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.

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.

UK: Tate Modern in London Evacuated After Suspicious Package Found

The Tate Modern in London was evacuated Tuesday after a suspicious package was discovered at the popular museum, prompting a large emergency services response. Police, ambulance and fire crews attended the scene on Bankside, with the nearby Millennium Bridge also evacuated as a precaution.

US: Large Hail Batters Southeast Iowa as Tornado-Warned Storm Sweeps Through

A tornado-warned storm swept through southeast Iowa, including Ottumwa, on Thursday, April 2, leaving a trail of damage across the region. Several tornadoes and large hail were also reported in portions of Washington, Johnson, and Cedar counties, damaging homes and vehicles.

US: Severe Thunderstorms Bring Large Hail, Damaging Winds and Tornado Threat to Midwest 3

Severe thunderstorms swept across the Midwest on Thursday, March 26, 2026, bringing large hail, damaging winds, and tornado threats to Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. The National Weather Service issued watches and warnings across the region. Hail as large as baseball-sized was reported in some areas, while wind gusts reached up to 75 mph in parts of Central Illinois. Tornado watches were also issued for parts of Ohio. By midnight, the storms began to exit the region, leaving behind localized flooding and a sharp drop in temperatures.

US: Severe Thunderstorms Bring Large Hail, Damaging Winds and Tornado Threat to Midwest 2

Severe thunderstorms swept across the Midwest on Thursday, March 26, 2026, bringing large hail, damaging winds, and tornado threats to Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. The National Weather Service issued watches and warnings across the region. Hail as large as baseball-sized was reported in some areas, while wind gusts reached up to 75 mph in parts of Central Illinois. Tornado watches were also issued for parts of Ohio. By midnight, the storms began to exit the region, leaving behind localized flooding and a sharp drop in temperatures.

US: Severe Thunderstorms Bring Large Hail, Damaging Winds and Tornado Threat to Midwest

Severe thunderstorms swept across the Midwest on Thursday, March 26, 2026, bringing large hail, damaging winds, and tornado threats to Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. The National Weather Service issued watches and warnings across the region. Hail as large as baseball-sized was reported in some areas, while wind gusts reached up to 75 mph in parts of Central Illinois. Tornado watches were also issued for parts of Ohio. By midnight, the storms began to exit the region, leaving behind localized flooding and a sharp drop in temperatures.

China: One Injured as Bridge Collapses in Shandong After Overloaded Truck Drives Across

On March 18, 2026, in Zhutian Town, Feixian County, Shandong, the video captured a truck moving across a rural bridge when the structure suddenly gave way beneath its weight. As the vehicle advanced, the bridge surface visibly cracked before collapsing, causing part of the truck to sink into the damaged section. Local authorities later confirmed that the truck had been severely overloaded at the time of the accident. Officials also acknowledged that the road section had existing safety risks prior to the collapse. One person was slightly injured.

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.

US: Powerful Kona Storm Batters Hawaii With Record Rainfall and Hurricane-Force Winds

A powerful Kona Low battered Hawaii with heavy rain and hurricane-force winds, causing widespread flooding, landslides, road closures, and power outages. The storm brought record-breaking rainfall to the state from March 10–15, with Maui seeing up to 46 inches of precipitation. Residents described it as the worst storm they had ever seen, enduring roughly 72 hours without power, leaking roofs, and flooded streets. Oahu also recorded over 19 inches of rainfall in multiple locations.

US: Record Kona Storm Triggers Flooding and Power Outages in Hawaii

A slow-moving kona low brought record-breaking rainfall to Hawaii from March 10–15, with Maui seeing up to 46 inches of precipitation. Residents described it as the worst storm they had ever seen, enduring roughly 72 hours without power, leaking roofs, and flooded streets. Oahu also recorded over 19 inches of rainfall in multiple locations.

US: Large Hail Pounds Chicago Area as Severe Storm Sweeps Through Northern Illinois 5

Large hail struck the Chicago area on March 10, 2026, pelting parts of the region as a severe storm system moved through northern Illinois. A supercell thunderstorm moved across the southern and western Chicago suburbs, dropping hail ranging from 2 to locally 4 inches in diameter across the area. The storm also brought tornado warnings, damaging winds, and flash flooding threats across the region.

US: Large Hail Pounds Chicago Area as Severe Storm Sweeps Through Northern Illinois 4

Large hail struck the Chicago area on March 10, 2026, pelting parts of the region as a severe storm system moved through northern Illinois. A supercell thunderstorm moved across the southern and western Chicago suburbs, dropping hail ranging from 2 to locally 4 inches in diameter across the area. The storm also brought tornado warnings, damaging winds, and flash flooding threats across the region.

