Canada: Possible Tornado Spotted In Southern Saskatchewan 2

A possible tornado was spotted in southern Saskatchewan on Tuesday, May 17 as a severe thunderstorm was in effect for parts of the region.

Canada: Possible Tornado Spotted In Southern Saskatchewan

A possible tornado was spotted in southern Saskatchewan on Tuesday, May 17 as a severe thunderstorm was in effect for parts of the region.

UK: Extinction Rebellion Protesters Storm Mayfair Hotel Hosting Africa E&P Summit

A group of Extinction Rebellion activists stormed Mayfair Hotel in London on May 17th. The hotel currently hosts Africa E&P Summit with speakers from Africa Oil Corp and energy company Shell. This video shows demonstrators holding banners outside the hotel and some dancing on the hotel entrance awning.

Saudi Arabia: Sandstorm Shrouds Riyadh And Other Cities In Haze

A sandstorm hit Riyadh and other regions on Tuesday, May 17th. The storm has engulfed the capital and affected other regions causing low visibility and traffic.

US: Garbage Truck Catches Fire On Liberty Bridge Causing Traffic Jams 2

A natural gas-powered garbage truck crossing the Liberty Bridge in Pittsburgh caught fire causing traffic jams on Tuesday, May 17. The cause of the fire is unclear as of writing.

US: Brush Fire Breaks Out In Griffith Park, Los Angeles 4

A plume of smoke was seen billowing into Los Angeles skies on Tuesday afternoon, May 17 after a brush fire broke out in Griffith Park near the Griffith Observatory.

Nigeria: Gas Explosion Near School In Kano Leaves 9 Dead

A gas explosion in Sabon Gari, Kano State, northern Nigeria, killed nine people on Tuesday, May 17. Kano police said investigations are underway. This video shows students from a nearby school evacuating after the explosion.

US: Brush Fire Breaks Out In Griffith Park, Los Angeles 5

A plume of smoke was seen billowing into Los Angeles skies on Tuesday afternoon, May 17 after a brush fire broke out in Griffith Park near the Griffith Observatory.

US: Brush Fire Breaks Out In Griffith Park, Los Angeles 3

A plume of smoke was seen billowing into Los Angeles skies on Tuesday afternoon, May 17 after a brush fire broke out in Griffith Park near the Griffith Observatory.

US: Brush Fire Breaks Out In Griffith Park, Los Angeles 2

A plume of smoke was seen billowing into Los Angeles skies on Tuesday afternoon, May 17 after a brush fire broke out in Griffith Park near the Griffith Observatory.

US: Brush Fire Breaks Out In Griffith Park, Los Angeles

A plume of smoke was seen billowing into Los Angeles skies on Tuesday afternoon, May 17 after a brush fire broke out in Griffith Park near the Griffith Observatory.

US: Garbage Truck Catches Fire On Liberty Bridge Causing Traffic Jams

A natural gas-powered garbage truck crossing the Liberty Bridge in Pittsburgh caught fire causing traffic jams on Tuesday, May 17. The cause of the fire is unclear as of writing.

U.S. surpasses grim milestone of 1 million COVID-19 deaths

STORY: U.S. surpasses grim milestone of 1 million COVID-19 deaths DATELINE: May 18, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:31 LOCATION: Beijing CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. STANDUP (English): XIE E, Xinhua correspondent 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): STEPHEN NDEGWA, International relations lecturer, United States International University (USIU-Africa) 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Spanish): DIEGO JUAREZ GUERRERO, Mexican citizen 4. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): STEPHEN NDEGWA, International relations lecturer, United States International University (USIU-Africa) 5. SOUNDBITE 4 (Chinese/English interpretation): WANG WENBIN, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson 6. SOUNDBITE 5 (English): STEPHEN NDEGWA, International relations lecturer, United States International University (USIU-Africa) STORYLINE: STANDUP (English): XIE E, Xinhua correspondent "The deaths from COVID-19 in the United States have surpassed one million, according to latest data from Johns Hopkins University. It remains the country worst hit by the pandemic with the world's highest casel

