US: Gas Line Explosion Reported Near Willow River in Minnesota, Forcing Evacuations

A large gas line explosion was reported on Friday, January 16, near Willow River in Pine County, Minnesota, forcing nearby residents to evacuate. Minnesota Energy Resources said customers in the area could be without natural gas for days, though authorities reported no injuries and suspect no criminal activity at this time.

US: Gas Line Explosion Reported Near Willow River in Minnesota, Forcing Evacuations 2

A large gas line explosion was reported on Friday, January 16, near Willow River in Pine County, Minnesota, forcing nearby residents to evacuate. Minnesota Energy Resources said customers in the area could be without natural gas for days, though authorities reported no injuries and suspect no criminal activity at this time.

Japan: Massive Train Disruption Impacts Hundreds of Thousands in Tokyo Area 7

Tokyo's main JR Yamanote Line and JR Keihin-Tohoku Line suspended service on Friday, January 16, after a power outage caused by overnight construction work near Tamachi Station. The disruption caused widespread chaos for morning commuters, with some passengers forced to evacuate from a stranded train by walking along the railroad tracks.

Japan: Massive Train Disruption Impacts Hundreds of Thousands in Tokyo Area 6

Tokyo's main JR Yamanote Line and JR Keihin-Tohoku Line suspended service on Friday, January 16, after a power outage caused by overnight construction work near Tamachi Station. The disruption caused widespread chaos for morning commuters, with some passengers forced to evacuate from a stranded train by walking along the railroad tracks.

Zelensky and Pavel Honor Memorial Wall - Kiev

Zelensky and Pavel Honor Memorial Wall - Kiev

Handout Photo dated on January 16, 2026 shows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Czech President Petr Pavel honor the memory of fallen soldiers at the Wall of Remembrance near St. Michael’s Cathedral. Kyiv, Ukraine, January 16, 2026. Photo by Presidency of Ukraine via ABACAPRESS.COM

Zelensky and Pavel Honor Memorial Wall - Kiev

Zelensky and Pavel Honor Memorial Wall - Kiev

Handout Photo dated on January 16, 2026 shows General View during Zelensky and Pavel Honor Memorial Wall. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Czech President Petr Pavel honor the memory of fallen soldiers at the Wall of Remembrance near St. Michael’s Cathedral. Kyiv, Ukraine, January 16, 2026. Photo by Presidency of Ukraine via ABACAPRESS.COM

Zelensky and Pavel Honor Memorial Wall - Kiev

Zelensky and Pavel Honor Memorial Wall - Kiev

Handout Photo dated on January 16, 2026 shows General View during Zelensky and Pavel Honor Memorial Wall. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Czech President Petr Pavel honor the memory of fallen soldiers at the Wall of Remembrance near St. Michael’s Cathedral. Kyiv, Ukraine, January 16, 2026. Photo by Presidency of Ukraine via ABACAPRESS.COM

Zelensky and Pavel Honor Memorial Wall - Kiev

Zelensky and Pavel Honor Memorial Wall - Kiev

Handout Photo dated on January 16, 2026 shows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Czech President Petr Pavel honor the memory of fallen soldiers at the Wall of Remembrance near St. Michael’s Cathedral. Kyiv, Ukraine, January 16, 2026. Photo by Presidency of Ukraine via ABACAPRESS.COM

Zelensky and Pavel Honor Memorial Wall - Kiev

Zelensky and Pavel Honor Memorial Wall - Kiev

Handout Photo dated on January 16, 2026 shows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Czech President Petr Pavel honor the memory of fallen soldiers at the Wall of Remembrance near St. Michael’s Cathedral. Kyiv, Ukraine, January 16, 2026. Photo by Presidency of Ukraine via ABACAPRESS.COM

Zelensky and Pavel Honor Memorial Wall - Kiev

Zelensky and Pavel Honor Memorial Wall - Kiev

Handout Photo dated on January 16, 2026 shows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Czech President Petr Pavel honor the memory of fallen soldiers at the Wall of Remembrance near St. Michael’s Cathedral. Kyiv, Ukraine, January 16, 2026. Photo by Presidency of Ukraine via ABACAPRESS.COM

