Taiwan: Typhoon Danas Batters Southern Region, Leaving Widespread Damage 3

Typhoon Danas made landfall near Chiayi's Budai Township around 11:40 p.m. on Sunday, July 6, bringing gusty winds and heavy rainfall to the southern region. Typhoon Danas weakened to a tropical storm after its eye departed Taiwan early Monday.

Philippines: Church Bells Toll to Mourn Death of Pope Francis 2

Pope Francis has died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, April 21. Bells were rung at Catholic churches to mourn his death across the Philippines.

Metropolitan expressway marks 50th anniv.

Metropolitan expressway marks 50th anniv.

TOKYO, Japan - Photo shows Haneda Tunnel in Tokyo's Ota Ward on the Tokyo metropolitan expressway on Dec. 19, 2012. Metropolitan Expressway Co., the operator of the expressway, marked the 50th anniversary on Dec. 20, 2012, of the arterial route's opening.

6 privatized firms licensed to operate Japan's highways

6 privatized firms licensed to operate Japan's highways

TOKYO, Japan - Land, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Kazuo Kitagawa (far L) speaks at his ministry on March 31 before the leaders from Metropolitan Expressway Co., Hanshin Expressway Co. and Honshu-Shikoku Bridge Expressway Co., East Nippon Expressway Co., Central Nippon Expressway Co. and West Nippon Expressway Co. The government licensed the six privatized corporations to operate the nation's highways, completing Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's initiative to privatize four highway-related public corporations.

6 privatized firms licensed to operate Japan's highways

6 privatized firms licensed to operate Japan's highways

TOKYO, Japan - Land, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Kazuo Kitagawa (far L) speaks at his ministry on March 31 before the leaders from Metropolitan Expressway Co., Hanshin Expressway Co. and Honshu-Shikoku Bridge Expressway Co., East Nippon Expressway Co., Central Nippon Expressway Co. and West Nippon Expressway Co. The government licensed the six privatized corporations to operate the nation's highways, completing Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's initiative to privatize four highway-related public corporations. (Kyodo)