Tractors Museum in Israel offers visitors glimpse into history

STORY: Tractors Museum in Israel offers visitors glimpse into history DATELINE: May 18, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:37 LOCATION: Jerusalem CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Tractors Museum STORYLINE: Through a display of tractors and motorized agricultural vehicles, the Tractors Museum in Ein Vered village, Israel, offers visitors a glimpse into the history of the country on International Museum Day, which falls on May 18. The tractors in the museum have been collected since the beginning of the 19th century. Founded by Erez Milshtein, who lives in the village, the museum is a nonprofit organization fully operated by volunteers. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Jerusalem. (XHTV)

India's wholesale inflation surges to 15.08 pct as cost of living rises

STORY: India's wholesale inflation surges to 15.08 pct as cost of living rises DATELINE: May 18, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:50 LOCATION: New Delhi CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of India gate 2. various of wholesale market 3. various of food 4. various of crowded general market area 5. various of fuel station STORYLINE: The wholesale price index (WPI), or rate of inflation of items in the wholesale market, in India surged to 15.08 percent in April, up from 14.55 percent in March, showed the data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Tuesday. The rate of WPI was 10.74 percent in April 2021. The rate of inflation based on the WPI Food Index grew marginally to 8.88 percent in April from 8.71 percent in March. "The high inflation is due to rise in prices of mineral oils, basic metals, petroleum and natural gas, chemicals, food and non-food products," said an official statement. According to media reports, this wholesale inflation is at a three-decade high as high commodity prices and supply-c

UN chief calls for efforts to rescue Sustainable Development Goals

STORY: UN chief calls for efforts to rescue Sustainable Development Goals DATELINE: May 18, 2022 LENGTH: 00:03:04 LOCATION: UN Headquarters CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the UN Headquarters 2. various of ECOSOC Chamber 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ANTONIO GUTERRES, UN Secretary-General 4. various of the UN Headquarters 5. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): ANTONIO GUTERRES, UN Secretary-General 6. various of UN Flag 7. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): ANTONIO GUTERRES, UN Secretary-General STORYLINE: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called on the international community to rescue the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and make it a top priority. The secretary-general made the remarks at the UN Economic and Social Council's (ECOSOC) 2022 Operational Activities for Development Segment, an event held during the 2022 ECOSOC session (May 17-19). SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ANTONIO GUTERRES, UN Secretary-General "In a world in crisis, rescuing the Sustainable Development Goals is more important than ever. And

Africities Summit kicks off amid call to accelerate urban renewal

STORY: Africities Summit kicks off amid call to accelerate urban renewal DATELINE: May 18, 2022 LENGTH: 00:03:24 LOCATION: Nairobi CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Kenyan President arriving 2. various of delegates at the conference 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): UHURU KENYATTA, Kenyan President 4. various of the conference 5. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): MOUSSA FAKI MAHAMAT, African Union Commission Chairman 6. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): JEAN PIERRE ELONG MBASSI, Secretary-General of United Cities and Local governments of Africa (UCLGA) 7. various of the conference 8. SOUNDBITE 4 (English): UHURU KENYATTA, Kenyan President 9. various of conference in progress STORYLINE: The ninth Africities Summit opened Tuesday in western Kenyan city of Kisumu amid calls for concerted efforts to promote urban renewal in order to tackle poverty, diseases while strengthening the resilience of local communities. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta called for tangible, practical and sustainable solutions to the challenges facing Af

Indonesia removes outdoor face mask mandate

STORY: Indonesia removes outdoor face mask mandate DATELINE: May 18, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:43 LOCATION: Jakarta CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. Group shots of people in open spaces (Courtesy of Antara) 2. Group shots of Health Minister and data (Courtesy of BPMI) 3. SOUNDBITE (Bahasa Indonesia): JOKO WIDODO, Indonesian President (Courtesy of BPMI) STORYLINE: As the number of reported COVID-19 cases is showing a declining trend over the past few weeks, the Indonesian government announced Tuesday that the use of face masks would no longer be mandatory in outdoor spaces. SOUNDBITE (Bahasa Indonesia): JOKO WIDODO, Indonesian President "Wearing face masks is no longer mandatory when doing outdoor activities or gathering in outdoor spaces. However, people still have to wear masks indoors and inside public transportations." Widodo said the government did not fully end the face mask mandate. The policy is expected to be lifted in phases based on the gradual evaluation. "We are still in a transition period. We will

