US: Gas Line Explosion Reported Near Willow River in Minnesota, Forcing Evacuations

A large gas line explosion was reported on Friday, January 16, near Willow River in Pine County, Minnesota, forcing nearby residents to evacuate. Minnesota Energy Resources said customers in the area could be without natural gas for days, though authorities reported no injuries and suspect no criminal activity at this time.

US: Gas Line Explosion Reported Near Willow River in Minnesota, Forcing Evacuations 2

A large gas line explosion was reported on Friday, January 16, near Willow River in Pine County, Minnesota, forcing nearby residents to evacuate. Minnesota Energy Resources said customers in the area could be without natural gas for days, though authorities reported no injuries and suspect no criminal activity at this time.

Japan: Massive Train Disruption Impacts Hundreds of Thousands in Tokyo Area 7

Tokyo's main JR Yamanote Line and JR Keihin-Tohoku Line suspended service on Friday, January 16, after a power outage caused by overnight construction work near Tamachi Station. The disruption caused widespread chaos for morning commuters, with some passengers forced to evacuate from a stranded train by walking along the railroad tracks.

Mexico: Forest Fire Burns Dozens of Hectares in Arriaga, Chiapas

A forest fire broke out in Arriaga, Chiapas, on Wednesday, January 14, amid wind gusts of up to 33 km/h, burning dozens of hectares.

US: Snow Squall Warnings Issued Across Nebraska

Snow squall warnings were issued throughout Nebraska on Friday, January 16, causing low visibility and falling snow with high winds.

US: High Winds Trigger Dust Storms and Power Outages Across Northern Colorado

High winds with gusts of up to 70 mph ripped through northern Colorado on Friday, January 16, leaving tens of thousands of homes without power, triggering dust storms, and closing highways.

Japan: Massive Train Disruption Impacts Hundreds of Thousands in Tokyo Area 6

Tokyo's main JR Yamanote Line and JR Keihin-Tohoku Line suspended service on Friday, January 16, after a power outage caused by overnight construction work near Tamachi Station. The disruption caused widespread chaos for morning commuters, with some passengers forced to evacuate from a stranded train by walking along the railroad tracks.

Netherlands: Hundreds Rally in Amsterdam to Support Anti-Government Protests in Iran

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Amsterdam on Wednesday, January 14, to show support for anti-government protests in Iran. The protesters marched from Dam Square to the American consulate to voice their solidarity for the Iranian people.

Japan: Massive Train Disruption Impacts Hundreds of Thousands in Tokyo Area 5

Tokyo's main JR Yamanote Line and JR Keihin-Tohoku Line suspended service on Friday, January 16, after a power outage caused by overnight construction work near Tamachi Station. The disruption caused widespread chaos for morning commuters, with some passengers forced to evacuate from a stranded train by walking along the railroad tracks.

US: Buddhist Monks Reach North Carolina During 2,300-Mile Peace Walk to Washington

A group of Buddhist monks and their dog, Aloka, reached North Carolina on Wednesday, January 14, where supporters welcomed them as they continue a 2,300-mile journey from Texas to Washington, D.C. The 'Walk for Peace' began in October and aims to deliver a message of unity and kindness to the White House upon their expected arrival next month.

Japan: Massive Train Disruption Impacts Hundreds of Thousands in Tokyo Area 4

Tokyo's main JR Yamanote Line and JR Keihin-Tohoku Line suspended service on Friday, January 16, after a power outage caused by overnight construction work near Tamachi Station. The disruption caused widespread chaos for morning commuters, with some passengers forced to evacuate from a stranded train by walking along the railroad tracks.

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.

Japan: Massive Train Disruption Impacts Hundreds of Thousands in Tokyo Area

Tokyo's main JR Yamanote Line and JR Keihin-Tohoku Line suspended service on Friday, January 16, after a power outage caused by overnight construction work near Tamachi Station. The disruption caused widespread chaos for morning commuters, with some passengers forced to evacuate from a stranded train by walking along the railroad tracks.

Japan: Massive Train Disruption Impacts Hundreds of Thousands in Tokyo Area 2

Tokyo's main JR Yamanote Line and JR Keihin-Tohoku Line suspended service on Friday, January 16, after a power outage caused by overnight construction work near Tamachi Station. The disruption caused widespread chaos for morning commuters, with some passengers forced to evacuate from a stranded train by walking along the railroad tracks.

