Traditional "hina" dolls featuring big names in Japan

Traditional "hina" dolls featuring big names in Japan

Photo taken in Tokyo on Feb. 4, 2026, shows traditional Japanese "hina" dolls unveiled by Kyugetsu Co., featuring Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani (1st row, far L), figure skater Kaori Sakamoto (1st row, 2nd from L), speed skater Miho Takagi (1st row, 2nd from R), ski jumper Sara Takanashi (1st row, far R), snowboarder Ayumu Hirano (2nd row L) and curler Sayaka Yoshimura (2nd row R).

Traditional "hina" dolls featuring big names in Japan

Traditional "hina" dolls featuring big names in Japan

Photo taken in Tokyo on Feb. 4, 2026, shows traditional Japanese "hina" dolls unveiled by Kyugetsu Co., featuring Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani (1st row, far L), figure skater Kaori Sakamoto (1st row, 2nd from L), ski jumper Sara Takanashi (1st row, 3rd from L), curler Sayaka Yoshimura (1st row, 2nd from R), Chicago White Sox player Munetaka Murakami (1st row, far R), snowboarder Ayumu Hirano (2nd row, L) and speed skater Miho Takagi (2nd row, R).

Japan emperor meets Nepalese president

Japan emperor meets Nepalese president

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (2nd from R) and Empress Masako (far R) meet with Nepalese President Ramchandra Paudel and his wife Sabita at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Feb. 3, 2026. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor meets Nepalese president

Japan emperor meets Nepalese president

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (2nd from L) and Empress Masako (far R) meet with Nepalese President Ramchandra Paudel and his wife Sabita at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Feb. 3, 2026. (Pool photo)

Japanese crown prince at award ceremony

Japanese crown prince at award ceremony

Japanese Crown Prince Fumihito (front, 2nd from R) and Crown Princess Kiko (front, far R) meet winners of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science prize and the Japan Academy Medal following an award ceremony in Tokyo on Feb. 3, 2026. (Pool photo)

Japan-Britain summit

Japan-Britain summit

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (far R) holds talks with her British counterpart Keir Starmer (far L) at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Jan. 31, 2026.

Emperor meets with awardees at Imperial Palace

Emperor meets with awardees at Imperial Palace

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (2nd from R) and Empress Masako (far R) meet with people who received awards for their contribution to the fields of agriculture, fisheries and livestock raising at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Jan. 29, 2026. (Pool photo)

US: Episode 41 of Kilauea Volcano Eruption Sends Ash to Hilo

Hawaii's Kilauea volcano officially began its 41st eruption on Saturday, January 24, sending lava fountains over 1,500 feet into the air. Falling ash and tephra were reported in communities as far as Hilo.

Prudential Life Insurance apologizes over defrauding of clients

Prudential Life Insurance apologizes over defrauding of clients

Prudential Life Insurance Co. President Kan Mabara (far R) bows in apology at a press conference in Tokyo on Jan. 23, 2026, after around 100 of its employees and former employees were found to have improperly borrowed or defrauded clients out of some 3.1 billion yen ($19.5 million).

RECAP: Strongest Solar Storm in Over 20 Years Triggers Widespread Auroras

A powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by one of the strongest solar eruptions in more than 20 years lit up skies across large parts of Europe and North America on Monday, January 19 and Tuesday, January 20. The rare event allowed the northern lights to be seen far south of their usual range, including in parts of the United States, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, according to NOAA.

Japan PM Takaichi presented dried persimmons

Japan PM Takaichi presented dried persimmons

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (far R) receives a box of dried persimmons produced in Fukushima Prefecture from Masao Uchibori (2nd from R), governor of the northeastern Japan prefecture, at the premier's office in Tokyo on Jan. 21, 2026.

Japan PM Takaichi presented dried persimmons

Japan PM Takaichi presented dried persimmons

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (far R) receives a box of dried persimmons produced in Fukushima Prefecture from Masao Uchibori (2nd from R), governor of the northeastern Japan prefecture, at the premier's office in Tokyo on Jan. 21, 2026.

Rare Solar Storm Triggers Northern Lights Across Europe and North America 7

A powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by one of the strongest solar eruptions in more than 20 years lit up skies across large parts of Europe and North America on Monday night, January 19. The rare event allowed the northern lights to be seen far south of their usual range, including in parts of the United States, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, according to NOAA.

Rare Solar Storm Triggers Northern Lights Across Europe and North America 6

A powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by one of the strongest solar eruptions in more than 20 years lit up skies across large parts of Europe and North America on Monday night, January 19. The rare event allowed the northern lights to be seen far south of their usual range, including in parts of the United States, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, according to NOAA.

