A car drove into a crowd celebrating New Year’s in downtown New Orleans, resulting in at least 10 deaths and 30 injuries. The driver reportedly fired a gun, and explosive-like devices were found at the scene.
The government plans to enhance disaster response by deploying small rescue vehicles transportable by Self-Defense Force helicopters and preparing four-wheel-drive vehicles equipped with large-scale rescue equipment in peninsula areas.
The Ishihara administration became a minority government after the fall House of Representatives election, making it difficult to pass budgets and bills without opposition support. The administration aims to achieve wage increases exceeding inflation, strengthen disaster prevention, and promote regional revitalization.
Asahi Kasei won the All Japan Corporate Ekiden for the 26th time, marking their first victory in five years. Honda finished second, and Toyota, aiming for consecutive wins, came in third.
As of the latest update, the exchange rate is 156.85 to 156.89 yen per US dollar and 162.74 to 162.77 yen per euro.