Chile: Powerful Sandstorm Hits Iquique, Disrupting Independence Day Celebrations

A sandstorm with winds gusting up to 70 km/h swept through Iquique early Friday, September 18, prompting authorities to cancel the city's Independence Day Te Deum service and military parade for safety reasons. The wind also damaged festival stalls and knocked out power in some areas.

Chile: Powerful Sandstorm Hits Iquique, Disrupting Independence Day Celebrations 2

A sandstorm with winds gusting up to 70 km/h swept through Iquique early Friday, September 18, prompting authorities to cancel the city's Independence Day Te Deum service and military parade for safety reasons. The wind also damaged festival stalls and knocked out power in some areas.

Chile: Powerful Sandstorm Hits Iquique, Disrupting Independence Day Celebrations 3

A sandstorm with winds gusting up to 70 km/h swept through Iquique early Friday, September 18, prompting authorities to cancel the city's Independence Day Te Deum service and military parade for safety reasons. The wind also damaged festival stalls and knocked out power in some areas.

India: IT Employee Carries Rescued Python Away From Office Campus in Hyderabad

A python was spotted near an IT company campus close to Durgam Cheruvu in Hyderabad, Telangana, on the night of September 17. Visuals show an employee carrying the coiled reptile before riding off on a scooter to relocate it.

India: People Line Up Overnight for iPhone 18 Launch in New Delhi

Customers queued overnight outside the Apple Store at Select Citywalk Mall in Saket, New Delhi, ahead of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max launch on September 18. The video shows buyers waiting through the night, with some arriving hours before opening to be first in line.

Pokemon-themed ANA plane

Pokemon-themed ANA plane

Photo taken at Tokyo's Haneda airport on Sept. 18, 2026, shows an All Nippon Airways special plane featuring Pokemon characters, unveiled to the media to mark the 30th anniversary of the start of the popular "Pokemon" video game series.

Pokemon-themed ANA plane

Pokemon-themed ANA plane

Photo taken at Tokyo's Haneda airport on Sept. 18, 2026, shows an All Nippon Airways special plane featuring Pokemon characters, unveiled to the media to mark the 30th anniversary of the start of the popular "Pokemon" video game series.

Pokemon-themed ANA plane

Pokemon-themed ANA plane

Photo taken at Tokyo's Haneda airport on Sept. 18, 2026, shows an All Nippon Airways special plane featuring Pokemon characters, unveiled to the media to mark the 30th anniversary of the start of the popular "Pokemon" video game series.

Pokemon-themed ANA plane

Pokemon-themed ANA plane

Photo taken at Tokyo's Haneda airport on Sept. 18, 2026, shows an All Nippon Airways special plane featuring Pokemon characters, unveiled to the media to mark the 30th anniversary of the start of the popular "Pokemon" video game series.

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda holds a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 18, 2026, after the central bank raised its key interest rate to 1.25 percent from 1.0 percent at its policy-setting meeting amid growing inflation risks.

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda holds a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 18, 2026, after the central bank raised its key interest rate to 1.25 percent from 1.0 percent at its policy-setting meeting amid growing inflation risks.

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda holds a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 18, 2026, after the central bank raised its key interest rate to 1.25 percent from 1.0 percent at its policy-setting meeting amid growing inflation risks.

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda holds a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 18, 2026, after the central bank raised its key interest rate to 1.25 percent from 1.0 percent at its policy-setting meeting amid growing inflation risks.

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda holds a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 18, 2026, after the central bank raised its key interest rate to 1.25 percent from 1.0 percent at its policy-setting meeting amid growing inflation risks.

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda holds a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 18, 2026, after the central bank raised its key interest rate to 1.25 percent from 1.0 percent at its policy-setting meeting amid growing inflation risks.

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda holds a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 18, 2026, after the central bank raised its key interest rate to 1.25 percent from 1.0 percent at its policy-setting meeting amid growing inflation risks.

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda holds a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 18, 2026, after the central bank raised its key interest rate to 1.25 percent from 1.0 percent at its policy-setting meeting amid growing inflation risks.

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda holds a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 18, 2026, after the central bank raised its key interest rate to 1.25 percent from 1.0 percent at its policy-setting meeting amid growing inflation risks.

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda holds a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 18, 2026, after the central bank raised its key interest rate to 1.25 percent from 1.0 percent at its policy-setting meeting amid growing inflation risks.

China: Massive Boulder Crashes into Pavilion at Tangshan Scenic Spot

A massive boulder tumbled down a mountainside at a scenic area in Yutian County, Tangshan, Hebei, on May 27, 2026, smashing into a pavilion and destroying it in a cloud of dust. Nearby tourists quickly fled and narrowly avoided being hit. A witness estimated the boulder measured two to three meters in diameter. Authorities barred access to the affected area while handling the aftermath.

