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2023 could be worst year in gun violence in U.S. history: Kenyan expert

STORY: 2023 could be worst year in gun violence in U.S. history: Kenyan expert DATELINE: Feb. 3, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:22 LOCATION: Nairobi CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the U.S. 2. various of mass shootings in the U.S. 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): STEPHEN NDEGWA, International relations lecturer, United States International University (USIU-Africa) 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): STEPHEN NDEGWA, International relations lecturer, United States International University (USIU-Africa) STORYLINE: The mass shootings in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay in California in January expose once again the violent root in U.S. culture. A Kenyan expert says 2023 could be the worst year in gun violence in U.S. history if the trend continues. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): STEPHEN NDEGWA, International relations lecturer, United States International University (USIU-Africa) "The trend is going to get worse. So it is just now an escalation of the frustrations of the American people. The contradictions in people's personal lives ar

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Myanmar extends state of emergency for 6 more months

STORY: Myanmar extends state of emergency for 6 more months DATELINE: Feb. 2, 2023 LENGTH: 0:01:20 LOCATION: YANGON, Myanmar CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Yangon STORYLINE: Myanmar's National Defense and Security Council (NDSC) on Wednesday extended the state of emergency in the Southeast Asian country for six more months. According to a statement signed by Acting President U Myint Swe, the emergency period is extended in accordance with the Section 425 of the State Constitution for six months from Feb. 1, 2023, citing that as unusual circumstances are happening in the country, only if the emergency period is extended, will the Commander-in-Chief accomplish his responsibilities. The extension was made with approvals from all NDSC members attending the council's meeting on Tuesday, the state-run media reported. At the meeting, the acting president declared the extension of the state of emergency, and handed over the state power again to Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Senior Gen

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FRANCE-PARIS-PENSION REFORMS-PROTEST

(230131) -- PARIS, Jan. 31, 2023 (Xinhua) -- People participate in a protest against the government's controversial pension reform plan in Paris, France, on Jan. 31, 2023. People across France took to the streets again on Tuesday to protest against the government's controversial pension reform plan. The first nationwide strike was held on Jan. 19. (Photo by Glenn Gervot/Xinhua)

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FRANCE-PARIS-PENSION REFORMS-PROTEST

(230131) -- PARIS, Jan. 31, 2023 (Xinhua) -- People participate in a protest against the government's controversial pension reform plan in Paris, France, on Jan. 31, 2023. People across France took to the streets again on Tuesday to protest against the government's controversial pension reform plan. The first nationwide strike was held on Jan. 19. (Photo by Glenn Gervot/Xinhua)

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FRANCE-PARIS-PENSION REFORMS-PROTEST

(230131) -- PARIS, Jan. 31, 2023 (Xinhua) -- People participate in a protest against the government's controversial pension reform plan in Paris, France, on Jan. 31, 2023. People across France took to the streets again on Tuesday to protest against the government's controversial pension reform plan. The first nationwide strike was held on Jan. 19. (Photo by Glenn Gervot/Xinhua)

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FRANCE-LILLE-PENSION REFORMS-MASS STRIKE

(230131) -- LILLE (FRANCE), Jan. 31, 2023 (Xinhua) -- People participate in a demonstration against the government's controversial pension reform plan in Lille, northern France, on Jan. 31, 2023. People across France took to the streets again on Tuesday to protest against the government's controversial pension reform plan. The first nationwide strike was held on Jan. 19. (Photo by Sebastien Courdji/Xinhua)

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FRANCE-LILLE-PENSION REFORMS-MASS STRIKE

(230131) -- LILLE (FRANCE), Jan. 31, 2023 (Xinhua) -- People participate in a demonstration against the government's controversial pension reform plan in Lille, northern France, on Jan. 31, 2023. People across France took to the streets again on Tuesday to protest against the government's controversial pension reform plan. The first nationwide strike was held on Jan. 19. (Photo by Sebastien Courdji/Xinhua)

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FRANCE-PARIS-PENSION REFORMS-PROTEST

(230131) -- PARIS, Jan. 31, 2023 (Xinhua) -- People participate in a protest against the government's controversial pension reform plan in Paris, France, on Jan. 31, 2023. People across France took to the streets again on Tuesday to protest against the government's controversial pension reform plan. The first nationwide strike was held on Jan. 19. (Photo by Glenn Gervot/Xinhua)

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FRANCE-PARIS-PENSION REFORMS-PROTEST

