SOUTHERN JAPAN

Feb 15 2026WEATHER

Storm Heads to Southern California, Bracing for Heavy Rain and Big Waves

Southern California is gearing up for a big weather event that could bring heavy rain, flooding, and dangerous waves to the coast. A strong storm system is expected to hit the region over the weekend, with the most intense impacts occurring from Sunday into Monday. The weather forecast starts off

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Feb 14 2026EDUCATION

Why Do Japanese Girls Love Christian Schools So Much?

Japan has very few Christians, only about 0. 7% of the population. Yet, Christian schools are everywhere and super popular. Why is that? Many people think it's because these schools are seen as fancy or upper-class, especially for girls. But is that really the whole story? Let's talk about one scho

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Feb 10 2026FINANCE

Japan’s Finance Minister Opens Door on Reserve Funds for Tax Cuts

Japanese finance chief Satsuki Katayama hinted that the country might look at surplus money in its foreign‑currency reserves to help pay for upcoming reductions in food sales tax. At a press briefing, she said that excess funds from the $1. 4 trillion reserve pool have historically been moved into t

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Jan 18 2026ENVIRONMENT

Southern California's Water Woes: Business vs. Environment

Southern California's waterways might soon see less protection. The EPA is redefining what counts as "waters of the United States" under the Clean Water Act. This change could mean more pollution in the region's flood control channels, which might no longer be seen as protected waters. The EPA's ne

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Jan 17 2026WEATHER

Southern Africa Faces Severe Flooding Crisis

Southern Africa is in the grip of a severe flooding crisis. Over 100 people have lost their lives in South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe due to relentless heavy rains. The downpours have been ongoing for weeks, causing widespread devastation. In South Africa, the situation is dire. Army helicopt

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Jan 16 2026CRIME

Fake Calls Tie Up Police: Schools, Celebs, and Hospitals in the Crosshairs

Southern California's emergency services are facing a growing problem: fake calls, known as swatting, are wasting precious time and resources. These hoax calls trick police into sending SWAT teams to non-existent crises, causing real fear and disruption. Students, like Sabrina Wong from Blair High

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Jan 15 2026WEATHER

Unusual Warmth in Southern California: What's Next?

Southern California has been enjoying unusually warm weather, making it feel like summer. The inland areas of Orange County saw temperatures soaring into the mid-80s on January 14th, which is about 15 degrees higher than what's normal for this time of year. Even the coastal areas were warmer than us

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Jan 13 2026FINANCE

Japan and the U. S. Agree: The Yen's Drop is a Problem

Japan's finance chief, Satsuki Katayama, recently met with U. S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. They talked about the yen's recent drop in value. The yen hit a one-year low. Both leaders shared worries about this sudden fall. This meeting happened in Washington. It was during a bigger meeting ab

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Jan 12 2026POLITICS

Japan's Prime Minister Plays Political Chess

Japan is buzzing with political moves. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is thinking about ending the current parliament session soon. They might call a surprise election for February. This is not a usual step. It shows they want to use the prime minister's popularity to their advantage. Pr

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Jan 10 2026ENVIRONMENT

Japan's Clever Buildings: A Showcase of Resilience

Japan's buildings and landscapes are on display in Montreal. The show is called "Built Environment: An Alternative Guide to Japan. " It is at the Université du Québec à Montréal's Centre de design. This show is open until January 25, 2026. It features 80 projects from all over Japan. These projects

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