Spain: Saharan Dust Blankets Parts of Andalusia

Thick Saharan dust, known as calima, blanketed parts of Andalusia, Spain, on April 9, 2026, notably reducing visibility across the region.

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng meets with Xi

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng meets with Xi

Cheng Li-wun (back, C), leader of Taiwan's main opposition party, the Nationalist Party, holds a press conference in Beijing on April 10, 2026, following talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the first time in nearly a decade Xi has held talks with the incumbent head of the Taiwanese party, also known as Kuomintang.

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng meets with Xi

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng meets with Xi

Cheng Li-wun (back, C), leader of Taiwan's main opposition party, the Nationalist Party, holds a press conference in Beijing on April 10, 2026, following talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the first time in nearly a decade Xi has held talks with the incumbent head of the Taiwanese party, also known as Kuomintang.

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng meets with Xi

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng meets with Xi

Cheng Li-wun, leader of Taiwan's main opposition party, the Nationalist Party, is surrounded by photographers after a press conference she held in Beijing on April 10, 2026, following talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the first time in nearly a decade Xi has held talks with the incumbent head of the Taiwanese party, also known as Kuomintang.

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng meets with Xi

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng meets with Xi

Cheng Li-wun, leader of Taiwan's main opposition party, the Nationalist Party, holds a press conference in Beijing on April 10, 2026, following talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the first time in nearly a decade Xi has held talks with the incumbent head of the Taiwanese party, also known as Kuomintang.

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng meets with Xi

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng meets with Xi

Cheng Li-wun, leader of Taiwan's main opposition party, the Nationalist Party, holds a press conference in Beijing on April 10, 2026, following talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the first time in nearly a decade Xi has held talks with the incumbent head of the Taiwanese party, also known as Kuomintang.

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng meets with Xi

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng meets with Xi

Cheng Li-wun, leader of Taiwan's main opposition party, the Nationalist Party, holds a press conference in Beijing on April 10, 2026, following talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the first time in nearly a decade Xi has held talks with the incumbent head of the Taiwanese party, also known as Kuomintang.

[Breaking News]Ancient cherry tree in Japan

MIHARU, Japan, April 9 Kyodo - A full-bloomed cherry tree estimated to be over 1,000 years is illuminated in Miharu in Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 8, 2026. With its flowers spreading in all directions from the branches, the government-protected tree is known as the "waterfall cherry tree of Miharu." (Kyodo)

Spain: Saharan Dust Blankets Vélez-Málaga Reducing Visibility

Thick Saharan dust, known as calima, blanketed Vélez-Málaga, Spain, on April 9, 2026, notably reducing visibility across the area.

Ancient cherry tree in Japan

Ancient cherry tree in Japan

A cherry tree estimated to be over 1,000 years old comes into full bloom in Miharu in Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 8, 2026. With its flowers spreading in all directions from the branches, the government-protected tree is known as the "waterfall cherry tree of Miharu."

Ancient cherry tree in Japan

Ancient cherry tree in Japan

A full-bloomed cherry tree estimated to be over 1,000 years is illuminated in Miharu in Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 8, 2026. With its flowers spreading in all directions from the branches, the government-protected tree is known as the "waterfall cherry tree of Miharu."

Ancient cherry tree in Japan

Ancient cherry tree in Japan

A cherry tree estimated to be over 1,000 years old comes into full bloom in Miharu in Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 8, 2026. With its flowers spreading in all directions from the branches, the government-protected tree is known as the "waterfall cherry tree of Miharu."

Ancient cherry tree in Japan

Ancient cherry tree in Japan

A cherry tree estimated to be over 1,000 years old comes into full bloom in Miharu in Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 8, 2026. With its flowers spreading in all directions from the branches, the government-protected tree is known as the "waterfall cherry tree of Miharu."

Cherry blossoms at train station on quake-hit Noto Peninsula

Cherry blossoms at train station on quake-hit Noto Peninsula

A Noto Railway train arrives at Notokashima Station in Anamizu, Ishikawa Prefecture, on April 8, 2026, as cherry blossoms in full bloom surround the station, also known as Noto Sakura Station, on the quake-hit Noto Peninsula.

Cherry blossoms at train station on quake-hit Noto Peninsula

Cherry blossoms at train station on quake-hit Noto Peninsula

A Noto Railway train arrives at Notokashima Station in Anamizu, Ishikawa Prefecture, on April 8, 2026, as cherry blossoms in full bloom surround the station, also known as Noto Sakura Station, on the quake-hit Noto Peninsula.