(230131) -- PARIS, Jan. 31, 2023 (Xinhua) -- People participate in a protest against the government's controversial pension reform plan in Paris, France, on Jan. 31, 2023. People across France took to the streets again on Tuesday to protest against the government's controversial pension reform plan. The first nationwide strike was held on Jan. 19. (Photo by Glenn Gervot/Xinhua)

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FRANCE-PARIS-PENSION REFORMS-PROTEST

(230131) -- PARIS, Jan. 31, 2023 (Xinhua) -- People participate in a protest against the government's controversial pension reform plan in Paris, France, on Jan. 31, 2023. People across France took to the streets again on Tuesday to protest against the government's controversial pension reform plan. The first nationwide strike was held on Jan. 19. (Photo by Glenn Gervot/Xinhua)

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FRANCE-LILLE-PENSION REFORMS-MASS STRIKE

(230131) -- LILLE (FRANCE), Jan. 31, 2023 (Xinhua) -- People participate in a demonstration against the government's controversial pension reform plan in Lille, northern France, on Jan. 31, 2023. People across France took to the streets again on Tuesday to protest against the government's controversial pension reform plan. The first nationwide strike was held on Jan. 19. (Photo by Sebastien Courdji/Xinhua)

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FRANCE-LILLE-PENSION REFORMS-MASS STRIKE

(230131) -- LILLE (FRANCE), Jan. 31, 2023 (Xinhua) -- People participate in a demonstration against the government's controversial pension reform plan in Lille, northern France, on Jan. 31, 2023. People across France took to the streets again on Tuesday to protest against the government's controversial pension reform plan. The first nationwide strike was held on Jan. 19. (Photo by Sebastien Courdji/Xinhua)

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FRANCE-LILLE-PENSION REFORMS-MASS STRIKE

(230131) -- LILLE (FRANCE), Jan. 31, 2023 (Xinhua) -- People participate in a demonstration against the government's controversial pension reform plan in Lille, northern France, on Jan. 31, 2023. People across France took to the streets again on Tuesday to protest against the government's controversial pension reform plan. The first nationwide strike was held on Jan. 19. (Photo by Sebastien Courdji/Xinhua)

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FRANCE-LILLE-PENSION REFORMS-MASS STRIKE

(230131) -- LILLE (FRANCE), Jan. 31, 2023 (Xinhua) -- People participate in a demonstration against the government's controversial pension reform plan in Lille, northern France, on Jan. 31, 2023. People across France took to the streets again on Tuesday to protest against the government's controversial pension reform plan. The first nationwide strike was held on Jan. 19. (Photo by Sebastien Courdji/Xinhua)

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FRANCE-LILLE-PENSION REFORMS-MASS STRIKE

(230131) -- LILLE (FRANCE), Jan. 31, 2023 (Xinhua) -- People participate in a demonstration against the government's controversial pension reform plan in Lille, northern France, on Jan. 31, 2023. People across France took to the streets again on Tuesday to protest against the government's controversial pension reform plan. The first nationwide strike was held on Jan. 19. (Photo by Sebastien Courdji/Xinhua)

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FRANCE-LILLE-PENSION REFORMS-MASS STRIKE

(230131) -- LILLE (FRANCE), Jan. 31, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Policemen stand guard during a demonstration against the government's controversial pension reform plan in Lille, northern France, on Jan. 31, 2023. People across France took to the streets again on Tuesday to protest against the government's controversial pension reform plan. The first nationwide strike was held on Jan. 19. (Photo by Sebastien Courdji/Xinhua)

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Ice and snow sports turn popular in China's Hebei during Spring Festival

STORY: Ice and snow sports turn popular in China's Hebei during Spring Festival DATELINE: Jan. 28, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:13 LOCATION: WUYI, China CATEGORY: SPORTS SHOTLIST: 1. various of ski resorts in Hebei 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): YU PENG, Ski enthusiast in Wuyi County in Hebei Province 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): WANG LELE, Visitor 4. various of ski resorts in Hebei STORYLINE: Ice and snow sports are turning popular again in north China's Hebei Province during the Spring Festival holiday. In Zhangjiakou of Hebei, a co-host city of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, ski resorts have been frequented by enthusiasts recently. The Beijing 2022 has driven up a winter sports craze in many cities across China. In Wuyi County of Hebei, a ski resort has been built to cater to the rising demand of ski lovers. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): YU PENG, Ski enthusiast in Wuyi County in Hebei Province "I'm 62 years old now. I started skiing five years ago. Now that a ski resort has been built near home, I've become a regular vis

