Dominican Republic: Tropical Storm Melissa Batters, Causing Damage and Disruptions 2

Tropical Storm Melissa swept through the Dominican Republic, toppling trees, traffic lights, and triggering small landslides. Authorities closed schools and government offices across several provinces as the storm disrupted water systems and threatened severe flooding. Melissa is expected to strengthen into a Category 4 hurricane this weekend as it lashes the Caribbean with heavy rain and destructive winds.

Indonesia: Mt. Lewotobi Erupts, Triggers Highest Alert and Spews Ash High Into Sky

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara, erupted late Tuesday, October 15, and again early Wednesday, spewing ash up to 10 kilometers into the sky. Indonesia’s volcanology agency raised the alert to its highest level after detecting deep tremors that signaled possible explosive activity.

Comedy Central Presents The Daily Show - LA

Comedy Central Presents The Daily Show - LA

Neil Brown Jr. At Comedy Central Presents "The Daily Show" Offici At The Culver Theater , In Culver City CA, USA on June 07, 2025. Photo by Fati S/ABACAPRESS.COM

Comedy Central Presents The Daily Show - LA

Comedy Central Presents The Daily Show - LA

Neil Brown Jr. At Comedy Central Presents "The Daily Show" Offici At The Culver Theater , In Culver City CA, USA on June 07, 2025. Photo by Fati S/ABACAPRESS.COM

Comedy Central Presents The Daily Show - LA

Comedy Central Presents The Daily Show - LA

Neil Brown Jr. At Comedy Central Presents "The Daily Show" Offici At The Culver Theater , In Culver City CA, USA on June 07, 2025. Photo by Fati S/ABACAPRESS.COM

Comedy Central Presents The Daily Show - LA

Comedy Central Presents The Daily Show - LA

Neil Brown Jr. At Comedy Central Presents "The Daily Show" Offici At The Culver Theater , In Culver City CA, USA on June 07, 2025. Photo by Fati S/ABACAPRESS.COM

Comedy Central Presents The Daily Show - LA

Comedy Central Presents The Daily Show - LA

Neil Brown Jr. At Comedy Central Presents "The Daily Show" Offici At The Culver Theater , In Culver City CA, USA on June 07, 2025. Photo by Fati S/ABACAPRESS.COM

Comedy Central Presents The Daily Show - LA

Comedy Central Presents The Daily Show - LA

Neil Brown Jr. At Comedy Central Presents "The Daily Show" Offici At The Culver Theater , In Culver City CA, USA on June 07, 2025. Photo by Fati S/ABACAPRESS.COM

Japanese baseball legend Nagashima dies at 89

Japanese baseball legend Nagashima dies at 89

A man (R) hands out copies of a newspaper's extra edition at Tokyo's JR Yurakucho station on June 3, 2025, following the death of Japanese baseball legend Shigeo Nagashima. The former third baseman, who led the Yomiuri Giants to nine consecutive Central League and Japan Series titles from 1965 to 1973 and later managed the club, died on June 3, 2025, aged 89.

US: Severe Weather Warning for Houston Area With Hail, High Winds, Tornado Risk

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the Houston area until evening of Monday, May 5. It brought hail, damaging winds, flooding, and possible tornadoes.

US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Hearing Examining Worldwide Threats

US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Hearing Examining Worldwide Threats

United States Senator Angus King, Jr. (Independent of Maine) speaks to United States Senator Ron Wyden (Democrat of Oregon) before the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence hearings to examine worldwide threats in the Hart Senate office building in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Photo by Mattie Neretin / CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM

US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Hearing Examining Worldwide Threats

US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Hearing Examining Worldwide Threats

United States Senator Angus King, Jr. (Independent of Maine) speaks to United States Senator Ron Wyden (Democrat of Oregon) before the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence hearings to examine worldwide threats in the Hart Senate office building in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Photo by Mattie Neretin / CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM

US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Hearing Examining Worldwide Threats

US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Hearing Examining Worldwide Threats

United States Senator Angus King, Jr. (Independent of Maine) questions witnesses during the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence hearing to examine worldwide threats in the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Photo by Mattie Neretin / CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM

US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Hearing Examining Worldwide Threats

US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Hearing Examining Worldwide Threats

United States Senator Angus King, Jr. (Independent of Maine) questions witnesses during the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence hearing to examine worldwide threats in the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Photo by Mattie Neretin / CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM

"Doctor Yellow" track-testing bullet train retires

TOKYO, Japan, Jan. 29 Kyodo - The "Doctor Yellow" T4 edition track-testing bullet train for Japan's high-speed shinkansen lines arrives at JR Tokyo Station in the Japanese capital after making its final run on Jan. 29, 2025, as train enthusiasts wait to take photos of the train. Owned by JR Central, the T4 made its debut in 2001 and will not be replaced as the N700S passenger trains will carry test and observation equipment from 2027. (Kyodo)

"Doctor Yellow" track-testing bullet train retires

"Doctor Yellow" track-testing bullet train retires

The "Doctor Yellow" T4 edition track-testing bullet train for Japan's high-speed shinkansen lines makes its final run in Fuji, Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on January 29, 2025, with Mt. Fuji in the background. Owned by JR Central, the T4 made its debut in 2001 and will not be replaced as the N700S passenger trains will carry test and observation equipment from 2027.

"Doctor Yellow" track-testing bullet train retires

"Doctor Yellow" track-testing bullet train retires

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Jan. 29, 2025, shows the "Doctor Yellow" T4 edition track-testing bullet train for Japan's high-speed shinkansen lines making its final run with a five-story pagoda at the World Heritage-listed Toji temple in Kyoto in the background. Owned by JR Central, the T4 made its debut in 2001 and will not be replaced as the N700S passenger trains will carry test and observation equipment from 2027.

"Doctor Yellow" track-testing bullet train retires

"Doctor Yellow" track-testing bullet train retires

The "Doctor Yellow" T4 edition track-testing bullet train for Japan's high-speed shinkansen lines arrives at JR Tokyo Station in the Japanese capital after making its final run on Jan. 29, 2025, as train enthusiasts wait to take photos of the train. Owned by JR Central, the T4 made its debut in 2001 and will not be replaced as the N700S passenger trains will carry test and observation equipment from 2027.

"Doctor Yellow" track-testing bullet train retires

"Doctor Yellow" track-testing bullet train retires

The "Doctor Yellow" T4 edition track-testing bullet train for Japan's high-speed shinkansen lines makes its final run in Obu, Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 29, 2025. Owned by JR Central, the T4 made its debut in 2001 and will not be replaced as the N700S passenger trains will carry test and observation equipment from 2027.

"Doctor Yellow" track-testing bullet train retires

"Doctor Yellow" track-testing bullet train retires

The "Doctor Yellow" T4 edition track-testing bullet train for Japan's high-speed shinkansen lines makes its final run in Fuji, Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on January 29, 2025, with Mt. Fuji in the background and train enthusiasts taking pictures of the train. Owned by JR Central, the T4 made its debut in 2001 and will not be replaced as the N700S passenger trains will carry test and observation equipment from 2027.

"Doctor Yellow" track-testing bullet train retires

"Doctor Yellow" track-testing bullet train retires

The "Doctor Yellow" T4 edition track-testing bullet train for Japan's high-speed shinkansen lines makes its final run in Fuji, Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on January 29, 2025, with Mt. Fuji in the background. Owned by JR Central, the T4 made its debut in 2001 and will not be replaced as the N700S passenger trains will carry test and observation equipment from 2027.

Site of random stabbing attack in Japan

Site of random stabbing attack in Japan

Flowers are offered at an altar set up in front of JR Nagano Station in Nagano, central Japan on Jan. 24, 2025, following a random stabbing incident near the station on Jan. 22. One man was killed and two others were injured in the incident, in which the attacker fled the scene and remains at large.

Site of random stabbing attack in Japan

Site of random stabbing attack in Japan

Flowers are offered at an altar set up in front of JR Nagano Station in Nagano, central Japan, as a police officer stands guard on Jan. 24, 2025, following a random stabbing incident near the station on Jan. 22. One man was killed and two others were injured in the incident, in which the attacker fled the scene and remains at large.

Site of random stabbing attack in Japan

Site of random stabbing attack in Japan

Police officers stand guard near JR Nagano Station in Nagano, central Japan on Jan. 24, 2025, after a random stabbing incident near the station on Jan. 22 as the attacker remains at large. One man was killed and two others were injured in the incident.

Site of random stabbing attack in Japan

Site of random stabbing attack in Japan

Flowers are offered at an altar set up in front of JR Nagano Station in Nagano, central Japan on Jan. 24, 2025, following a random stabbing incident near the station on Jan. 22. One man was killed and two others were injured in the incident, in which the attacker fled the scene and remains at large.

