RECAP: Storm Chandra Brings Heavy Rain and Strong Winds to UK and Ireland

Storm Chandra brought unsettled weather to parts of the UK and Ireland on Tuesday, January 27, delivering heavy rain, strong winds, and colder conditions. The system caused localized flooding, travel disruption, and weather warnings in several regions as it moved across the British Isles.

RECAP: Snow Falls in Madrid as Storm Kristin Sweeps Spain

Storm Kristin brought snow to Madrid on Wednesday, January 28, along with rain, strong winds, and cold air across much of Spain. The snowfall caused minor traffic disruptions in the capital, and authorities urged drivers to drive with caution.

Spain: Storm Kristin Brings Snow to Madrid Causing Traffic Disruptions 6

Storm Kristin continued to batter Madrid and much of Spain with heavy rain, strong winds, and snow. The storm has triggered widespread weather alerts, school closures, and major transport disruptions, including road closures and severe delays on Metro and Cercanías rail services in Madrid and across central and southern Spain.

Spain: Storm Kristin Brings Snow to Madrid Causing Traffic Disruptions 4

Storm Kristin continued to batter Madrid and much of Spain with heavy rain, strong winds, and snow. The storm has triggered widespread weather alerts, school closures, and major transport disruptions, including road closures and severe delays on Metro and Cercanías rail services in Madrid and across central and southern Spain.

[Breaking News]Icefall festival in Hokkaido

KAMIKAWA, Japan, Jan. 25 Kyodo - An icefall festival begins in Kamikawa in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 24, 2026. The annual event, featuring about 10 ice sculptures lit up in seven colors, will run through March 8. (Kyodo)

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

An icefall festival begins in Kamikawa in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 24, 2026. The annual event, featuring about 10 ice sculptures lit up in seven colors, will run through March 8.

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

An icefall festival begins in Kamikawa in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 24, 2026. The annual event, featuring about 10 ice sculptures lit up in seven colors, will run through March 8.

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

An icefall festival begins in Kamikawa in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 24, 2026. The annual event, featuring about 10 ice sculptures lit up in seven colors, will run through March 8.

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

An icefall festival begins in Kamikawa in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 24, 2026. The annual event, featuring about 10 ice sculptures lit up in seven colors, will run through March 8.

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

An icefall festival begins in Kamikawa in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 24, 2026. The annual event, featuring about 10 ice sculptures lit up in seven colors, will run through March 8.

Italy: Storm Harry Brings Flooding and Massive Waves to Sicily 2

Severe weather battered southern Italy from January 18, 2026, as Storm Harry swept through the central Mediterranean, hitting Calabria, Sicily, and Sardinia with violent winds, torrential rain, and massive waves. Authorities issued red alerts, evacuated nearly 200 people across Sicily, and deployed thousands of emergency workers as coastal flooding, transport disruptions, and storm surges caused widespread damage, while officials warned that conditions remained critical.

US: Snow Blankets Parts of Kentucky 2

Parts of Kentucky saw snowfall on Wednesday, January 21.

Spain: Flooding Hits Girona After Torrential Rain 2

Severe storms in northeastern Spain caused widespread flooding across the Girona region after two days of torrential rain, with rivers overflowing and roads closed. Firefighters recovered the body of a man believed to be a local resident whose car was swept away by floodwaters during Storm Harry, as authorities urged residents to avoid travel and remain at home.

New SDF base on island for U.S. fighter jet drills

NISHINOOMOTE, Japan, Jan. 13 Kyodo - Video taken from a drone on Jan. 10, 2026, shows Mage Island, located about 990 kilometers southwest of Tokyo in the East China Sea and part of the Kagoshima Prefecture city of Nishinoomote. Construction started in January 2023 for a Japan Self-Defense Forces base to be used as a site for U.S. fighter jet drills relocated from Iwoto Island in the Pacific.

New SDF base on island for U.S. fighter jet drills

New SDF base on island for U.S. fighter jet drills

Photo taken from a drone on Jan. 10, 2026, shows Mage Island, located about 990 kilometers southwest of Tokyo in the East China Sea and part of the Kagoshima Prefecture city of Nishinoomote. Construction started in January 2023 for a Japan Self-Defense Forces base to be used as a site for U.S. fighter jet drills relocated from Iwoto Island in the Pacific.