Africa yet to succeed in internal mobilization of resources leading to prosperity: UN official

STORY: Africa yet to succeed in internal mobilization of resources leading to prosperity: UN official DATELINE: May 18, 2022 LENGTH: 00:03:57 LOCATION: Dakar CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the official opening of the 54th session of the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (CoM2022) 2. shots of Senegalese President Macky Sall speaking during the opening ceremony 3. shots of Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Vera Songwe speaking during the opening ceremony STORYLINE: The African continent has not succeeded in the internal mobilization of resources leading to prosperity due to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Vera Songwe said Monday in Senegal. Speaking at the 54th session of the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (CoM2022), she insisted the need for Afri

Peking Opera artist finds new stage online amid COVID-19

STORY: Peking Opera artist finds new stage online amid COVID-19 DATELINE: May 18, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:21 LOCATION: DALIAN, China CATEGORY: CULTURE/SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Ren doing performing online 2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): REN SIYUAN, Actress, Dalian Peking Opera Theater STORYLINE: Although the COVID-19 pandemic has brought a sudden stop to theaters' activities, a Peking Opera artist from northeast China's Dalian City has found her new stage online. In early 2020, affected by the outbreak of COVID-19, Dalian stopped live performances to avoid social gatherings. Encouraged by her enthusiastic fans, Ren Siyuan started to try performing online. Every night at 8:30, she begins livestreaming performance on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok. Traditional Chinese operas generally have four types of roles, namely "Sheng," "Dan," "Jing" and "Chou." Unlike most Peking Opera actress, Ren plays the "Jing" roles, also known as the painted-face male roles. This type of role entails rough or mighty male chara

Israeli PM visits West Bank settlement amid protest

STORY: Israeli PM visits West Bank settlement amid protest DATELINE: May 18, 2022 LENGTH: 0:01:12 LOCATION: Jerusalem CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Bennett being greeted by children 2. various of Bennett giving a speech STORYLINE: Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Tuesday made his first official visit to a settlement in the occupied West Bank since he took office. Bennett, also the leader of the pro-settler Yamina party, participated in a commemoration marking the 45th anniversary of the founding of the settlement of Elkana. During the visit, far-right activists and Israeli settlers launched a demonstration against Bennett's coalition government which includes some dovish partners and an Islamic party. The protesters demanded Bennett resign, calling him a "traitor" and chanting "Bennett, don't sell Elkana to the Arabs," the Hebrew-language Ha'aretz newspaper reported on its website. "As Prime Minister of Israel, I do not want any group in the country to live in fear," B

Greece's bad debt ratio drops 82.8 pct in 6 years

STORY: Greece's bad debt ratio drops 82.8 pct in 6 years DATELINE: May 18, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:48 LOCATION: Athens CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Bank of Greece 2. various of the economic forum about Non-performing loans (NPLs) in Greece's banking system held in Athens on Tuesday 3. various of the National Bank of Greece 4. SOUNDBITE 1 (Greek): CHRISTINA PAPACONSTANTINOU, Bank of Greece (BoG) Deputy Governor 5. SOUNDBITE 2 (Greek): CHRISTOS STAIKOURAS, Greece Finance Minister STORYLINE: Non-performing loans (NPLs) in Greece's banking system had been reduced by 82.8 pct in the period 2016-2021, but the outlook for the future is cloudy due to the new challenges, local officials told an online economic forum in Athens on Tuesday. NPLs at the end of December 2021 amounted to 18.4 billion euros (19.4 billion U.S. dollars), down by 90.3 billion euros compared to March 2016, when they had peaked during the acute debt crisis Greece went through (2010-2018), said Christina Papaconstantinou, Bank o