Japan: Massive Train Disruption Impacts Hundreds of Thousands in Tokyo Area 3

Tokyo's main JR Yamanote Line and JR Keihin-Tohoku Line suspended service on Friday, January 16, after a power outage caused by overnight construction work near Tamachi Station. The disruption caused widespread chaos for morning commuters, with some passengers forced to evacuate from a stranded train by walking along the railroad tracks.

US: Heavy Lake Effect Snow Blankets Western and Central New York

A band of lake effect snow blanketed parts of western and central New York on Thursday, January 15, prompting numerous schools and businesses to close.

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.

China Dog Enjoys Underwater Scenery Inside Small Diving Capsule

On May 20, 2025, in Nanning, located in southern China’s Guangxi region, a woman placed her white dog inside a small diving capsule. She then lowered the capsule into shallow water, allowing the dog to observe the underwater scenery.

China: Group of Cats Takes Turns Running on Moving Treadmill

On September 1, 2023, in Xuzhou, China, a group of cats took turns stepping onto a moving treadmill to run. After one cat jumped off, another would immediately climb onto the belt to continue the activity in sequence.

US: Heavy Police Presence, Evacuation Reported at Parkwest Bicycle Casino in LA

Heavy police presence was seen outside the Parkwest Bicycle Casino in Bell Gardens, Los Angeles on Thursday, January 15. The building was evacuated and near by roads were closed.

US: Wintry Weather, Reduced Visibility Impact Pennsylvania

Cold, wintry weather affected much of Pennsylvania on Thursday, January 15, as snow showers and gusty winds moved across the state. Winter Weather Advisories were issued for parts of western and northern Pennsylvania, where snow accumulations of several inches were reported, including areas influenced by lake-effect snow. Slick roads and reduced visibility caused travel disruptions in some communities.

Canada: Heavy Snow Causes Widespread Disruptions in Southern Ontario

Heavy snow hit southern Ontario on Thursday, disrupting schools, transportation and travel across the region. Environment Canada said parts of the Greater Toronto Area could see up to 40 centimeters of snow, prompting school closures, widespread road accidents and highway shutdowns. Police reported hundreds of collisions, while major transit delays and flight cancellations were reported at Toronto Pearson Airport as the storm caused hazardous conditions throughout the day.

US: Bright Streak Observed Over California as SpaceX Crew-11 Re-enters

A bright streak was observed across the night sky over Southern California early Thursday, January 15 as the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule carrying four astronauts made its fiery re-entry before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego. The capsule returned NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, along with Japan’s Kimiya Yui and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, ending the Crew-11 mission about a month early due to a non-emergency medical condition affecting one crew member. NASA said the astronaut was stable and brought back to Earth for further evaluation.

US: Wintry Weather Brings Snow Bursts and Gusts, Impacting Western NC Commute

A sudden burst of snow and gusty winds triggered school closures and significant travel delays across Western North Carolina on Thursday, January 15. The wintry weather severely complicated the morning commute, as blowing snow and icy roads created hazardous driving conditions throughout the Asheville area. Some areas saw rapid snow accumulation and slick surfaces, leading to several reported traffic incidents.

Australia: Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji Leaves Widespread Destruction in Queensland

The slow-moving system swept across the Central Highlands and Coalfield regions on Monday, January 12. Wind gusts reached 113 km/h on Hamilton Island. Early estimates suggest that more than 48,000 livestock have perished in the floods, which continue to inundate vast areas of Queensland—stretching from the coast at Mackay, 1,000 kilometres west to Cloncurry, and north to Townsville and Cairns. Central Queensland is the latest region to feel the impact of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji, with Clermont recently enduring its heaviest rainfall in 110 years.

Chile: Flight to Punta Arenas Captures Smoke From Argentina Wildfires

A video taken from a flight to Punta Arenas shows thick smoke from wildfires in Argentina drifting over the area near Lake Todos los Santos in Los Lagos, southern Chile on Wednesday, January 14.

UK: Major Factory Fire Sends Thick Smoke Across Wolverhampton

A major factory fire broke out on Sunbeam Street in Wolverhampton shortly after 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 14, sending a large plume of smoke visible for miles. Firefighters from West Midlands and Staffordshire deployed more than 20 fire engines and specialist vehicles as residents were advised to avoid the area and keep doors and windows closed.

