US: Fire Inside Lincoln Tunnel to New York Prompts Partial Closure

Part of New York City's Lincoln Tunnel was temporarily closed on Thursday, March 19, after a vehicle fire broke out inside the tunnel, causing significant traffic delays. All lanes were reopened, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, though the cause of the fire remained under investigation.

Spain: Catalan Teachers Strike on Fourth Day, Demanding Labor Improvements

Thousands of teachers took to the streets across Catalonia, including Girona, Sabadell, Mataró, and Granollers, on Thursday, March 19, on the fourth day of a strike as educators demanded better pay, reduced class sizes, and more support staff. A full Catalonia-wide strike was set to follow on Friday, with even greater turnout expected.

Japan-U.S. summit

Japan-U.S. summit

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C, L) holds talks with U.S. President Donald Trump (C, R) in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on March 19, 2026.

Japan-U.S. summit

Japan-U.S. summit

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C, L) holds talks with U.S. President Donald Trump (C, R) in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on March 19, 2026.

Japan-U.S. summit

Japan-U.S. summit

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (L) holds talks with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on March 19, 2026.

Japan-U.S. summit

Japan-U.S. summit

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C, L) and U.S. President Donald Trump (C, R) pose ahead of their talks in the White House Oval Office in Washington on March 19, 2026.

Japan-U.S. summit

Japan-U.S. summit

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (L) holds talks with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on March 19, 2026.

Japan-U.S. summit

Japan-U.S. summit

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (back, L) holds talks with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on March 19, 2026.

Japan-U.S. summit

Japan-U.S. summit

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (L) holds talks with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on March 19, 2026.

Japan-U.S. summit

Japan-U.S. summit

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (back, L) holds talks with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Ovall Office of the White House in Washington on March 19, 2026.

Japan-U.S. summit

Japan-U.S. summit

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (L) holds talks with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Ovall Office of the White House in Washington on March 19, 2026.

Japan-U.S. summit

Japan-U.S. summit

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (L) and U.S. President Donald Trump shake hands in the Ovall Office of the White House in Washington on March 19, 2026.

Spain: Storm Therese Hits Canary Islands with Strong Winds and Rain

Spain’s meteorological agency, AEMET, has warned of thunderstorms and winds of up to 100 km/h this Thursday. March 19, Schools will be closed in six islands, with all of the Canary Islands shutting on Friday, March 20. Storm Therese may also disrupt a major carnival event in Gran Canaria, with the Maspalomas parade still uncertain due to forecasts of heavy rain and strong winds.

US: Rooftop Fire Breaks Out Near NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Midtown 4

Thick plumes of black smoke billowed into the sky over Midtown Manhattan on Tuesday, March 17, after a fire broke out in a cooling tower on the roof of a building under renovation near the start of the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. Construction workers evacuated safely and no impact reported on the parade.

Venezuela: Crowd Floods Caracas Streets to Celebrate WBC Victory

The Venezuelan national team won the 2026 World Baseball Classic, defeating the United States 3–2 at LoanDepot Park in Miami on March 17, securing the country’s first professional baseball world title. The streets of Caracas and cities across Venezuela erupted in celebration, and Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared March 18 a national public holiday. The first part of the video was filmed on Bolívar Avenue.

Mt. Fuji train launched for inbound travelers

Mt. Fuji train launched for inbound travelers

A ceremony marking the launch of a special "Mt. Fuji view" train dedicated to foreign tourists is held at JR Mishima Station in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on March 19, 2026. The train, operated by JR Tokai between March 19 and Dec. 22, will travel between Mishima Station of JR Tokaido Line and Fujinomiya Station of JR Minebu Line, with Mt. Fuji-themed pictures drawn by Edo-period ukiyoe artist Katsushika Hokusai on display inside the train.

Mt. Fuji train launched for inbound travelers

Mt. Fuji train launched for inbound travelers

A ceremony marking the launch of a special "Mt. Fuji view" train dedicated to foreign tourists is held at JR Mishima Station in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on March 19, 2026. The train, operated by JR Tokai between March 19 and Dec. 22, will travel between Mishima Station of JR Tokaido Line and Fujinomiya Station of JR Minebu Line, with Mt. Fuji-themed pictures drawn by Edo-period ukiyoe artist Katsushika Hokusai on display inside the train.

Suzuki Motor to raise output capacity in India

Suzuki Motor to raise output capacity in India

Photo taken on March 18, 2026, shows vehicles under shipment at a plant operated by Japan's Suzuki Motor Corp. in Hansalpur, western India. Suzuki will raise annual automobile production capacity at the plant by 250,000 units to 1 million units with the addition of a new line dedicated to electric vehicles now under construction.

Suzuki Motor to raise output capacity in India

Suzuki Motor to raise output capacity in India

Photo taken on March 18, 2026, shows an assembly line operated by Japan's Suzuki Motor Corp. in Hansalpur, western India. Suzuki will raise annual automobile production capacity at the plant by 250,000 units to 1 million units with the addition of a new line dedicated to electric vehicles now under construction.

BOJ policy-setting meeting

BOJ policy-setting meeting

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda is pictured after attending a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on March 19, 2026, following a two-day policy setting meeting.

BOJ policy-setting meeting

BOJ policy-setting meeting

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda holds a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on March 19, 2026, following a two-day policy setting meeting.

BOJ policy-setting meeting

BOJ policy-setting meeting

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda holds a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on March 19, 2026, following a two-day policy setting meeting.

BOJ policy-setting meeting

BOJ policy-setting meeting

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda holds a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on March 19, 2026, following a two-day policy setting meeting.

BOJ policy-setting meeting

BOJ policy-setting meeting

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda holds a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on March 19, 2026, following a two-day policy setting meeting.

BOJ policy-setting meeting

BOJ policy-setting meeting

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda holds a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on March 19, 2026, following a two-day policy setting meeting.

BOJ policy-setting meeting

BOJ policy-setting meeting

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda holds a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on March 19, 2026, following a two-day policy setting meeting.

BOJ policy-setting meeting

BOJ policy-setting meeting

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda holds a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on March 19, 2026, following a two-day policy setting meeting.

Football: Women's Asian Cup

Football: Women's Asian Cup

Japan players pose for a photo after reaching the final of the Women's Asian Cup by beating South Korea 4-1 in a semifinal in Sydney on March 18, 2026. Nadeshiko Japan will face hosts Australia in the final.

Football: Women's Asian Cup

Football: Women's Asian Cup

Japan players pose for a photo after reaching the final of the Women's Asian Cup by beating South Korea 4-1 in a semifinal in Sydney on March 18, 2026. Nadeshiko Japan will face hosts Australia in the final.

Football: Women's Asian Cup

Football: Women's Asian Cup

Japan players acknowledge the crowd after reaching the final of the Women's Asian Cup by beating South Korea 4-1 in a semifinal in Sydney on March 18, 2026. Nadeshiko Japan will face hosts Australia in the final.

Cherry blossoms in Tokyo

Cherry blossoms in Tokyo

The Somei Yoshino cherry tree that the Japan Meteorological Agency uses as a benchmark tree to declare the official start of the spring cherry blossom season, comes into bloom at Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo on March 19, 2026, five days earlier than the average year.

Cherry blossoms in Tokyo

Cherry blossoms in Tokyo

The Somei Yoshino cherry tree that the Japan Meteorological Agency uses as a benchmark tree to declare the official start of the spring cherry blossom season, comes into bloom at Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo on March 19, 2026, five days earlier than the average year.

US: Powerful Kona Storm Batters Hawaii With Record Rainfall and Hurricane-Force Winds

A powerful Kona Low battered Hawaii with heavy rain and hurricane-force winds, causing widespread flooding, landslides, road closures, and power outages. The storm brought record-breaking rainfall to the state from March 10–15, with Maui seeing up to 46 inches of precipitation. Residents described it as the worst storm they had ever seen, enduring roughly 72 hours without power, leaking roofs, and flooded streets. Oahu also recorded over 19 inches of rainfall in multiple locations.

Japanese mathematician Hironaka dies

Japanese mathematician Hironaka dies

Japanese mathematician Heisuke Hironaka (L) shakes hands with French Ambassador Bernard de Montferrand at the ambassador's official residence in Tokyo in January 2004 at an event to award Hironaka the Legion of Honor, France's most prestigious award. Kyoto University professor emeritus Hironaka died in Tokyo on March 18, 2026, aged 94.

China: Dancing Girl Captures Beluga Whale’s Attention at Anhui Aquarium

On February 14, 2026, in Anhui, located in eastern China, a video recorded a girl dancing in front of the glass wall at an aquarium. She moved freely while facing the tank, apparently unaware of what was happening behind her at first. As she danced, a beluga in the distance began swimming closer. The whale then approached the glass and stayed near the girl, appearing to watch her movements from inside the tank. When the girl turned around and noticed the beluga beside the glass, she immediately smiled. The interaction lasted only a brief moment, but the timing made it look as though the dance had drawn the animal over.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani meets the press after a game against the San Francisco Giants in spring training in Glendale, Arizona, on March 18, 2026. He made his first pitching appearance of the year, throwing 4-1/3 shutout innings, striking out four and allowing one hit.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (C) is greeted by teammates in the dugout after leaving the mound in a game against San Francisco Giants in spring training in Glendale, Arizona, on March 18, 2026. He made his first pitching appearance of the year, throwing 4-1/3 shutout innings, striking out four and allowing one hit.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani heads to the mound during a game against San Francisco Giants in spring training in Glendale, Arizona, on March 18, 2026. He made his first pitching appearance of the year, throwing 4-1/3 shutout innings, striking out four and allowing one hit.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani heads to the mound during a game against San Francisco Giants in spring training in Glendale, Arizona, on March 18, 2026. He made his first pitching appearance of the year, throwing 4-1/3 shutout innings, striking out four and allowing one hit.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani makes his first pitching start of the year in spring training against the San Francisco Giants in Glendale, Arizona, on March 18, 2026, throwing 4-1/3 shutout innings, striking out four and allowing one hit.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani makes his first pitching start of the year in spring training against the San Francisco Giants in Glendale, Arizona, on March 18, 2026, throwing 4-1/3 shutout innings, striking out four and allowing one hit.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani makes his first pitching start of the year in spring training against the San Francisco Giants in Glendale, Arizona, on March 18, 2026, throwing 4-1/3 shutout innings, striking out four and allowing one hit.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani makes his first pitching start of the year in spring training against the San Francisco Giants in Glendale, Arizona, on March 18, 2026, throwing 4-1/3 shutout innings, striking out four and allowing one hit.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (2nd from R) leaves the mound after making his first pitching appearance of the year in spring training against San Francisco Giants in Glendale, Arizona, on March 18, 2026. He threw 4-1/3 shutout innings, striking out four and allowing one hit.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani makes his first pitching start of the year in spring training against San Francisco Giants in Glendale, Arizona, on March 18, 2026, throwing 4-1/3 shutout innings, striking out four and allowing one hit.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani leaves the mound after making his first pitching appearance of the year in spring training against San Francisco Giants in Glendale, Arizona, on March 18, 2026. He threw 4-1/3 shutout innings, striking out four and allowing one hit.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani makes his first pitching start of the year in spring training against San Francisco Giants in Glendale, Arizona, on March 18, 2026, throwing 4-1/3 shutout innings, striking out four and allowing one hit.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani makes his first pitching start of the year in spring training against San Francisco Giants in Glendale, Arizona, on March 18, 2026, throwing 4-1/3 shutout innings, striking out four and allowing one hit.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani makes his first pitching start of the year in spring training against San Francisco Giants in Glendale, Arizona, on March 18, 2026, throwing 4-1/3 shutout innings, striking out four and allowing one hit.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani makes his first pitching start of the year in spring training against San Francisco Giants in Glendale, Arizona, on March 18, 2026, throwing 4-1/3 shutout innings, striking out four and allowing one hit.