Iraqi windsurfing athletes train hard against headwind of insufficient funding

STORY: Iraqi windsurfing athletes train hard against headwind of insufficient funding DATELINE: May 18, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:26 LOCATION: Baghdad CATEGORY: SPORTS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Iraqi national windsurfing team 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): OMAR TALAL, Member of the Iraqi national windsurfing team 3. various of the training 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): ANMAR SALMAN, Trainer of the Iraqi national windsurfing team 5. various of the training STORYLINE: With golden sunlight gleaming off the river waves before sunset, Omar Talal was working hard to adjust the boom of his white and red sail towards the wind on the Tigris River through central Baghdad, the Iraqi capital. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): OMAR TALAL, Member of the Iraqi national windsurfing team "It is a nice sport and I loved it, so I started practicing it in 2018, and I participated in the Iraq Championship and won first place in 2020, and again I won first place in 2021 in the windsurfing. My ambitions are to get advanced positions in the upcoming." A

Sweden, Finland to submit NATO applications Wednesday

STORY: Sweden, Finland to submit NATO applications Wednesday DATELINE: May 18, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:57 LOCATION: Stockholm CATEGORY: MILITARY/POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. shots of Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson attending press conference with Finnish President Niinisto (credit: Swedish Government) 2. press release of Swedish Government (credit: Swedish Government) 3. shots of local people protesting against the joining of NATO 4. shots of Stockholm street views 5. shots of street views in Finland STORYLINE: Sweden and Finland will jointly submit their applications for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) membership on Wednesday, Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson said Tuesday. NATO membership will strengthen security in Sweden as well as in the Baltic Sea region, she said at a press conference with visiting Finnish President Sauli Niinisto. Finland's Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto on Tuesday signed the letter informing the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) about his cou

US: Massive Arcus Cloud Rolls Into West Virginia

Massive rows of Arcus clouds were seen rolling into West Virginia on Monday morning. Severe thunderstorms, hail, and damaging winds were experienced in Bridgeport and other neighboring cities.

Iraq: May 16 – Another Heavy Sandstorm Hits Baghdad, Southern Cities

Another major sandstorm hit Baghdad and Iraq's southern cities on Monday, May 16, sending hundreds of people to hospitals due to respiratory issues. The sandstorm also forced some schools and offices to close and some flights at Baghdad Airport to be suspended.

US: Severe Thunderstorms With Intense Hail Hit Washington Metro Area 3

Severe thunderstorms with intense hail, heavy rains, and damaging winds struck the Washington metropolitan and surrounding areas on Monday, May 16.

US: Severe Thunderstorms With Intense Hail Hit Washington Metro Area 4

Severe thunderstorms with intense hail, heavy rains, and damaging winds struck the Washington metropolitan and surrounding areas on Monday, May 16.

US: Powerful Storms Knock Down Trees In Washington Metro Area

Severe thunderstorms with intense hail, heavy rains, and damaging winds struck the Washington metropolitan and surrounding areas on Monday, May 16, knocking down trees and causing thousands of homes without power across the region.

US: Severe Thunderstorms With Intense Hail Hit Washington Metro Area 2

Severe thunderstorms with intense hail, heavy rains, and damaging winds struck the Washington metropolitan and surrounding areas on Monday, May 16.

US: Severe Thunderstorms With Intense Hail Hit Washington Metro Area

Severe thunderstorms with intense hail, heavy rains, and damaging winds struck the Washington metropolitan and surrounding areas on Monday, May 16.

Canada: Pro-Palestine Protest Takes Place In Toronto On Nakba Day

A pro-Palestine demonstration took place in Toronto on Nakba Day, May 15.

Hungary's Orban takes 5th oath of office as PM

STORY: Hungary's Orban takes 5th oath of office as PM DATELINE: May 17, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:05 LOCATION: Budapest CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Hungarian Parliament building 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Hungarian): VIKTOR ORBAN, Hungarian Prime Minister 3. various of the event STORYLINE: Political veteran Viktor Orban took the oath of office for the fifth time as Prime Minister in the Hungarian parliament on Monday. In his speech, Orban warned that difficult times lay ahead, noting the decade began with the COVID-19 pandemic and continued with the Russia-Ukraine conflict. SOUNDBITE 1 (Hungarian): VIKTOR ORBAN, Hungarian Prime Minister "The war and the following European sanctions created an energy crisis. This and the interest rate hikes have brought high inflation, which in turn will bring a recession and an economic decline." The Hungarian leader spoke out against the sanctions policy of the European Union (EU), saying that he had never before seen sanctions reach their goal. Orban has b

