US: Transfer Fire Near Lake Chelan Prompts Evacuation Orders 2

The Transfer Fire broke out near Lake Chelan, Washington, on Sunday, July 12, prompting a Level 3 "get out now" evacuation order that afternoon. Chelan County lowered the order to Level 2 around 6 p.m., and fire crews confirmed the blaze was fully extinguished by about 9 p.m. Some roads remained affected by heavy fire traffic. The cause is still under investigation.

China: Man Narrowly Escapes Lightning Strike in Shanghai

A man filming farmland under darkening skies in Shanghai on July 9, 2026, captured the moment a bolt of lightning struck the ground directly in front of him. The flash lit up the scene in a startling close call just before an incoming storm.

US: Evacuations Remain in Place as Willow Fire Grows Near Leadville 2

As of Monday, July 13, the Willow Fire near Turquoise Lake west of Leadville, Colorado, has burned more than 6,200 acres since it started on June 28, with evacuation orders still in place. Firefighters continued working under another Red Flag Warning amid record-setting heat.

UK: Fire Tears Through Walthamstow, Leaving One House Destroyed

A fire broke out in Walthamstow on Sunday, July 12, leaving one house destroyed and a second home damaged before crews stopped it from spreading to more properties. There were no reports of any injuries. It caused disruption to the Weaver London Overground line, and its cause remains under investigation.

US: Transfer Fire Near Lake Chelan Prompts Evacuation Orders

The Transfer Fire broke out near Lake Chelan, Washington, on Sunday, July 12, prompting a Level 3 "get out now" evacuation order that afternoon. Chelan County lowered the order to Level 2 around 6 p.m., and fire crews confirmed the blaze was fully extinguished by about 9 p.m. Some roads remained affected by heavy fire traffic. The cause is still under investigation.

UK: Smoke From Dovestone Reservoir Fire Spreads Through Greater Manchester

Firefighters battled a major moorland fire above Dovestone Reservoir in Saddleworth, Greater Manchester, which started Saturday, July 11. The massive fire sent smoke as far as Sale, Stockport and Levenshulme. The cause is under investigation. Residents were advised to keep their windows shut.

UK: Time-Lapse of Dovestone Reservoir Fire Smoke Drifting Over Greater Manchester

Firefighters battled a major moorland fire above Dovestone Reservoir in Saddleworth, Greater Manchester, which started Saturday, July 11. The massive fire sent smoke as far as Sale, Stockport and Levenshulme. The cause is under investigation. Residents were advised to keep their windows shut.

US: Evacuations Remain in Place as Willow Fire Grows Near Leadville

As of Sunday, July 12, the Willow Fire near Turquoise Lake west of Leadville, Colorado, has burned more than 5,800 acres since it started on June 28, with evacuation orders still in place. Firefighters continued working under another Red Flag Warning amid record-setting heat.

10th anniv. of South China Sea arbitral ruling

10th anniv. of South China Sea arbitral ruling

Japanese Parliamentary Vice Foreign Minister Tomoaki Shimada makes a speech at an event held in Manila on July 10, 2026, to mark the 10th anniversary on July 12 of the landmark 2016 international tribunal ruling that rejected China's claims in the South China Sea under the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea.

10th anniv. of South China Sea arbitral ruling

10th anniv. of South China Sea arbitral ruling

Philippine Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro makes a speech at an event held in Manila on July 10, 2026, to mark the 10th anniversary on July 12 of the landmark 2016 international tribunal ruling that rejected China's claims in the South China Sea under the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea. ==Kyodo

Scene in North Korea

Scene in North Korea

Photo taken on July 10, 2026, from the Chinese border city of Dandong shows a customs house under construction in North Korea.

US: Time-Lapse Shows Massive Smoke From Babylon Fire in Utah

This time-lapse, filmed on Monday, July 6, shows massive smoke rising from the Babylon Fire burning near Monticello, Utah. The fire grew to 101,073 acres and reached 11% containment by Wednesday, with more than 1,353 personnel deployed to fight it. Five structures have been destroyed, and the cause remains under investigation.

US: Narrow Fire Breaks Out in Ladera Ranch Backyard Hills

A brush fire broke out in the backyard hills of Ladera Ranch, California, on Tuesday afternoon, July 7, prompting a rapid response from the Orange County Fire Authority, which deployed aircraft to drop fire retardant on the blaze. The fire, dubbed the Narrow Fire after nearby Narrow Canyon Road, was reported at around 4:45 p.m. and grew to about 5 acres before firefighters brought it under control by evening, with officials saying it did not threaten nearby homes.

Spain: Smoke Rises From Wildfire Near Selvanera, Catalonia

Firefighters brought a wildfire under control near Selvanera in Torrefeta i Florejacs, in Catalonia's Segarra region, after it broke out Tuesday in an unharvested cereal field. The blaze, which burned an estimated 113.25 hectares, forced a lockdown of several municipalities that was lifted Tuesday afternoon.

US: Partial Collapse Forces Evacuation of Midtown Manhattan High-Rise

A partial structural collapse forced the evacuation of a 33-story high-rise under construction in Midtown Manhattan on Tuesday morning, July 7, after two columns buckled and floors 21 through 26 caved in at the former Pfizer building at 235 East 42nd Street. The FDNY reported no injuries, though the incident triggered major street closures and traffic restrictions around Second and Third Avenues that caused significant commuter delays.

Rainy season ends in parts of Japan

Rainy season ends in parts of Japan

A pedestrian is pictured with a parasol under the scorching sun in a commercial district of Fukuoka, southwestern Japan, on July 8, 2026. Japan's weather agency announced the same day that the rainy season appears to have ended in the northern part of the Kyushu region, including Fukuoka, as well as western Japan's Chugoku and Kinki regions.

Rainy season ends in parts of Japan

Rainy season ends in parts of Japan

A pedestrian is pictured with a parasol under the scorching sun in a commercial district of Fukuoka, southwestern Japan, on July 8, 2026. Japan's weather agency announced the same day that the rainy season appears to have ended in the northern part of the Kyushu region, including Fukuoka, as well as western Japan's Chugoku and Kinki regions.

Rainy season ends in parts of Japan

Rainy season ends in parts of Japan

A woman walks with a portable fan under the scorching sun in a commercial district of Fukuoka, southwestern Japan, on July 8, 2026. Japan's weather agency announced the same day that the rainy season appears to have ended in the northern part of the Kyushu region, including Fukuoka, as well as western Japan's Chugoku and Kinki regions.

Spain: Truck Fire at Mercapalma Near Palma Airport Prompts Residents to Evacuate

A truck caught fire at the Mercapalma wholesale market in Palma de Mallorca, near Son Sant Joan Airport, on Monday, July 6, spreading to several other vehicles amid strong winds and dry conditions. The blaze reached a nearby settlement, prompting a precautionary evacuation, before firefighters brought it under control. Flight operations were not disrupted.

US: Wind-Driven Mora Fire Rages Near Kuna Butte, Idaho

The Mora Fire, a fast-moving wildfire that broke out on Sunday, July 5, near Kuna Butte, Idaho, burned more than 2,400 acres amid strong winds, destroying one structure that housed livestock and damaging another outbuilding. No injuries were reported and no evacuations or road closures were in effect as of Tuesday, while the cause remained under investigation.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (C) controls the ball under pressure from Croatia's Josip Stanisic (2) and Nikola Vlasic (13) in the first half of a World Cup round of 32 football match at Toronto Stadium in Toronto on July 2, 2026.

Russian attack on Kyiv

Russian attack on Kyiv

Rescue operation is under way on July 2, 2026, at an apartment building severely damaged in a massive Russian missile attack in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Denmark: Water Leak Floods Copenhagen Airport Departures Terminal

A water leak caused flooding in the departures terminal at Copenhagen Airport on Wednesday morning, July 1, with water pouring from the ceiling and covering the floor. According to reports, the leak was stopped and largely under control by midday, with the floor now dry. The airport said the incident posed an operational challenge but that no flights or passengers were affected. The cause of the leak remains under investigation.

Croatia: Lightning Strike Ignites Fire Near Homes on Čiovo Island

An open-air fire broke out in the Žedno area on the Croatian island of Čiovo on Tuesday afternoon, June 30, after a lightning strike, with strong winds hampering firefighting efforts as the flames spread close to nearby houses. The fire was brought under control and the fire site was cleaned up overnight.

Spain: Flash Floods Turn Streets Into Rivers Across La Rioja Region

Severe storms triggered flash flooding across Spain's La Rioja region on Sunday, turning streets into rivers and prompting authorities to activate emergency protocols as torrential rain overwhelmed drainage systems. The town of Haro was hit particularly hard, recording nearly 55 liters of rain per square meter in under an hour, flooding garages and businesses and submerging vehicles.

Imperial succession

Imperial succession

Hirofumi Nakasone, head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's constitutional reform headquarters, speaks to reporters at the party headquarters in Tokyo on June 29, 2026, saying he regrets having said inappropriately the previous day that Princess Aiko cannot become emperor under Japan's current succession law.

Imperial succession

Imperial succession

Hirofumi Nakasone, head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's constitutional reform headquarters, delivers a speech in Takaoka in Toyama Prefecture, central Japan, on June 28, 2026, saying Princess Aiko cannot become emperor under Japan's current succession law.

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over quake-hit Wajima

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over quake-hit Wajima

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Wajima in Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan, on June 28, 2026, to cheer up people affected by the massive 2024 earthquake and heavy rain that struck the Noto Peninsula and surrounding areas, still under reconstruction.

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over quake-hit Wajima

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over quake-hit Wajima

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Wajima in Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan, on June 28, 2026, to cheer up people affected by the massive 2024 earthquake and heavy rain that struck the Noto Peninsula and surrounding areas, still under reconstruction.

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over quake-hit Wajima

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over quake-hit Wajima

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Wajima in Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan, on June 28, 2026, to cheer up people affected by the massive 2024 earthquake and heavy rain that struck the Noto Peninsula and surrounding areas, still under reconstruction.

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over quake-hit Wajima

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over quake-hit Wajima

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Wajima in Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan, on June 28, 2026, to cheer up people affected by the massive 2024 earthquake and heavy rain that struck the Noto Peninsula and surrounding areas, still under reconstruction.

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over quake-hit Wajima

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over quake-hit Wajima

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Wajima in Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan, on June 28, 2026, to cheer up people affected by the massive 2024 earthquake and heavy rain that struck the Noto Peninsula and surrounding areas, still under reconstruction.

US: Possible Tornado Spotted in Oklahoma Panhandle

A possible tornado was captured on video near Slapout, as severe storms moved into the state. Much of northern Oklahoma was under a tornado watch through the evening.

US: Severe Storm Turns Green Bay, Wisconsin Streets into Rivers

A severe storm struck Green Bay, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, June 24, dumping more than 2 inches of rain and hail in under an hour, turning streets into rivers.

Spain: Fire Breaks Out at Madrid’s Torre Moeve Skyscraper

A fire broke out at Torre Moeve, Spain's second-tallest skyscraper in Madrid, on Tuesday, June 23, at around 5:00 p.m. The tower was soon evacuated. The cause of the flame is under investigation.

China: Passing Water Sprinkler Truck Helps Extinguish Burning Cargo Truck in Hubei

A cargo truck caught fire on a street in Hubei province, China, on May 11, 2026, with flames spreading rapidly due to a load of cardboard boxes. A passing water sprinkler truck stopped to spray the vehicle and repositioned itself for better coverage before fire engines arrived to help bring the blaze under control.

US: Warehouse Fire Prompts Evacuations in Monrovia After Blaze Breaks Out

A fire broke out at a women's apparel warehouse on the 100 block of East Chestnut Avenue in Monrovia on Thursday evening, June 18, prompting evacuations of the nearby area. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

New Fed chair Warsh

New Fed chair Warsh

New U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh speaks at a press conference in Washington on June 17, 2026, following a two-day meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee, held for the first time under his leadership.

Landfill work for U.S. base transfer within Okinawa

Landfill work for U.S. base transfer within Okinawa

Photo taken on June 17, 2026, shows work getting under way to dump landfill into a newly designated area in Oura Bay off the Henoko coastal area in Nago, Okinawa Prefecture, for the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station within the southern Japan island prefecture.

UK: Thousands Join Counter-Protest Against Far-Right March in Brighton

Anti-immigration group South East Patriots held a "Stop the Boats" march in Brighton city center on Saturday, June 13, drawing around 300 supporters. A counter-protest under the banner of Carnival Against Fascism drew an estimated 4,000 people. Police deployed riot officers after items were thrown, and eight people were arrested on charges including assaulting a police officer, breach of the peace, and possession of a pyrotechnic item.

Mexico: Fans Celebrate World Cup Opening Win Over South Africa in Mexico City

On June 11, 2026, in Mexico City, Mexican fans celebrated their team's victory over South Africa in the FIFA World Cup opening match while sheltering from thunderstorms under the bridges of Calzada de Tlalpan.

Spain: Fire Ravages Arcofrut Cooperative in Lleida, Prompting Evacuations

Firefighters brought a major blaze under control on Tuesday morning, June 9, at the Arcofrut fruit cooperative in Lleida, Spain, after it broke out late Monday night, June 8 and spread rapidly through the facility's exterior and two of its three warehouses. Four people suffered minor injuries, nearby residents were briefly evacuated over fears of an ammonia tank explosion, and authorities are investigating whether the fire was deliberately set after indications it may have started at two separate points.

China: Lost Owl Hides Under Exercise Equipment in Henan

On April 29, 2026, in Henan, central China, a small owl was filmed hiding under outdoor exercise equipment after apparently losing its way. The owl gazed around with wide eyes, visibly disoriented. Since owls have limited daytime vision, onlookers worried for its safety. Staff later arrived to assist, but found the owl had already flown off on its own — likely after dark.

Electronics retailers Yamada, Edion agree to business integration

Electronics retailers Yamada, Edion agree to business integration

Photo taken on June 4, 2026, shows an outlet of Yamada Denki Co., a subsidiary of Yamada Holdings Co., in Kawasaki near Tokyo. Japan's largest consumer electronics retailer Yamada Holdings and another key player in the sector, Edion Corp., said on June 5 they have agreed to integrate their businesses under a new holding company.

Electronics retailers Yamada, Edion agree to business integration

Electronics retailers Yamada, Edion agree to business integration

Photo taken on June 4, 2026, shows an outlet of Yamada Denki Co., a subsidiary of Yamada Holdings Co., in Kawasaki near Tokyo. Japan's largest consumer electronics retailer Yamada Holdings and another key player in the sector, Edion Corp., said on June 5 they have agreed to integrate their businesses under a new holding company.

Electronics retailers Yamada, Edion eye business integration

Electronics retailers Yamada, Edion eye business integration

Photo taken on June 4, 2026, shows an outlet of Yamada Denki Co., a subsidiary of Yamada Holdings Co., in Kawasaki near Tokyo. Japan's largest consumer electronics retailer Yamada Holdings and another key player in the sector, Edion Corp., are planning to merge their businesses under a new holding company.

China: Hundreds of Ducks Spin in Formation on Darkened Roadway

On December 29, 2025, in Zhejiang Province, located in eastern China, a video recorded a surreal nighttime scene in which more than a hundred ducks formed a tidy square formation in the middle of the road. Under the dim streetlights, the birds marched in a slow circular pattern, forcing passing vehicles to stop and give way. Drivers watched as the ducks continued turning rhythmically, appearing completely absorbed in their movement. Their orderly behavior at such a late hour puzzled many who viewed the clip, and the unusual gathering drew significant attention online.

China: Massive Sandstorm Approaches School Football Field in Harbin

On May 31, 2026, a massive sandstorm swept toward a school football field in Harbin, Heilongjiang, with a towering wall of dust advancing rapidly under strong winds. As the storm drew closer, several students remained on the playground to take photos, capturing the dramatic scene as the sandstorm approached.

Ireland: Gorse Fire Breaks Out on Bray Head Amid Prolonged Hot and Dry Weather 2

A large gorse fire broke out on Bray Head in County Wicklow, Ireland, on Thursday, May 28, amid a prolonged spell of hot and dry weather. The blaze was brought under control, but crews returned to the site on Friday morning after smoke was reported, with the public advised to continue avoiding the area.

Ireland: Aftermath of Gorse Fire Leaves Bray Head Hillside Blackened

A large gorse fire broke out on Bray Head in County Wicklow, Ireland, on Thursday, May 28, amid a prolonged spell of hot and dry weather. The blaze was brought under control, but crews returned to the site on Friday morning after smoke was reported, with the public advised to continue avoiding the area. This video shows the burned Bray Head on May 31.