Zelensky and Pavel Honor Memorial Wall - Kiev

Zelensky and Pavel Honor Memorial Wall - Kiev

Handout Photo dated on January 16, 2026 shows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Czech President Petr Pavel honor the memory of fallen soldiers at the Wall of Remembrance near St. Michael’s Cathedral. Kyiv, Ukraine, January 16, 2026. Photo by Presidency of Ukraine via ABACAPRESS.COM

Japan: Massive Train Disruption Impacts Hundreds of Thousands in Tokyo Area 5

Tokyo's main JR Yamanote Line and JR Keihin-Tohoku Line suspended service on Friday, January 16, after a power outage caused by overnight construction work near Tamachi Station. The disruption caused widespread chaos for morning commuters, with some passengers forced to evacuate from a stranded train by walking along the railroad tracks.

Japan: Massive Train Disruption Impacts Hundreds of Thousands in Tokyo Area 4

Tokyo's main JR Yamanote Line and JR Keihin-Tohoku Line suspended service on Friday, January 16, after a power outage caused by overnight construction work near Tamachi Station. The disruption caused widespread chaos for morning commuters, with some passengers forced to evacuate from a stranded train by walking along the railroad tracks.

Daily Life - Gaza

Daily Life - Gaza

Photo taken on January 15, 2026 shows vendors near damaged buildings in Gaza City. Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Daily Life - Gaza

Daily Life - Gaza

Photo taken on January 15, 2026 shows a vendor near damaged buildings in Gaza City. Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Japan: Massive Train Disruption Impacts Hundreds of Thousands in Tokyo Area

Tokyo's main JR Yamanote Line and JR Keihin-Tohoku Line suspended service on Friday, January 16, after a power outage caused by overnight construction work near Tamachi Station. The disruption caused widespread chaos for morning commuters, with some passengers forced to evacuate from a stranded train by walking along the railroad tracks.

Japan: Massive Train Disruption Impacts Hundreds of Thousands in Tokyo Area 2

Tokyo's main JR Yamanote Line and JR Keihin-Tohoku Line suspended service on Friday, January 16, after a power outage caused by overnight construction work near Tamachi Station. The disruption caused widespread chaos for morning commuters, with some passengers forced to evacuate from a stranded train by walking along the railroad tracks.

Japan: Massive Train Disruption Impacts Hundreds of Thousands in Tokyo Area 3

Tokyo's main JR Yamanote Line and JR Keihin-Tohoku Line suspended service on Friday, January 16, after a power outage caused by overnight construction work near Tamachi Station. The disruption caused widespread chaos for morning commuters, with some passengers forced to evacuate from a stranded train by walking along the railroad tracks.

Israeli Forces Raid Hebron January 15

Israeli Forces Raid Hebron January 15

People gather near the rubble of the home of the family of Imran al-Atrash, demolished by Israeli forces during a raid in Hebron’s Khallat Nafisa area in West Bank on January 15, 2026. Al-Atrash, along with another Palestinian, was killed by Israelis in mid-November, as they were accused of carrying out a car-ramming and stabbing attack that killed one Israeli settler and injured three. Photo by Mosab Shawer/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

US: Heavy Police Presence, Evacuation Reported at Parkwest Bicycle Casino in LA

Heavy police presence was seen outside the Parkwest Bicycle Casino in Bell Gardens, Los Angeles on Thursday, January 15. The building was evacuated and near by roads were closed.

Venezuelan opposition leader Machado in Washington

Venezuelan opposition leader Machado in Washington

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado (C) is surrounded by supporters near the U.S. Capitol building in Washington on Jan. 15, 2026.

Koizumi-Hegseth talks

Koizumi-Hegseth talks

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi meets the press following his talks with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth near Washington on Jan. 15, 2026.

Koizumi, Hegseth take part in training

Koizumi, Hegseth take part in training

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (L) and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth take part in military-style exercises at a U.S. military facility near Washington on Jan. 15, 2026.

Koizumi, Hegseth take part in training

Koizumi, Hegseth take part in training

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (L) and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth take part in military-style exercises at a U.S. military facility near Washington on Jan. 15, 2026.

Koizumi, Hegseth take part in training

Koizumi, Hegseth take part in training

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (L) and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth take part in military-style exercises at a U.S. military facility near Washington on Jan. 15, 2026.

