World Baseball Classic: Venezuela vs. Japan

World Baseball Classic: Venezuela vs. Japan

Japan players acknowledge the crowd after losing to Venezuela in a World Baseball Classic quarterfinal game at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida, in the early hours of March 15, 2026.

World Baseball Classic: Venezuela vs. Japan

World Baseball Classic: Venezuela vs. Japan

Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata meets the press following the team's loss to Venezuela in a World Baseball Classic quarterfinal game at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida, in the early hours of March 15, 2026.

World Baseball Classic: Venezuela vs. Japan

World Baseball Classic: Venezuela vs. Japan

Shohei Ohtani of Japan is pictured after his team lost to Venezuela in a World Baseball Classic quarterfinal game at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida, in the early hours of March 15, 2026.

World Baseball Classic: Venezuela vs. Japan

World Baseball Classic: Venezuela vs. Japan

Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata meets the press following the team's loss to Venezuela in a World Baseball Classic quarterfinal game at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida, in the early hours of March 15, 2026.

World Baseball Classic: Venezuela vs. Japan

World Baseball Classic: Venezuela vs. Japan

Venezuela players celebrate after beating Japan in a World Baseball Classic quarterfinal game at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida, in the early hours of March 15, 2026.

World Baseball Classic: Venezuela vs. Japan

World Baseball Classic: Venezuela vs. Japan

Japan loses to Venezuela as Shohei Ohtani flies out in the ninth inning of a World Baseball Classic quarterfinal game at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida, in the early hours of March 15, 2026.

World Baseball Classic: Venezuela vs. Japan

World Baseball Classic: Venezuela vs. Japan

Japan loses to Venezuela as Shohei Ohtani flies out in the ninth inning of a World Baseball Classic quarterfinal game at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida, in the early hours of March 15, 2026.

World Baseball Classic: Venezuela vs. Japan

World Baseball Classic: Venezuela vs. Japan

Japan loses to Venezuela as Shohei Ohtani flies out in the ninth inning of a World Baseball Classic quarterfinal game at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida, in the early hours of March 15, 2026.

World Baseball Classic: Venezuela vs. Japan

World Baseball Classic: Venezuela vs. Japan

Japan loses to Venezuela as Shohei Ohtani flies out in the ninth inning of a World Baseball Classic quarterfinal game at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida, in the early hours of March 15, 2026.

World Baseball Classic: Venezuela vs. Japan

World Baseball Classic: Venezuela vs. Japan

Japan loses to Venezuela as Shohei Ohtani flies out in the ninth inning of a World Baseball Classic quarterfinal game at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida, in the early hours of March 15, 2026.

World Baseball Classic: Venezuela vs. Japan

World Baseball Classic: Venezuela vs. Japan

Japan loses to Venezuela as Shohei Ohtani flies out in the ninth inning of a World Baseball Classic quarterfinal game at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida, in the early hours of March 15, 2026.

World Baseball Classic: Venezuela vs. Japan

World Baseball Classic: Venezuela vs. Japan

Japan left-hander Yusei Kikuchi pitches in a World Baseball Classic quarterfinal game against Venezuela at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida, in the early hours of March 15, 2026.

World Baseball Classic: Venezuela vs. Japan

World Baseball Classic: Venezuela vs. Japan

Japan left-hander Yusei Kikuchi pitches in a World Baseball Classic quarterfinal game against Venezuela at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida, in the early hours of March 15, 2026.

World Baseball Classic: Venezuela vs. Japan

World Baseball Classic: Venezuela vs. Japan

Shugo Maki of Japan grounds out in the eighth inning of a World Baseball Classic quarterfinal game against Venezuela at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida, in the early hours of March 15, 2026.

US: Dramatic Temperature Swing Hits Mid-Atlantic as Cold Front Brings Snow 2

A powerful cold front struck the Mid-Atlantic on Thursday, March 12, delivering one of the most dramatic temperature swings on record. Cities across the region plunged from record-breaking warmth to freezing temperatures within just 24 hours, with snow falling from Washington, D.C., through southwestern Virginia and into the mountains of North Carolina — and as far north as New York City.