1 dies, 2 injured in apparent random stabbing attack in Japan

1 dies, 2 injured in apparent random stabbing attack in Japan

Police officers investigate on Jan. 22, 2025, the site of an apparent random stabbing incident that occurred earlier in the day near JR Nagano Station in the central Japan city of Nagano. A man was killed and two others were injured in the incident, with the attacker fleeing the scene.

1 dies, 2 injured in apparent random stabbing attack in Japan

1 dies, 2 injured in apparent random stabbing attack in Japan

Police officers investigate on Jan. 22, 2025, the site of an apparent random stabbing incident that occurred earlier in the day near JR Nagano Station in the central Japan city of Nagano. A man was killed and two others were injured in the incident, with the attacker fleeing the scene.

1 dies, 2 injured in apparent random stabbing attack in Japan

1 dies, 2 injured in apparent random stabbing attack in Japan

Police officers investigate on Jan. 22, 2025, the site of an apparent random stabbing incident that occurred earlier in the day near JR Nagano Station in the central Japan city of Nagano. A man was killed and two others were injured in the incident, with the attacker fleeing the scene.

1 dies, 2 injured in apparent random stabbing attack in Japan

1 dies, 2 injured in apparent random stabbing attack in Japan

Police officers stand guard near JR Nagano Station in Nagano, central Japan early in the morning on Jan. 23, 2025, after an apparent random stabbing incident near the station the night before. A man was killed and two others were injured in the incident, with the attacker fleeing the scene.

1 dies, 2 injured in apparent random stabbing attack in Japan

1 dies, 2 injured in apparent random stabbing attack in Japan

Police officers investigate on Jan. 22, 2025, the site of an apparent random stabbing incident that occurred earlier in the day near JR Nagano Station in the central Japan city of Nagano. A man was killed and two others were injured in the incident, with the attacker fleeing the scene.

1 dies, 2 injured in apparent random stabbing attack in Japan

1 dies, 2 injured in apparent random stabbing attack in Japan

Police officers investigate on Jan. 22, 2025, the site of an apparent random stabbing incident that occurred earlier in the day near JR Nagano Station in the central Japan city of Nagano. A man was killed and two others were injured in the incident, with the attacker fleeing the scene.

1 dies, 2 injured in apparent random stabbing attack in Japan

1 dies, 2 injured in apparent random stabbing attack in Japan

Police officers stand guard near JR Nagano Station in Nagano, central Japan early in the morning on Jan. 23, 2025, after an apparent random stabbing incident near the station the night before. A man was killed and two others were injured in the incident, with the attacker fleeing the scene.

US: Sunset Fire Ignites In Hollywood Hills, Triggering Mandatory Evacuation Orders

A brush fire, dubbed the Sunset Fire, broke out in the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday evening, January 8, triggering mandatory evacuation orders.

Heavy snow in Japan

Heavy snow in Japan

Snow accumulates on a dinosaur monument in front of JR Fukui Station in the central Japan city of Fukui on Jan. 9, 2025, with heavy snowfall expected in Sea of Japan coastal areas.

Philippines: Thunderstorms Hit, Bringing Intense Rainfall To Central Regions

The regions of Visayas, Bicol, Calabarzon, and Mimaropa may experience cloudy skies with scattered rains as isolated thunderstorms hit. According to reports, heavy rainfall of 100 to 200 mm was expected in Northern Samar on Monday.

DC: Vice President Harris Volunteers at DC Central Kitchen on Thanksgiving

DC: Vice President Harris Volunteers at DC Central Kitchen on Thanksgiving

Micheal Curtain Jr. (center), the CEO of DC Central Kitchen, talks to Vice President Kamala Harris (left) and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff (right) as they prepare food while volunteering on Thanksgiving, November 28, 2024 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM)

DC: Vice President Harris Volunteers at DC Central Kitchen on Thanksgiving

DC: Vice President Harris Volunteers at DC Central Kitchen on Thanksgiving

Micheal Curtain Jr. (center), the CEO of DC Central Kitchen, talks to Vice President Kamala Harris (left) and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff (right) as they prepare food while volunteering on Thanksgiving, November 28, 2024 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM)

DC: Vice President Harris Volunteers at DC Central Kitchen on Thanksgiving

DC: Vice President Harris Volunteers at DC Central Kitchen on Thanksgiving

Micheal Curtain Jr. (center), the CEO of DC Central Kitchen, talks to Vice President Kamala Harris (left) and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff (right) as they prepare food while volunteering on Thanksgiving, November 28, 2024 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM)

Luxury train Royal Express

Luxury train Royal Express

Photo taken on Nov. 3, 2024, shows the interior of the luxury sightseeing train Royal Express in Kikugawa, Shizuoka Prefecture, unveiled to the media during a demonstration trip. A three-night journey in the central Japan prefecture on board the train, operated by Tokyu Corp. and JR Central, will be inaugurated on Nov. 8 for a run through December.

