US: Trash Piles Up in NYC as Collection Falls Behind Due to Snow

The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) admitted on Monday, February 2, that trash collection had fallen behind schedule following the recent snowstorm. While city officials initially hoped to be fully caught up by Wednesday, February 4, trash and recycling collections are still facing slight delays today, Thursday, February 5, as workers continue picking up refuse while clearing frozen snow and ice mounds.

Japan: Heavy Snow Paralyzes Aomori as Record Accumulation Piles Up

A series of strong cold air masses brought heavy snowfall to northern Japan from January 21 through February 2. According to authorities, a total of 30 people have died across the region since January 20 due to snow-related incidents. In Aomori City, numerous vehicles were left stranded by the snow, causing traffic congestion in many areas. Snow accumulation reached 178 centimeters on February 2—about 2.6 times the seasonal average—prompting the closure of all public elementary and junior high schools in the city.

Exterior of Sendai City Hall

Exterior of Sendai City Hall

Exterior of Sendai City Hall=January 26,2026,Miyagi

Exterior of Sendai City Hall

Exterior of Sendai City Hall

Exterior of Sendai City Hall=January 26,2026,Miyagi

US: Buddhist Monks Reach Richmond on 100th Day of 2,300-Mile “Walk for Peace” 2

Buddhist monks on a 2,300-mile “Walk for Peace” from Texas to Washington, D.C., passed through Richmond, Virginia on Monday, February 2, marking the 100th day of their journey. They walked from Chesterfield to Richmond, stopped at Fire Station 17, and later gathered at City Hall, where they were welcomed by city and state leaders and a large crowd. The walk aims to promote peace, mindfulness, compassion, and nonviolence.

US: Buddhist Monks Reach Richmond on 100th Day of 2,300-Mile “Walk for Peace”

Buddhist monks on a 2,300-mile “Walk for Peace” from Texas to Washington, D.C., passed through Richmond, Virginia on Monday, February 2, marking the 100th day of their journey. They walked from Chesterfield to Richmond, stopped at Fire Station 17, and later gathered at City Hall, where they were welcomed by city and state leaders and a large crowd. The walk aims to promote peace, mindfulness, compassion, and nonviolence.

Japan: Heavy Snow Triggers Building Collapses in Niigata

Across Niigata Prefecture, multiple structures collapsed due to heavy snowfall between Monday, February 2 and Tuesday, February 3, leaving two people in critical condition. This video shows a house in the Hanazono area of Nagaoka City that is believed to have collapsed under the weight of snow. As of February 3, snow accumulation in Nagaoka had reached about 1.4 meters, roughly 2.6 times the seasonal average.

US: Rivers Frozen in Philadelphia Following Arctic Blast

Freezing temperatures in Philadelphia caused multiple water main breaks and froze rivers, leading to emergency repairs throughout the city. Police warned residents not to walk on the frozen waterways, emphasizing that the ice was dangerously thin despite its appearance.

US: Floating Ice Drifts Through Chicago River Amid Frozen Conditions 2

The Chicago River was partially frozen as plummeting temperatures continued in the city. This video captures an icebreaker navigating the frozen Chicago River on Thursday, January 29.

Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

A tourist couple takes a selfie in front of the Olympic rings set up at city hall in Milan, Italy, on Jan. 29, 2026, ahead of the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

People pass by the Olympic rings set up at city hall in Milan, Italy, on Jan. 29, 2026, ahead of the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

The Olympic rings are displayed at city hall in Milan, Italy, on Jan. 29, 2026, ahead of the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

US: Continued Ice in Hudson River Keeps NYC Ferry Service Suspended

Ice continued to build up in the Hudson River and nearby waterways as a deep freeze grips the Northeast. Consequently, NYC Ferry service remained suspended across all routes on Thursday, January 29.

Illumination event in Kobe in memory of quake victims

Illumination event in Kobe in memory of quake victims

The "Luminarie" illumination event opens on Jan. 30, 2026, in memory of the victims of the January 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake in the western Japan city and its vicinity that killed more than 6,400 people.

Illumination event in Kobe in memory of quake victims

Illumination event in Kobe in memory of quake victims

The "Luminarie" illumination event opens on Jan. 30, 2026, in memory of the victims of the January 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake in the western Japan city and its vicinity that killed more than 6,400 people.

Illumination event in Kobe in memory of quake victims

Illumination event in Kobe in memory of quake victims

The "Luminarie" illumination event opens on Jan. 30, 2026, in memory of the victims of the January 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake in the western Japan city and its vicinity that killed more than 6,400 people.