Japan: Okinawa Hit by Intense Hail as Strong Cold Front Moves Through

A strong cold front brought intense hail to Okinawa, the southernmost and westernmost prefecture of Japan, in the early hours of Wednesday, March 13.

US: Dramatic Temperature Swing Hits Mid-Atlantic as Cold Front Brings Snow

A powerful cold front struck the Mid-Atlantic on Thursday, March 12, delivering one of the most dramatic temperature swings on record. Cities across the region plunged from record-breaking warmth to freezing temperatures within just 24 hours, with snow falling from Washington, D.C., through southwestern Virginia and into the mountains of North Carolina — and as far north as New York City.

Lebanon: Israeli Airstrike Hits Beirut Seafront, Killing Several

An Israeli airstrike struck the Ramlet al-Baida area along Beirut's seafront in the early hours of Thursday, March 12, killing at least seven people and wounding 21 others, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. Hundreds of displaced civilians had been sheltering at the beach after receiving Israeli evacuation warnings for Beirut's southern suburbs and southern Lebanon. Video shared on social media showed scenes of chaos along the promenade.

Japan to release government-held oil reserves

Japan to release government-held oil reserves

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at her official residence in Tokyo on March 11, 2026, announcing that Japan would release 15 days' worth of reserves held by the private sector and then one month's worth of government-held oil in response to surging crude oil prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The announcement was made hours before International Energy Agency member countries unanimously agreed on the largest-ever oil stockpile release.

Japan to release government-held oil reserves

Japan to release government-held oil reserves

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at her official residence in Tokyo on March 11, 2026, announcing that Japan would release 15 days' worth of reserves held by the private sector and then one month's worth of government-held oil in response to surging crude oil prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The announcement was made hours before International Energy Agency member countries unanimously agreed on the largest-ever oil stockpile release.

Japan to release government-held oil reserves

Japan to release government-held oil reserves

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at her official residence in Tokyo on March 11, 2026, announcing that Japan would release 15 days' worth of reserves held by the private sector and then one month's worth of government-held oil in response to surging crude oil prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The announcement was made hours before International Energy Agency member countries unanimously agreed on the largest-ever oil stockpile release.

Japan to release government-held oil reserves

Japan to release government-held oil reserves

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at her official residence in Tokyo on March 11, 2026, announcing that Japan would release 15 days' worth of reserves held by the private sector and then one month's worth of government-held oil in response to surging crude oil prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The announcement was made hours before International Energy Agency member countries unanimously agreed on the largest-ever oil stockpile release.

Japan to release government-held oil reserves

Japan to release government-held oil reserves

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at her official residence in Tokyo on March 11, 2026, announcing that Japan would release one month's worth of government-held oil in response to surging crude oil prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The announcement was made hours before International Energy Agency member countries unanimously agreed on the largest-ever oil stockpile release.

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

The monument to the "Miracle Pine," the only tree in a coastal forest that was not flattened by the deadly tsunami of March 2011 in northeastern Japan, is pictured in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, in the early hours of March 9, 2026, two days ahead of the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

US: Long Security Lines at Houston Airport Amid TSA Staffing Crisis

Thousands of travelers endured hours-long queues at US airports on Sunday, March 8, as spring break traffic collided with a TSA staffing crisis. With personnel working without pay during the ongoing partial government shutdown, wait times at Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport were warned to exceed three hours. Airport officials advised travelers via social media to arrive four to five hours before their flights.

US: TSA Staffing Shortage Triggers Hours-Long Lines at New Orleans Airport

On Sunday, March 8, 2026, travelers at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) faced severe security delays due to TSA staffing shortages. Security lines stretched through multiple floors of the terminal and into the parking garage, amid an apparent TSA sickout during a partial government shutdown that left officers working without full pay.

