Heavy snowfall across Japan has resulted in at least 45 deaths and over 500 injuries since January 20, according to the Japan Fire and Disaster Management Agency, as the country braces for more severe weather. The northwestern region of Niigata Prefecture recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 17 deaths and over 170 injuries. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued warnings of further heavy snow in western and northern coastal regions.
The severe weather has caused widespread disruption, with many vehicles stranded in snowy conditions, particularly in Aomori City and Wakkanai. Euronews reported that the agency is monitoring the situation closely and providing updates.
In other news, the German army brigade in Lithuania is facing a hybrid attack, according to Euronews. Soldiers have reported mysterious phone calls, and drones have been observed spying on maneuvers. This is part of a broader pattern of Russian forces employing hybrid warfare tactics, including surveillance and psychological operations, to exert pressure on EU and NATO territory. One soldier described receiving a phone call where they heard their own voice from a conversation hours earlier.
Meanwhile, in the United States, enforcement of environmental laws under the second term of former President Donald Trump saw a significant decline, according to a report by the Environmental Integrity Project. Civil lawsuits filed by the Department of Justice in cases referred by the Environmental Protection Agency dropped to just 16 in the first 12 months after Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025. This represents a 76 percent decrease compared to the first year of the Biden administration. Trump's first administration filed 86 such lawsuits in the same period.
Finally, the 2026 Olympic Winter Games are underway, and a scandal has erupted involving male ski jumpers. Reports suggest that some athletes may have injected their penises with fillers to gain a competitive advantage, according to Ars Technica. The rumor claims that a larger bulge on a required 3D body scan could result in extra material in their jumpsuits, potentially increasing surface area for gliding. A 2025 study cited by Ars Technica suggested that even a small increase in fabric could make a difference in the sport.
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