Wildfire in Iwate Pref.

Wildfire in Iwate Pref.

Firefighting operations continue at the sites of wildfires in Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, on April 28, 2026, following outbreaks in two districts in the northeastern Japan town six days earlier.

Wildfire in Iwate Pref.

Wildfire in Iwate Pref.

A helicopter flies for firefighting operations in Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, on April 28, 2026, as wildfires continue following outbreaks in two districts in the northeastern Japan town six days earlier.

Wildfire in Iwate Pref.

Wildfire in Iwate Pref.

Firefighting operations continue at the sites of wildfires in Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, on April 28, 2026, following outbreaks in two districts in the northeastern Japan town six days earlier.

Wildfire in Iwate Pref.

Wildfire in Iwate Pref.

Firefighting operations continue at the sites of wildfires in Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, on April 28, 2026, following outbreaks in two districts in the northeastern Japan town six days earlier.

Wildfire in Iwate Pref.

Wildfire in Iwate Pref.

A helicopter collects seawater as firefighting operations continue in Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, on April 28, 2026, following the outbreak of wildfires in two districts in the northeastern Japan town six days earlier.

Wildfire in Iwate Pref.

Wildfire in Iwate Pref.

A helicopter collects seawater as firefighting operations continue in Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, on April 28, 2026, following the outbreak of wildfires in two districts in the northeastern Japan town six days earlier.

US: Two Killed as EF-2 and EF-1 Tornadoes Tear Through North Texas

Powerful storms swept through North Texas on Saturday night, April 25, producing two confirmed tornadoes — an EF-2 in Runaway Bay and an EF-1 in Springtown — killing at least two people, injuring six others, and displacing at least 20 families.

US: Severe Thunderstorms Sweep Across Iowa, Bringing Hail, Damaging Winds

Severe thunderstorms swept across Iowa on Thursday, April 23, bringing hail, damaging winds, and multiple tornadoes to the state, with the National Weather Service confirming at least six tornadoes.

China: Egg-Sized Hailstones Blanket Streets in Baise as Violent Storm Sweeps Guangxi

On April 16, 2026, a violent hailstorm swept through Tianlin County, Baise, Guangxi, China, battering roads with egg-sized hailstones and blanketing streets in white. On April 18, the Tianlin County Meteorological Observatory issued an orange hail alert at 4:58 am, warning that strong convective weather would affect several towns, including Dingan, Badu, and Leli, within six hours.

Japan PM Takaichi marks 6 months in office

Japan PM Takaichi marks 6 months in office

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at the premier's office in Tokyo on April 21, 2026, when she marked six months in office.

Japan PM Takaichi marks 6 months in office

Japan PM Takaichi marks 6 months in office

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at the premier's office in Tokyo on April 21, 2026, when she marked six months in office.

Japan PM Takaichi marks 6 months in office

Japan PM Takaichi marks 6 months in office

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at the premier's office in Tokyo on April 21, 2026, when she marked six months in office.

Japan PM Takaichi marks 6 months in office

Japan PM Takaichi marks 6 months in office

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at the premier's office in Tokyo on April 21, 2026, when she marked six months in office.

Japan PM Takaichi marks 6 months in office

Japan PM Takaichi marks 6 months in office

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at the premier's office in Tokyo on April 21, 2026, when she marked six months in office.

Japan PM Takaichi marks 6 months in office

Japan PM Takaichi marks 6 months in office

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at the premier's office in Tokyo on April 21, 2026, when she marked six months in office.

Japan PM Takaichi marks 6 months in office

Japan PM Takaichi marks 6 months in office

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at the premier's office in Tokyo on April 21, 2026, when she marked six months in office.

Japan PM Takaichi marks 6 months in office

Japan PM Takaichi marks 6 months in office

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at the premier's office in Tokyo on April 21, 2026, when she marked six months in office.

Mexico: Deadly Shooting at Teotihuacán Pyramids Leaves 1 Dead, 6 Injured

A gunman opened fire at the popular Teotihuacán pyramids in Mexico on Monday, April 20, killing a Canadian woman and injuring at least six others before taking his own life. Four victims were struck by gunshots and two others were injured from falls as visitors fled the scene. Authorities seized a firearm, a bladed weapon, and live cartridges at the site.

Mexico: Deadly Shooting at Teotihuacán Pyramids Leaves 1 Dead, 6 Injured 2

A gunman opened fire at the popular Teotihuacán pyramids in Mexico on Monday, April 20, killing a Canadian woman and injuring at least six others before taking his own life. Four victims were struck by gunshots and two others were injured from falls as visitors fled the scene. Authorities seized a firearm, a bladed weapon, and live cartridges at the site.

Turkey: Teachers Rally in Ankara to Protest Deadly School Shootings

Teachers' unions gathered in Ankara's Kurtuluş Park on Thursday, April 16, to protest the school shootings that killed 10 people in Şanlıurfa and Kahramanmaraş on consecutive days. According to the filmer, teachers marching toward the Ministry of National Education were blocked by police barricades. After waiting nearly six hours for the barricades to be lifted, demonstrators began their march — but were only permitted to proceed as far as Mithatpaşa Street, where they stopped and held their ground.

Japan: Fire Tears Through Scrap and Materials Yard in Bando City, Ibaraki 2

A fire broke out at a storage yard for materials and scrapped vehicles in Bando City, Ibaraki, on Thursday, April 9, sending massive plumes of black smoke into the sky. The blaze, which started around 12:15 p.m., engulfed buildings and vehicles stored within the yard and continued to burn for more than six hours. No injuries have been reported.

Japan: Fire Tears Through Scrap and Materials Yard in Bando City, Ibaraki

A fire broke out at a storage yard for materials and scrapped vehicles in Bando City, Ibaraki, on Thursday, April 9, sending massive plumes of black smoke into the sky. The blaze, which started around 12:15 p.m., engulfed buildings and vehicles stored within the yard and continued to burn for more than six hours. No injuries have been reported.

Air China resumes Beijing-Pyongyang flight

Air China resumes Beijing-Pyongyang flight

A monitor at Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing displays flight schedules, including Air China's direct flight between Beijing and Pyongyang. Air China resumed its direct flight service between the two cities the same day following a hiatus of more than six years.

Air China resumes Beijing-Pyongyang flight

Air China resumes Beijing-Pyongyang flight

A monitor at Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing displays flight schedules, including Air China's direct flight between Beijing and Pyongyang, on March 30, 2026. Air China resumed its direct flight service between the two cities the same day following a hiatus of more than six years.

Air China resumes Beijing-Pyongyang flight

Air China resumes Beijing-Pyongyang flight

People queue up at Air China's check-in counter at Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing on March 30, 2026. The airline resumed its direct flight service between Beijing and Pyongyang the same day following a hiatus of more than six years.

China: Family Rescues Cat Stranded Six Stories Up in Tree for Over a Day

This is the heartwarming moment that a Chinese family rescued a cat trapped high in a tree after it had been stranded for more than a day. On March 22, 2026, in Gongyi, Henan, the video captured a tense yet touching rescue as a small cat was found stuck at the top of a tree roughly six stories high. The cat had reportedly been trapped for an entire day and night, unable to climb down. In the footage, members of a local woman’s family worked together, using a homemade device assembled from an extendable pole to reach the frightened cat. As the pole was carefully maneuvered upward, the cat clung nervously to the branches, drawing concern from those watching below. After several careful attempts, the rescuers managed to secure the cat and guide it safely down, prompting relief and cheers. The video ended with the cat safely back on the ground, appearing unharmed as the family gathered around to check on it.

China-N. Korea train service resumes operation

BEIJING, China, March 12 Kyodo - A passenger train bound for Pyongyang is pictured after departing Beijing Railway Station on March 12, 2026, marking the resumption of train services between China and North Korea following a six-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Kyodo)

[Breaking News]China-N. Korea train service resumes operation

BEIJING, China, March 12 Kyodo - A passenger train bound for Pyongyang is pictured after departing Beijing Railway Station on March 12, 2026, marking the resumption of train services between China and North Korea following a six-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Kyodo)

Spain: Storm Therese Hits Canary Islands With Strong Winds and Rain

Spain’s meteorological agency, AEMET, has warned of thunderstorms and winds of up to 100 km/h this Thursday. March 19, Schools will be closed in six islands, with all of the Canary Islands shutting on Friday, March 20. Storm Therese may also disrupt a major carnival event in Gran Canaria, with the Maspalomas parade still uncertain due to forecasts of heavy rain and strong winds.

Taiwan: Fire Breaks Out at Apartment in Kaohsiung

A fire broke out at an apartment building on Dagong Road in Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City, around 7:30 PM on Thursday, March 12. Police and fire services promptly responded, extinguishing the blaze and evacuating six residents. Three individuals were hospitalized after feeling unwell. The fire was brought under control shortly, and the cause is currently under investigation by the fire department.

China-N. Korea train service resumes operation

China-N. Korea train service resumes operation

Security officers stand guard at Beijing Railway Station on March 12, 2026, as a passenger train bound for Pyongyang awaits departure, marking the resumption of a train service between China and North Korea following a six-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

China-N. Korea train service resumes operation

China-N. Korea train service resumes operation

A passenger train bound for Pyongyang is pictured after departing Beijing Railway Station on March 12, 2026, marking the resumption of train services between China and North Korea following a six-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

China-N. Korea train service resumes operation

China-N. Korea train service resumes operation

A passenger train bound for Pyongyang departs Beijing Railway Station on March 12, 2026, marking the resumption of a train service between China and North Korea following a six-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wooden Grand Ring at expo venue in Osaka

OSAKA, Japan, March 5 Kyodo - The 2025 World Exposition's iconic Grand Ring wooden roof structure is being dismantled in Osaka on March 5, 2026, about five months after the event's six-month run came to a close. (Kyodo)

Wooden Grand Ring at expo venue in Osaka

Wooden Grand Ring at expo venue in Osaka

The 2025 World Exposition's iconic Grand Ring wooden roof structure is being dismantled in Osaka on March 5, 2026, about five months after the event's six-month run came to a close.

Wooden Grand Ring at expo venue in Osaka

Wooden Grand Ring at expo venue in Osaka

The 2025 World Exposition's iconic Grand Ring wooden roof structure is being dismantled in Osaka on March 5, 2026, about five months after the event's six-month run came to a close.

Wooden Grand Ring at expo venue in Osaka

Wooden Grand Ring at expo venue in Osaka

The 2025 World Exposition's iconic Grand Ring wooden roof structure is being dismantled in Osaka on March 5, 2026, about five months after the event's six-month run came to a close.

Wooden Grand Ring at expo venue in Osaka

Wooden Grand Ring at expo venue in Osaka

The 2025 World Exposition's iconic Grand Ring wooden roof structure is being dismantled in Osaka on March 5, 2026, about five months after the event's six-month run came to a close.

Wooden Grand Ring at expo venue in Osaka

Wooden Grand Ring at expo venue in Osaka

The 2025 World Exposition's iconic Grand Ring wooden roof structure is being dismantled in Osaka on March 5, 2026, about five months after the event's six-month run came to a close.

Japan: Baby Macaque “Punch” Wins Hearts After Finding Comfort in Plush Surrogacy 2

A six-month-old Japanese macaque named Punch at Ichikawa City Zoo has gained attention in Japan and abroad. After being rejected by his first-time mother, he was hand-raised by staff and often clung to an orangutan plush toy as a surrogate comfort, touching many hearts. Even after rejoining the troop, he kept the toy for a while, but he is gradually bonding with other monkeys and growing stronger. On social media, the hashtag “#GoPunch” has spread, with visitors continuing to cheer him on.

Japan: Baby Macaque “Punch” Wins Hearts After Finding Comfort in Plush Surrogacy

A six-month-old Japanese macaque named Punch at Ichikawa City Zoo has gained attention in Japan and abroad. After being rejected by his first-time mother, he was hand-raised by staff and often clung to an orangutan plush toy as a surrogate comfort, touching many hearts. Even after rejoining the troop, he kept the toy for a while, but he is gradually bonding with other monkeys and growing stronger. On social media, the hashtag “#GoPunch” has spread, with visitors continuing to cheer him on.

Portugal: Storm Leonardo Moves Across Country With Heavy Rain and Flooding

Portugal is bracing for a second powerful storm less than a week after Storm Kristin killed six people and caused widespread destruction. Authorities warned on Tuesday, February 3, of potential urban flooding, flash floods, landslides, and coastal accidents between Tuesday, February 3 and Thursday, February 5 as Storm Leonardo moves across the mainland.

Colombia: Heavy Rain Hits Medellín, Causing Floods and Damage 2

On January 28, 2026, heavy rainfall in Medellín triggered multiple flooding emergencies, especially in the southeastern area of El Poblado. Overflowing of the La Presidenta creek flooded streets and prompted authorities to advise using alternative routes. The storm also caused fallen trees and a collapsed wall, damaging vehicles and public spaces, though no injuries were reported. In addition, lightning strikes affected the city, temporarily suspending operation of all six Metro cable cars before service was restored. Residents were advised to stay indoors and report emergencies via local authorities.

Colombia: Heavy Rain Hits Medellín, Causing Floods and Damage

On January 28, 2026, heavy rainfall in Medellín triggered multiple flooding emergencies, especially in the southeastern area of El Poblado. Overflowing of the La Presidenta creek flooded streets and prompted authorities to advise using alternative routes. The storm also caused fallen trees and a collapsed wall, damaging vehicles and public spaces, though no injuries were reported. In addition, lightning strikes affected the city, temporarily suspending operation of all six Metro cable cars before service was restored. Residents were advised to stay indoors and report emergencies via local authorities.

Debate by leaders of Japanese political parties

Debate by leaders of Japanese political parties

Prime Minister and Liberal Democratic Party head Sanae Takaichi speaks at a debate session with the leaders of six other political parties at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Jan. 26, 2026, a day before official campaigning for the Feb. 8 general election starts.

Debate by leaders of Japanese political parties

Debate by leaders of Japanese political parties

Prime Minister and Liberal Democratic Party head Sanae Takaichi speaks at a debate session with the leaders of six other political parties at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Jan. 26, 2026, a day before official campaigning for the Feb. 8 general election starts.

Debate by leaders of Japanese political parties

Debate by leaders of Japanese political parties

Prime Minister and Liberal Democratic Party head Sanae Takaichi speaks at a debate session with the leaders of six other political parties at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Jan. 26, 2026, a day before official campaigning for the Feb. 8 general election starts.

US: Vehicle Smashes Through Delta Check-in Counter at Detroit Metro Airport

A vehicle crashed through glass entrance doors and hit a check-in counter at Detroit Metro Airport's McNamara Terminal on Friday, January 23, injuring six people. Authorities said the driver was in custody, though the cause of the crash remained unknown as the investigation continued.

New Zealand: Landslide Hits Mount Maunganui 3

Six people, including two teenagers, are missing after a major landslide struck a local campground in Mount Maunganui on Thursday, January 22. Police are also seeking information on three others as search and rescue operations continue in a dangerous environment, with authorities describing the incident as a national tragedy and the community rallying to support affected families.

New Zealand: Landslide Hits Mount Maunganui 2

Six people, including two teenagers, are missing after a major landslide struck a local campground in Mount Maunganui on Thursday, January 22. Police are also seeking information on three others as search and rescue operations continue in a dangerous environment, with authorities describing the incident as a national tragedy and the community rallying to support affected families.