coastal flooding, transport disruptions, and storm surges caused widespread damage, while officials warned that conditions remained critical.

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US: Protesters March in Downtown LA Against Trump Immigration Policies

Several hundred people gathered in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday afternoon, January 20, as part of the nationwide “Free America Walkout” to protest the Trump administration’s immigration policies, briefly disrupting traffic. The demonstration, which moved from City Hall to nearby streets, remained peaceful.

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Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Yoshihiko Noda (C, L) and Tetsuo Saito (C, R), co-leaders of Japan's new centrist opposition party, the Centrist Reform Alliance, raise their fists during the party's inaugural convention in Tokyo on Jan. 22, 2026. Over 160 lawmakers have joined the party formed following a deal between the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Komeito party ahead of a general election set for Feb. 8.

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Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Yoshihiko Noda (L) and Tetsuo Saito, co-leaders of Japan's new centrist opposition party, called the Centrist Reform Alliance, hold a press conference following the party's inaugural convention in Tokyo on Jan. 22, 2026. Over 160 lawmakers joined the party formed following a deal between the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Komeito party ahead of a general election set for Feb. 8.

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Baseball: NL Championship Series between Brewers and Dodgers

Baseball: NL Championship Series between Brewers and Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani reacts after Brice Turang of the Milwaukee Brewers lines into a double play in the third inning of Game 4 of the National League Championship Series at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Oct. 17, 2025.

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Missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Police officers and firefighters walk toward an area near a crater on Mt. Nakadake, one of the peaks of Mt. Aso in Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan, on Jan. 21, 2026, to search for a sightseeing helicopter that went missing on Jan. 20.

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Missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Police officers and firefighters walk toward an area near a crater on Mt. Nakadake, one of the peaks of Mt. Aso in Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan, on Jan. 21, 2026, to search for a sightseeing helicopter that went missing on Jan. 20.

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Aso Helicopter missing

Aso Helicopter missing

Police officers and firefighters walk toward an area near a crater on Mt. Nakadake, one of the peaks of Mt. Aso in Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan, on Jan. 21, 2026, to search for a sightseeing helicopter that went missing on Jan. 20.

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Retired shogi player Hifumi Kato dies at 86

Retired shogi player Hifumi Kato dies at 86

Retired pro shogi player Hifumi Kato (R) chats with young player Sota Fujii in Tokyo in November 2018. The former holder of the most prestigious Meijin title, Kato died of pneumonia on Jan. 22, 2026, aged 86. He had held the record for becoming the youngest pro shogi player at 14 years and seven months in 1954 until Fujii broke it at 14 years and two months in 2016, while he played to the age of 77 years and five months, the oldest on record.

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Retired shogi player Hifumi Kato dies at 86

Retired shogi player Hifumi Kato dies at 86

Retiring pro shogi player Hifumi Kato waves after his retirement press conference in Tokyo in June 2017. The former holder of the most prestigious Meijin title, Kato died of pneumonia on Jan. 22, 2026, aged 86. He had held the record for becoming the youngest pro shogi player at 14 years and seven months in 1954 until Sota Fujii broke it at 14 years and two months in 2016, while he played to the age of 77 years and five months, the oldest on record.

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Retired shogi player Hifumi Kato dies at 86

Retired shogi player Hifumi Kato dies at 86

Retired pro shogi player Hifumi Kato gives an interview in Tokyo in November 2018. The former holder of the most prestigious Meijin title, Kato died of pneumonia on Jan. 22, 2026, aged 86. He had held the record for becoming the youngest pro shogi player at 14 years and seven months in 1954 until Sota Fujii broke it at 14 years and two months in 2016, while he played to the age of 77 years and five months, the oldest on record.

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Retired shogi player Hifumi Kato dies at 86

Retired shogi player Hifumi Kato dies at 86

Pro shogi player Hifumi Kato (R) reviews his match against debutant Sota Fujii after being beaten by him in Tokyo in December 2016. The former holder of the most prestigious Meijin title, Kato died of pneumonia on Jan. 22, 2026, aged 86. He had held the record for becoming the youngest pro shogi player at 14 years and seven months in 1954 until Fujii broke it at 14 years and two months in 2016, while he played to the age of 77 years and five months, the oldest on record.

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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.

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Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Yoshihiko Noda (L) and Tetsuo Saito, co-leaders of Japan's new centrist opposition party, called the Centrist Reform Alliance, wave at the end of the party's inaugural convention in Tokyo on Jan. 22, 2026. Over 160 lawmakers joined the party formed following a deal between the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Komeito party ahead of a general election set for Feb. 8.

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Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Yoshihiko Noda, co-leader of Japan's new centrist opposition party, called the Centrist Reform Alliance, speaks during its inaugural convention in Tokyo on Jan. 22, 2026. Over 160 lawmakers joined the party formed following a deal between the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Komeito party ahead of a general election set for Feb. 8.