Water light festival staged in Italian town to mark International Day of Light

STORY: Water light festival staged in Italian town to mark International Day of Light DATELINE: May 17, 2022 LENGTH: 0:01:24 LOCATION: BRIXEN, Italy CATEGORY: SOCIETY/CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1 various of the water light festival 2 SOUNDBITE 1 (English): CAROLE PURNELLE, Organizer of Water Light Festival 3 SOUNDBITE 2 (English): LAUREN BRUN, Light artist from France 4 SOUNDBITE 3 (English): KARI KOLA, Light artist from Finland 5 SOUNDBITE 4 (English): KATHY SPITZ, Student from Brixen STORYLINE: The Water Light Festival is staged in the northern Italian town of Brixen to mark the UNESCO International Day of Light, which is observed every year on May 16 as a global initiative that promotes the continued appreciation of light and its role in art, science, communications, energy, and other fields. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): CAROLE PURNELLE, Organizer of Water Light Festival "From the dawn of ages, people have gathered around fire to have light, to have warmth but also to have light, and I think, this is what we like wit

Turkey posts 5.55-bln-USD current account deficit in March

STORY: Turkey posts 5.55-bln-USD current account deficit in March DATELINE: May 17, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:46 LOCATION: Ankara CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. Turkish Central Bank 2. various of street views in Turkey STORYLINE: Turkey's current account balance posted a deficit of 5.55 billion U.S. dollars in March, up from 2.29 billion dollars in the same month last year, according to the central bank's data released on Monday. However, if gold and energy are excluded, the current account, the most important item in the balance of payments of the central bank, recorded a surplus of 2.48 billion dollars in March, the data showed. Meanwhile, the 12-month rolling deficit of Turkey rose to 24.2 billion dollars. Turkey's exports amounted to 22.8 billion dollars, while imports stood at 29.1 billion dollars, producing a trade deficit of 6.34 billion dollars in March. Official reserves recorded a net outflow of 4.5 million dollars, according to the central bank. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Ank

Putin: Russia to respond to expansion of NATO military infrastructure into Finland, Sweden

STORY: Putin: Russia to respond to expansion of NATO military infrastructure into Finland, Sweden DATELINE: May 17, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:19 LOCATION: Moscow CATEGORY: MILITARY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Kremlin 2. various of Mariupol 3. various of Russian Defense Ministry 4. various of the EU STORYLINE: Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that Moscow would respond if the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) would deploy military infrastructure on the territories of Finland or Sweden. "The expansion of military infrastructure into these territories would certainly trigger our response, which would depend on the kind of threats this would pose for us," the Kremlin cited the president as saying at a summit of the Collective Security Treaty Organization in Moscow. Also on Monday, Russian Defense Ministry said that Russia and Ukraine have reached an agreement on the evacuation of wounded Ukrainian soldiers from the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol. The ministry said that a "silence regime" h

Chinese double amputee manages to live life to the fullest

STORY: Chinese double amputee manages to live life to the fullest DATELINE: May 17, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:27 LOCATION: FUCHUAN, China CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of armless man working in the field 2. various of Fan Yutian giving a speech to students STORYLINE: A Chinese double amputee farmer has proven that he can accomplish more than many able-bodied people. Fan Yutian was born in 1989 in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. He lost his arms in an accident when he was only three. Since then, he gradually learned to use his feet to manage daily life and do farm work. In 2016, Fan studied public speaking and devoted himself to social welfare activities. He gives speeches to students every year, in the hope that his experience can inspire more students to rise to challenges. Despite all the difficulties, Fan has opened a new chapter in life. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Fuchuan, China. (XHTV)

Israeli firm resorts to cellular agriculture to produce milk in labs

STORY: Israeli firm resorts to cellular agriculture to produce milk in labs DATELINE: May 17, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:28 LOCATION: Jerusalem CATEGORY: TECHNOLOGY SHOTLIST: 1. STANDUP 1 (English): WANG ZHUOLUN, Xinhua correspondent 2. various of scientists working at a lab of WILK 3. various of street views 4. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): NURIT ARGOV-ARGAMAN, Founder and Chief Technology Officer of WILK 5. various of milk on the supermarket shelf 6. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): NURIT ARGOV-ARGAMAN, Founder and Chief Technology Officer of WILK 7. various of scientists working at a lab of WILK 8. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): NURIT ARGOV-ARGAMAN, Founder and Chief Technology Officer of WILK STORYLINE: STANDUP 1 (English): WANG ZHUOLUN, Xinhua correspondent "Milk is indispensable for many people on a daily basis. Here in Israel, some food tech companies are trying to produce components of milk in labs like this." Far away from green pastures, in a sterile lab in central Israel, researchers are working to create milk products in a ne