Koizumi-Hegseth talks

Koizumi-Hegseth talks

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (front) holds talks with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth near Washington on Jan. 15, 2026.

Koizumi-Hegseth talks

Koizumi-Hegseth talks

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (2nd from L) holds talks with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (3rd from R) near Washington on Jan. 15, 2026.

Koizumi-Hegseth talks

Koizumi-Hegseth talks

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (L) and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pose before their talks near Washington on Jan. 15, 2026.

Woman Life Freedom Protests

Woman Life Freedom Protests

Photo by Sarina/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM Iranian people gather while blocking a street during a protest near Punak square on October 1, 2022 in Tehran, Iran. The nationwide protests started after the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old girl who died under the custody of the Islamic Republic's Morality Police on September 16th, 2022 in Tehran.

Woman Life Freedom Protests

Woman Life Freedom Protests

Photo by Sarina/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM Iranian people gather while blocking a street during a protest near Punak square on October 1, 2022 in Tehran, Iran. The nationwide protests started after the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old girl who died under the custody of the Islamic Republic's Morality Police on September 16th, 2022 in Tehran.

Woman Life Freedom Protests

Woman Life Freedom Protests

Photo by Sarina/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM An Iranian woman without wearing a hijab flashes a victory sign while gathering around a burning dumpster with other protesters near Punak square on October 1, 2022 in Tehran, Iran. The nationwide protests started after the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old girl who died under the custody of the Islamic Republic's Morality Police on September 16th, 2022 in Tehran.

Woman Life Freedom Protests

Woman Life Freedom Protests

Photo by Sarina/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM An Iranian woman without wearing a hijab flashes a victory sign while gathering around a burning dumpster with other protesters near Punak square on October 1, 2022 in Tehran, Iran. The nationwide protests started after the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old girl who died under the custody of the Islamic Republic's Morality Police on September 16th, 2022 in Tehran.

Woman Life Freedom Protests

Woman Life Freedom Protests

Photo by Sarina/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM Iranian people gather while blocking a street with a burning dumpster during a protest near Punak square on October 1, 2022 in Tehran, Iran. The nationwide protests started after the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old girl who died under the custody of the Islamic Republic's Morality Police on September 16th, 2022 in Tehran.

FNSEA Farmers Protest At National Assembly - Paris

FNSEA Farmers Protest At National Assembly - Paris

Farmers under the banner of the FNSEA demonstrate near the Assemblee nationale in Paris, France, on January 13, 2026, as part of a protest linked to agricultural concerns and the Mercosur trade agreement. Photo by Florian Poitout/ABACAPRESS.COM

FNSEA Farmers Protest At National Assembly - Paris

FNSEA Farmers Protest At National Assembly - Paris

Farmers under the banner of the FNSEA demonstrate near the Assemblee nationale in Paris, France, on January 13, 2026, as part of a protest linked to agricultural concerns and the Mercosur trade agreement. Photo by Florian Poitout/ABACAPRESS.COM

FNSEA Farmers Protest At National Assembly - Paris

FNSEA Farmers Protest At National Assembly - Paris

Farmers under the banner of the FNSEA demonstrate near the Assemblee nationale in Paris, France, on January 13, 2026, as part of a protest linked to agricultural concerns and the Mercosur trade agreement. Photo by Florian Poitout/ABACAPRESS.COM

FNSEA Farmers Protest At National Assembly - Paris

FNSEA Farmers Protest At National Assembly - Paris

Farmers under the banner of the FNSEA demonstrate near the Assemblee nationale in Paris, France, on January 13, 2026, as part of a protest linked to agricultural concerns and the Mercosur trade agreement. Photo by Florian Poitout/ABACAPRESS.COM

FNSEA Farmers Protest At National Assembly - Paris

FNSEA Farmers Protest At National Assembly - Paris

Farmers under the banner of the FNSEA demonstrate near the Assemblee nationale in Paris, France, on January 13, 2026, as part of a protest linked to agricultural concerns and the Mercosur trade agreement. Photo by Florian Poitout/ABACAPRESS.COM