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Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Yoshihiko Noda, co-leader of Japan's new centrist opposition party, called the Centrist Reform Alliance, speaks during its inaugural convention in Tokyo on Jan. 22, 2026. Over 160 lawmakers joined the party formed following a deal between the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Komeito party ahead of a general election set for Feb. 8.

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Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Tetsuo Saito, co-leader of Japan's new centrist opposition party, called the Centrist Reform Alliance, speaks during its inaugural convention in Tokyo on Jan. 22, 2026. Over 160 lawmakers joined the party formed following a deal between the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Komeito party ahead of a general election set for Feb. 8.

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Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Yoshihiko Noda, co-leader of Japan's new centrist opposition party, called the Centrist Reform Alliance, speaks during its inaugural convention in Tokyo on Jan. 22, 2026. Over 160 lawmakers joined the party formed following a deal between the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Komeito party ahead of a general election set for Feb. 8.

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Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Japan's new centrist opposition party, called the Centrist Reform Alliance, holds an inaugural convention in Tokyo on Jan. 22, 2026. Over 160 lawmakers joined the party formed following a deal between the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Komeito party ahead of a general election set for Feb. 8.

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[Breaking News]Power outage stops train in Japan

TOKYO, Japan, Jan. 16 Kyodo - Passengers walk along a track after a power outage halted their train between JR Tamachi Station and JR Takanawa Gateway Station in Tokyo on Jan. 16, 2026. (Kyodo)

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Power outage stops train in Japan

TOKYO, Japan, Jan. 16 Kyodo - Passengers walk along a track after a power outage halted their train between JR Tamachi Station and JR Takanawa Gateway Station in Tokyo on Jan. 16, 2026. (Kyodo)

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[Breaking News]Literary award winner in Japan

TOKYO, Japan, Jan. 15 Kyodo - Novelist Ushio Hatakeyama speaks at a press conference in Tokyo on Jan. 14, 2026, after winning the Akutagawa Prize, a Japanese literary award for up-and-coming authors. (Kyodo)

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Baseball: Kuriyama inducted into Japanese Hall of Fame

TOKYO, Japan, Jan. 16 Kyodo - Japan's 2023 World Baseball Classic-winning manager Hideki Kuriyama speaks at the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Tokyo on Jan. 15, 2026, after being inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame. (Kyodo)

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[Breaking News]Japan Innovation Party leader Yoshimura

OSAKA, Japan, Jan. 16 Kyodo - Hirofumi Yoshimura, Osaka governor and leader of the Japan Innovation Party, speaks to the press at the prefectural government office in Osaka on Jan. 15, 2026. (Kyodo)

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Making of paper charms at Japanese shrine

NACHIKATSUURA, Japan, Jan. 14 Kyodo - "Kimenfuda" paper charms depicting ogres are printed at Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine in Nachikatsuura in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on Jan. 14, 2025, ahead of a Feb. 2 bean-scattering ceremony to drive out devils and attract good fortune. (Kyodo)

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[Breaking News]Japan's new opposition party

TOKYO, Japan, Jan. 16 Kyodo - Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan leader Yoshihiko Noda and Komeito party head Tetsuo Saito announce the name of their new political party, the Centrist Reform Alliance, in Tokyo on Jan. 16, 2026. (Kyodo)

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Baseball: Padres vs. Dodgers

Baseball: Padres vs. Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches in a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on June 16, 2025. Ohtani pitched in an MLB game for the first time since August 2023 and made his first mound appearance in Dodger blue, following right elbow surgery in September 2023.

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Baseball: All-Star red carpet

Baseball: All-Star red carpet

Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers and his wife Mamiko walk on the red carpet during a Major League Baseball event ahead of the All-Star Game at Truist Park in Atlanta on July 15, 2025.

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US: Hundreds Rally in Atlanta Against Trump Immigration Policies

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Hurt Park in downtown Atlanta Tuesday, January 20 to voice opposition to the Trump administration’s immigration-enforcement policies, part of a broader wave of demonstrations sparked by controversial actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

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Echizen crabs in central Japan

Echizen crabs in central Japan

Boiled Echizen crabs are shown to the media at a fish wholesaler in Sakai, Fukui Prefecture, on Jan. 21, 2026, as part of an annual event organized by the central Japan prefecture to present the winter delicacy to Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and other imperial family members.

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Echizen crabs in central Japan

Echizen crabs in central Japan

Boiled Echizen crabs are shown to the media at a fish wholesaler in Sakai, Fukui Prefecture, on Jan. 21, 2026, as part of an annual event organized by the central Japan prefecture to present the winter delicacy to Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and other imperial family members.

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Rare Solar Storm Triggers Northern Lights Across Europe and North America 7

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 night, January 19. 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.

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France: 5,000 Farmers Gather in Strasbourg to Demand Halt to EU-Mercosur Deal

In Strasbourg, roughly 5,000 protesters and hundreds of tractors demonstrated at the European Parliament on Tuesday, January 20, against the EU-Mercosur agreement. The protest precedes a key Wednesday vote, January 21, where EU lawmakers will decide if the deal should be referred to the European Court of Justice for a legal review, potentially stalling the ratification process.

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