Spain: New Railway Accident, Passenger Train Collides with Construction Crane in Murcia

The Spanish rail network experienced another accident on Thursday, January 22—the fourth in less than a week—though this incident resulted in fewer casualties than recent tragedies. The collision occurred when a tow truck crane intruded into the safety clearance of a narrow-gauge FEVE train on the Cartagena-Los Nietos route in Murcia. At the time, the train was carrying 16 passengers; at least six individuals sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene.

Italy: Storm Harry Brings Flooding and Massive Waves to Sicily 2

Severe weather battered southern Italy from January 18, 2026, as Storm Harry swept through the central Mediterranean, hitting Calabria, Sicily, and Sardinia with violent winds, torrential rain, and massive waves. Authorities issued red alerts, evacuated nearly 200 people across Sicily, and deployed thousands of emergency workers as coastal flooding, transport disruptions, and storm surges caused widespread damage, while officials warned that conditions remained critical.

US: Extreme Cold Watch in Effect in Iowa as Strong Gusts Create Dangerous Blizzard and Whiteouts

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for Iowa, warning of high winds, snow, and an extended period of low temperatures. A wind advisory remained in effect until 11 p.m. Wednesday, January 21, for several counties. In northern and northeastern Iowa, strong gusts caused blowing snow and reduced visibility, potentially triggering blizzard conditions.

Multivehicle crash in Tokyo

Multivehicle crash in Tokyo

Photo taken on Jan. 22, 2026, shows the site of a multivehicle accident that occurred in central Tokyo's Akasaka district earlier in the day, leaving six men injured, including one in critical condition.

Multivehicle crash in Tokyo

Multivehicle crash in Tokyo

Photo taken on Jan. 22, 2026, shows the site of a multivehicle accident that occurred in central Tokyo's Akasaka district earlier in the day, leaving six men injured, including one in critical condition.

Multivehicle crash in Tokyo

Multivehicle crash in Tokyo

Photo taken on Jan. 22, 2026, shows the site of a multivehicle accident that occurred in central Tokyo's Akasaka district earlier in the day, leaving six men injured, including one in critical condition.

Multivehicle crash in Tokyo

Multivehicle crash in Tokyo

Photo taken on Jan. 22, 2026, shows the site of a multivehicle accident that occurred in central Tokyo's Akasaka district earlier in the day, leaving six men injured, including one in critical condition.

Multivehicle crash in Tokyo

Multivehicle crash in Tokyo

Photo taken on Jan. 22, 2026, shows the site of a multivehicle accident that occurred in central Tokyo's Akasaka district earlier in the day, leaving six men injured, including one in critical condition.

New Zealand: Landslide Hits Mount Maunganui

Search and rescue operations are underway in Mount Maunganui after a major landslide struck a local campground at 9:30 a.m. today. With up to nine people missing, emergency crews are working through the night. States of Emergency remain active across several regions, including Northland and the Bay of Plenty, as authorities assess the widespread damage.

Heavy snowfall in Niigata

Heavy snowfall in Niigata

A person walks in heavy snow in Nagaoka in Niigata Prefecture, northwest of Tokyo, on Jan. 22, 2026.

Helicopter accident on Mt. Aso

Helicopter accident on Mt. Aso

Firefighters wear gas masks in Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Jan. 22, 2026, as they prepare to resume a rescue and recovery mission for a sightseeing helicopter that went missing in the crater area of Mt. Nakadake, one of the peaks of Mt. Aso, on Jan. 20.

5th anniv. of nuclear weapons ban treaty

5th anniv. of nuclear weapons ban treaty

People light candles at the Peace Memorial Park near the World Heritage-listed Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima, western Japan, on Jan. 22, 2026, to mark the fifth anniversary of the coming into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

5th anniv. of nuclear weapons ban treaty

5th anniv. of nuclear weapons ban treaty

People light candles at the Peace Memorial Park near the World Heritage-listed Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima, western Japan, on Jan. 22, 2026, to mark the fifth anniversary of the coming into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

BOJ policy-setting meeting

BOJ policy-setting meeting

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda arrives at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on Jan. 22, 2026, for the first day of a two-day monetary policy meeting. (Pool photo)

Eve of PM Takaichi's Diet dissolution

Eve of PM Takaichi's Diet dissolution

Photo taken on Jan. 22, 2026, shows Japan's parliament building in Tokyo on the eve of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's scheduled dissolution of the House of Representatives for a snap general election.

Eve of PM Takaichi's Diet dissolution

Eve of PM Takaichi's Diet dissolution

Photo taken on Jan. 22, 2026, shows Japan's parliament building in Tokyo on the eve of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's scheduled dissolution of the House of Representatives for a snap general election.

Eve of PM Takaichi's Diet dissolution

Eve of PM Takaichi's Diet dissolution

Photo taken on Jan. 22, 2026, shows Japan's parliament building in Tokyo on the eve of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's scheduled dissolution of the House of Representatives for a snap general election.