GLOBALink | People with disabilities embrace better life in Ningxia, China

Sunday marked China's national day of persons with disabilities. In Ningxia, people with disabilities are embracing a better life through their hard work. Check out their stories. Produced by Xinhua Global Service

China's AC313A large civil helicopter makes maiden flight

STORY: China's AC313A large civil helicopter makes maiden flight DATELINE: May 17, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:56 LOCATION: NANCHANG, China CATEGORY: TECHNOLOGY SHOTLIST: 1. various of an AC313A large utility civil helicopter on the ground STORYLINE: China's independently-developed AC313A large utility civil helicopter successfully conducted its maiden flight on Tuesday, announced the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the country's leading aircraft maker. The 13-tonne-class large helicopter conducted the flight at an airport in Jingdezhen, east China's Jiangxi Province, marking a major step forward in the development of China's air emergency rescue system, the AVIC said. With the completion of the maiden flight, AC313A will now enter the flight test phase, according to the developer. AC313A is a major aerial vehicle specially developed to meet the country's needs for air rescue missions. It is expected to assist the country in strengthening the national air emergency rescue system, accordin

FIFA World Cup trophy arrives in Kuwait

STORY: FIFA World Cup trophy arrives in Kuwait DATELINE: May 17, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:23 LOCATION: Kuwait City CATEGORY: SPORTS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour event STORYLINE: The FIFA World Cup trophy landed in Kuwait on Monday in the third stop of its tour, before the start of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup in November. Accompanied by the former Brazilian national team star Gilberto Silva, the World Cup trophy was received by the Kuwait Football Association (KFA) president Sheikh Ahmad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah and general secretary Salah Al-Qenaei and other officials. Kuwait's crown prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah met with the FIFA delegation on Monday. During the meeting, the crown prince praised the tireless efforts made by Qatar to organize this world championship, expressing his pride in the unprecedented capabilities offered by Qatar, and wishing success in organizing the global tournament. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Kuwait City. (XHTV)

1st commercial flight in years takes off from Yemen's Houthi-held capital

STORY: 1st commercial flight in years takes off from Yemen's Houthi-held capital DATELINE: May 17, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:21 LOCATION: Sanaa CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of a plane of the Yemenia Airlines arriving at the Sanaa International Airport to pick up passengers 2. various of passengers entering the departure building of the airport 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): KHALED AL-SHAYEF, Manager of Sanaa International Airport 4. various of passengers in Sanaa airport 5. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): NASR AL-SHAHRI, Yemeni passenger 6. various of the Sanaa airport 7. various of airport in Jordan STORYLINE: The first commercial flight in six years took off on Monday from Sanaa, Yemen's capital under the control of the Houthi rebels, as an essential part of the ongoing truce between the Yemeni warring sides. The Yemenia Airways flight carried 151 passengers, many of whom are patients who seek urgent medical treatment in Jordan. Earlier, the Yemeni national carrier's plane arrived in Sanaa from the southern port ci

Suspected gunman identified in deadly California church shooting

STORY: Suspected gunman identified in deadly California church shooting DATELINE: May 17, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:35 LOCATION: LOS ANGELES, U.S. CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the exterior of Geneva Presbyterian Church 2. various of local law enforcement officers attending a press briefing on Sunday STORYLINE: Authorities have identified the suspect in a shooting that left one dead and five others injured on Sunday at a church in the western U.S. state of California. The Orange County Sheriff's Department said in a statement Monday morning that the suspect, David Chou, has been booked on one felony count of murder and five felony counts of attempted murder. The 68-year-old Las Vegas man is being held on 1 million U.S. dollars bail. The shooting happened inside Geneva Presbyterian Church in the City of Laguna Woods in Southern California's Orange County around 1:30 p.m. Sunday. The suspect opened fire on an Asian church congregation when the church was hosting a luncheon to honor a former

