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San Francisco-based independent photographer Josh Edelson has been named a finalist for the 2025 Varenne/Canon Grand Prize for his coverage of wildfires in Northern California, according to an announcement from Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Edelson, who has worked with AFP since 2012, submitted images documenting what he described as “megafires” that presented unprecedented challenges during the 2021 fire season. “10 years covering wildfires in California, I’ve never seen anything like what this year brought. The new normal now seems to be that every fire season brings a new surprise,” Edelson told AFP.

The Covering Climate Now Journalism Awards, awarded by the “Covering Climate Now” coalition of over 450 media organizations worldwide – including AFP – recognize exceptional reporting on climate change. Winners will be announced in early October.

Edelson’s recognition comes as California continues to grapple with the aftermath of increasingly destructive wildfire seasons. Recent reports indicate that rebuilding efforts for victims of past fires are being hampered by disputes with insurance companies, delaying recovery for many communities.

The 2025 award follows a year of significant wildfire activity in both Oregon and California, prompting hundreds of evacuations, according to reports from CNBC. The ongoing threat underscores the escalating challenges posed by climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.

Edelson’s work joins a distinguished list of finalists, including Behrouz Mehri, recognized for his photojournalism, Luis Tato for international news photography, and Brendan Smialowski, honored for both general and domestic news picture stories.

Tokyo, a sprawling metropolis renowned for its vibrant culture and technological innovation, likewise holds a distinguished title for culinary enthusiasts: a foodie’s paradise. Beyond the high-end sushi restaurants and Michelin-starred establishments, a network of affordable and delicious chain restaurants offers a unique window into everyday Japanese life. These establishments aren’t just about cheap eats; they represent a convenient and accessible way for locals and visitors alike to experience a diverse range of Japanese cuisine.

Navigating Tokyo’s vast dining scene can be daunting, but the city’s popular chain restaurants provide a reliable and budget-friendly option. From steaming bowls of ramen to crispy pork cutlets and comforting curry rice, these eateries cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. The appeal of these chains lies in their consistency, affordability, and widespread availability, making them a staple for busy Tokyo residents and a convenient choice for tourists exploring the city. The average cost of a meal at these establishments often falls under ¥1,000 (approximately $7 USD as of February 17, 2026), making them an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.

Ramen Revolution: Ichiran and Beyond

Perhaps the most internationally recognized Japanese chain restaurant is Ichiran, famed for its customizable ramen experience. Founded in Fukuoka, Japan, Ichiran allows diners to personalize their ramen by selecting broth richness, noodle texture, spice level, and toppings. The unique solo dining booths, designed to minimize distractions and maximize focus on the ramen itself, have become a signature feature. A standard bowl of Ichiran ramen costs around ¥1,000, according to a report from A Tokyo. However, Ichiran is just one example of Tokyo’s thriving ramen scene. Numerous other chains, such as Ippudo and Tenkaippin, also offer diverse ramen styles and experiences.

Beyond Ramen: A Diverse Culinary Landscape

Tokyo’s chain restaurant scene extends far beyond ramen. For those craving Japanese comfort food, Yoshinoya offers gyudon (beef bowls) for under ¥500 (approximately $3.50 USD as of February 17, 2026). Plan My Japan highlights Yoshinoya’s extensive network of over 2,000 branches nationwide. Curry lovers can head to CoCo Ichibanya, known for its extensive curry rice options and customizable spice levels. Seafood enthusiasts can enjoy fresh catches and sake at Isomaru Suisan, while those seeking a more interactive dining experience can indulge in all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu at Mo-Mo-Paradise.

Tonkatsu and More: Exploring Local Favorites

While international chains have a presence in Tokyo, many local favorites offer unique and affordable dining experiences. Matsunoya Tonkatsu, with over 380 branches across Japan, is celebrated for its delicious and reasonably priced pork and chicken cutlets, with set meals starting from around ¥590 (approximately $4 USD as of February 17, 2026). According to Plan My Japan, Matsunoya is often busy and some locations are even open 24 hours. For those seeking Italian cuisine on a budget, Saizeriya offers a variety of pasta dishes and pizzas for less than ¥500. Sushi lovers can explore conveyor belt sushi chains like Kura Sushi and Sushiro, offering a fun and affordable way to sample a variety of sushi.