New SDF base on island for U.S. fighter jet drills

New SDF base on island for U.S. fighter jet drills

Photo taken from a drone on Jan. 10, 2026, shows Mage Island, located about 990 kilometers southwest of Tokyo in the East China Sea and part of the Kagoshima Prefecture city of Nishinoomote. Construction started in January 2023 for a Japan Self-Defense Forces base to be used as a site for U.S. fighter jet drills relocated from Iwoto Island in the Pacific.

New SDF base on island for U.S. fighter jet drills

New SDF base on island for U.S. fighter jet drills

Photo taken from a drone on Jan. 10, 2026, shows Mage Island, located about 990 kilometers southwest of Tokyo in the East China Sea and part of the Kagoshima Prefecture city of Nishinoomote. Construction started in January 2023 for a Japan Self-Defense Forces base to be used as a site for U.S. fighter jet drills relocated from Iwoto Island in the Pacific.

New SDF base on island for U.S. fighter jet drills

New SDF base on island for U.S. fighter jet drills

Photo taken from a drone on Jan. 10, 2026, shows Mage Island, located about 990 kilometers southwest of Tokyo in the East China Sea and part of the Kagoshima Prefecture city of Nishinoomote. Construction started in January 2023 for a Japan Self-Defense Forces base to be used as a site for U.S. fighter jet drills relocated from Iwoto Island in the Pacific.

New SDF base on island for U.S. fighter jet drills

New SDF base on island for U.S. fighter jet drills

Photo taken from a drone on Jan. 10, 2026, shows Mage Island, located about 990 kilometers southwest of Tokyo in the East China Sea and part of the Kagoshima Prefecture city of Nishinoomote. Construction started in January 2023 for a Japan Self-Defense Forces base to be used as a site for U.S. fighter jet drills relocated from Iwoto Island in the Pacific.

New SDF base on island for U.S. fighter jet drills

New SDF base on island for U.S. fighter jet drills

Photo taken from a drone on Jan. 10, 2026, shows Mage Island, located about 990 kilometers southwest of Tokyo in the East China Sea and part of the Kagoshima Prefecture city of Nishinoomote. Construction started in January 2023 for a Japan Self-Defense Forces base to be used as a site for U.S. fighter jet drills relocated from Iwoto Island in the Pacific. ==Kyodo

Protest against new SDF base for U.S. fighter jet drills

Protest against new SDF base for U.S. fighter jet drills

People protest against the construction of a Japan Self-Defense Forces base on Mage Island, located about 990 kilometers southwest of Tokyo in the East China Sea and part of the Kagoshima Prefecture city of Nishinoomote, on Jan. 10, 2026. Construction started in January 2023 for the base, to be used as a site for U.S. fighter jet drills relocated from Iwoto Island in the Pacific.

Protest against new SDF base for U.S. fighter jet drills

Protest against new SDF base for U.S. fighter jet drills

People protest against the construction of a Japan Self-Defense Forces base on Mage Island, located about 990 kilometers southwest of Tokyo in the East China Sea and part of the Kagoshima Prefecture city of Nishinoomote, on Jan. 10, 2026. Construction started in January 2023 for the base, to be used as a site for U.S. fighter jet drills relocated from Iwoto Island in the Pacific.

Rally Against US Intervention In Venezuela - Paris

Rally Against US Intervention In Venezuela - Paris

Clemantine Autain Member of Parliament for Ecology and Social Affairs Olivier Besencenot talks about the NPA during a rally against US interference in Venezuela and against the arrest of Maduro and his wife and against Donald Trump's international policy.Paris, Place de la Bastille, January 10, 2026.Photo Ait Adjedjou Karim/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rally Against US Intervention In Venezuela - Paris

Rally Against US Intervention In Venezuela - Paris

Clemantine Autain Member of Parliament for Ecology and Social Affairs Olivier Besencenot talks about the NPA during a rally against US interference in Venezuela and against the arrest of Maduro and his wife and against Donald Trump's international policy.Paris, Place de la Bastille, January 10, 2026.Photo Ait Adjedjou Karim/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rally Against US Intervention In Venezuela - Paris

Rally Against US Intervention In Venezuela - Paris

Clemantine Autain Member of Parliament for Ecology and Social Affairs Olivier Besencenot talks about the NPA during a rally against US interference in Venezuela and against the arrest of Maduro and his wife and against Donald Trump's international policy.Paris, Place de la Bastille, January 10, 2026.Photo Ait Adjedjou Karim/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rally Against US Intervention In Venezuela - Paris