ASDF transport plane departs for Maldives

KOMAKI, Japan, March 8 Kyodo - Japan Air Self-Defense Force personnel prepare to board a KC-767 aerial refueling and transport aircraft at the ASDF base in Komaki in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, in the early hours of March 8, 2026, bound for the Maldives in the Indian Ocean to support the possible evacuation of Japanese nationals from the Middle East amid an escalating conflict following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran. (Kyodo)

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force vehicle carrying a long-range missile launcher arrives at GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, in the early hours of March 9, 2026. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capability, will be deployed at the camp by the end of March, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force vehicle carrying a long-range missile launcher arrives at GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, in the early hours of March 9, 2026. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capability, will be deployed at the camp by the end of March, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force vehicle carrying a long-range missile launcher arrives at GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, in the early hours of March 9, 2026. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capability, will be deployed at the camp by the end of March, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

ASDF transport plane departs for Maldives

ASDF transport plane departs for Maldives

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force KC-767 aerial refueling and transport aircraft takes off at the ASDF base in Komaki in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, in the early hours of March 8, 2026, bound for the Maldives in the Indian Ocean to support the possible evacuation of Japanese nationals from the Middle East amid an escalating conflict following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran.

ASDF transport plane departs for Maldives

ASDF transport plane departs for Maldives

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force KC-767 aerial refueling and transport aircraft takes off at the ASDF base in Komaki in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, in the early hours of March 8, 2026, bound for the Maldives in the Indian Ocean to support the possible evacuation of Japanese nationals from the Middle East amid an escalating conflict following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran.

ASDF transport plane departs for Maldives

ASDF transport plane departs for Maldives

Japan Air Self-Defense Force personnel prepare to board a KC-767 aerial refueling and transport aircraft at the ASDF base in Komaki in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, in the early hours of March 8, 2026, bound for the Maldives in the Indian Ocean to support the possible evacuation of Japanese nationals from the Middle East amid an escalating conflict following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran.

ASDF transport plane departs for Maldives

ASDF transport plane departs for Maldives

Japan Air Self-Defense Force personnel board a KC-767 aerial refueling and transport aircraft at the ASDF base in Komaki in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, in the early hours of March 8, 2026, bound for the Maldives in the Indian Ocean to support the possible evacuation of Japanese nationals from the Middle East amid an escalating conflict following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran.

Tokyo SkyTree reopens after elevator halt

Tokyo SkyTree reopens after elevator halt

Staff members of Tokyo SkyTree tower announce the reopening of its observation deck to visitors on Feb. 26, 2026, after a three-day suspension due to an elevator malfunction. Twenty visitors were trapped for more than five hours starting on the night of Feb. 22 when an elevator stopped about 30 meters above street level while descending from the 350-meter-high observation deck.

Tokyo SkyTree elevator halt

Tokyo SkyTree elevator halt

Photo shows Tokyo Skytree tower in the Japanese capital on the night of Feb. 22, 2026, after 20 visitors were trapped in an elevator that stopped about 30 meters above street level while descending from the 350-meter-high observation deck. The visitors were rescued after more than five hours, and no one was injured.

Tokyo SkyTree elevator halt

Tokyo SkyTree elevator halt

An emergency vehicle is seen in front of Tokyo SkyTree tower in the Japanese capital on the night of Feb. 22, 2026, after 20 visitors were trapped in an elevator that stopped about 30 meters above street level while descending from the 350-meter-high observation deck. The visitors were rescued after more than five hours, and no one was injured.

Tokyo SkyTree elevator halt

Tokyo SkyTree elevator halt

Photo shows Tokyo Skytree tower in the Japanese capital on the night of Feb. 22, 2026, after 20 visitors were trapped in an elevator that stopped about 30 meters above street level while descending from the 350-meter-high observation deck. The visitors were rescued after more than five hours, and no one was injured.

Tokyo SkyTree elevator halt

Tokyo SkyTree elevator halt

Emergency vehicles are seen in front of Tokyo SkyTree tower in the Japanese capital on the night of Feb. 22, 2026, after 20 visitors were trapped in an elevator that stopped about 30 meters above street level while descending from the 350-meter-high observation deck. The visitors were rescued after more than five hours, and no one was injured.