The popularity of these chain restaurants reflects a broader trend in Japan towards convenience and affordability. As Japan continues to attract a growing number of international visitors, these establishments provide a valuable service, offering a taste of Japanese cuisine that is accessible to all. The continued success of these chains demonstrates their ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and maintain a high standard of quality and service.

Looking ahead, the Tokyo restaurant scene is expected to remain dynamic and competitive. Chain restaurants will likely continue to innovate and introduce new menu items to attract customers, while also focusing on maintaining affordability and convenience. The ongoing influx of tourists and the evolving tastes of local diners will undoubtedly shape the future of Tokyo’s culinary landscape.

What are your favorite Tokyo chain restaurants? Share your recommendations in the comments below!

Following a partial solar eclipse on February 17th, attention is turning to a far more dramatic celestial event: a total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027, poised to be the longest of the 21st century. This rare occurrence will observe the moon precisely align between the Earth and the Sun, casting a prolonged shadow and creating a period of complete darkness in certain regions of the globe. Astronomers confirm that this eclipse is exceptional, with the period of totality expected to exceed six minutes in some locations – a duration significantly longer than most total solar eclipses, which typically last between two and three minutes.

The upcoming eclipse has already garnered significant interest from scientists and “eclipse chasers” alike. The unique characteristics of this event, combined with its extended duration, make it a particularly noteworthy astronomical phenomenon. The last eclipse with comparable characteristics occurred in 1991, and current estimates suggest another of this magnitude won’t be visible until late in the next century, making the 2027 event a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many.

What Makes the 2027 Eclipse Unique?

The extended duration of the August 2, 2027, eclipse isn’t simply a matter of chance. A confluence of astronomical factors is contributing to this exceptional event. According to experts, the Earth will be near its farthest point from the Sun during the eclipse, making our star appear slightly smaller in the sky. Simultaneously, the Moon will be at a relatively close distance to Earth, increasing its apparent size. This combination allows the Moon to completely cover the Sun for a longer period than usual.

Adding to this, the path of the lunar shadow will cross near the Earth’s equator, a geometric alignment that further extends the duration of totality. This alignment is relatively rare, occurring only a handful of times throughout the centuries.

Where Will the Eclipse Be Visible?

The shadow of the Moon will traverse over 15,000 kilometers (approximately 9,320 miles), beginning over the Atlantic Ocean and sweeping across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. Countries within the path of totality include Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Somalia.

Luxor, Egypt, is emerging as a prime location for viewing the eclipse. The city is expected to experience the longest period of totality, and its typically clear weather conditions make it an ideal spot for observation. Tourism to Luxor is already increasing, with many astrotourism enthusiasts making reservations to witness the event.

Safe Viewing Practices are Crucial

Experts strongly emphasize the importance of safe eclipse viewing. Looking directly at the Sun, even during an eclipse, can cause severe and permanent eye damage. Observers are advised to leverage certified eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 safety standard, or utilize approved solar filters for telescopes and binoculars.

Looking Ahead

The 2027 total solar eclipse represents a significant astronomical event, offering a rare opportunity for extended observation and scientific study. As the date approaches, further details regarding the precise path of totality and optimal viewing locations will become available. Astronomers will continue to refine their predictions and provide guidance on safe viewing practices. The event is expected to draw substantial international attention, boosting tourism in the affected regions and inspiring further interest in space exploration.

Share your thoughts on this upcoming celestial event in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow astronomy enthusiasts!

