Milan Cortina Olympics: Figure skating

Milan Cortina Olympics: Figure skating

(From L) Silver medalist Kaori Sakamoto of Japan, gold medalist Alysa Liu of the United States and bronze medalist Ami Nakai of Japan pose during a press conference after the medal ceremony for the women's figure skating event at the Milan Cortina Olympics at Milano Ice Skating Arena in Milan on Feb. 19, 2026.

Milan Cortina Olympics: Figure skating

Milan Cortina Olympics: Figure skating

Bronze medalist Ami Nakai of Japan acknowledges the crowd after the medal ceremony for the women's figure skating event at the Milan Cortina Olympics at Milano Ice Skating Arena in Milan on Feb. 19, 2026.

Milan Cortina Olympics: Figure skating

Milan Cortina Olympics: Figure skating

Bronze medalist Ami Nakai of Japan celebrates on the podium during the medal ceremony for the women's figure skating event at the Milan Cortina Olympics at Milano Ice Skating Arena in Milan on Feb. 19, 2026.

Milan Cortina Olympics: Figure skating

Milan Cortina Olympics: Figure skating

Bronze medalist Ami Nakai of Japan celebrates on the podium during the medal ceremony for the women's figure skating event at the Milan Cortina Olympics at Milano Ice Skating Arena in Milan on Feb. 19, 2026.

Milan Cortina Olympics: Figure skating

Milan Cortina Olympics: Figure skating

Kaori Sakamoto of Japan sheds tears during the medal ceremony for the women's figure skating event at the Milan Cortina Olympics at Milano Ice Skating Arena in Milan on Feb. 19, 2026. She won silver.

Milan Cortina Olympics: Figure skating

Milan Cortina Olympics: Figure skating

(From L) Silver medalist Kaori Sakamoto of Japan, gold medalist Alysa Liu of the United States and bronze medalist Ami Nakai of Japan pose on the podium during the medal ceremony for the women's figure skating event at the Milan Cortina Olympics at Milano Ice Skating Arena in Milan on Feb. 19, 2026.

Milan Cortina Olympics: Figure skating

Milan Cortina Olympics: Figure skating

(From L) Silver medalist Kaori Sakamoto of Japan, gold medalist Alysa Liu of the United States and bronze medalist Ami Nakai of Japan pose on the podium during the medal ceremony for the women's figure skating event at the Milan Cortina Olympics at Milano Ice Skating Arena in Milan on Feb. 19, 2026.

Milan Cortina Olympics: Figure skating

Milan Cortina Olympics: Figure skating

(From L) Silver medalist Kaori Sakamoto of Japan, gold medalist Alysa Liu of the United States and bronze medalist Ami Nakai of Japan pose on the podium during the medal ceremony for the women's figure skating event at the Milan Cortina Olympics at Milano Ice Skating Arena in Milan on Feb. 19, 2026.

Milan Cortina Olympics: Figure skating

Milan Cortina Olympics: Figure skating

(From L) Silver medalist Kaori Sakamoto of Japan, gold medalist Alysa Liu of the United States and bronze medalist Ami Nakai of Japan pose on the podium during the medal ceremony for the women's figure skating event at the Milan Cortina Olympics at Milano Ice Skating Arena in Milan on Feb. 19, 2026.

Milan Cortina Olympics: Figure skating

Milan Cortina Olympics: Figure skating

(From L) Silver medalist Kaori Sakamoto of Japan, gold medalist Alysa Liu of the United States and bronze medalist Ami Nakai of Japan pose on the podium during the medal ceremony for the women's figure skating event at the Milan Cortina Olympics at Milano Ice Skating Arena in Milan on Feb. 19, 2026.

Milan Cortina Olympics: Figure skating

Milan Cortina Olympics: Figure skating

(From L) Silver medalist Kaori Sakamoto of Japan, gold medalist Alysa Liu of the United States and bronze medalist Ami Nakai of Japan pose on the podium during the medal ceremony for the women's figure skating event at the Milan Cortina Olympics at Milano Ice Skating Arena in Milan on Feb. 19, 2026.