Cherry blossoms at train station on quake-hit Noto Peninsula

Cherry blossoms at train station on quake-hit Noto Peninsula

A Noto Railway train arrives at Notokashima Station in Anamizu, Ishikawa Prefecture, on April 8, 2026, as cherry blossoms in full bloom surround the station, also known as Noto Sakura Station, on the quake-hit Noto Peninsula.

Cherry blossoms at train station on quake-hit Noto Peninsula

Cherry blossoms at train station on quake-hit Noto Peninsula

A Noto Railway train arrives at Notokashima Station in Anamizu, Ishikawa Prefecture, on April 8, 2026, as cherry blossoms in full bloom surround the station, also known as Noto Sakura Station, on the quake-hit Noto Peninsula.

Cherry blossoms at train station on quake-hit Noto Peninsula

Cherry blossoms at train station on quake-hit Noto Peninsula

A Noto Railway train arrives at Notokashima Station in Anamizu, Ishikawa Prefecture, on April 8, 2026, as cherry blossoms in full bloom surround the station, also known as Noto Sakura Station, on the quake-hit Noto Peninsula.

China: Climbing Perch Fish Spotted Crawling Across Muddy Road in Guangdong

On December 27, 2025, in Guangdong Province, a video showed a line of shiny black fish moving across a muddy country road. The fish advanced slowly in an orderly row. Viewers identified the species as climbing perch, an amphibious freshwater fish in the family Anabantidae, known for crawling onto muddy ground after rain in search of water. Their tough bodies allow them to traverse rough surfaces with ease.

Japan: Sea Sparkle Lights Up Ocean Surface in Blue, Signaling the Arrival of Spring 2

Noctiluca scintillans, known as sea sparkle, a type of bioluminescent plankton, lit up the ocean surface with a vivid blue glow, signaling the arrival of spring. This video was filmed on Monday, March 30 in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture.

Japan: Cherry Blossoms Cover Yoshino Mountain as Thousands of Trees Reach Full Bloom

Cherry blossoms in Yoshino Town, Nara Prefecture, reached full bloom, covering the hillsides in a breathtaking display. The site, known as a place where one can see a thousand cherry trees at a single glance, has approximately 30,000 cherry trees of around 200 varieties planted there.

Japan: Sea Sparkle Lights Up Ocean Surface in Blue, Signaling the Arrival of Spring

Noctiluca scintillans, known as sea sparkle, a type of bioluminescent plankton, lit up the ocean surface with a vivid blue glow, signaling the arrival of spring. This video was filmed on Sunday, April 5 at Suma Beach in Kobe.

Japan: Cherry Blossoms Cover Yoshino Mountain as Thousands of Trees Reach Full Bloom 2

Cherry blossoms in Yoshino Town, Nara Prefecture, reached full bloom, covering the hillsides in a breathtaking display. The site, known as a place where one can see a thousand cherry trees at a single glance, has approximately 30,000 cherry trees of around 200 varieties planted there.

Japan: Cherry Blossoms Cover Yoshino Mountain as Thousands of Trees Reach Full Bloom 3

Cherry blossoms in Yoshino Town, Nara Prefecture, reached full bloom, covering the hillsides in a breathtaking display. The site, known as a place where one can see a thousand cherry trees at a single glance, has approximately 30,000 cherry trees of around 200 varieties planted there.

Japanese mathematician Hironaka dies

Japanese mathematician Hironaka dies

File photo taken in October 2003 shows Japanese mathematician Heisuke Hironaka, who died in Tokyo on March 18, 2026, aged 94. Kyoto University professor emeritus Hironaka was awarded the Fields Medal, known as the Nobel Prize for mathematics, in 1970.

Chile: Cheers Echo Through Santiago’s “Little Caracas” as Venezuela Wins First WBC Title

The sound of cheers echoed through Toro Mazote street in Santiago's Estación Central on Tuesday night, as Venezuela claimed its first-ever World Baseball Classic championship. Footage captured from an apartment window on Toro Mazote — the heart of the neighborhood known as "Pequeña Caracas," home to one of the largest Venezuelan communities in Chile — shows the street alive with noise as unseen residents celebrated Venezuela's historic victory.