Rare Solar Storm Triggers Northern Lights Across Europe and North America 5

A powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by one of the strongest solar eruptions in more than 20 years lit up skies across large parts of Europe and North America on Monday night, January 19. The rare event allowed the northern lights to be seen far south of their usual range, including in parts of the United States, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, according to NOAA.

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leave the Palais de Justice de Paris in a break during their appeal trial on charges of embezzlement of European public funds in a case of alleged European Parliament fake jobs in Paris on January 20, 2026. Marine Le Pen is called to the stand in the appeal trial in Paris of the parliamentary assistants of the National Front, where she is playing for her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Twelve of the accused, as well as the far-right party itself, have appealed against the verdict while another 12 people -- including one of Le Pen's sisters -- have decided to accept their convictions without appealing. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Marine Le Pen's lawyer, Rodolphe Bosselut and French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leave the Palais de Justice de Paris in a break during their appeal trial on charges of embezzlement of European public funds in a case of alleged European Parliament fake jobs in Paris on January 20, 2026. Marine Le Pen is called to the stand in the appeal trial in Paris of the parliamentary assistants of the National Front, where she is playing for her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Twelve of the accused, as well as the far-right party itself, have appealed against the verdict while another 12 people -- including one of Le Pen's sisters -- have decided to accept their convictions without appealing. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Member of French far-right party Rassemblement National (RN) and Perpignan's mayor Louis Aliot leave the Palais de Justice de Paris in a break during their appeal trial on charges of embezzlement of European public funds in a case of alleged European Parliament fake jobs in Paris on January 20, 2026. Marine Le Pen is called to the stand in the appeal trial in Paris of the parliamentary assistants of the National Front, where she is playing for her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Twelve of the accused, as well as the far-right party itself, have appealed against the verdict while another 12 people -- including one of Le Pen's sisters -- have decided to accept their convictions without appealing. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Marine Le Pen's lawyer, Rodolphe Bosselut and French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leave the Palais de Justice de Paris in a break during their appeal trial on charges of embezzlement of European public funds in a case of alleged European Parliament fake jobs in Paris on January 20, 2026. Marine Le Pen is called to the stand in the appeal trial in Paris of the parliamentary assistants of the National Front, where she is playing for her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Twelve of the accused, as well as the far-right party itself, have appealed against the verdict while another 12 people -- including one of Le Pen's sisters -- have decided to accept their convictions without appealing. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Marine Le Pen's lawyer, Rodolphe Bosselut and French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leave the Palais de Justice de Paris in a break during their appeal trial on charges of embezzlement of European public funds in a case of alleged European Parliament fake jobs in Paris on January 20, 2026. Marine Le Pen is called to the stand in the appeal trial in Paris of the parliamentary assistants of the National Front, where she is playing for her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Twelve of the accused, as well as the far-right party itself, have appealed against the verdict while another 12 people -- including one of Le Pen's sisters -- have decided to accept their convictions without appealing. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Marine Le Pen's lawyer, Rodolphe Bosselut arrives at the Palais de Justice de Paris after a break during their appeal trial on charges of embezzlement of European public funds in a case of alleged European Parliament fake jobs in Paris on January 20, 2026. Marine Le Pen is called to the stand in the appeal trial in Paris of the parliamentary assistants of the National Front, where she is playing for her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Twelve of the accused, as well as the far-right party itself, have appealed against the verdict while another 12 people -- including one of Le Pen's sisters -- have decided to accept their convictions without appealing. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Marine Le Pen's lawyer, Rodolphe Bosselut and French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leave the Palais de Justice de Paris in a break during their appeal trial on charges of embezzlement of European public funds in a case of alleged European Parliament fake jobs in Paris on January 20, 2026. Marine Le Pen is called to the stand in the appeal trial in Paris of the parliamentary assistants of the National Front, where she is playing for her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Twelve of the accused, as well as the far-right party itself, have appealed against the verdict while another 12 people -- including one of Le Pen's sisters -- have decided to accept their convictions without appealing. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen arrives at the Palais de Justice de Paris after a break during their appeal trial on charges of embezzlement of European public funds in a case of alleged European Parliament fake jobs in Paris on January 20, 2026. Marine Le Pen is called to the stand in the appeal trial in Paris of the parliamentary assistants of the National Front, where she is playing for her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Twelve of the accused, as well as the far-right party itself, have appealed against the verdict while another 12 people -- including one of Le Pen's sisters -- have decided to accept their convictions without appealing. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN’s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen arrives at the Palais de Justice de Paris after a break during their appeal trial on charges of embezzlement of European public funds in a case of alleged European Parliament fake jobs in Paris on January 20, 2026. Marine Le Pen is called to the stand in the appeal trial in Paris of the parliamentary assistants of the National Front, where she is playing for her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Twelve of the accused, as well as the far-right party itself, have appealed against the verdict while another 12 people -- including one of Le Pen's sisters -- have decided to accept their convictions without appealing. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Marine Le Pen's lawyer, Rodolphe Bosselut and French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leave the Palais de Justice de Paris in a break during their appeal trial on charges of embezzlement of European public funds in a case of alleged European Parliament fake jobs in Paris on January 20, 2026. Marine Le Pen is called to the stand in the appeal trial in Paris of the parliamentary assistants of the National Front, where she is playing for her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Twelve of the accused, as well as the far-right party itself, have appealed against the verdict while another 12 people -- including one of Le Pen's sisters -- have decided to accept their convictions without appealing. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Marine Le Pen's lawyer, Rodolphe Bosselut arrives at the Palais de Justice de Paris after a break during their appeal trial on charges of embezzlement of European public funds in a case of alleged European Parliament fake jobs in Paris on January 20, 2026. Marine Le Pen is called to the stand in the appeal trial in Paris of the parliamentary assistants of the National Front, where she is playing for her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Twelve of the accused, as well as the far-right party itself, have appealed against the verdict while another 12 people -- including one of Le Pen's sisters -- have decided to accept their convictions without appealing. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Marine Le Pen's lawyer, Rodolphe Bosselut arrives at the Palais de Justice de Paris after a break during their appeal trial on charges of embezzlement of European public funds in a case of alleged European Parliament fake jobs in Paris on January 20, 2026. Marine Le Pen is called to the stand in the appeal trial in Paris of the parliamentary assistants of the National Front, where she is playing for her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Twelve of the accused, as well as the far-right party itself, have appealed against the verdict while another 12 people -- including one of Le Pen's sisters -- have decided to accept their convictions without appealing. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Marine Le Pen's lawyer, Rodolphe Bosselut and French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leave the Palais de Justice de Paris in a break during their appeal trial on charges of embezzlement of European public funds in a case of alleged European Parliament fake jobs in Paris on January 20, 2026. Marine Le Pen is called to the stand in the appeal trial in Paris of the parliamentary assistants of the National Front, where she is playing for her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Twelve of the accused, as well as the far-right party itself, have appealed against the verdict while another 12 people -- including one of Le Pen's sisters -- have decided to accept their convictions without appealing. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Marine Le Pen's lawyer, Rodolphe Bosselut and French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leave the Palais de Justice de Paris in a break during their appeal trial on charges of embezzlement of European public funds in a case of alleged European Parliament fake jobs in Paris on January 20, 2026. Marine Le Pen is called to the stand in the appeal trial in Paris of the parliamentary assistants of the National Front, where she is playing for her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Twelve of the accused, as well as the far-right party itself, have appealed against the verdict while another 12 people -- including one of Le Pen's sisters -- have decided to accept their convictions without appealing. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Marine Le Pen's lawyer, Rodolphe Bosselut and French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leave the Palais de Justice de Paris in a break during their appeal trial on charges of embezzlement of European public funds in a case of alleged European Parliament fake jobs in Paris on January 20, 2026. Marine Le Pen is called to the stand in the appeal trial in Paris of the parliamentary assistants of the National Front, where she is playing for her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Twelve of the accused, as well as the far-right party itself, have appealed against the verdict while another 12 people -- including one of Le Pen's sisters -- have decided to accept their convictions without appealing. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Marine Le Pen's lawyer, Rodolphe Bosselut and French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leave the Palais de Justice de Paris in a break during their appeal trial on charges of embezzlement of European public funds in a case of alleged European Parliament fake jobs in Paris on January 20, 2026. Marine Le Pen is called to the stand in the appeal trial in Paris of the parliamentary assistants of the National Front, where she is playing for her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Twelve of the accused, as well as the far-right party itself, have appealed against the verdict while another 12 people -- including one of Le Pen's sisters -- have decided to accept their convictions without appealing. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Marine Le Pen's lawyer, Rodolphe Bosselut and French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leave the Palais de Justice de Paris in a break during their appeal trial on charges of embezzlement of European public funds in a case of alleged European Parliament fake jobs in Paris on January 20, 2026. Marine Le Pen is called to the stand in the appeal trial in Paris of the parliamentary assistants of the National Front, where she is playing for her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Twelve of the accused, as well as the far-right party itself, have appealed against the verdict while another 12 people -- including one of Le Pen's sisters -- have decided to accept their convictions without appealing. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Marine Le Pen's lawyer, Rodolphe Bosselut and French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leave the Palais de Justice de Paris in a break during their appeal trial on charges of embezzlement of European public funds in a case of alleged European Parliament fake jobs in Paris on January 20, 2026. Marine Le Pen is called to the stand in the appeal trial in Paris of the parliamentary assistants of the National Front, where she is playing for her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Twelve of the accused, as well as the far-right party itself, have appealed against the verdict while another 12 people -- including one of Le Pen's sisters -- have decided to accept their convictions without appealing. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Marine Le Pen's lawyer, Rodolphe Bosselut and French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leave the Palais de Justice de Paris in a break during their appeal trial on charges of embezzlement of European public funds in a case of alleged European Parliament fake jobs in Paris on January 20, 2026. Marine Le Pen is called to the stand in the appeal trial in Paris of the parliamentary assistants of the National Front, where she is playing for her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Twelve of the accused, as well as the far-right party itself, have appealed against the verdict while another 12 people -- including one of Le Pen's sisters -- have decided to accept their convictions without appealing. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Marine Le Pen's lawyer, Rodolphe Bosselut and French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leave the Palais de Justice de Paris in a break during their appeal trial on charges of embezzlement of European public funds in a case of alleged European Parliament fake jobs in Paris on January 20, 2026. Marine Le Pen is called to the stand in the appeal trial in Paris of the parliamentary assistants of the National Front, where she is playing for her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Twelve of the accused, as well as the far-right party itself, have appealed against the verdict while another 12 people -- including one of Le Pen's sisters -- have decided to accept their convictions without appealing. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Marine Le Pen's lawyer, Rodolphe Bosselut and French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leave the Palais de Justice de Paris in a break during their appeal trial on charges of embezzlement of European public funds in a case of alleged European Parliament fake jobs in Paris on January 20, 2026. Marine Le Pen is called to the stand in the appeal trial in Paris of the parliamentary assistants of the National Front, where she is playing for her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Twelve of the accused, as well as the far-right party itself, have appealed against the verdict while another 12 people -- including one of Le Pen's sisters -- have decided to accept their convictions without appealing. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Marine Le Pen's lawyer, Rodolphe Bosselut and French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leave the Palais de Justice de Paris in a break during their appeal trial on charges of embezzlement of European public funds in a case of alleged European Parliament fake jobs in Paris on January 20, 2026. Marine Le Pen is called to the stand in the appeal trial in Paris of the parliamentary assistants of the National Front, where she is playing for her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Twelve of the accused, as well as the far-right party itself, have appealed against the verdict while another 12 people -- including one of Le Pen's sisters -- have decided to accept their convictions without appealing. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Marine Le Pen's lawyer, Rodolphe Bosselut and French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leave the Palais de Justice de Paris in a break during their appeal trial on charges of embezzlement of European public funds in a case of alleged European Parliament fake jobs in Paris on January 20, 2026. Marine Le Pen is called to the stand in the appeal trial in Paris of the parliamentary assistants of the National Front, where she is playing for her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Twelve of the accused, as well as the far-right party itself, have appealed against the verdict while another 12 people -- including one of Le Pen's sisters -- have decided to accept their convictions without appealing. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Marine Le Pen's lawyer, Rodolphe Bosselut and French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leave the Palais de Justice de Paris in a break during their appeal trial on charges of embezzlement of European public funds in a case of alleged European Parliament fake jobs in Paris on January 20, 2026. Marine Le Pen is called to the stand in the appeal trial in Paris of the parliamentary assistants of the National Front, where she is playing for her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Twelve of the accused, as well as the far-right party itself, have appealed against the verdict while another 12 people -- including one of Le Pen's sisters -- have decided to accept their convictions without appealing. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leave the Palais de Justice de Paris in a break during their appeal trial on charges of embezzlement of European public funds in a case of alleged European Parliament fake jobs in Paris on January 20, 2026. Marine Le Pen is called to the stand in the appeal trial in Paris of the parliamentary assistants of the National Front, where she is playing for her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Twelve of the accused, as well as the far-right party itself, have appealed against the verdict while another 12 people -- including one of Le Pen's sisters -- have decided to accept their convictions without appealing. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leave the Palais de Justice de Paris in a break during their appeal trial on charges of embezzlement of European public funds in a case of alleged European Parliament fake jobs in Paris on January 20, 2026. Marine Le Pen is called to the stand in the appeal trial in Paris of the parliamentary assistants of the National Front, where she is playing for her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Twelve of the accused, as well as the far-right party itself, have appealed against the verdict while another 12 people -- including one of Le Pen's sisters -- have decided to accept their convictions without appealing. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leave the Palais de Justice de Paris in a break during their appeal trial on charges of embezzlement of European public funds in a case of alleged European Parliament fake jobs in Paris on January 20, 2026. Marine Le Pen is called to the stand in the appeal trial in Paris of the parliamentary assistants of the National Front, where she is playing for her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Twelve of the accused, as well as the far-right party itself, have appealed against the verdict while another 12 people -- including one of Le Pen's sisters -- have decided to accept their convictions without appealing. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Marine Le Pen's lawyer, Rodolphe Bosselut and French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, Marine Le Pen leave the Palais de Justice de Paris in a break during their appeal trial on charges of embezzlement of European public funds in a case of alleged European Parliament fake jobs in Paris on January 20, 2026. Marine Le Pen is called to the stand in the appeal trial in Paris of the parliamentary assistants of the National Front, where she is playing for her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Twelve of the accused, as well as the far-right party itself, have appealed against the verdict while another 12 people -- including one of Le Pen's sisters -- have decided to accept their convictions without appealing. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

European Parliament lawyer Patrick Maisonneuve leave the Palais de Justice de Paris in a break during their appeal trial on charges of embezzlement of European public funds in a case of alleged European Parliament fake jobs in Paris on January 20, 2026. Marine Le Pen is called to the stand in the appeal trial in Paris of the parliamentary assistants of the National Front, where she is playing for her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Twelve of the accused, as well as the far-right party itself, have appealed against the verdict while another 12 people -- including one of Le Pen's sisters -- have decided to accept their convictions without appealing. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

European Parliament lawyer Patrick Maisonneuve leave the Palais de Justice de Paris in a break during their appeal trial on charges of embezzlement of European public funds in a case of alleged European Parliament fake jobs in Paris on January 20, 2026. Marine Le Pen is called to the stand in the appeal trial in Paris of the parliamentary assistants of the National Front, where she is playing for her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Twelve of the accused, as well as the far-right party itself, have appealed against the verdict while another 12 people -- including one of Le Pen's sisters -- have decided to accept their convictions without appealing. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

European Parliament lawyer Patrick Maisonneuve leave the Palais de Justice de Paris in a break during their appeal trial on charges of embezzlement of European public funds in a case of alleged European Parliament fake jobs in Paris on January 20, 2026. Marine Le Pen is called to the stand in the appeal trial in Paris of the parliamentary assistants of the National Front, where she is playing for her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Twelve of the accused, as well as the far-right party itself, have appealed against the verdict while another 12 people -- including one of Le Pen's sisters -- have decided to accept their convictions without appealing. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

Trial of Marine Le Pen and RN s officials during a break - Paris AJ

European Parliament lawyer Patrick Maisonneuve leave the Palais de Justice de Paris in a break during their appeal trial on charges of embezzlement of European public funds in a case of alleged European Parliament fake jobs in Paris on January 20, 2026. Marine Le Pen is called to the stand in the appeal trial in Paris of the parliamentary assistants of the National Front, where she is playing for her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Twelve of the accused, as well as the far-right party itself, have appealed against the verdict while another 12 people -- including one of Le Pen's sisters -- have decided to accept their convictions without appealing. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rare Solar Storm Triggers Northern Lights Across Europe and North America 4

A powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by one of the strongest solar eruptions in more than 20 years lit up skies across large parts of Europe and North America on Monday night, January 19. The rare event allowed the northern lights to be seen far south of their usual range, including in parts of the United States, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, according to NOAA.

Rare Solar Storm Triggers Northern Lights Across Europe and North America

A powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by one of the strongest solar eruptions in more than 20 years lit up skies across large parts of Europe and North America on Monday night, January 19. The rare event allowed the northern lights to be seen far south of their usual range, including in parts of the United States, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, according to NOAA.

Rare Solar Storm Triggers Northern Lights Across Europe and North America 2

A powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by one of the strongest solar eruptions in more than 20 years lit up skies across large parts of Europe and North America on Monday night, January 19. The rare event allowed the northern lights to be seen far south of their usual range, including in parts of the United States, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, according to NOAA.