Illumination event in Kobe in memory of quake victims

Illumination event in Kobe in memory of quake victims

The "Luminarie" illumination event opens on Jan. 30, 2026, in memory of the victims of the January 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake in the western Japan city and its vicinity that killed more than 6,400 people.

Illumination event in Kobe in memory of quake victims

Illumination event in Kobe in memory of quake victims

The "Luminarie" illumination event opens on Jan. 30, 2026, in memory of the victims of the January 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake in the western Japan city and its vicinity that killed more than 6,400 people.

Illumination event in Kobe in memory of quake victims

Illumination event in Kobe in memory of quake victims

The "Luminarie" illumination event opens on Jan. 30, 2026, in memory of the victims of the January 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake in the western Japan city and its vicinity that killed more than 6,400 people.

Illumination event in Kobe in memory of quake victims

Illumination event in Kobe in memory of quake victims

The "Luminarie" illumination event opens on Jan. 30, 2026, in memory of the victims of the January 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake in the western Japan city and its vicinity that killed more than 6,400 people.

US: Floating Ice Drifts Through Chicago River Amid Frozen Conditions

The Chicago River was partially frozen as plummeting temperatures continued in the city. This video shows the remains of floating ice on the Chicago River in Chicago on Thursday, January 29.

US: Lake-Effect Snow Pounds Upstate New York as Oswego Declares State of Emergency

Heavy lake-effect snow continued to hit upstate New York on January 29, prompting the City of Oswego to declare a state of emergency as more than 2 feet of snow since Sunday caused poor visibility and hazardous travel conditions.. The footage shows a snowplow in operation in Altmar, Oswego County.

Japan: Record January Snowfall Hits Aomori, Disrupting Traffic and Trains

On January 28, Aomori City recorded 150 centimeters of snowfall for the first time in 40 years, causing traffic congestion across the city and a series of train service suspensions. Snow depth reached 154 centimeters by 9 p.m., tying for the second-highest January total on record, last seen on January 30, 1986. According to Aomori Prefecture, as of 2 p.m. on January 29, two people had died and 85 others were injured, while damage was confirmed at four residential properties. The video captures conditions in Aomori City on the morning of January 29, showing the extent of the heavy snowfall.

US: Ice Floes Cover NYC Rivers After Snowstorm 2

Ice floes were seen floating on the Hudson and East rivers in New York on Tuesday, January 27, following a winter snowstorm that forced NYC Ferry service to be suspended.

US: Ice Floes Cover NYC Rivers After Snowstorm 3

Ice floes were seen drifting along the Hudson and East rivers in New York on Tuesday, January 27, following a winter snowstorm that forced the suspension of NYC Ferry service. NYC Ferry service across all routes remained suspended for a second day on Wednesday, January 28, due to floating ice in both the East and Hudson rivers.

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.

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Democratic Party for the People leader Yuichiro Tamaki makes a stump speech in southwestern Japan city in Fukuoka on Jan. 28, 2026, as official campaigning began the previous day for the House of Representatives election on Feb. 8.

US: Massive Snowball Fight Breaks Out in Brooklyn Amid Winter Storm

Residents gathered at McCarren Park in Brooklyn for a massive snowball fight as a major winter storm blanketed New York and much of the U.S. Northeast with heavy snow and dangerous cold.

US: Ice Floes Cover NYC Rivers After Snowstorm

Ice floes were seen floating on the Hudson and East rivers in New York on Tuesday, January 27, following a winter snowstorm that forced NYC Ferry service to be suspended.

Twin giant pandas' arrival in China from Japan

Twin giant pandas' arrival in China from Japan

Male giant panda Xiao Xiao and his twin sister Lei Lei head to a giant panda conservation and research center in the Chinese city of Yaan, Sichuan Province, after arriving at an airport in Chengdu from Japan on Jan. 28, 2026. The twin pandas left Tokyo's Ueno Zoological Gardens, where they were born and raised, the previous day.

Japan: Cold Front Stalls Over Hokkaido Bringing More Than One Meter Snow to Sapporo 2

A cold front stalled over Hokkaido on Sunday, January 25, leaving more than one meter of snow on the ground in Sapporo — the highest January total recorded in the city in decades. The persistent storm heavily disrupted transportation, leaving thousands stranded at New Chitose Airport.

Japan: Cold Front Stalls Over Hokkaido Bringing More Than One Meter Snow to Sapporo

A cold front stalled over Hokkaido on Sunday, January 25, leaving more than one meter of snow on the ground in Sapporo — the highest January total recorded in the city in decades. The persistent storm heavily disrupted transportation, leaving thousands stranded at New Chitose Airport.

Heavy snow in Fukui

Heavy snow in Fukui

A dinosaur statue is pictured in front of Fukui Station in the central Japan city of Fukui on Jan. 25, 2026, following heavy snowfall.