“Blood Moon” Lunar Eclipse Observed Across Asia, Australia and the Americas 3

A total lunar eclipse, also known as a “blood moon,” was observed on Tuesday, March 3 across parts of Asia, Australia, Pacific island nations, and North and South America, turning the moon a reddish-orange color.

“Blood Moon” Lunar Eclipse Observed Across Asia, Australia and the Americas 2

A total lunar eclipse, also known as a “blood moon,” was observed on Tuesday, March 3 across parts of Asia, Australia, Pacific island nations, and North and South America, turning the moon a reddish-orange color.

“Blood Moon” Lunar Eclipse Observed Across Asia, Australia and the Americas

A total lunar eclipse, also known as a “blood moon,” was observed on Tuesday, March 3 across parts of Asia, Australia, Pacific island nations, and North and South America, turning the moon a reddish-orange color.

US: Brush Fire Spreads in Collier County, Florida Amid Drought and Strong Winds 2

A rapidly growing brush fire in Collier County, Florida, has burned more than 24,000 acres since igniting Monday morning February 23 and remains uncontained as crews battle flames south of Immokalee near Interstate 75, also known as Alligator Alley. The human-caused blaze has prompted lane closures and reduced visibility due to heavy smoke, while drought conditions and strong winds continue to fuel dangerous fire behavior.

US: Brush Fire Spreads in Collier County, Florida Amid Drought and Strong Winds

A rapidly growing brush fire in Collier County, Florida, has burned more than 25,000 acres since igniting Monday morning February 23 and remains uncontained as crews battle flames south of Immokalee near Interstate 75, also known as Alligator Alley. The human-caused blaze has prompted lane closures and reduced visibility due to heavy smoke, while drought conditions and strong winds continue to fuel dangerous fire behavior.

Mexico: Panic at Guadalajara International Airport After Death of Cartel Leader “El Mencho”

Panic broke out at Guadalajara International Airport after the reported death of cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes triggered violence across parts of western Mexico. The unrest followed the killing of Oseguera Cervantes — known as “El Mencho,” founder of the Jalisco New Generation Cartels — during a military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco. Authorities said troops came under fire and returned fire, killing four cartel operatives. As tensions spread, flights were disrupted across the region. Nearly half of departures and arrivals at Guadalajara were delayed or canceled, leaving hundreds stranded.

Spain: Final Piece of Central Tower Put in Place on Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia

The final piece of the central tower of Barcelona’s Sagrada Família, known as the Tower of Jesus Christ, was put in place on Friday, February 20. This historic milestone makes the landmark the world’s tallest church at 172.5 meters, marking a significant step toward the completion of Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece 144 years after construction began.

Spain: Final Piece of Central Tower Put in Place on Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia 2

The final piece of the central tower of Barcelona’s Sagrada Família, known as the Tower of Jesus Christ, was put in place on Friday, February 20. This historic milestone makes the landmark the world’s tallest church at 172.5 meters, marking a significant step toward the completion of Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece 144 years after construction began.

Japan: Stunning ‘Snow Monsters’ on Mount Zao Delight Visitors

Frost-covered trees known as "Snow Monsters" appeared on Mount Zao in Yamagata Prefecture, forming a rare natural spectacle that occurs only under specific conditions, including temperatures below -10°C and wind speeds exceeding 10 meters per second.

February’s Snow Moon Lights Up the Sky 4

The February 2026 Snow Moon reached peak illumination on Sunday, February 1. Known as the Snow Moon due to heavy winter snowfall, it appeared nearly full for several nights, making it visible to skywatchers even after the exact peak passed.

February’s Snow Moon Lights Up the Sky

The February 2026 Snow Moon reached peak illumination on Sunday, February 1. Known as the Snow Moon due to heavy winter snowfall, it appeared nearly full for several nights, making it visible to skywatchers even after the exact peak passed.

February’s Snow Moon Lights Up the Sky 3

The February 2026 Snow Moon reached peak illumination on Sunday, February 1. Known as the Snow Moon due to heavy winter snowfall, it appeared nearly full for several nights, making it visible to skywatchers even after the exact peak passed.

February’s Snow Moon Lights Up the Sky 2

The February 2026 Snow Moon reached peak illumination on Sunday, February 1. Known as the Snow Moon due to heavy winter snowfall, it appeared nearly full for several nights, making it visible to skywatchers even after the exact peak passed.

