Breaking news for Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Today’s lineup includes topics deeply affecting daily life and international affairs, from convenience store price adjustments to the annular solar eclipse visible in Antarctica and must-watch events at the Winter Olympics.
- 1. [Economy] FamilyMart Coffee Prices Increase Starting February 17
- 2. [Space/Astronomy] Annular Solar Eclipse Observed in Antarctica. How to View It from Japan?
- 3. 【Winter Olympics】Milan-Cortina Games: Spotlight on Women’s Curling Match Against Italy
- 4. [Diplomacy] U.S. and Iran Hold Direct Talks in Switzerland. Impact on Middle East Situation
- [Summary] Today’s News Recap
1. [Economy] FamilyMart Coffee Prices Increase Starting February 17
Impact on daily life: FamilyMart has implemented a price adjustment for its counter coffee “Famima Cafe” starting today.
This increase is due to the continued rise in coffee bean, material, and logistics costs.
S Size (Hot/Iced): 145 yen → 150 yen (tax included)
Attention is also focused on whether other chains like 7-Eleven and Lawson will follow suit or adopt different strategies.
2. [Space/Astronomy] Annular Solar Eclipse Observed in Antarctica. How to View It from Japan?
Today, an annular solar eclipse occurs, where the Sun appears to protrude beyond the Moon’s edge.
- Observation Location
Primarily the Antarctic continent. - Time Zone (Japan Standard Time)
Approximately 6:56 PM to 11:27 PM - Viewing Tips
While it cannot be seen directly from Japan, NASA and observatories around the world plan to stream it live.
This is your chance to watch the “Ring of Fire” online.
3. 【Winter Olympics】Milan-Cortina Games: Spotlight on Women’s Curling Match Against Italy
The 2026 Winter Olympics are underway. Tonight, the Japanese women’s team will face host nation Italy.
- Match Highlights
The decisive stage of the preliminary league, with advancement to the knockout stage at stake.
The key will be what strategy Japan employs against Italy, who will be buoyed by home crowd support. - Players to Watch
Expect a thrilling battle between Japan’s skip, renowned for his consistent shots, and the momentum-driven Italian team.
4. [Diplomacy] U.S. and Iran Hold Direct Talks in Switzerland. Impact on Middle East Situation
In international affairs, the focus today is on the direct talks between the United States and Iran taking place in Geneva.
- Objective
Progress on nuclear development issues and easing tensions in the Middle East region. - Concerns
Israel is intensifying its opposition, and depending on the outcome of the talks, this could impact the global energy market (crude oil prices).
[Summary] Today’s News Recap
Today’s major topics were: “FamilyMart price hikes,” “the annular solar eclipse,” “Olympic curling,” and “U.S.-Iran talks.”
In particular, “annular solar eclipse footage” and “curling results” are expected to be hot topics tomorrow morning.