BATIMATEC 2022 held in Algeria

STORY: BATIMATEC 2022 held in Algeria DATELINE: May 17, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:58 LOCATION: Algiers CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of BATIMATEC 2022 exhibition venue STORYLINE: The 24th International Exhibition of Building, Building Materials and Public Works (BATIMATEC 2022) is held in Algiers from May 15 to May 19. According to a press release, this event in the public works and building sector will bring together about 500 Algerian exhibitors and 250 international exhibitors this year. BATIMATEC 2022 is an opportunity for professionals to highlight their know-how, their new products and processes, and forge new business relationships. As part of the exhibition, the organizers planned activities around various themes, including conferences and practical workshops on modern construction techniques. On the sidelines of the exhibition, the organizers planned to hold a competition for young architects, an event that represents an opportunity for students and young professionals to showcase their know

Digital technologies help farmers work smart in central China

STORY: Digital technologies help farmers work smart in central China DATELINE: May 17, 2022 LENGTH: 0:01:38 LOCATION: ZHENGZHOU, China CATEGORY: TECHNOLOGY SHOTLIST: 1 various of the farmland 2 SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): PENG NING, Project leader, Pilot digital demonstration farmland in Xiayi County 3 various of the farmland 4 SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): HAN SHIQUAN, Farmer in Minquan County STORYLINE: Digital technologies, such as drone-based multi-functional monitoring system, Beidou navigation system, big data analysis and intelligent irrigation control system, have been applied in central China's Henan Province to assist farming and harvest. In a pilot digital demonstration farmland in Xiayi County, central China's Henan Province, a drone equipped with the Beidou navigation system is used to carry out plant protection operation. Through the digital agricultural management platform, the temperature, humidity, wind power and moisture content of wheat fields can be monitored in real-time. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese):

Shanghai cuts off community transmission of COVID-19

STORY: Shanghai cuts off community transmission of COVID-19 DATELINE: May 17, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:19 LOCATION: SHANGHAI, China CATEGORY: SOCIETY/HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of Shanghai 2. various of a press conference on Tuesday 3. various of Shanghai reopening commercial outlets 4. various of Shanghai STORYLINE: A municipal official said on Tuesday at a press conference that China's Shanghai has cut off the community transmission of COVID-19 in all its 16 districts. According to Zhao Dandan, deputy director of the Shanghai municipal health commission, the megacity reported 77 confirmed locally transmitted COVID-19 cases and 746 local asymptomatic cases on Monday. All the new cases were from areas under quarantine or closed-off management. Shanghai is gradually reopening commercial outlets such as shopping malls, convenience stores and pharmacies from Monday after weeks of closed management to ward off COVID-19. Many restaurants and coffee shops in the city are also reopening to offer delivery and takeou

GLOBALink | NATO expansion root cause of Ukraine crisis: former senior French official

A former senior French official expressed concerns over the decision by Sweden and Finland to apply for NATO membership and believed that NATO expansion is the root cause of the Ukraine crisis. Produced by Xinhua Global Service

People with disabilities embrace better life in Ningxia, China

STORY: People with disabilities embrace better life in Ningxia, China DATELINE: May 17, 2021 LENGTH: 0:02:27 LOCATION: YINCHUAN, China CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of people with disabilities living better lives 2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): MI YUNYUN, Hairdresser 3. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): PENG CHENG, Audiovisual post-production editor 4. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): MA YOUYUN, Hemp weaving worker 5. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): HUANG XIAOBAO, Massagist with visual disability STORYLINE: Sunday marked China's national day of persons with disabilities. In Ningxia, people with disabilities are embracing a better life through their hard work. Mi Yunyun, a hairdresser, wears a prosthetic leg due to her right leg amputation. Her husband, also a hairdresser, has difficulty moving due to necrosis of the femoral heads and ankylosing spondylitis. The couple runs a barbershop, which provides help for those in need. 　　 SOUNDBITE (Chinese): MI YUNYUN, Hairdresser "We provide free door-to-door haircut services for the elderly and

On-site in Ukraine: Over 260 Ukrainian soldiers evacuated from Mariupol's Azovstal

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