Japan: 20 Trapped in Elevator at Tokyo Skytree, 1,200 Stranded on Observation Deck

Twenty people, including two children, were trapped in an elevator at Tokyo Skytree on Sunday night, February 22. About 1,200 visitors were also temporarily stranded on the observation deck. Those trapped were safely rescued early Monday after about five hours. The facility closed Monday for inspections. This video shows visitors stranded in the observatory tower following the incident.

US: Avalanches Hit Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah, Injure Skiers and Close State Road

A backcountry avalanche struck Big Cottonwood Canyon on Saturday morning, February 21, prompting a search and rescue response and the closure of State Route 190, causing major traffic disruptions. Two skiers were buried in a separate slide the same day and suffered critical and serious injuries, while another avalanche later injured one person. After heavy snowfall created unstable snowpack, more than 50 avalanches have been reported across northern Utah in 48 hours, and officials warn of extremely dangerous conditions.

US: House Fire Near I-70 in Silver Plume, Colorado Sparks Brush Fire

A massive house fire in Silver Plume, destroyed a home and sparked a nearby brush fire on Sunday, February 15, causing significant traffic delays on Interstate 70 in Colorado. Firefighters from multiple agencies brought the blaze under control after several hours, and authorities confirmed there were no injuries.

US: Coldest Storm of the Season Buries Sierra Nevada in Heavy Snow 3

Rolling thunderstorms and strong winds swept across California as the season’s coldest storm dumped heavy snow on the Sierra Nevada. The heavy snow created dangerous backcountry conditions, and a large avalanche near Truckee killed at least eight skiers. Ski areas around Lake Tahoe reported significant totals, with more than 40 inches of new snow in 24 hours.

US: Coldest Storm of the Season Buries Sierra Nevada in Heavy Snow 2

Rolling thunderstorms and strong winds swept across California as the season’s coldest storm dumped heavy snow on the Sierra Nevada. The heavy snow created dangerous backcountry conditions, and a large avalanche near Truckee killed at least eight skiers. Ski areas around Lake Tahoe reported significant totals, with more than 40 inches of new snow in 24 hours.

Carnival in Rio

Carnival in Rio

Dancers perform during the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro in the early hours of Feb. 16, 2026.

Fatal stabbing in Osaka

Fatal stabbing in Osaka

Police officers conduct an investigation in the early hours of Feb. 15, 2026, near the area where three young men were stabbed in the Dotombori shopping district in Osaka, western Japan, shortly before midnight. A 17-year-old boy was killed and the other two injured, while a man in his 20s was arrested after fleeing the scene.

Fatal stabbing in Osaka

Fatal stabbing in Osaka

Photo taken in the early hours of Feb. 15, 2026, shows the area where three young men were stabbed in the Dotombori shopping district in Osaka, western Japan, shortly before midnight. A 17-year-old boy was killed and the other two injured, while a man in his 20s was arrested after fleeing the scene.

Fatal stabbing in Osaka

Fatal stabbing in Osaka

Police officers conduct an investigation in the early hours of Feb. 15, 2026, near the area where three young men were stabbed in the Dotombori shopping district in Osaka, western Japan, shortly before midnight. A 17-year-old boy was killed and the other two injured, while a man in his 20s was arrested after fleeing the scene.

Milan Cortina Olympics: Snowboard

Milan Cortina Olympics: Snowboard

People cheer for Japanese snowboarder Kokomo Murase in Gifu, her hometown in central Japan, in the small hours of Feb. 10, 2026, during a public viewing of the Milan Cortina Olympics women's big air final. Murase won gold.

US: Columbia University Protesters Detained After Blocking Traffic Over Immigration Crackdown

On Thursday, February 5, several faculty members, staff, and students at Columbia University were briefly detained after blocking traffic in protest of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, calling on the university to declare itself a sanctuary campus and better protect international students. The protesters were released within hours and instructed to appear in court at a later date.