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Family inns bustling with tourists in E China township

STORY: Family inns bustling with tourists in E China township DATELINE: Jan. 26, 2023 LENGTH: 0:01:38 LOCATION: CHANGXING, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of tourists 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): JIANG WEI, Owner of a family inn in Xiaopu Township 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): JIANG WEI, Owner of a family inn in Xiaopu Township 4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): FANG XIAOPING, Owner of a family inn in Xiaopu Township 5. SOUNDBITE 4 (Chinese): ZHENG JIANGYUAN, Tourism official in Xiaopu Township STORYLINE: With China downgrading its management of COVID-19, legions of tourists have again been spotted across the country during the week-long Spring Festival holiday. Many of them choose to have a different Spring Festival in rural areas. In Xiaopu Township of Changxing County, east China's Zhejiang Province, Jiang Wei has been very busy since the start of the holiday. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): JIANG WEI, Owner of a family inn in Xiaopu Township "We hang up lanterns and colorful lights, so tourists can enjoy coffee

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German expat's first Spring Festival in rural China

STORY: German expat's first Spring Festival in rural China DATELINE: Jan. 25, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:43 LOCATION: HAIKOU, China CATEGORY: SOCIETY/CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of Sebastian Hahn and his girlfriend 2. SOUNDBITE (English): SEBASTIAN HAHN, German expat living in China's Haikou STORYLINE: SOUNDBITE (English): SEBASTIAN HAHN, German expat living in China's Haikou "This is the ninth time for me to spend the Chinese New Year in China, but it's the first time that I spent it in a village. It's the hometown of my girlfriend (Tina). Before, I spent it (Chinese New Year) every time in Haikou. Haikou is empty. Everybody went to his hometown. But here, when you come here, people are everywhere. The markets are full of people, full of food. Fireworks are everywhere. Today we went to the market, again full of people. Every kind of smell from fresh fruits and also from fireworks all together, I think it is an atmosphere. You have a feeling of Chinese New Year. We also made some dumplings, rice dumplings. (For S

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Greece eager to host Chinese travelers again: Tourism minister

STORY: Greece eager to host Chinese travelers again: Tourism minister DATELINE: Jan. 22, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:42 LOCATION: Athens CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Vassilis Kikilias, Greek Tourism Minister speaking with Xinhua 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): VASSILIS KIKILIAS, Greek Tourism Minister 3. various of tourists arriving at Athens 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): VASSILIS KIKILIAS, Greek Tourism Minister 5. various of buildings in Athens 4. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): VASSILIS KIKILIAS, Greek Tourism Minister 5. various of views of Athens 6. SOUNDBITE 4 (English): VASSILIS KIKILIAS, Greek Tourism Minister STORYLINE: In a recent Xinhua interview, Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias said that Greece is ready to welcome back Chinese travelers. He said in Athens on Thursday that "we are ready to greet our Chinese friends, travelers and tourists, in this new touristic season." The outbreak of the pandemic put the brakes on an impressive increase in Chinese arrivals in Greece in recent years. Following the

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Iraq wins 25th Arabian Gulf Cup

STORY: Iraq wins 25th Arabian Gulf Cup DATELINE: Jan. 20, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:19 LOCATION: Baghdad CATEGORY: SPORTS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Iraqi fans celebrating at Tahrir Square in Baghdad STORYLINE: The 25th Arabian Gulf Cup concluded on Thursday in Iraq's southern city of Basra after Iraq won the final match against Oman. The final match was held in Basra International Stadium in Basra, some 550 km south of the Iraqi capital Baghdad. The two teams drew one goal to each within the original time of the match. Iraq scored a second goal in the second half of the extra time, but Oman equalized again in the same extra period before Iraq scored the third goal at the end of the extra time of the match. A large number of Iraqi fans watched the final match on a huge screen at Tahrir Square in downtown Baghdad. Jubilant fans gathered to support the Iraqi national team. The Gulf Championship is held every two years and its 24th edition was held in Qatar in 2019 but was suspended thereafter due to the COVID-19 p

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Date exports in Iraq's Diyala increase as local security situation improves