Milan Cortina Olympics: Figure skating

Milan Cortina Olympics: Figure skating

(From L) Silver medalist Kaori Sakamoto of Japan, gold medalist Alysa Liu of the United States and bronze medalist Ami Nakai of Japan pose on the podium during the medal ceremony for the women's figure skating event at the Milan Cortina Olympics at Milano Ice Skating Arena in Milan on Feb. 19, 2026.

Milan Cortina Olympics: Figure skating

Milan Cortina Olympics: Figure skating

(From L) Silver medalist Kaori Sakamoto of Japan, gold medalist Alysa Liu of the United States and bronze medalist Ami Nakai of Japan shake hands on the podium during the medal ceremony for the women's figure skating event at the Milan Cortina Olympics at Milano Ice Skating Arena in Milan on Feb. 19, 2026.

Milan Cortina Olympics: Figure skating

Milan Cortina Olympics: Figure skating

Kaori Sakamoto of Japan acknowledges the crowd before heading to the podium during the medal ceremony for the women's figure skating event at the Milan Cortina Olympics at Milano Ice Skating Arena in Milan on Feb. 19, 2026. She won silver.

Milan Cortina Olympics: Figure skating

Milan Cortina Olympics: Figure skating

Gold medalist Alysa Liu (R) of the United States celebrates on the podium during the medal ceremony for the women's figure skating event at the Milan Cortina Olympics at Milano Ice Skating Arena in Milan on Feb. 19, 2026, alongside Japanese silver medalist Kaori Sakamoto (L) and bronze medalist Ami Nakai.

Milan Cortina Olympics: Figure skating

Milan Cortina Olympics: Figure skating

Gold medalist Alysa Liu (C) of the United States celebrates on the podium during the medal ceremony for the women's figure skating event at the Milan Cortina Olympics at Milano Ice Skating Arena in Milan on Feb. 19, 2026, alongside Japanese silver medalist Kaori Sakamoto (L) and bronze medalist Ami Nakai.

US: Tornado Reported in Crawford County, Illinois as Severe Storms Strike

A tornado warning was issued Thursday, Feb. 19, for parts of east-central Illinois as severe storms moved through the region. A tornado was reportedly spotted in Crawford County, causing significant damage. Video from Robinson shows large hail falling and what appears to be a funnel cloud forming amid the intense storm.

US: Rising Temperatures Trigger Ice Jam Flood Risk in Pennsylvania

Rising temperatures have triggered ice jams on creeks in Venango County, Pennsylvania and nearby areas, causing elevated water levels and flooding concerns. In Oil City, Oil Creek is nearing overflow, flooding several businesses and prompting officials to prepare for possible evacuations. A flood watch and warning remain in effect through Friday, with thick ice and a released ice jam expected to worsen flooding in Oil City and Rouseville. Residents are urged to stay alert and ready to act.

US: Northern Arizona Battered by Winter Storm, Whiteout Conditions Hit High Country

A powerful winter storm has rocked Northern Arizona, damaging power lines and forcing school closures in Flagstaff and at the Grand Canyon. On February 18, the National Weather Service issued a High Wind Warning for gusts up to 60 mph, which combined with snowfall to create dangerous whiteout conditions. The Flagstaff Unified School District cancelled all classes as a result, and unsettled winter weather is expected to persist through the week.

S. Korea's ex-President Yoon sentenced to life

S. Korea's ex-President Yoon sentenced to life

People in support of former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol rally near Seoul Central District Court in Seoul on Feb. 19, 2026. The court sentenced him to life imprisonment the same day for leading an insurrection with his short-lived declaration of martial law in December 2024.

Spain: Storm Pedro Blankets Northern Regions in Heavy Snow

Thursday, February 19, begins with unsettled weather across much of the country. A total of 13 autonomous communities are under warning for powerful gusts, hazardous coastal conditions, and snowfall as Storm Pedro moves across the peninsula. Snow is expected above 700 meters in the Cantabrian Mountains and the Pyrenees, with significant accumulations at higher altitudes. Aragon, Navarra, La Rioja, Castile and León, and Castile-La Mancha remain on yellow alert for wind and snow, indicating a low but present risk to residents.

NASA SLS model on display at Osaka museum

NASA SLS model on display at Osaka museum

Photo taken at the Osaka Science Museum on Feb. 19, 2026, shows a one-32nd model of NASA's Space Launch System bound for the moon under the Artemis mission. The model was donated to the museum having previously been displayed at the U.S. pavilion at the 2025 World Exposition in the western Japan city of Osaka.

NASA SLS model on display at Osaka museum

NASA SLS model on display at Osaka museum

Photo taken at the Osaka Science Museum on Feb. 19, 2026, shows a one-32nd model of NASA's Space Launch System bound for the moon under the Artemis mission. The model was donated to the museum having previously been displayed at the U.S. pavilion at the 2025 World Exposition in the western Japan city of Osaka.

NASA SLS model on display at Osaka museum

NASA SLS model on display at Osaka museum

Photo taken at the Osaka Science Museum on Feb. 19, 2026, shows a one-32nd model of NASA's Space Launch System bound for the moon under the Artemis mission. The model was donated to the museum having previously been displayed at the U.S. pavilion at the 2025 World Exposition in the western Japan city of Osaka.

S. Korea's ex-President Yoon sentenced to life

S. Korea's ex-President Yoon sentenced to life

A television monitor at Seoul Station shows former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (back, L) during sentencing trial in his insurrection case on Feb. 19, 2026, at Seoul Central District Court. The court sentenced him to life imprisonment for leading an insurrection with his short-lived declaration of martial law in December 2024.

S. Korea's ex-President Yoon sentenced to life

S. Korea's ex-President Yoon sentenced to life

A television monitor at Seoul Station shows former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (back, L) during sentencing trial in his insurrection case on Feb. 19, 2026, at Seoul Central District Court. The court sentenced him to life imprisonment for leading an insurrection with his short-lived declaration of martial law in December 2024.

Congress of Workers' Party of Korea

Congress of Workers' Party of Korea

A notice board is hung on the wall of a building in Pyongyang on Feb. 19, 2026, ahead of the upcoming congress of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, being held for the first time in five years.

Congress of Workers' Party of Korea

Congress of Workers' Party of Korea

A notice board is hung on the wall of a building in Pyongyang on Feb. 19, 2026, ahead of the upcoming congress of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, being held for the first time in five years.

Congress of Workers' Party of Korea

Congress of Workers' Party of Korea

A notice board is set up in Pyongyang on Feb. 19, 2026, ahead of the upcoming congress of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, being held for the first time in five years.

Congress of Workers' Party of Korea

Congress of Workers' Party of Korea

A notice board is set up in Pyongyang on Feb. 19, 2026, ahead of the upcoming congress of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, being held for the first time in five years.

Milan Cortina Olympics: Alpine skiing

Milan Cortina Olympics: Alpine skiing

Kajsa Vickhoff Lie of Norway waits for her teammate in a Viking-themed helmet during the women's Alpine skiing team combined slalom event at the Milan Cortina Olympics on Feb. 10, 2026, at Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani prepares for fielding practice during the team's spring training in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 18, 2026.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (R) prepares for fielding practice with pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto during the team's spring training in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 18, 2026.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (R) prepares for fielding practice with pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto during the team's spring training in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 18, 2026.

Berlin Int'l Film Festival

Berlin Int'l Film Festival

Japanese film director Yoshitoshi Shinomiya (L) poses for a photo with actor Riku Hagiwara, who voiced one of the protagonists of his anime film "A New Dawn," at the Berlin International Film Festival on Feb. 18, 2026, in the German capital.

US: Wildfire Breaks Out in Eastern Iowa, Smoke Plume Visible for Miles

A large wildfire broke out out in Johnson County, eastern Iowa on Wednesday, February 18, sending a huge plume of smoke into the air. Widespread power outage was reported.

Rakuten partners with Google

Rakuten partners with Google

Rakuten Group Inc. Chairman and President Hiroshi Mikitani (2nd from R) and Google Japan President Shinji Okuyama (far L) pose for a photo during a press conference in Tokyo on Feb. 19, 2026, announcing a partnership to enable shopping on Rakuten Ichiba online mall via YouTube videos.

Milan Cortina Olympics: Ski jumping

Milan Cortina Olympics: Ski jumping

Japanese ski jumper Ren Nikaido (L) poses for a photo with his father Manabu, a former ski jumper, after winning the men's normal hill individual bronze at the Milan Cortina Olympics on Feb. 9, 2026, at Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium in Predazzo, Italy.

Takaichi reelected as Japan's prime minister

Takaichi reelected as Japan's prime minister

Sanae Takaichi (R), president of the Liberal Democratic Party, poses for a photo with Hirofumi Yoshimura, head of the coalition's junior partner, the Japan Innovation Party, at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Feb. 18, 2026, after Takaichi was reelected as Japan's prime minister during a House of Representatives plenary session the same day.

Takaichi reelected as Japan's prime minister

Takaichi reelected as Japan's prime minister

Sanae Takaichi (R), president of the Liberal Democratic Party, poses for a photo with Hirofumi Yoshimura, head of the coalition's junior partner, the Japan Innovation Party, at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Feb. 18, 2026, after Takaichi was reelected as Japan's prime minister during a House of Representatives plenary session the same day.

Takaichi reelected as Japan's prime minister

Takaichi reelected as Japan's prime minister

Sanae Takaichi (C), president of the Liberal Democratic Party, poses for a photo with Fumitake Fujita (R), co-leader of the Japan Innovation Party, the LDP's junior coalition partner, at the parliament building in Tokyo on Feb. 18, 2026, after Takaichi was reelected as Japan's prime minister during a House of Representatives plenary session the same day.

Takaichi reelected as Japan's prime minister

Takaichi reelected as Japan's prime minister

Sanae Takaichi (R), president of the Liberal Democratic Party, poses for a photo with Yuichiro Tamaki, who heads the opposition Democratic Party for the People, at the parliament building in Tokyo on Feb. 18, 2026, after Takaichi was reelected as Japan's prime minister during a House of Representatives plenary session the same day.

Takaichi reelected as Japan's prime minister

Takaichi reelected as Japan's prime minister

Sanae Takaichi (R), president of the Liberal Democratic Party, poses for a photo with Junya Ogawa, head of the largest opposition Centrist Reform Alliance, at the parliament building in Tokyo on Feb. 18, 2026, after Takaichi was reelected as Japan's prime minister during a House of Representatives plenary session the same day.

Takaichi reelected as Japan's prime minister

Takaichi reelected as Japan's prime minister

Sanae Takaichi (R), president of the Liberal Democratic Party, poses for a photo with Junya Ogawa, head of the largest opposition Centrist Reform Alliance, at the parliament building in Tokyo on Feb. 18, 2026, after Takaichi was reelected as Japan's prime minister during a House of Representatives plenary session the same day.

Takaichi reelected as Japan's prime minister

Takaichi reelected as Japan's prime minister

Sanae Takaichi (2nd from R), president of the Liberal Democratic Party, poses for a photo with Junya Ogawa (2nd from L), head of the largest opposition Centrist Reform Alliance, at the parliament building in Tokyo on Feb. 18, 2026, after Takaichi was reelected as Japan's prime minister during a House of Representatives plenary session the same day.

Takaichi reelected as Japan's prime minister

Takaichi reelected as Japan's prime minister

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (3rd from R) poses for a photo with Eisuke Mori (3rd from L), newly elected speaker of the House of Representatives, and Keiichi Ishii (2nd from R), new vice speaker, at the parliament building in Tokyo on Feb. 18, 2026.

New Takaichi Cabinet inaugurated

New Takaichi Cabinet inaugurated

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (front, C) and her Cabinet members pose for a photo at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo after being inaugurated in a ceremony with Emperor Naruhito following her reelection as Japan's prime minister in parliament on Feb. 18, 2026.

New Takaichi Cabinet inaugurated

New Takaichi Cabinet inaugurated

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (front row, C) poses for a photo at the premier's office in Tokyo with her Cabinet members after her new Cabinet was inaugurated following her reelection as Japan's prime minister in parliament on Feb. 18, 2026.

New Takaichi Cabinet inaugurated

New Takaichi Cabinet inaugurated

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (front row, C) poses for a photo at the premier's office in Tokyo with her Cabinet members after her new Cabinet was inaugurated following her reelection as Japan's prime minister in parliament on Feb. 18, 2026.

New Takaichi Cabinet inaugurated

New Takaichi Cabinet inaugurated

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (front row, C) poses for a photo at the premier's office in Tokyo with her Cabinet members after her new Cabinet was inaugurated following her reelection as Japan's prime minister in parliament on Feb. 18, 2026.