Eve of PM Takaichi's Diet dissolution

Eve of PM Takaichi's Diet dissolution

Photo taken on Jan. 22, 2026, shows Japan's parliament building in Tokyo on the eve of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's scheduled dissolution of the House of Representatives for a snap general election.

Kadokawa's ex-chairman found guilty over Olympics bribery

Kadokawa's ex-chairman found guilty over Olympics bribery

Former Kadokawa Corp. Chairman Tsuguhiko Kadokawa speaks at a press conference in Tokyo on Jan. 22, 2026, after the Tokyo District Court sentenced him to a suspended prison term for bribing a Tokyo Olympic organizing committee executive to ensure the major publisher's selection as a sponsor of the 2021 Games.

Kadokawa's ex-chairman found guilty over Olympics bribery

Kadokawa's ex-chairman found guilty over Olympics bribery

Former Kadokawa Corp. Chairman Tsuguhiko Kadokawa (C) speaks at a press conference in Tokyo on Jan. 22, 2026, after the Tokyo District Court sentenced him to a suspended prison term for bribing a Tokyo Olympic organizing committee executive to ensure the major publisher's selection as a sponsor of the 2021 Games.

Frozen lake in northern Japan

Frozen lake in northern Japan

Bubbles trapped within the ice are visible on the frozen surface of the man-made Lake Nukabira in Kamishihoro in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 22, 2026. These "ice bubbles" form when methane gas rises from the lake and becomes sealed in as the water freezes.

Frozen lake in northern Japan

Frozen lake in northern Japan

Bubbles trapped within the ice are visible on the frozen surface of the man-made Lake Nukabira in Kamishihoro in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 22, 2026. These "ice bubbles" form when methane gas rises from the lake and becomes sealed in as the water freezes.

Frozen lake in northern Japan

Frozen lake in northern Japan

Bubbles trapped within the ice are visible on the frozen surface of the man-made Lake Nukabira in Kamishihoro in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 22, 2026. These "ice bubbles" form when methane gas rises from the lake and becomes sealed in as the water freezes.

Frozen lake in northern Japan

Frozen lake in northern Japan

Bubbles trapped within the ice are visible on the frozen surface of the man-made Lake Nukabira in Kamishihoro in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 22, 2026. These "ice bubbles" form when methane gas rises from the lake and becomes sealed in as the water freezes.

Figure skating: Four Continents championships

Figure skating: Four Continents championships

Ami Nakai of Japan performs in the women's short program at the Four Continents figure skating championships in Beijing on Jan. 22, 2026.

Figure skating: Four Continents championships

Figure skating: Four Continents championships

Ami Nakai of Japan performs in the women's short program at the Four Continents figure skating championships in Beijing on Jan. 22, 2026.

Figure skating: Four Continents championships

Figure skating: Four Continents championships

Yuna Aoki of Japan performs in the women's short program at the Four Continents figure skating championships in Beijing on Jan. 22, 2026.

Figure skating: Four Continents championships

Figure skating: Four Continents championships

Yuna Aoki of Japan performs in the women's short program at the Four Continents figure skating championships in Beijing on Jan. 22, 2026.

Figure skating: Four Continents championships

Figure skating: Four Continents championships

Mone Chiba of Japan performs in the women's short program at the Four Continents figure skating championships in Beijing on Jan. 22, 2026.

Figure skating: Four Continents championships

Figure skating: Four Continents championships

Mone Chiba of Japan performs in the women's short program at the Four Continents figure skating championships in Beijing on Jan. 22, 2026.

Italy: Storm Harry Brings Flooding and Massive Waves to Sicily

Severe weather battered southern Italy from January 18, 2026, as Storm Harry swept through the central Mediterranean, hitting Calabria, Sicily, and Sardinia with violent winds, torrential rain, and massive waves. Authorities issued red alerts, evacuated nearly 200 people across Sicily, and deployed thousands of emergency workers as coastal flooding, transport disruptions, and storm surges caused widespread damage, while officials warned that conditions remained critical.

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.

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Yoshihiko Noda (C, L) and Tetsuo Saito (C, R), co-leaders of Japan's new centrist opposition party, the Centrist Reform Alliance, raise their fists during the party's inaugural convention in Tokyo on Jan. 22, 2026. Over 160 lawmakers have joined the party formed following a deal between the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Komeito party ahead of a general election set for Feb. 8.

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Yoshihiko Noda (L) and Tetsuo Saito, co-leaders of Japan's new centrist opposition party, called the Centrist Reform Alliance, hold a press conference following the party's inaugural convention in Tokyo on Jan. 22, 2026. Over 160 lawmakers joined the party formed following a deal between the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Komeito party ahead of a general election set for Feb. 8.