Istanbul, Türkiye – A dramatic Champions League playoff first leg between Galatasaray and Juventus ended in a 5-2 victory for the Turkish side on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at RAMS Park. The match, a key fixture in the UEFA Champions League Knockout Round Playoffs, saw a flurry of goals and a red card, leaving Juventus with a significant uphill battle in the second leg. The game was broadcast live on Paramount+, offering fans worldwide a view of the captivating contest.

The encounter was marked by a rapid exchange of goals and a dominant performance from Galatasaray, fueled by a home crowd and a clinical attacking display. The result sets the stage for a potentially decisive return leg in Turin, where Juventus will need to overcome a three-goal deficit to advance. This first leg result is a major upset, given Juventus’ historical standing in the competition and Galatasaray’s relative position in the UEFA rankings.

Galatasaray’s Dominant First Half

Galatasaray opened the scoring in the 15th minute through Gabriel Sara, igniting the home crowd. However, Juventus responded swiftly, with Teun Koopmeiners leveling the score just a minute later, in the 16th minute. Koopmeiners struck again in the 32nd minute, giving Juventus a temporary lead. But Galatasaray quickly regained control, with Noa Lang finding the net in the 49th minute to tie the game once more. The first half ended with the score level at 2-2, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.

Second-Half Surge and Red Card

The second half saw Galatasaray completely take over the match. Davinson Sánchez extended Galatasaray’s lead in the 60th minute, followed by a red card for Juventus’ Juan Cabal in the 67th minute, further compounding Juventus’ woes. Noa Lang added his second goal of the night in the 74th minute, and Sacha Boey sealed the victory with a stunning strike in the 86th minute, bringing the final score to 5-2.

The match statistics reflected Galatasaray’s dominance, with 61.7% possession and 9 shots on goal compared to Juventus’ 3. Galatasaray also had 5 corner kicks to Juventus’ 5, and 22 shot attempts to Juventus’ 7. Ugurcan Çakir, Galatasaray’s goalkeeper, made 1 save, while Juventus’ goalkeeper was forced into action 4 times.

Lineups and Key Players

Galatasaray XI: Ugurcan Çakir, Abdulkerim Bardakci, Davinson Sánchez, Ismail Jakobs, Roland Sallai, Gabriel Sara, Lucas Torreira, Baris Alper Yilmaz, Ilkay Gündogan, Leroy Sané, Victor Osimhen.

Juventus XI: Michele Di Gregorio, Pierre Kalulu, Gleison Bremer, Lloyd Kelly, Andrea Cambiaso, Manuel Locatelli, Teun Koopmeiners, Francisco Conceicao, Weston McKennie, Kenan Yildiz, Jonathan David.

Noa Lang’s two goals and overall dynamic performance were crucial for Galatasaray, while Gabriel Sara’s early goal set the tone for the match. For Juventus, Teun Koopmeiners’ two goals were a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing performance. The sending off of Juan Cabal in the 67th minute proved to be a turning point, leaving Juventus with ten men for the majority of the second half.

Champions League Playoff Context

This match is part of the UEFA Champions League Playoff round, a crucial stage for teams vying for a spot in the Round of 16. The winner of this two-legged tie will advance to the next phase of the competition. According to CBS Sports, Juventus entered the match after a recent 3-2 defeat against Inter Milan in Serie A, while Galatasaray aimed to capitalize on their home advantage. The odds favored Juventus slightly before the match, with Galatasaray listed at +250, a draw at +253, and Juventus at +105, as reported by CBS Sports.

The result places significant pressure on Juventus ahead of the second leg. They will need to deliver a strong performance at home to overcome the 5-2 deficit and keep their Champions League hopes alive. Galatasaray, will be looking to build on this impressive victory and secure their place in the next round.

What comes next is the second leg of this playoff tie, scheduled to be played in Turin. Juventus will need to demonstrate resilience and tactical adjustments to overcome the substantial deficit. The outcome of this tie will have significant implications for both clubs’ European campaigns this season.

What are your thoughts on Galatasaray’s stunning victory? Share your opinions in the comments below and be sure to share this article with fellow football fans!