FNSEA Farmers Protest At National Assembly - Paris

FNSEA Farmers Protest At National Assembly - Paris

Farmers under the banner of the FNSEA demonstrate near the Assemblee nationale in Paris, France, on January 13, 2026, as part of a protest linked to agricultural concerns and the Mercosur trade agreement. Photo by Florian Poitout/ABACAPRESS.COM

FNSEA Farmers Protest At National Assembly - Paris

FNSEA Farmers Protest At National Assembly - Paris

Farmers under the banner of the FNSEA demonstrate near the Assemblee nationale in Paris, France, on January 13, 2026, as part of a protest linked to agricultural concerns and the Mercosur trade agreement. Photo by Florian Poitout/ABACAPRESS.COM

FNSEA Farmers Protest At National Assembly - Paris

FNSEA Farmers Protest At National Assembly - Paris

Farmers under the banner of the FNSEA demonstrate near the Assemblee nationale in Paris, France, on January 13, 2026, as part of a protest linked to agricultural concerns and the Mercosur trade agreement. Photo by Florian Poitout/ABACAPRESS.COM

FNSEA Farmers Protest At National Assembly - Paris

FNSEA Farmers Protest At National Assembly - Paris

Farmers under the banner of the FNSEA demonstrate near the Assemblee nationale in Paris, France, on January 13, 2026, as part of a protest linked to agricultural concerns and the Mercosur trade agreement. Photo by Florian Poitout/ABACAPRESS.COM

FNSEA Farmers Protest At National Assembly - Paris

FNSEA Farmers Protest At National Assembly - Paris

Farmers under the banner of the FNSEA demonstrate near the Assemblee nationale in Paris, France, on January 13, 2026, as part of a protest linked to agricultural concerns and the Mercosur trade agreement. Photo by Florian Poitout/ABACAPRESS.COM

Chile: Flight to Punta Arenas Captures Smoke From Argentina Wildfires

A video taken from a flight to Punta Arenas shows thick smoke from wildfires in Argentina drifting over the area near Lake Todos los Santos in Los Lagos, southern Chile on Wednesday, January 14.

Japan: Blizzard Conditions Reduce Visibility in Sapporo Area 6

Heavy snowfall hit Sapporo and surrounding cities on Tuesday, January 13, significantly reducing visibility. Snow intensified in the afternoon, with 13 centimeters accumulating between noon and 6 p.m., according to local authorities. As of 6 p.m., blizzard conditions forced the closure of multiple expressways across a wide area. The severe weather also disrupted air travel, with 99 flights canceled at New Chitose Airport, along with numerous delays.

Japan: Blizzard Conditions Reduce Visibility in Sapporo Area 5

Heavy snowfall hit Sapporo and surrounding cities on Tuesday, January 13, significantly reducing visibility. Snow intensified in the afternoon, with 13 centimeters accumulating between noon and 6 p.m., according to local authorities. As of 6 p.m., blizzard conditions forced the closure of multiple expressways across a wide area. The severe weather also disrupted air travel, with 99 flights canceled at New Chitose Airport, along with numerous delays.

10 years after deadly bus crash in central Japan

10 years after deadly bus crash in central Japan

Photo taken Jan. 15, 2026, shows a cenotaph for the victims of a 2016 ski trip charter bus crash near the accident site in the mountain resort town of Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture, central Japan, with flowers offered on its 10th anniversary the same day. The accident left 15 people dead and 26 injured, mostly college students.

10 years after deadly bus crash in central Japan

10 years after deadly bus crash in central Japan

Photo taken Jan. 15, 2026, shows a cenotaph for the victims of a 2016 ski trip charter bus crash near the accident site in the mountain resort town of Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture, central Japan, with flowers offered on its 10th anniversary the same day. The accident left 15 people dead and 26 injured, mostly college students.

10 years after deadly bus crash in central Japan

10 years after deadly bus crash in central Japan

Photo taken Jan. 15, 2026, shows a cenotaph for the victims of a 2016 ski trip charter bus crash near the accident site in the mountain resort town of Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture, central Japan, with flowers offered on its 10th anniversary the same day. The accident left 15 people dead and 26 injured, mostly college students.

White House

White House

President Donald Trump speaks near a container of milk during a signing ceremony in the Oval Office at the White House Jan. 14, 2026. Trump signed a bill allowing schools to serve whole and 2% milk. Photo by Francis Chung/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM