US: Smoke Fills LIRR Train as Fire Shuts Down Penn Station Service

Smoke filled a Long Island Rail Road train car after an electrical fire broke out on a feeder cable inside the East River Tunnel near Penn Station on Thursday, May 14, forcing the MTA to suspend LIRR service and divert trains.

Putin's Akita dog Yume died in 2025

Putin's Akita dog Yume died in 2025

File photo taken in the city of Akita in July 2012 shows Shoji Hatakeyama and his Akita puppy Yume. The dog, given to Russian President Vladimir Putin by Akita Prefecture later that year, died in 2025.

Japan: Severe Weather Strikes Across Country, Causing Widespread Disruption

Severe weather struck Japan on Thursday, May 14, with guerrilla thunderstorms causing flooding in Yokohama, hail cutting power to over 10,000 homes in Kanagawa, and graupel reported in Yamaguchi and Yamanashi prefectures.

UK: London Battered by May Hailstorm

A hailstorm struck London on Wednesday, May 13, battering the city and disrupting commutes.

Fire at shipbreaking site in Kure

Fire at shipbreaking site in Kure

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows a fire at a shipbreaking yard in Kure in Hiroshima Prefecture on May 14, 2026. No injuries were reported from the incident in the western Japan city well known for shipbuilding.

Fire at shipbreaking site in Kure

Fire at shipbreaking site in Kure

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows a fire at a shipbreaking yard in Kure in Hiroshima Prefecture on May 14, 2026. No injuries were reported from the incident in the western Japan city well known for shipbuilding.

Fire at shipbreaking site in Kure

Fire at shipbreaking site in Kure

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows a fire at a shipbreaking yard in Kure in Hiroshima Prefecture on May 14, 2026. No injuries were reported from the incident in the western Japan city well known for shipbuilding.

Fire at shipbreaking site in Kure

Fire at shipbreaking site in Kure

A fire breaks out at a shipbreaking yard in Kure in Hiroshima Prefecture on May 14, 2026. No injuries were reported from the incident in the western Japan city well known for shipbuilding.

Fire at shipbreaking site in Kure

Fire at shipbreaking site in Kure

A fire breaks out at a shipbreaking yard in Kure in Hiroshima Prefecture on May 14, 2026. No injuries were reported from the incident in the western Japan city well known for shipbuilding.

China: Mysterious Glowing Objects Flash Across Night Sky Over Jinan

On May 7, 2026, in Pingyin County, Jinan, a video captured bright unidentified objects flashing across the dark sky above the city. The glowing light appeared to move rapidly while emitting a strong white and bluish glow, instantly attracting the attention of people on the ground. The footage showcased the object hovering or streaking through the night sky as nearby residents watched in surprise.

Baseball: Royals vs. White Sox

Baseball: Royals vs. White Sox

Munetaka Murakami of the Chicago White Sox hits a single in the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals at Rate Field in Chicago on May 13, 2026.

Baseball: Royals vs. White Sox

Baseball: Royals vs. White Sox

Munetaka Murakami of the Chicago White Sox hits a single in the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals at Rate Field in Chicago on May 13, 2026.

Baseball: Royals vs. White Sox

Baseball: Royals vs. White Sox

Munetaka Murakami of the Chicago White Sox hits a single in the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals at Rate Field in Chicago on May 13, 2026.

Baseball: Royals vs. White Sox

Baseball: Royals vs. White Sox

Munetaka Murakami of the Chicago White Sox hits a single in the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals at Rate Field in Chicago on May 13, 2026.

Baseball: Royals vs. White Sox

Baseball: Royals vs. White Sox

Munetaka Murakami of the Chicago White Sox hits a single in the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals at Rate Field in Chicago on May 13, 2026.

Large thermometer in one of Japan's hottest cities

Large thermometer in one of Japan's hottest cities

A 4-meter thermometer is set up in front of a Yagihashi department store on May 14, 2026, in Kumagaya, Saitama Prefecture, known as one of the hottest cities in Japan. The mercury hit 41.1 C in the eastern Japan city in July 2018, the highest temperature on record at that time, before it was surpassed by the nearby city of Isesaki, Gunma Prefecture, at 41.8 C in the summer of 2025.

Large thermometer in one of Japan's hottest cities

Large thermometer in one of Japan's hottest cities

A 4-meter thermometer is set up in front of a Yagihashi department store on May 14, 2026, in Kumagaya, Saitama Prefecture, known as one of the hottest cities in Japan. The mercury hit 41.1 C in the eastern Japan city in July 2018, the highest temperature on record at that time, before it was surpassed by the nearby city of Isesaki, Gunma Prefecture, at 41.8 C in the summer of 2025.

Japan crown prince visits farms in Fukushima Pref.

Japan crown prince visits farms in Fukushima Pref.

Japanese Crown Prince Fumihito (far L) speaks with fruit farms in the city of Fukushima in northeastern Japan on May 13, 2026. Crown Prince Fumihito, patron of the Agricultural Society of Japan, visited farmers in Fukushima Prefecture who have been commended by the society for their contributions to agriculture.

Japan crown prince visits farms in Fukushima Pref.

Japan crown prince visits farms in Fukushima Pref.

Japanese Crown Prince Fumihito (far L) speaks with fruit farmers in the city of Fukushima in northeastern Japan on May 13, 2026. Crown Prince Fumihito, patron of the Agricultural Society of Japan, visited farmers in Fukushima Prefecture who have been commended by the society for their contributions to agriculture.

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

GIFU, Japan, May 12 Kyodo - The traditional "ukai" cormorant fishing season starts on the Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2026. (Kyodo)

Hobby Show in Shizuoka

Hobby Show in Shizuoka

The Shizuoka Hobby Show featuring products such as plastic and radio-controlled models opens in the central Japan city of Shizuoka on May 13, 2026. The show will be open to about 4,000 students from Shizuoka Prefecture on May 15 before opening to the public on May 16 and 17.

China: Rare Sun Halo Dazzles Residents in Hunan

On May 10, 2026, residents in Changsha, Hunan, China, were treated to a rare sun halo — a colorful ring of light encircling the sun — caused by sunlight refracting through ice crystals in cirrostratus clouds above the city.

US: Fire Breaks Out at Historic Temple Theatre in Downtown Tacoma, Washington

A fire broke out on Tuesday, May 12, at the historic Temple Theatre in downtown Tacoma, Washington, sending a thick plume of black smoke visible across the city. Firefighters brought it under control within an hour. No injuries were reported.

US: Anti-Zionist Protest Turns Violent Outside Brooklyn Synagogue, Arrests Made

On Monday night, May 11, roughly 200 anti-Zionist protesters marched through Brooklyn's Orthodox Jewish neighborhood, clashing with counter-protesters outside a synagogue hosting an Israeli real estate event, leading to multiple arrests and physical assaults.

Mexico: Heavy Rain Causes Severe Flooding Across Mexico City 2

Mexico City authorities issued a red alert Monday evening, May 11 as heavy rainfall triggered severe flooding across multiple boroughs, including Álvaro Obregón, Tlalpan, and Cuajimalpa. Rainfall of up to 50mm caused rivers and reservoirs to overflow, inundating homes and roads. No injuries were reported.

Mexico: Heavy Rain Causes Severe Flooding Across Mexico City

Mexico City authorities issued a red alert Monday evening, May 11 as heavy rainfall triggered severe flooding across multiple boroughs, including Álvaro Obregón, Tlalpan, and Cuajimalpa. Rainfall of up to 50mm caused rivers and reservoirs to overflow, inundating homes and roads. No injuries were reported.

Mexico: Thousands of ARMYs Gather Outside Stadium for BTS Arirang World Tour

South Korean boy band BTS performed three sold-out concerts at Estadio GNP Seguros in Mexico City on May 7, 9, and 10, as part of their ongoing Arirang World Tour. Thousands of fans without tickets gathered outside the stadium, creating a massive celebration in the surrounding streets to mark the group's return.

Antarctic Treaty meeting in Hiroshima

Antarctic Treaty meeting in Hiroshima

Ambassador Hideki Uyama (R), from Japan's Foreign Ministry, meets the press in Hiroshima on May 12, 2026, after the opening ceremony of the 48th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in the western Japan city. The closed meeting, running through May 21, will discuss the peaceful use and environmental protection of Antarctica, with about 30 member countries taking part.

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

The traditional "ukai" cormorant fishing season starts on the Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2026.

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

The traditional "ukai" cormorant fishing season starts on the Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2026.

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

The traditional "ukai" cormorant fishing season starts on the Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2026.

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

The traditional "ukai" cormorant fishing season starts on the Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2026.

Japan: Three Hospitalized After Suspected Spray Incident on JR Tokaido Line in Kawasaki 2

Three people, including a child, were taken to hospital after emergency report of something being sprayed inside a JR Tokaido Line train traveling through Kawasaki City on Sunday, May 10. No toxic substances were found, though some passengers reported smelling something resembling pepper.

Huge carp streamer in eastern Japan

KAZO, Japan, May 3 Kyodo - Video taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows a carp streamer, about 100 meters long and weighing around 330 kilograms, flying over the Tone River in the Saitama Prefecture city of Kazo, eastern Japan, on May 3, 2026, ahead of Children's Day on May 5. (Kyodo)

Japan: Three Hospitalized After Suspected Spray Incident on JR Tokaido Line in Kawasaki

Three people, including a child, were taken to hospital after emergency report of something being sprayed inside a JR Tokaido Line train traveling through Kawasaki City on Sunday, May 10. No toxic substances were found, though some passengers reported smelling something resembling pepper.

Japan: Sakurajima Volcano Erupts, Sending Ash 3,500 Meters Into Sky

Sakurajima volcano in Kagoshima erupted on Friday, May 8, sending ash plumes rising 3,500 metres above the crater. Residents in southeastern areas including Kagoshima city were warned to brace for ashfall, with winds carrying the plume in that direction.

Japan: Sakurajima Volcano Erupts, Sending Ash 3,500 Meters Into Sky 2

Sakurajima volcano in Kagoshima erupted on Friday, May 8, sending ash plumes rising 3,500 metres above the crater. Residents in southeastern areas including Kagoshima city were warned to brace for ashfall, with winds carrying the plume in that direction. This video shows volcanic ash covering the streets of nearby areas.

China: Mysterious Black Object Captured Hovering Over Xi’an Skyline

On April 28, 2026, in Xi'an, Shaanxi, a video captured a huge black unidentified object hovering high above the city skyline. The object appeared to continuously roll, stretch and curl through the clouds while drifting slowly across the sky, creating an eerie scene that quickly caught the attention of local residents.

Lexus unveils all-electric TZ sport utility vehicle

Lexus unveils all-electric TZ sport utility vehicle

Lexus unveils TZ all-electric luxurious sport utility vehicle in world premiere, featuring lounge-like three-row cabin and driving range of up to 620 kilometers, at Toyota Motor Corp.'s Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama in the Aichi Prefecture city of Toyota, central Japan, on May 7, 2026.

Lexus unveils all-electric TZ sport utility vehicle

Lexus unveils all-electric TZ sport utility vehicle

Lexus unveils TZ all-electric luxurious sport utility vehicle in world premiere, featuring lounge-like three-row cabin and driving range of up to 620 kilometers, at Toyota Motor Corp.'s Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama in the Aichi Prefecture city of Toyota, central Japan, on May 7, 2026.

Lexus unveils all-electric TZ sport utility vehicle

Lexus unveils all-electric TZ sport utility vehicle

Lexus unveils TZ all-electric luxurious sport utility vehicle in world premiere, featuring lounge-like three-row cabin and driving range of up to 620 kilometers, at Toyota Motor Corp.'s Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama in the Aichi Prefecture city of Toyota, central Japan, on May 7, 2026.

Lexus unveils all-electric TZ sport utility vehicle

Lexus unveils all-electric TZ sport utility vehicle

Lexus unveils TZ all-electric luxurious sport utility vehicle in world premiere, featuring lounge-like three-row cabin and driving range of up to 620 kilometers, at Toyota Motor Corp.'s Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama in the Aichi Prefecture city of Toyota, central Japan, on May 7, 2026.

Strait of Hormuz

Strait of Hormuz

Black smoke rises in the direction of a port in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran, on May 5, 2026. The standoff between the United States and Iran continues over the Strait of Hormuz off the Iranian port city.

Vessels in Strait of Hormuz

Vessels in Strait of Hormuz

Black smoke rises in the direction of a port in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran, on May 5, 2026. The standoff between the United States and Iran continues over the Strait of Hormuz off the Iranian port city.

US: Broadway’s Eugene O’Neill Theatre Closes Indefinitely After Electrical Fire

A fire broke out at Broadway's Eugene O'Neill Theatre in New York City on Monday, May 4, forcing the iconic venue to close indefinitely. The blaze started around 10 a.m. in the electrical room between the fourth and fifth floors of the century-old building. Firefighters extinguished the fire but reported substantial damage to the fourth floor. One firefighter sustained minor injuries. The Department of Buildings issued a full vacate order to the theater.

Germany: Car Rams Into Crowd in Leipzig, Two Killed and Dozens Injured 2

A 33-year-old German man drove a Volkswagen SUV into pedestrians in Leipzig's city center on Monday, May 4, killing two people and injuring 22 others, before being arrested.

Germany: Car Rams Into Crowd in Leipzig, Two Killed and Dozens Injured

A 33-year-old German man drove a Volkswagen SUV into pedestrians in Leipzig's city center on Monday, May 4, killing two people and injuring 22 others, before being arrested.

Ritual for Aoi festival in Kyoto

Ritual for Aoi festival in Kyoto

A woman clad in a 12-layer traditional Japanese kimono, having been chosen to play this year's Saio-dai heroine during the upcoming annual Aoi Festival in Kyoto, purifies herself at Shimogamo Shrine in the western Japan city on May 4, 2026.

Ritual for Aoi festival in Kyoto

Ritual for Aoi festival in Kyoto

A woman clad in a 12-layer traditional Japanese kimono, having been chosen to play this year's Saio-dai heroine during the upcoming annual Aoi Festival in Kyoto, purifies herself at Shimogamo Shrine in the western Japan city on May 4, 2026.

Philippines: Mayon Volcano Eruption Spewing Ash Over Albay

Mayon Volcano in the Philippines erupted on Saturday, May 2, sending massive ashfall across villages in Albay province, affecting nearly 200,000 people, prompting thousands to evacuate.