STORY: Date exports in Iraq's Diyala increase as local security situation improves DATELINE: Jan. 20, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:25 LOCATION: Baghdad CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Iraqi Date Processing and Marketing Company 2. SOUNDBITE (Arabic): HUSSEIN HADI, Employee of the Iraqi Date Processing and Marketing Company STORYLINE: Iraq's eastern province of Diyala has exported more than 40,000 tons of dates to many Asian and African countries over the past five months, amid expectations that the export will reach 100,000 tons in the coming seasons. The palm trees are once again bringing benefits to Diyala, one of the important agricultural provinces in Iraq, after the improvement of the local security situation. The booming export has also created a lot of business opportunities for food processing companies in the country. SOUNDBITE (Arabic): HUSSEIN HADI, Employee of the Iraqi Date Processing and Marketing Company "Iraqi dates began to recover and began to return gradually. Support (from the govern

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Maldives welcomes Chinese flight, tourists with water cannon salute

STORY: Maldives welcomes Chinese flight, tourists with water cannon salute DATELINE: Jan. 19, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:54 LOCATION: Male CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the passenger plane arriving at the Velana International Airport 2. various of Chinese tourists welcomed at the airport STORYLINE: The Maldives welcomed the first direct flight from China with a water cannon salute on Wednesday following the latter's recent optimization of COVID-19 strategy. The Capital Airlines' flight with over 190 Chinese tourists aboard was received by Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Wang Lixin, Tourism Minister of the Maldives Abdulla Mausoom and other officials at the Velana International Airport. Mausoom told Xinhua at the welcoming ceremony that the Maldives earlier forecast 1.8 million tourists for this year, and at least 10 percent increase is expected from the original forecast as Chinese tourists who had contributed a lot to the tourism market of the Maldives, are arriving again. China had remained

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China's Poyang Lake a sanctuary for wintering birds after efforts made to replenish water

STORY: China's Poyang Lake a sanctuary for wintering birds after efforts made to replenish water DATELINE: Jan. 19, 2023 LENGTH: 0:01:17 LOCATION: JIUJIANG, China CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of Poyang Lake 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): LI YUE, Director, Administration of Migratory Bird Nature Reserve in Duchang County, Jiangxi 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): GAO YIPING, Bird guardian, Migratory Bird Nature Reserve in Duchang County, Jiangxi 4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): LI YUE, Director, Administration of Migratory Bird Nature Reserve in Duchang County, Jiangxi STORYLINE: China's largest freshwater lake, Poyang Lake in Jiangxi Province, has again ushered in a peak for the arrivals of migratory birds. The lake was hit hard by drought in 2022, due to heat waves and dry weather. To ease the situation, local authorities have made diversified efforts to replenish saucer-shaped lake areas, which are ideal places for migratory birds to forage. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): LI YUE, Director, Administration of Migrato

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France becomes net electricity exporter again at start of 2023

STORY: France becomes net electricity exporter again at start of 2023 DATELINE: Jan. 17, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:48 LOCATION: LYON, France CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of electricity grid 2. various of an individual electricity meter STORYLINE: France is expected to be an electricity exporter during 2023, even planning various scenarios in the event of a power cut due to a lack of energy. "The risk of cuts this winter seems to be on the decline," said Olivier Veran, spokesperson for the French government, on leaving the Council of Ministers last Wednesday. The net electricity export balance amounts to 1.4 terawatt hours since the beginning of the year according to RTE, the electricity distribution network in France. Electricity and gas consumption has decreased by 9 percent and 10.5 percent, respectively compared to last month, according to the latest data from electricity and gas network operators. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Lyon, France. (XHTV)

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China's economy rapidly rebounding from pandemic shock

STORY: China's economy rapidly rebounding from pandemic shock DATELINE: Jan. 15, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:25 LOCATION: Beijing CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various views in China 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): OKTAY F. TANRISEVER, Professor of International Relations, Middle East Technical University 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): BILAL AHMAD, Pakistani public health specialist 4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): ZHANG XIQIANG, Executive Vice President, Nestle S.A. STORYLINE: China's economy is shaking off the shadow of COVID-19. The country's continuously optimized anti-virus response has promoted work and production resumption. Sectors ranging from tourism to services and catering are trickling back to their pre-pandemic level. During the 40-day-long Spring Festival travel rush that is underway, the number of passenger trips is expected to surge 99.5 percent year on year to nearly 2.1 billion, resuming 70.3 percent of that in 2019. Major projects nationwide have started construction again, and many factories are running at

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China's COVID-19 response will contribute to global growth, says WEF president

STORY: China's COVID-19 response will contribute to global growth, says WEF president DATELINE: Jan. 15, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:53 LOCATION: GENEVA, Switzerland CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the World Economic Forum 2. various of street view in Geneva 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): BORGE BRENDE, World Economic Forum (WEF) President 4. various of street view in China 5. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): BORGE BRENDE, World Economic Forum (WEF) President STORYLINE: The annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) will be held from Jan. 16-20 in Davos, Switzerland. Borge Brende, president of the WEF, said before the meeting that China's optimization of COVID-19 response will contribute to global growth. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): BORGE BRENDE, World Economic Forum (WEF) President "What we hope for our annual meeting in Davos, where we also expect high-level Chinese participation, is that nation should again try to find areas to cooperate and not only work against each other. And China plays an important role in als

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Chinese FM's Africa visit to enhance China-Africa cooperation

STORY: Chinese FM's Africa visit to enhance China-Africa cooperation DATELINE: Jan. 14, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:36 LOCATION: Accra CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of infrastructure projects 2. various of Paul Frimpong, executive director of Africa-China Center for Policy and Advisory, a Ghana-based think tank 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): PAUL FRIMPONG, Executive director of Africa-China Center for Policy and Advisory 4. various of infrastructure projects 5. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): PAUL FRIMPONG, Executive director of Africa-China Center for Policy and Advisory 6. various of Accra central business district 7. various of infrastructure projects 8. various of medical supplies STORYLINE: Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang's ongoing visit to Africa will further strengthen China-Africa cooperation in various fields, a Ghanaian expert has said. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): PAUL FRIMPONG, Executive director of Africa-China Center for Policy and Advisory I'm looking at again the kinds of investment that we are seeing i

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Iran fully ready to help rehabilitate power plants in Lebanon: FM

STORY: Iran fully ready to help rehabilitate power plants in Lebanon: FM DATELINE: Jan. 14, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:44 LOCATION: Beirut CATEGORY: ENERGY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian and the Iranian delegation 2. various of the meeting 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Persian): HOSSEIN AMIR-ABDOLLAHIAN, Iranian Foreign Minister 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Persian): HOSSEIN AMIR-ABDOLLAHIAN, Iranian Foreign Minister 5. various of Abdollahian meeting with PM Najib Mikati STORYLINE: Visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said on Friday that Iran is fully prepared to help rehabilitate Lebanon's power plants to help it produce energy, the National News Agency reported. "Once again, I want to officially confirm that Iran ... is fully prepared to rehabilitate power plants in Lebanon and build new ones to help the country produce energy according to a consensus reached with the Lebanese government," Amir-Abdollahian said during a press conference with his Lebanese counterpart Abda

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EGYPT-CAIRO-OPERA-RIGOLETTO

(230113) -- CAIRO, Jan. 13, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Artists perform the opera Rigoletto at Cairo Opera House in Cairo, Egypt, on Jan. 12, 2023. Seats were all occupied at the main hall of Cairo Opera House as opera lovers watched Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi's masterpiece Rigoletto, which was staged in Cairo again after more than 150 years. Based on the 1832 play Le roi s'amuse (The King Has Fun) by French dramatist Victor Hugo, Rigoletto was first staged in Egypt in 1869 to mark the country's celebration of the opening of the Suez Canal. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) TO GO WITH Feature: Verdi's Rigoletto charms Egyptian opera lovers again after 150 years

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EGYPT-CAIRO-OPERA-RIGOLETTO

(230113) -- CAIRO, Jan. 13, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Artists perform the opera Rigoletto at Cairo Opera House in Cairo, Egypt, on Jan. 12, 2023. Seats were all occupied at the main hall of Cairo Opera House as opera lovers watched Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi's masterpiece Rigoletto, which was staged in Cairo again after more than 150 years. Based on the 1832 play Le roi s'amuse (The King Has Fun) by French dramatist Victor Hugo, Rigoletto was first staged in Egypt in 1869 to mark the country's celebration of the opening of the Suez Canal. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) TO GO WITH Feature: Verdi's Rigoletto charms Egyptian opera lovers again after 150 years

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EGYPT-CAIRO-OPERA-RIGOLETTO

(230113) -- CAIRO, Jan. 13, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Artists perform the opera Rigoletto at Cairo Opera House in Cairo, Egypt, on Jan. 12, 2023. Seats were all occupied at the main hall of Cairo Opera House as opera lovers watched Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi's masterpiece Rigoletto, which was staged in Cairo again after more than 150 years. Based on the 1832 play Le roi s'amuse (The King Has Fun) by French dramatist Victor Hugo, Rigoletto was first staged in Egypt in 1869 to mark the country's celebration of the opening of the Suez Canal. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) TO GO WITH Feature: Verdi's Rigoletto charms Egyptian opera lovers again after 150 years

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EGYPT-CAIRO-OPERA-RIGOLETTO

(230113) -- CAIRO, Jan. 13, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Artists perform the opera Rigoletto at Cairo Opera House in Cairo, Egypt, on Jan. 12, 2023. Seats were all occupied at the main hall of Cairo Opera House as opera lovers watched Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi's masterpiece Rigoletto, which was staged in Cairo again after more than 150 years. Based on the 1832 play Le roi s'amuse (The King Has Fun) by French dramatist Victor Hugo, Rigoletto was first staged in Egypt in 1869 to mark the country's celebration of the opening of the Suez Canal. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) TO GO WITH Feature: Verdi's Rigoletto charms Egyptian opera lovers again after 150 years

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Consumption gains steam in China's Baoding with shopping, tourist boom

STORY: Consumption gains steam in China's Baoding with shopping, tourist boom DATELINE: Jan. 10, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:17 LOCATION: SHIJIAZHUANG, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY/SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of people in local plaza 2. various of shoppers in shopping mall 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): ZHAO YAXIN, Deputy director of investment promotion, Wanbo Plaza (Baoding) 4. various of workshop at Great Wall Motor Company Limited 5. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): ZHANG MIAO, Xushui Branch, Great Wall Motor Company Limited 6. various of people enjoying winter sports STORYLINE: As China further optimizes its COVID-19 response, the country's consumption is gaining momentum with shopping, manufacturing and tourism booming again. Baoding in Hebei Province is one of the first cities to have gone through the peak of COVID-19 infections recently. As the year 2023 begins, life and business have gradually returned to normal, with shopping malls and scenic spots crowded with people again. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): ZHAO YAXIN, Deputy dir

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(SP)XINHUA-PICTURES OF THE YEAR 2022-SPORT

(230109) -- BEIJING, Jan. 9, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Qu Wei, 67 years old, skates on the ice rink of Summer Palace in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 10, 2022. Qu Wei has won the champion of 1985 Beijing youth figure skating open championship. She once studied figure skating at Beijing Shichahai Sports School and didn't give up the sports even after she left the school. However, Qu Wei barely skated after an accident resulting in fracture of left ankle at the age of 40. The upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics reignited her passion toward skating. She started skating again after over 20 years. (Xinhua/Wu Zhuang)

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Political deadlock in U.S. Congress over speakership persists

STORY: Political deadlock in U.S. Congress over speakership persists DATELINE: Jan. 5, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:42 LOCATION: NEW YORK, U.S. CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. STANDUP (English): XIA LIN, Xinhua correspondent 2. various of the U.S. Congress STORYLINE: STANDUP (English): XIA LIN, Xinhua correspondent "Members of a paralyzed U.S. House of Representatives failed to elect a new speaker again on Jan. 4, 2023. Congressman Kevin McCarthy, a Republican from California, failed to secure enough votes for the fourth, fifth and sixth times, after at least 20 lawmakers of his own party didn't vote for him. On Jan. 3, the opening day of the divided 118th Congress, the House also voted three times, but McCarthy fell short of the necessary 218 votes to be the next speaker. It was the first time a House speaker hadn't been elected on the first ballot in 100 years. 'How do you think this looks to the rest of the world?' U.S. President Joe Biden told reporters. 'It's not a good look. It's not a good thing.' 'Republican

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US: Warning Issued As Freezing Conditions Sweep Across Tennessee 2

As freezing temperatures and heavy snow arrived again in Tennessee on Monday, December 26, the National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory across the state. More than a hundred flights were canceled in and out of the Nashville International Airport. This video shows the frozen Ball River Falls in Tellico Plains.

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US: Warning Issued As Freezing Conditions Sweep Across Tennessee

As freezing temperatures and heavy snow arrived again in Tennessee on Monday, December 26, the National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory across the state. More than a hundred flights were canceled in and out of the Nashville International Airport. This video shows a frozen Holston River in Kingsport.