China: Huge Insect Swarm Blankets Sky over Hulunbuir

A massive swarm of tiny flying insects filled the sky over Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, on September 16, 2026, darkening large areas overhead with their sheer numbers. Locals identified the insects as "xiaoyao," a species commonly seen in autumn, and said they pose no danger, as they are neither poisonous nor prone to biting.

China: Residents Save Cat Left Hanging by Rope in Jiangxi

Residents in Ganzhou, Jiangxi, rescued a cat that was left dangling several stories up after a rope tied around its neck caught on a building's exterior wall on September 12, 2026, using a long pole to hook the rope, ease the pressure, and free the cat.

Spain: Authorities Issue Es-Alert as Severe Thunderstorm Hits Valencia 2

A severe thunderstorm swept across the Valencia region in Spain on the night of Wednesday, September 16, after AEMET had issued an orange weather alert. Authorities also sent an Es-Alert emergency warning to residents. The storm suspended part of the Metrovalencia rail service and forced the postponement of a LaLiga match between Levante and Athletic Bilbao.

Spain: Authorities Issue Es-Alert as Severe Thunderstorm Hits Valencia

A severe thunderstorm swept across the Valencia region in Spain on the night of Wednesday, September 16, after AEMET had issued an orange weather alert. Authorities also sent an Es-Alert emergency warning to residents. The storm suspended part of the Metrovalencia rail service and forced the postponement of a LaLiga match between Levante and Athletic Bilbao.

Shuri Castle

Shuri Castle

Photo taken on Sept. 17, 2026, shows the main hall of Shuri Castle, now under reconstruction, in Naha in the southern Japan island prefecture of Okinawa, unveiled to the media following the completion of lacquer coating work. Fire gutted the World Heritage-listed castle in October 2019.

Shuri Castle

Shuri Castle

Photo taken on Sept. 17, 2026, shows the main hall of Shuri Castle, now under reconstruction, in Naha in the southern Japan island prefecture of Okinawa, unveiled to the media following the completion of lacquer coating work. Fire gutted the World Heritage-listed castle in October 2019.

Shuri Castle

Shuri Castle

Photo taken on Sept. 17, 2026, shows the main hall of Shuri Castle, now under reconstruction, in Naha in the southern Japan island prefecture of Okinawa, unveiled to the media following the completion of lacquer coating work. Fire gutted the World Heritage-listed castle in October 2019.

Spain: Fierce Winds and Heavy Rain Batter Valencia, Reducing Visibility

A violent storm battered Valencia on Wednesday evening, September 16, with footage filmed outside Bar Stonyan showing heavy rain and strong winds reducing visibility to near zero. The storm caused widespread flooding and disrupted traffic across the city.

Spain: Torrential Rain Triggers Deadly Flooding in Barcelona 2

Torrential rain triggered severe flooding and a red weather alert across Barcelona and northeastern Spain on Wednesday, September 16, prompting road closures, rail delays, and dozens of flight cancellations at El Prat airport. A man died after being swept away by a stream in Garraf, and rescue crews worked to free a vehicle trapped inside a flooded tunnel as the storm also caused flooding and a partial ceiling collapse at Vall d'Hebron Hospital and left hundreds without power.

China: Boy Destroys Courtyard Wall in Scooter Crash

This is the moment a nine-year-old boy lost control of an electric scooter and crashed into a courtyard wall in China, causing it to collapse. The video, filmed on September 12, 2026, in Guiyang, Guizhou, shows the boy riding the scooter around the courtyard before losing control and heading straight for the wall. The scooter slammed into the structure, sending a large section of the wall toppling over, with bricks and debris crashing to the ground seconds later. The wall was left in ruins, though no one was struck or injured by the falling debris.

China: Daring Rescue Frees Horse Stuck in Mud

Filmed on September 12, 2026, at the Yellow River Beach tourist area in Xinxiang, Henan, this video shows a horse stuck in a deep mud pit, unable to move on its own. A group of people gather to help, attaching ropes to the animal and pulling in unison, counting to three with each heave as they sink into the mud themselves. After several attempts, the horse is finally pulled free.

Japan PM Takaichi

Japan PM Takaichi

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi arrives at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Sept. 17, 2026, prior to her Cabinet reshuffle later in the day.

Japan PM Takaichi

Japan PM Takaichi

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi arrives at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Sept. 17, 2026, prior to her Cabinet reshuffle later in the day.

Spain: Torrential Rain Triggers Deadly Flooding in Barcelona

Torrential rain triggered severe flooding and a red weather alert across Barcelona and northeastern Spain on Wednesday, September 16, prompting road closures, rail delays, and dozens of flight cancellations at El Prat airport. A man died after being swept away by a stream in Garraf, and rescue crews worked to free a vehicle trapped inside a flooded tunnel as the storm also caused flooding and a partial ceiling collapse at Vall d'Hebron Hospital and left hundreds without power.