Luxury train Royal Express

Luxury train Royal Express

Photo taken on Nov. 3, 2024, shows the interior of the luxury sightseeing train Royal Express in Kikugawa, Shizuoka Prefecture, unveiled to the media during a demonstration trip. A three-night journey in the central Japan prefecture on board the train, operated by Tokyu Corp. and JR Central, will be inaugurated on Nov. 8 for a run through December.

Luxury train Royal Express

Luxury train Royal Express

Photo taken on Nov. 3, 2024, shows the interior of the luxury sightseeing train Royal Express in Kikugawa, Shizuoka Prefecture, unveiled to the media during a demonstration trip. A three-night journey in the central Japan prefecture on board the train, operated by Tokyu Corp. and JR Central, will be inaugurated on Nov. 8 for a run through December.

Luxury train Royal Express

Luxury train Royal Express

The luxury sightseeing train Royal Express arrives at JR Numazu Station in Numazu, Shizuoka Prefecture, on Nov. 3, 2024, for a demonstration trip for the media. A three-night journey in the central Japan prefecture on board the train, operated by JR Central and Tokyu Corp., will be inaugurated on Nov. 8 for a run through December.

60th anniv. of start of Tokaido Shinkansen bullet trains

60th anniv. of start of Tokaido Shinkansen bullet trains

A ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of the inauguration of Tokaido Shinkansen bullet trains is held at JR Nagoya Station in Nagoya, central Japan, on Oct. 1, 2024.

60th anniv. of start of Tokaido Shinkansen bullet trains

60th anniv. of start of Tokaido Shinkansen bullet trains

JR Central President Shunsuke Niwa speaks at a ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of the inauguration of Tokaido Shinkansen bullet trains at JR Tokyo Station on Oct. 1, 2024, before the day's first train departs.

Dinosaur statue in Fukui Pref.

Dinosaur statue in Fukui Pref.

Photo taken on Sept. 30, 2024, shows a 10-meter Suchomimus statue recently set up in front of JR Fukui Station in Fukui Prefecture. The statue, programed to move when a person comes near it, is the last of 23 dinosaur statues erected near the station to promote tourism in the central Japan prefecture, the site of the largest amount of dinosaur fossils discovered in Japan.

Dinosaur statue in Fukui Pref.

Dinosaur statue in Fukui Pref.

Photo taken on Sept. 30, 2024, shows a 10-meter Suchomimus statue recently set up in front of JR Fukui Station in Fukui Prefecture. The statue, programed to move when a person comes near it, is the last of 23 dinosaur statues erected near the station to promote tourism in the central Japan prefecture, the site of the largest amount of dinosaur fossils discovered in Japan.

Dinosaur statue in Fukui Pref.

Dinosaur statue in Fukui Pref.

Photo taken on Sept. 30, 2024, shows a 10-meter Suchomimus statue recently set up in front of JR Fukui Station in Fukui Prefecture. The statue, programed to move when a person comes near it, is the last of 23 dinosaur statues erected near the station to promote tourism in the central Japan prefecture, the site of the largest amount of dinosaur fossils discovered in Japan.

Powerful typhoon hits Japan

Powerful typhoon hits Japan

People walk in front of JR Hamamatsu Station in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on Aug. 31, 2024, as torrential rain continued due to Typhoon Shanshan.

Powerful typhoon in Japan

Powerful typhoon in Japan

A signboard at a JR Hamamatsu station ticket gate in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture in central Japan, shows Tokaido bullet train services suspended between Mishima in the prefecture and Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, on Aug. 30, 2024, due to the approach of Typhoon Shanshan.

Ex-Japan emperor, empress in Karuizawa for retreat

Ex-Japan emperor, empress in Karuizawa for retreat

Former Japanese Emperor Akihito and former Empress Michiko arrive at JR Karuizawa Station in the Nagano Prefecture resort town of Karuizawa, central Japan, on Aug. 22, 2024, for an eight-day retreat (Pool photo).