US: Weeki Wachee Preserve Brush Fire Prompts Evacuations in Hernando Beach

A fast-moving brush fire broke out in the Weeki Wachee Preserve in Hernando Beach, Florida, on Sunday, March 29, prompting mandatory evacuation orders. The fire reached an estimated 150 acres and was only 20% contained as of 11 p.m., with no injuries reported.

81st World Science Fiction Convention concludes in Chengdu

STORY: 81st World Science Fiction Convention concludes in Chengdu DATELINE: Oct. 23, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:45 LOCATION: CHENGDU, China CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of the closing ceremony STORYLINE: The 81st World Science Fiction Convention (WorldCon) concluded Sunday in Chengdu, the capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province. Themed "Meet the Future," the five-day event highlighted the symbiotic relationship between science fiction and the city, presenting over 200 activities, panels and salons, the Hugo Awards, the world's top prizes for science fiction literature. The convention has taken place annually since 1939 (except during WWII from 1942 to 1945). It is the first time for the world's largest and longest-running sci-fi gathering to come to China. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Chengdu, China. (XHTV)

Imperial Palace lit up

Imperial Palace lit up

TOKYO, Japan - Tokyo's Imperial Palace is lit up on Dec. 23, 2014, the 81st birthday of Emperor Akihito. The third annual winter-time illumination, which began the same day, will be in place until Jan. 4 between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Imperial Palace lit up

Imperial Palace lit up

TOKYO, Japan - Tokyo's Imperial Palace is lit up on Dec. 23, 2014, the 81st birthday of Emperor Akihito. The third annual winter-time illumination, which began the same day, will be in place until Jan. 4 between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Japan's Kobayashi 81st in women's biathlon 7.5km sprint

Japan's Kobayashi 81st in women's biathlon 7.5km sprint

SOCHI, Russia - Miki Kobayashi of Japan competes in the Winter Olympics women's biathlon 7.5km sprint at the Laura Cross-country Ski & Biathlon Center in Sochi, Russia, on Feb. 9, 2014. Kobayashi finished in 81st place.

Japan's Kobayashi 81st in women's biathlon 7.5km sprint

Japan's Kobayashi 81st in women's biathlon 7.5km sprint

SOCHI, Russia - Miki Kobayashi of Japan (front) shoots her rifle in the Winter Olympics women's biathlon 7.5km sprint at the Laura Cross-country Ski & Biathlon Center in Sochi, Russia, on Feb. 9, 2014. Kobayashi finished in 81st place.