World leaders offered congratulations to Japan's new Emperor Naruhito on Wednesday, expressing hopes for further development of bilateral relations.

When I first came upon the Japanese term, "hatsu mukashi," in a glossary of traditional seasonal phrases, it left quite an impression on me.

Lionel Messi left Liverpool needing a miracle to reach their second Champions League final in as many years as his brace helped Barcelona win a pulsating Champions League semifinal first leg 3-0 on Wednesday.

Wary Venezuelans emerged on the streets of the nation's capital Wednesday waving their nation's tricolor flag and banging pots and pans, hoping to drum up momentum after opposition leader Juan Guaidó's bold attempt to spark a military uprising that has thus far failed to tilt the balance of power.

Cincinnati manager David Bell notices the difference from his playing days.

Three-time champion Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from the upcoming Italian Open as she continues to recover from a right shoulder injury.

As Emperor Naruhito ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne on Wednesday, people on the streets of Japan expressed hope that the new emperor will continue the legacy shaped by his father and that the new era would maintain the peace seen during the Heisei Era.

An intense drought related to this year's El Nino phenomenon has precipitously lowered the level of Panama's Gatun Lake, forcing the country's Canal Authority to impose draft limits this week on ships moving through the waterway's recently expanded locks.

Jake Odorizzi pitched seven solid innings to outduel Justin Verlander, Ehire Adrianza homered off Houston's ace and the Minnesota Twins beat the Astros 1-0 on Monday night.

On its 50th birthday, Film at Lincoln Center has a new name but an unchanging mission.

Kenta Maeda threw five-plus scoreless innings in a no-decision as the Los Angeles Dodgers squandered a two-run lead, allowing the San Francisco Giants to edge them 3-2 in Monday night's series opener.

The Imperial Couple will retire from all public duties upon Emperor Akihito's abdication on April 30, and they are expected to spend more time on their personal interests.