China: Unique Hairless Sheep Stands Out Among Woolly Lambs in Xinjiang

In Xinjiang, northwestern China, on Monday, January 19, a rare lamb was seen appearing completely different from its woolly counterparts. The animal is a special breed known as a hairless sheep, which naturally grows with smooth skin and no wool.

Philippines: Storm Nokaen Triggers Severe Flooding in Bicol Region

Storm Nokaen, known locally as Ada in the Philippines, caused severe flooding due to persistent rains and a fatal landslide that killed two people in Matnog, Sorsogon. The storm weakened into a tropical depression on Monday, January 19, prompting authorities to lift all tropical cyclone wind signals.

Netherlands: At Least Four Injured as Gas Leak Explosion Destroys Multiple Homes in Utrecht 2

A gas leak triggered a powerful explosion at a house in central Utrecht on Thursday, January 15, leaving at least four people injured. While the damage was immense, there were no reports of missing persons. The cause of the blast was not immediately known.

Netherlands: At Least Four Injured as Gas Leak Explosion Destroys Multiple Homes in Utrecht

A gas leak triggered a powerful explosion at a house in central Utrecht on Thursday, January 15, leaving at least four people injured. While the damage was immense, there were no reports of missing persons. The cause of the blast was not immediately known.

Interview with ICAN executive director

Interview with ICAN executive director

Screenshot shows Melissa Parke, executive director of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, known as ICAN, the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize winner, giving an online interview on Jan. 14, 2026.

SAUDI ARABIA

SAUDI ARABIA

Soudah National Park, Saudi Arabia. Soudah is a mountainous area in the Asir Province of Saudi Arabia. At 3,015 meters above sea level, it includes Saudi Arabia's highest peak, Jabal Soudah. The area is known for its densely forested mountains covered in juniper trees. Photo: Magnus Martinsson / TT / 2734 undefined

Renowned Japanese TV personality Hiroshi Kume dies at 81

Renowned Japanese TV personality Hiroshi Kume dies at 81

Renowned Japanese TV personality Hiroshi Kume (C), known for hosting "The Best Ten" music show between 1978 and 1985, and anchoring the "News Station" news show between 1985 and 2004, receives "the best dressed eyes" award in Tokyo on Oct. 18, 2004. Kume died of lung cancer on Jan. 1, 2026, aged 81.

Queen Rania of Jordan Tours Wadi Rum - Jordan

Queen Rania of Jordan Tours Wadi Rum - Jordan

Queen Rania Al Abdullah, accompanied by her daughter Princess Salma bint Abdullah II, visits Wadi Rum, where they met with local tour operators and explored a range of experiences the site offers visitors from Jordan and around the world, on January 7th, 2026, in Wadi Rum, Jordan. The site, also known as the ‘Valley of the Moon’, is a UNESCO Heritage Site and protected area located in southern Jordan. Photo by Balkis Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Queen Rania of Jordan Tours Wadi Rum - Jordan

Queen Rania of Jordan Tours Wadi Rum - Jordan

Queen Rania Al Abdullah, accompanied by her daughter Princess Salma bint Abdullah II, visits Wadi Rum, where they met with local tour operators and explored a range of experiences the site offers visitors from Jordan and around the world, on January 7th, 2026, in Wadi Rum, Jordan. The site, also known as the ‘Valley of the Moon’, is a UNESCO Heritage Site and protected area located in southern Jordan. Photo by Balkis Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Queen Rania of Jordan Tours Wadi Rum - Jordan

Queen Rania of Jordan Tours Wadi Rum - Jordan

Queen Rania Al Abdullah, accompanied by her daughter Princess Salma bint Abdullah II, visits Wadi Rum, where they met with local tour operators and explored a range of experiences the site offers visitors from Jordan and around the world, on January 7th, 2026, in Wadi Rum, Jordan. The site, also known as the ‘Valley of the Moon’, is a UNESCO Heritage Site and protected area located in southern Jordan. Photo by Balkis Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Queen Rania of Jordan Tours Wadi Rum - Jordan

Queen Rania of Jordan Tours Wadi Rum - Jordan

Queen Rania Al Abdullah, accompanied by her daughter Princess Salma bint Abdullah II, visits Wadi Rum, where they met with local tour operators and explored a range of experiences the site offers visitors from Jordan and around the world, on January 7th, 2026, in Wadi Rum, Jordan. The site, also known as the ‘Valley of the Moon’, is a UNESCO Heritage Site and protected area located in southern Jordan. Photo by Balkis Press/ABACAPRESS.COM