Iwate town declares forest fire under control on 11th day
WorldOTSUCHI, IWATE PREF., --The northeastern Japan town of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, declared Saturday that the forest fire that broke out on April 22 has come under control.
Japan starts additional release of state oil reserves
WorldTOKYO -- Japan started releasing on Friday additional state oil reserves equivalent to about 20 days of domestic consumption, amid crude oil procurement concerns brought on by the de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
US withdrawing 5,000 troops from Germany, US officials say
WorldWASHINGTON -- The United States is withdrawing 5,000 troops from NATO ally Germany, the Pentagon announced on Friday, as a rift over the Iran war widens between President Donald Trump and Europe.
Australia worried over mouse infestation's impact on food supply
WorldAustralia's government said on Saturday it was worried about a plague of mice in the west and would keep working with industry to curb its impact on food supply.
AI actors and writers not eligible for Oscars: Academy
WorldActors created with artificial intelligence will not be eligible for an Oscar, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said Friday as it launched a crackdown on the use of AI.
At least 11 dead in western Mexico after bus careens off highway
WorldMEXICO CITY -- A holiday Labor Day weekend turned tragic on Friday as at least 11 people died and 31 others were injured when a tourist bus crashed in Mexico's western state of Nayarit.
France, Germany send firefighters to help battle Dutch blazes
WorldFrance and Germany sent firefighting units to the Netherlands on Friday to help battle woodland blazes flaring in several areas.
WHO delays pandemic treaty amid pathogen-sharing dispute
WorldWorld Health Organization member states said on Friday they had extended talks on pathogen-sharing rules, casting doubt on when a pandemic treaty adopted last year can come into effect.
Nissan drops EV production plan in US
WorldNEW YORK -- Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Co. will scrap its plans to produce electric vehicles at its vehicle assembly plant in Canton, Mississippi, company officials said Thursday.
Japan green tea exports jump in FY 2025 amid global matcha boom
WorldTOKYO -- Japan's green tea exports are surging, driven by a strong matcha boom around the world.