Rally Against US Intervention In Venezuela - Paris

Clemantine Autain Member of Parliament for Ecology and Social Affairs Olivier Besencenot talks about the NPA during a rally against US interference in Venezuela and against the arrest of Maduro and his wife and against Donald Trump's international policy.Paris, Place de la Bastille, January 10, 2026.Photo Ait Adjedjou Karim/ABACAPRESS.COM

Japan: Heavy Snowfall in Hokkaido, Flights Disrupted 2

On January 8, heavy snow across Hokkaido caused major travel chaos. At New Chitose Airport, 27 flights were canceled and many delayed due to de-icing operations. JR Hokkaido suspended 29 services, including 25 "Rapid Airport" trains, while multiple expressways were closed. These disruptions led to massive queues at the airport, with travelers lining up across two floors for the train station.

Japan: Heavy Snowfall in Hokkaido, Flights Disrupted

On January 8, heavy snow across Hokkaido caused major travel chaos. At New Chitose Airport, 27 flights were canceled and many delayed due to de-icing operations. JR Hokkaido suspended 29 services, including 25 "Rapid Airport" trains, while multiple expressways were closed. These disruptions led to massive queues at the airport, with travelers lining up across two floors for the train station.

RECAP: Celebrations and Protests Erupt After Maduro Captured by U.S.

Venezuelans around the world gathered in streets and public squares on January 3, 2026, celebrating after the U.S. announced the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.

Water Resources Allocation Project - China

Water Resources Allocation Project - China

An aerial drone photo taken on December 30, 2025 shows a pumping station of a water resources allocation project in southwest China's Chongqing. With a total investment of 14.345 billion yuan (about 2.05 billion U.S. dollars) and an annual water supply of over 1 billion cubic meters, the water resources allocation project in Chongqing achieved full water supply on Tuesday. The project is expected to benefit approximately 10 million people. Photo by Huang Wei /Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Water Resources Allocation Project - China

Water Resources Allocation Project - China

A staff member monitors the operation of a pumping station of a water resources allocation project in southwest China's Chongqing, December 30, 2025. With a total investment of 14.345 billion yuan (about 2.05 billion U.S. dollars) and an annual water supply of over 1 billion cubic meters, the water resources allocation project in Chongqing achieved full water supply on Tuesday. The project is expected to benefit approximately 10 million people. Photo by Huang Wei /Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Water Resources Allocation Project - China

Water Resources Allocation Project - China

Staff members inspect a pumping station of a water resources allocation project in southwest China's Chongqing, December 30, 2025. With a total investment of 14.345 billion yuan (about 2.05 billion U.S. dollars) and an annual water supply of over 1 billion cubic meters, the water resources allocation project in Chongqing achieved full water supply on Tuesday. The project is expected to benefit approximately 10 million people. Photo by Huang Wei /Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Water Resources Allocation Project - China

Water Resources Allocation Project - China

Staff members inspect a pumping station of a water resources allocation project in southwest China's Chongqing, December 30, 2025. With a total investment of 14.345 billion yuan (about 2.05 billion U.S. dollars) and an annual water supply of over 1 billion cubic meters, the water resources allocation project in Chongqing achieved full water supply on Tuesday. The project is expected to benefit approximately 10 million people. Photo by Huang Wei /Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

UK: Huge Sinkhole Swallows Boats in Shropshire Canal Breach, More Than 10 Rescued

A huge 50m sinkhole opened in a Shropshire canal on Monday morning, December 22, leaving several narrowboats stranded in the hole or teetering on the edge. The Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident. At least 10 people were rescued from their boats, but nobody was injured in the incident.

Benchmark bond yield hits 26-year high

Benchmark bond yield hits 26-year high

A financial monitor in Tokyo shows the yield on the newly issued benchmark 10-year government bond rising to 2.015 percent, its highest in about 26 years and four months, on Dec. 19, 2025, following a Bank of Japan raise earlier in the day in its key interest rate to a 30-year high of around 0.75 percent.

Benchmark bond yield hits 26-year high

Benchmark bond yield hits 26-year high

A financial monitor in Tokyo shows the yield on the newly issued benchmark 10-year government bond rising to 2.015 percent, its highest in about 26 years and four months, on Dec. 19, 2025, following a Bank of Japan raise earlier in the day in its key interest rate to a 30-year high of around 0.75 percent.

Benchmark bond yield hits 26-year high

Benchmark bond yield hits 26-year high

A financial monitor in Tokyo shows the yield on the newly issued benchmark 10-year government bond rising to 2.015 percent, its highest in about 26 years and four months, on Dec. 19, 2025, following a Bank of Japan raise earlier in the day in its key interest rate to a 30-year high of around 0.75 percent.

Benchmark bond yield hits 26-year high

Benchmark bond yield hits 26-year high

A financial monitor in Tokyo shows the yield on the newly issued benchmark 10-year government bond rising to 2.015 percent, its highest in about 26 years and four months, on Dec. 19, 2025, following a Bank of Japan raise earlier in the day in its key interest rate to a 30-year high of around 0.75 percent.

Benchmark bond yield hits 26-year high

Benchmark bond yield hits 26-year high

A financial monitor in Tokyo shows the yield on the newly issued benchmark 10-year government bond rising to 2.015 percent, its highest in about 26 years and four months, on Dec. 19, 2025, following a Bank of Japan raise earlier in the day in its key interest rate to a 30-year high of around 0.75 percent.

US: Record Flooding Wreaks Havoc in Washington, Emergency Status Continues

Days of record-breaking flooding in western and central Washington caused widespread evacuations, emergency rescues, and major infrastructure damage. The state remains under a state of emergency, with evacuation orders still in place for tens of thousands of residents. Footage filmed on Thursday, December 11, shows flooding on Old Snohomish Monroe Road.

RECAP: Washington State Slammed by Historic Floods as Rivers Shatter Records

Days of torrential rain from a strong atmospheric river caused historic flooding across Washington State, prompting a state of emergency and mass evacuations. Rivers including the Skagit, Snohomish, and Snoqualmie reached record or near-record levels, with Snoqualmie Falls transformed into a powerful, overflowing torrent. Communities were inundated, homes were swept away, major roads were washed out, and rescue operations continue as more rain is expected.

UK: Sea Foam Covers Yesnaby Shoreline as Storm Bram Brings Rough Waves

Storm Bram swept across the UK, bringing heavy rain and powerful winds. In Yesnaby, the intense weather generated rough waves and sea foam that covered the shoreline on the Orkney Islands.

US: Atmospheric River Brings Major Flooding in Western Washington 9

A powerful atmospheric river brought heavy rain to western Washington on Tuesday, December 9, causing rivers to surge and leading to significant flooding. The weather system continued to drench the region on Wednesday, December 10, pushing water levels even higher and forcing tens of thousands of residents to prepare for evacuation.

Session of Questions to The Government - Paris

Session of Questions to The Government - Paris

Illustration of a deputy reading the newspaper about the PLFSS and Sebastien Lecornu during a session of questions to the government at the National Assembly on December 10, 2025. Photo by Tomas Stevens/ABACAPRESS.COM

Sumo wrestlers visit Hiroshima peace park

Sumo wrestlers visit Hiroshima peace park

(From R) Ukrainian sumo wrestler ozeki Aonishiki, Mongolian yokozuna Hoshoryu and ozeki Kotozakura bow at the cenotaph at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima on Dec. 10, 2025. About 10 sumo wrestlers visited the park during a winter promotional tour in the western Japan city.

Benchmark bond yield hits 18.5-year high

Benchmark bond yield hits 18.5-year high

A financial monitor in Tokyo shows the yield on the newly issued benchmark 10-year government bond ending at 1.935 percent, its highest in about 18 and a half years, on Dec. 4, 2025.

Benchmark bond yield hits 18.5-year high

Benchmark bond yield hits 18.5-year high

A financial monitor in Tokyo shows the yield on the newly issued benchmark 10-year government bond ending at 1.935 percent, its highest in about 18 and a half years, on Dec. 4, 2025.

US: Snowstorm Blankets Denver Metro and Front Range

A winter storm brought several inches of snow to the Denver metro and Front Range from late Tuesday, December 2, into Wednesday, December 3, marking the first significant snowstorm of the season in the area.

Spain: Winter Arrives With Snow Across Several Regions 2

Spain is experiencing its first major winter storm, bringing snow across several regions. Yellow warnings are in effect for Ávila and Segovia, while icy conditions have closed the only road to Peñalba de Santiago in León. Temperatures dropped sharply at La Covatilla ski resort in Salamanca, reaching –6.1°C, the ninth-lowest in Spain that morning.

US: Winter Storm Hits Pennsylvania, Dropping Several Inches of Snow 3

A winter storm swept through Pennsylvania on Tuesday, December 2, dropping 3–4 inches of snow across much of the Pittsburgh region. Some communities reported up to 5 inches, while a few saw only 1–2 inches.