US: Man Spotted on Brooklyn Bridge Beams

A man was seen on the structure of Brooklyn Bridge on Tuesday evening, September 15, in an apparent suicide attempt, according to the person who filmed the video. The individual who captured the footage said police were contacted and the man was rescued.

U.N. chief Guterres refers to AI

U.N. chief Guterres refers to AI

U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres holds a press conference at the U.N. headquarters in New York on Sept. 16, 2026.

Serbia: Student Movement Marches in Belgrade to Register for Polls 2

Supporters of Serbia's anti-government student movement marched through central Belgrade on Monday, September 14, arriving at the Republic Electoral Commission headquarters to submit signatures required to register for the October 25 parliamentary election.

France: Pokémon Fans Line Up for Hours Nationwide Over 30th Anniversary Box

Hundreds of fans lined up for hours across France on Wednesday, September 16, as the Pokémon 30th-anniversary Elite Trainer Box sets went on sale. Some campers arrived the night before to secure a box, with long lines forming outside stores nationwide.

Netherlands: Farmer Protesters Set Tires Ablaze Along A28 in Drenthe

Black smoke billowed from a roadside fire along the A28 highway near Beilen, in the Dutch province of Drenthe, on Tuesday, September 15, as farmer protesters set tires and oil drums ablaze during nationwide demonstrations tied to the government's Budget Day. The fires, part of a wave of highway blazes across the Netherlands linked to the Farmers Defence Force, forced authorities to close lanes and slow traffic in the area.

China: Worker’s Mistake Sends Dozens of Egg Crates Crashing

On September 5, 2026, in Yantai, Shandong, a loading worker accidentally pressed the wrong button on a truck's tail lift, sending 44 crates of eggs crashing to the ground. The business owner said the accident caused about RMB 7,000 in losses, which she would bear herself.

China: Brown Bear Wanders Up to Home as Residents Stay Calm

On September 13, 2026, in Nagqu, Tibet, a two-meter-tall Tibetan brown bear wandered up to a home searching for food while two men inside continued eating calmly nearby. A villager said the animals typically do not attack unless provoked.

Cross-party parliamentary group for 2027 green expo

Cross-party parliamentary group for 2027 green expo

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi addresses the inaugural meeting of a cross-party parliamentary group to promote the International Horticultural Expo 2027 to be held in Yokohama, on Sept. 16, 2026, in Tokyo.

Cross-party parliamentary group for 2027 green expo

Cross-party parliamentary group for 2027 green expo

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (front row, 3rd from L) poses for photos with other members at the inaugural meeting of a cross-party parliamentary group formed to promote the International Horticultural Expo 2027, which will be held in Yokohama, on Sept. 16, 2026 in Tokyo.

Cross-party parliamentary group for 2027 green expo

Cross-party parliamentary group for 2027 green expo

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi interacts with a figure of Tunku Tunku, the official mascot of the International Horticultural Expo 2027 in Yokohama, during the inaugural meeting of a cross-party parliamentary group to promote the so-called green expo on Sept. 16, 2026, in Tokyo.

South Africa: Storms Flood Roads and Bring Hail to Durban

Severe thunderstorms brought heavy rain, hail and flooding to Durban, South Africa, on Tuesday, September 15.

Japan Finance Minister Katayama

Japan Finance Minister Katayama

Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama speaks during a press conference at the ministry in Tokyo on Sept. 15, 2026, after the Cabinet approved a tax reform package that would cut Japan's 8 percent consumption tax on food and nonalcoholic beverages to 1 percent for two years starting April 2027.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Team welcome ceremony

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Team welcome ceremony

Kosei Inoue, head of the Japanese delegation for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, speaks to reporters after a team welcome ceremony at Garden Pier of Nagoya Port in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 16, 2026.

Japan Finance Minister Katayama

Japan Finance Minister Katayama

Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama speaks during a press conference at the ministry in Tokyo on Sept. 15, 2026, after the Cabinet approved a tax reform package that would cut Japan's 8 percent consumption tax on food and nonalcoholic beverages to 1 percent for two years starting April 2027.

Japan Finance Minister Katayama

Japan Finance Minister Katayama

Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama speaks during a press conference at the ministry in Tokyo on Sept. 15, 2026, after the Cabinet approved a tax reform package that would cut Japan's 8 percent consumption tax on food and nonalcoholic beverages to 1 percent for two years starting April 2027.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Costa Serena cruise ship

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Costa Serena cruise ship

An event is held at Nagoya port in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 15, 2026, to celebrate the arrival of the Costa Serena cruise ship that will accommodate athletes during the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games opening later in the week.