Baseball: NL Championship Series between Brewers and Dodgers

Baseball: NL Championship Series between Brewers and Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani reacts after Brice Turang of the Milwaukee Brewers lines into a double play in the third inning of Game 4 of the National League Championship Series at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Oct. 17, 2025.

Missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Japan Transport Safety Board officer Keisuke Tanoue meets the press in Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Jan. 22, 2026, after a sightseeing helicopter went missing in the crater area of Mt. Nakadake, one of the peaks of Mt. Aso on Jan. 20.

Missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Police officers and firefighters walk toward an area near a crater on Mt. Nakadake, one of the peaks of Mt. Aso in Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan, on Jan. 21, 2026, to search for a sightseeing helicopter that went missing on Jan. 20.

Missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Police officers and firefighters walk toward an area near a crater on Mt. Nakadake, one of the peaks of Mt. Aso in Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan, on Jan. 21, 2026, to search for a sightseeing helicopter that went missing on Jan. 20.

Aso Helicopter missing

Aso Helicopter missing

Police officers and firefighters walk toward an area near a crater on Mt. Nakadake, one of the peaks of Mt. Aso in Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan, on Jan. 21, 2026, to search for a sightseeing helicopter that went missing on Jan. 20.

Retired shogi player Hifumi Kato dies at 86

Retired shogi player Hifumi Kato dies at 86

Retired pro shogi player Hifumi Kato (R) chats with young player Sota Fujii in Tokyo in November 2018. The former holder of the most prestigious Meijin title, Kato died of pneumonia on Jan. 22, 2026, aged 86. He had held the record for becoming the youngest pro shogi player at 14 years and seven months in 1954 until Fujii broke it at 14 years and two months in 2016, while he played to the age of 77 years and five months, the oldest on record.

Retired shogi player Hifumi Kato dies at 86

Retired shogi player Hifumi Kato dies at 86

Retiring pro shogi player Hifumi Kato waves after his retirement press conference in Tokyo in June 2017. The former holder of the most prestigious Meijin title, Kato died of pneumonia on Jan. 22, 2026, aged 86. He had held the record for becoming the youngest pro shogi player at 14 years and seven months in 1954 until Sota Fujii broke it at 14 years and two months in 2016, while he played to the age of 77 years and five months, the oldest on record.

Retired shogi player Hifumi Kato dies at 86

Retired shogi player Hifumi Kato dies at 86

Retired pro shogi player Hifumi Kato gives an interview in Tokyo in November 2018. The former holder of the most prestigious Meijin title, Kato died of pneumonia on Jan. 22, 2026, aged 86. He had held the record for becoming the youngest pro shogi player at 14 years and seven months in 1954 until Sota Fujii broke it at 14 years and two months in 2016, while he played to the age of 77 years and five months, the oldest on record.

Retired shogi player Hifumi Kato dies at 86

Retired shogi player Hifumi Kato dies at 86

Pro shogi player Hifumi Kato (R) reviews his match against debutant Sota Fujii after being beaten by him in Tokyo in December 2016. The former holder of the most prestigious Meijin title, Kato died of pneumonia on Jan. 22, 2026, aged 86. He had held the record for becoming the youngest pro shogi player at 14 years and seven months in 1954 until Fujii broke it at 14 years and two months in 2016, while he played to the age of 77 years and five months, the oldest on record.

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.

Baseball: Rays vs. Dodgers

Baseball: Rays vs. Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani hits a two-run home run, his 41st of the season, in the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Aug. 24, 2024.

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Yoshihiko Noda (L) and Tetsuo Saito, co-leaders of Japan's new centrist opposition party, called the Centrist Reform Alliance, wave at the end of the party's inaugural convention in Tokyo on Jan. 22, 2026. Over 160 lawmakers joined the party formed following a deal between the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Komeito party ahead of a general election set for Feb. 8.

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Yoshihiko Noda, co-leader of Japan's new centrist opposition party, called the Centrist Reform Alliance, speaks during its inaugural convention in Tokyo on Jan. 22, 2026. Over 160 lawmakers joined the party formed following a deal between the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Komeito party ahead of a general election set for Feb. 8.

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Yoshihiko Noda, co-leader of Japan's new centrist opposition party, called the Centrist Reform Alliance, speaks during its inaugural convention in Tokyo on Jan. 22, 2026. Over 160 lawmakers joined the party formed following a deal between the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Komeito party ahead of a general election set for Feb. 8.

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Tetsuo Saito, co-leader of Japan's new centrist opposition party, called the Centrist Reform Alliance, speaks during its inaugural convention in Tokyo on Jan. 22, 2026. Over 160 lawmakers joined the party formed following a deal between the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Komeito party ahead of a general election set for Feb. 8.

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Yoshihiko Noda, co-leader of Japan's new centrist opposition party, called the Centrist Reform Alliance, speaks during its inaugural convention in Tokyo on Jan. 22, 2026. Over 160 lawmakers joined the party formed following a deal between the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Komeito party ahead of a general election set for Feb. 8.