China: Dog Pushes Elderly Man’s Wheelchair in Tianjin

On December 20, 2025, in Tianjin, northern China, a video showed a white dog gently pushing a wheelchair carrying an elderly man along a busy road, drawing attention for the touching display of companionship and support.

China: Man and Golden Retriever Fall From Swing in Henan

On December 19, 2025, in Henan, China, a video showed a man attempting to swing while holding one of his golden retrievers, but the swing tipped, causing both the man and dog to fall. Both appeared startled, and viewers hoped they were unharmed.

China: Dog Rides Rotating Swing at Amusement Park

On December 28, 2025, in Henan, China, a golden retriever calmly rode a rotating swing at an amusement park, swaying with the motion. The dog, owned by the park operator, appeared relaxed throughout, delighting viewers online.

China: Dog’s Tail Becomes Calligraphy Brush

On January 3, 2026, in Shaanxi, China, a video showed a woman using her dog’s tail as a calligraphy brush to write the Chinese character “Fu,” symbolizing good fortune, on red paper. The dog remained calm as its ink-dipped tail formed the character, creating a playful and surprisingly neat work of art ahead of the festival.

Japan: Blizzard Conditions Reduce Visibility in Sapporo Area 7

Heavy snowfall hit Sapporo and surrounding cities on Tuesday, January 13, significantly reducing visibility. Snow intensified in the afternoon, with 13 centimeters accumulating between noon and 6 p.m., according to local authorities. As of 6 p.m., blizzard conditions forced the closure of multiple expressways across a wide area. The severe weather also disrupted air travel, with 99 flights canceled at New Chitose Airport, along with numerous delays.

US: Heavy Snow Squall Drops Visibility in Chicago, Winter Weather Alerts in Effect 2

Snow squall warnings were issued Wednesday morning, January 14 across parts of the Chicago area, bringing brief but intense snowfall, whiteout conditions, and strong winds that created hazardous travel conditions. The fast-moving squalls led to slick roads, reduced visibility, and flight disruptions at O’Hare Airport, where departures were temporarily grounded and delays averaged nearly an hour. Some areas reported up to two inches of snow in under two hours, while lake-effect snow is expected to continue affecting parts of Chicago, northwest Indiana, and southwest Michigan through Thursday

Japan: Blizzard Conditions Reduce Visibility in Sapporo Area 6

Heavy snowfall hit Sapporo and surrounding cities on Tuesday, January 13, significantly reducing visibility. Snow intensified in the afternoon, with 13 centimeters accumulating between noon and 6 p.m., according to local authorities. As of 6 p.m., blizzard conditions forced the closure of multiple expressways across a wide area. The severe weather also disrupted air travel, with 99 flights canceled at New Chitose Airport, along with numerous delays.

Japan: Blizzard Conditions Reduce Visibility in Sapporo Area 5

Heavy snowfall hit Sapporo and surrounding cities on Tuesday, January 13, significantly reducing visibility. Snow intensified in the afternoon, with 13 centimeters accumulating between noon and 6 p.m., according to local authorities. As of 6 p.m., blizzard conditions forced the closure of multiple expressways across a wide area. The severe weather also disrupted air travel, with 99 flights canceled at New Chitose Airport, along with numerous delays.

US: Snow Squalls Move Into Kentucky 2

Snow showers and brief snow squalls affected southern Indiana and parts of Kentucky on January 14, 2026, as arctic air moved into the Ohio Valley.

US: Lake-Effect Snow and Snow Squalls Hit Michigan and Indiana 3

Snow showers and snow squalls moved across Michigan and Indiana as arctic air pushed into the Midwest, bringing gusty winds and sharply colder temperatures. In Michigan and parts of northern Indiana, lake-effect snow off the Great Lakes intensified snowfall at times, briefly reducing visibility and creating hazardous travel conditions despite generally light accumulations.

US: Snow Squalls Move Into Kentucky

Snow showers and brief snow squalls affected southern Indiana and parts of Kentucky on January 14, 2026, as arctic air moved into the Ohio Valley.