US: Large Hail Pounds Chicago Area as Severe Storm Sweeps Through Northern Illinois 3

Large hail struck the Chicago area on March 10, 2026, pelting parts of the region as a severe storm system moved through northern Illinois. A supercell thunderstorm moved across the southern and western Chicago suburbs, dropping hail ranging from 2 to locally 4 inches in diameter across the area. The storm also brought tornado warnings, damaging winds, and flash flooding threats across the region.

US: Hail Pounds Chicago Area as Severe Storm Sweeps Through Northern Illinois 2

Large hail struck the Chicago area on March 10, 2026, pelting parts of the region as a severe storm system moved through northern Illinois. A supercell thunderstorm moved across the southern and western Chicago suburbs, dropping hail ranging from 2 to locally 4 inches in diameter across the area. The storm also brought tornado warnings, damaging winds, and flash flooding threats across the region.

US: Hail Pounds Chicago Area as Severe Storm Sweeps Through Northern Illinois

Large hail struck the Chicago area on March 10, 2026, pelting parts of the region as a severe storm system moved through northern Illinois. A supercell thunderstorm moved across the southern and western Chicago suburbs, dropping hail ranging from 2 to locally 4 inches in diameter across the area. The storm also brought tornado warnings, damaging winds, and flash flooding threats across the region.

Qatar: Air Defenses Intercept Iranian Missile Attack Over Doha

Qatari air defenses intercepted Iranian missile attacks on Thursday, March 5. Amid loud explosions over Doha, authorities evacuated residents near the US Embassy as a precautionary measure while Iranian retaliatory strikes continued to target not only US military assets in the Gulf but also civilian and energy infrastructure.

Spain: Storm Regina Brings Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms to Andalusia

Storm Regina brought heavy rain and thunderstorms to Andalusia on Wednesday, March 4. Severe weather is expected to continue over the next few days, with gusty winds also forecast. The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued yellow weather alerts for the weekend in several regions, including Andalusia and Castilla-La Mancha, among others.

“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.

UK: London Streets Fill With Celebrations After Death of Ali Khamenei 2

On Saturday night, February 28, as bombs fell across the Middle East and rumors spread about the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, north London’s Finchley Road was filled with Iranian expatriates celebrating in the streets. By Sunday morning, Khamenei’s death in a joint U.S.-Israel strike was confirmed. Hundreds of people in Iran were also reported killed in the ongoing attacks, including at least 148 children who died in a strike on an elementary school in the south. Across Iran, some people celebrated while others mourned. In London, members of the Iranian community also gathered for a rally following the news.

UK: London Streets Fill With Celebrations After Death of Ali Khamenei

On Saturday night, February 28, as bombs fell across the Middle East and rumors spread about the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, north London’s Finchley Road was filled with Iranian expatriates celebrating in the streets. By Sunday morning, Khamenei’s death in a joint U.S.-Israel strike was confirmed. Hundreds of people in Iran were also reported killed in the ongoing attacks, including at least 148 children who died in a strike on an elementary school in the south. Across Iran, some people celebrated while others mourned. In London, members of the Iranian community also gathered for a rally following the news.

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.

China: Sleepy Husky Struggles to Stay Awake at Dog Party in Chongqing

On January 27, 2026, in Chongqing, located in southwestern China, a video recorded several dogs wearing clothes and gathering together as if attending a small party. Among them, a black-and-white husky stood out for looking extremely tired. The husky lowered its head, nodded repeatedly, and appeared to be dozing off. Its mouth hung slightly open, giving the impression of deep exhaustion rather than excitement. Two other dogs nearby also looked low on energy, standing quietly and showing little movement. None of the dogs displayed the lively behavior usually expected at a party-like gathering.

Figure skating: Kagiyama and Sato

Figure skating: Kagiyama and Sato

Yuma Kagiyama (L) and Shun Sato of Japan pose for a photo before their departure from Milan Malpensa Airport on Feb. 23, 2026, after winning silver and bronze medals, respectively, in the men's figure skating event at the Milan Cortina Olympics. They also won silver medals as members of team Japan in the Team event at the Winter Games. (Pool photo)

Figure skating: Kagiyama and Sato

Figure skating: Kagiyama and Sato

Yuma Kagiyama (L) and Shun Sato of Japan pose for a photo before their departure from Milan Malpensa Airport on Feb. 23, 2026, after winning silver and bronze medals, respectively, in the men's figure skating event at the Milan Cortina Olympics. They also won silver medals as members of team Japan in the Team event at the Winter Games.

Japan-Tonga defense talks in Tokyo

Japan-Tonga defense talks in Tokyo

Tongan Crown Prince Tupouto'a Ulukalala (C), who also serves as defense minister, hold talks with Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (2nd from L) in Tokyo on Feb. 23, 2026. (Pool photo)

Japan-Tonga defense talks in Tokyo

Japan-Tonga defense talks in Tokyo

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (2nd from L) hold talks with Tongan Crown Prince Tupouto'a Ulukalala, who also serves as defense minister, in Tokyo on Feb. 23, 2026. (Pool photo)

Japan-Tonga defense talks in Tokyo

Japan-Tonga defense talks in Tokyo

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (2nd from L) holds talks with Tongan Crown Prince Tupouto'a Ulukalala, who also serves as defense minister, in Tokyo on Feb. 23, 2026. (Pool photo)

Japan-Tonga defense talks in Tokyo

Japan-Tonga defense talks in Tokyo

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (2nd from L) holds talks with Tongan Crown Prince Tupouto'a Ulukalala, who also serves as defense minister, in Tokyo on Feb. 23, 2026. (Pool photo)

Japan-Tonga defense talks in Tokyo

Japan-Tonga defense talks in Tokyo

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (R) shakes hands with Tongan Crown Prince Tupouto'a Ulukalala, who also serves as defense minister, before their talks in Tokyo on Feb. 23, 2026. (Pool photo)

Japan: 20 Trapped in Elevator at Tokyo Skytree, 1,200 Stranded on Observation Deck

Twenty people, including two children, were trapped in an elevator at Tokyo Skytree on Sunday night, February 22. About 1,200 visitors were also temporarily stranded on the observation deck. Those trapped were safely rescued early Monday after about five hours. The facility closed Monday for inspections. This video shows visitors stranded in the observatory tower following the incident.

US: Storm Damage in Bloomington After Tornado-Warned Storm

Much of southern Indiana, including Indianapolis, was under a tornado watch Thursday evening, February 19, with at least 12 warnings issued as severe storms moved through the region. Storm damage was reported in Bloomington, where homes, a bank, and the county airport sustained damage, and power outages and downed lines were also reported. This video shows damage to buildings and power lines, with debris scattered on the ground near 3415 W. Third St. in Bloomington.

Germany: 200,000 Rally in Munich Against Iran’s Government 2

About 200,000 people rallied in Munich on Saturday against Iran’s government as world leaders gathered nearby for a security conference. Demonstrators denounced the Islamic Republic’s crackdown on protests and voiced support for exiled opposition figure Reza Pahlavi, who called for a secular democratic future and urged continued demonstrations. Solidarity rallies were also held in cities worldwide.

Germany: 200,000 Rally in Munich Against Iran’s Government 3

About 200,000 people rallied in Munich on Saturday against Iran’s government as world leaders gathered nearby for a security conference. Demonstrators denounced the Islamic Republic’s crackdown on protests and voiced support for exiled opposition figure Reza Pahlavi, who called for a secular democratic future and urged continued demonstrations. Solidarity rallies were also held in cities worldwide.

Germany: 200,000 Rally in Munich Against Iran’s Government 4

About 200,000 people rallied in Munich on Saturday against Iran’s government as world leaders gathered nearby for a security conference. Demonstrators denounced the Islamic Republic’s crackdown on protests and voiced support for exiled opposition figure Reza Pahlavi, who called for a secular democratic future and urged continued demonstrations. Solidarity rallies were also held in cities worldwide.

Germany: 200,000 Rally in Munich Against Iran’s Government

About 200,000 people rallied in Munich on Saturday against Iran’s government as world leaders gathered nearby for a security conference. Demonstrators denounced the Islamic Republic’s crackdown on protests and voiced support for exiled opposition figure Reza Pahlavi, who called for a secular democratic future and urged continued demonstrations. Solidarity rallies were also held in cities worldwide.

Families of abductees meet with PM Takaichi

Families of abductees meet with PM Takaichi

Sakie Yokota (C), whose daughter Megumi was abducted by North Korea in 1977 at age 13, speaks during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Feb. 16, 2026. Her son Takuya (R), head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s, also attended the meeting.

Lausanne ballet competition

Lausanne ballet competition

Yeom Dayeon, a 17-year-old South Korean who also holds Japanese nationality, performs in the final of the 54th Prix de Lausanne ballet competition in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Feb. 7, 2026. She won second prize.