Heavy snow in Fukui

Heavy snow in Fukui

A dinosaur statue is pictured in front of Fukui Station in the central Japan city of Fukui on Jan. 25, 2026, following heavy snowfall.

Japan: Hundreds of Vehicles Stranded on Hokuriku Expressway Amid Record Snowfall in Fukui

Heavy snowfall in Fukui Prefecture prompted the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue a weather warning on Friday, January 23. As rapid accumulation caused severe traffic disruptions, approximately 360 vehicles were left stranded on the Hokuriku Expressway near Tsuruga City.

Ruling on shooter of ex-Japan PM Abe

NARA, Japan, Jan. 21 Kyodo - A vehicle carrying Tetsuya Yamagami, the man who fatally shot former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, enters the Nara District Court in Nara for a ruling on Jan. 21, 2026. The court sentenced him to life in prison for killing Abe during an election stump speech in the western Japan city in July 2022. (Kyodo)

Mexico: Massive Fire Destroys Plastics Factory in Xochimilco, Mexico City

A massive fire broke out at a 2,000-square-meter plastics factory in the La Noria area of Xochimilco, Mexico City, on Thursday, January 22, forcing at least 50 people to evacuate. Firefighters and Navy personnel brought the fire under control after several hours of work.

US: Protesters March in Downtown LA Against Trump Immigration Policies

Several hundred people gathered in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday afternoon, January 20, as part of the nationwide “Free America Walkout” to protest the Trump administration’s immigration policies, briefly disrupting traffic. The demonstration, which moved from City Hall to nearby streets, remained peaceful.

Snow in western Japan

Snow in western Japan

Photo shows a snow-covered street in the western Japan city of Tottori on Jan. 21, 2026.

Snow in western Japan

Snow in western Japan

People walk through the falling snow in the western Japan city of Tottori on Jan. 21, 2026.

Snow in central Japan

Snow in central Japan

Gates are closed at an interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway in the central Japan city of Toyama to prevent accidents given expected heavy snowfall on Jan. 21, 2026.

Snow in central Japan

Snow in central Japan

Gates are closed at an interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway in the central Japan city of Toyama to prevent accidents given expected heavy snowfall on Jan. 21, 2026.

Snow in central Japan

Snow in central Japan

An electronic signboard at an interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway in the central Japan city of Toyama informs drivers of the closure of a section to prevent accidents given expected heavy snowfall on Jan. 21, 2026.

Japan: Strongest Cold Wave of Season Brings Heavy Snow to Wide Areas

A cold wave described as the strongest of the season has brought heavy snowfall to wide areas of Japan, particularly along the Sea of Japan coast. The snow is expected to persist through around Sunday, January 25.

Shooter of ex-Japan PM Abe sentenced to life

Shooter of ex-Japan PM Abe sentenced to life

People protest outside the Nara District Court on Jan. 21, 2026, after Tetsuya Yamagami was sentenced to life in prison for the 2022 fatal shooting of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during an election stump speech in the western Japan city in July 2022. Yamagami's defense sought a maximum 20-year term, citing harm from a religious group and his tragic upbringing.

Shooter of ex-Japan PM Abe sentenced to life

Shooter of ex-Japan PM Abe sentenced to life

People protest outside the Nara District Court on Jan. 21, 2026, after Tetsuya Yamagami was sentenced to life in prison for the 2022 fatal shooting of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during an election stump speech in the western Japan city in July 2022. Yamagami's defense sought a maximum 20-year term, citing harm from a religious group and his tragic upbringing.

Shooter of ex-Japan PM Abe sentenced to life

Shooter of ex-Japan PM Abe sentenced to life

A vehicle carrying Tetsuya Yamagami, the man who fatally shot former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, leaves the Nara District Court in Nara on Jan. 21, 2026, after he was sentenced to life in prison for killing Abe during an election stump speech in the western Japan city in July 2022.

Shooter of ex-Japan PM Abe sentenced to life

Shooter of ex-Japan PM Abe sentenced to life

A vehicle carrying Tetsuya Yamagami, the man who fatally shot former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, leaves the Nara District Court in Nara on Jan. 21, 2026, after he was sentenced to life in prison for killing Abe during an election stump speech in the western Japan city in July 2022.

Ruling on shooter of ex-Japan PM Abe

Ruling on shooter of ex-Japan PM Abe

Police officers stand on guard in front of the Nara District Court in Nara on Jan. 21, 2026, ahead of a ruling on Tetsuya Yamagami, the man who fatally shot former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The court sentenced him to life in prison for killing Abe during an election stump speech in the western Japan city in July 2022.