US: Lake-Effect Snow and Snow Squalls Hit Michigan and Indiana

Snow showers and snow squalls moved across Michigan and Indiana as arctic air pushed into the Midwest, bringing gusty winds and sharply colder temperatures. In Michigan and parts of northern Indiana, lake-effect snow off the Great Lakes intensified snowfall at times, briefly reducing visibility and creating hazardous travel conditions despite generally light accumulations.

Canada: Iranian Canadians Rally in Toronto in Support of Protests in Iran

Iranian Canadians rallied outside the U.S. consulate in Toronto on Tuesday, January 13, to show support for anti-government protests in Iran.

US: Lake-Effect Snow and Snow Squalls Hit Michigan and Indiana 2

Snow showers and snow squalls moved across Michigan and Indiana as arctic air pushed into the Midwest, bringing gusty winds and sharply colder temperatures. In Michigan and parts of northern Indiana, lake-effect snow off the Great Lakes intensified snowfall at times, briefly reducing visibility and creating hazardous travel conditions despite generally light accumulations.

US: Fire Alarm Forces Evacuation at Dallas Love Field, Flights Delayed

An HVAC malfunction triggered a fire alarm at Dallas Love Field Airport on Tuesday, January 13, forcing a terminal evacuation, prompting a temporary ground stop, and delaying nearly 200 flights. Officials said no fire or injuries were reported, and TSA screening later reopened after the alarm was cleared.

Japan: Blizzard Conditions Reduce Visibility in Sapporo Area 4

Heavy snowfall hit Sapporo and surrounding cities on Tuesday, January 13, significantly reducing visibility. Snow intensified in the afternoon, with 13 centimeters accumulating between noon and 6 p.m., according to local authorities. As of 6 p.m., blizzard conditions forced the closure of multiple expressways across a wide area. The severe weather also disrupted air travel, with 99 flights canceled at New Chitose Airport, along with numerous delays.

US: Heavy Snow Squall Drops Visibility in Chicago, Winter Weather Alerts in Effect

Heavy snow blanketed Chicago on Wednesday morning, January 14, causing significant flight delays and creating whiteout conditions for commuters. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a 90-minute ground stop at O’Hare International Airport as a band of intense snow and ice moved through the metro area. Potent lake-effect snow is expected to impact parts of Chicago, northwest Indiana, and southwest Michigan through Thursday, January 15, with travel warnings remaining in effect.

UK: Major Rail Disruption After Fire Breaks Out Near Tracks of Peckham Station

Around 15 firefighters tackled a track fire between Queen’s Road Peckham and South Bermondsey on Tuesday night, January 13. While a small section of the track was destroyed, no injuries were reported and the Peckham Station was safely evacuated. The incident caused major disruption to London Overground and Southern services, though normal service has since resumed.

Japan: Heavy Snow Leaves 800 Passengers Stranded Overnight at New Chitose Airport 3

Heavy snowfall hit Sapporo on Tuesday, January 13, significantly reducing visibility across the city. At New Chitose Airport, 126 flights were canceled and many were delayed. Around 800 passengers were stranded overnight due to the severe weather.

Japan: Heavy Snow Leaves 800 Passengers Stranded Overnight at New Chitose Airport 2

Heavy snowfall hit Sapporo on Tuesday, January 13, significantly reducing visibility across the city. At New Chitose Airport, 126 flights were canceled and many were delayed. Around 800 passengers were stranded overnight due to the severe weather.

China: Cigarette Sparks Fire on Tricycle Cargo

On January 5, 2026, in Guangxi, China, a man riding a tricycle unknowingly caused a small fire on the back of his vehicle while smoking. Another driver nearby noticed smoke trailing from the cargo and alerted the rider, who stopped by the roadside after realizing his load was burning.

China: Students Use Bamboo Pole and Mats to Rescue Stranded Kitten

On December 26, 2025, in Henan Province, located in central China, students rescued a kitten stranded on a platform between the second and third floors of a dormitory building. Several on the third floor used a long bamboo pole to gently nudge the kitten downward. Below, other students held several thick sports mats to catch the falling cat.

Japan: Heavy Snow Leaves 800 Passengers Stranded Overnight at New Chitose Airport

Heavy snowfall hit Sapporo on Tuesday, January 13, significantly reducing visibility across the city. At New Chitose Airport, 126 flights were canceled and many were delayed. Around 800 passengers were stranded overnight due to the severe weather.