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US: Winter Storm Freezes Outdoor Pool In Central Tennessee

As freezing temperatures and heavy snow arrived again in Tennessee on Monday, December 26, the National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory across the state. More than a hundred flights were canceled in and out of the Nashville International Airport. This video shows a frozen outside pool in Fairview, Tennessee due to cold weather.

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CHINA-BEIJING-BUSINESS AREA-ECONOMY-RECOVERY (CN)

(221226) -- BEIJING, Dec. 26, 2022 (Xinhua) -- People enjoy leisure time at a business center in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 24, 2022. In recent days, business areas in Beijing have bustled again as the epidemic prevention and control measures have been optimized in line with the evolving epidemic situation. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

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CHINA-BEIJING-BUSINESS AREA-ECONOMY-RECOVERY (CN)

(221226) -- BEIJING, Dec. 26, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A waitress sets the table at a restaurant of a shopping mall in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 25, 2022. In recent days, business areas in Beijing have bustled again as the epidemic prevention and control measures have been optimized in line with the evolving epidemic situation. (Xinhua/Ren Chao)

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CHINA-BEIJING-BUSINESS AREA-ECONOMY-RECOVERY (CN)

(221226) -- BEIJING, Dec. 26, 2022 (Xinhua) -- People enjoy leisure time at a business center in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 24, 2022. In recent days, business areas in Beijing have bustled again as the epidemic prevention and control measures have been optimized in line with the evolving epidemic situation. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

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CHINA-BEIJING-BUSINESS AREA-ECONOMY-RECOVERY (CN)

(221226) -- BEIJING, Dec. 26, 2022 (Xinhua) -- People enjoy leisure time at a business center in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 25, 2022. In recent days, business areas in Beijing have bustled again as the epidemic prevention and control measures have been optimized in line with the evolving epidemic situation. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)

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CHINA-BEIJING-BUSINESS AREA-ECONOMY-RECOVERY (CN)

(221226) -- BEIJING, Dec. 26, 2022 (Xinhua) -- People select food at a business center in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 25, 2022. In recent days, business areas in Beijing have bustled again as the epidemic prevention and control measures have been optimized in line with the evolving epidemic situation. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)

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CHINA-BEIJING-BUSINESS AREA-ECONOMY-RECOVERY (CN)

(221226) -- BEIJING, Dec. 26, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A cook serves roast duck for customers at a restaurant of a shopping mall in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 25, 2022. In recent days, business areas in Beijing have bustled again as the epidemic prevention and control measures have been optimized in line with the evolving epidemic situation. (Xinhua/Ren Chao)

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CHINA-BEIJING-BUSINESS AREA-ECONOMY-RECOVERY (CN)

(221226) -- BEIJING, Dec. 26, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A waitress (1st L) serves for customers at a restaurant of a shopping mall in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 25, 2022. In recent days, business areas in Beijing have bustled again as the epidemic prevention and control measures have been optimized in line with the evolving epidemic situation. (Xinhua/Ren Chao)

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CHINA-BEIJING-BUSINESS AREA-ECONOMY-RECOVERY (CN)

(221226) -- BEIJING, Dec. 26, 2022 (Xinhua) -- People enjoy leisure time at a business center in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 24, 2022. In recent days, business areas in Beijing have bustled again as the epidemic prevention and control measures have been optimized in line with the evolving epidemic situation. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

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CHINA-BEIJING-BUSINESS AREA-ECONOMY-RECOVERY (CN)

(221226) -- BEIJING, Dec. 26, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A citizen buys film tickets at a cinema of a shopping mall in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 25, 2022. In recent days, business areas in Beijing have bustled again as the epidemic prevention and control measures have been optimized in line with the evolving epidemic situation. (Xinhua/Ren Chao)

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CHINA-BEIJING-BUSINESS AREA-ECONOMY-RECOVERY (CN)

(221226) -- BEIJING, Dec. 26, 2022 (Xinhua) -- People enjoy leisure time at a business center in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 24, 2022. In recent days, business areas in Beijing have bustled again as the epidemic prevention and control measures have been optimized in line with the evolving epidemic situation. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

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CHINA-BEIJING-BUSINESS AREA-ECONOMY-RECOVERY (CN)

(221226) -- BEIJING, Dec. 26, 2022 (Xinhua) -- People enjoy leisure time at a business center in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 24, 2022. In recent days, business areas in Beijing have bustled again as the epidemic prevention and control measures have been optimized in line with the evolving epidemic situation. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)