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RECAP: Typhoon Peipah Brings Heavy Rain, Flooding, and Tornado Damage Across Japan

Typhoon Peipah made landfall in Japan on Friday, September 5, first near Sukumo City in Kochi Prefecture before dawn and again in northern Wakayama Prefecture around 9 a.m., bringing heavy rain and flooding across western to eastern regions. In Shizuoka Prefecture, a tornado linked to the storm caused major damage in Makinohara, Yoshida, and Yaizu, toppling buildings, ripping apart greenhouses, and overturning trucks.

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Vendee Globe - The arrival of Justine Mettraux - Les Sables d'Olonnes

Justine Mettraux poses with British skipper Pip Hare, French skipper Nicolas Lunven, Catherine Chabaud (French skipper, member of the EU parliament, and first woman ever to finish an around-the-world solo race), and Isabelle Autissier, (French navigator, first woman to have completed a solo round the world race in 1991) during her arrival in Les Sables d'Olonne at 14h36 on Saturday January 25, 2025, in the Vendee Globe 2024 race. The Swiss sailor crossed the finish line of the Vendee Globe after 76 days, one hour, 38 minutes and 52 seconds spent at sea, she becomes the fastest female sailor in the history of the Vendee Globe, this solo, non-stop round the world race. Photo by Masson A/ANDBZ/ABACAPRESS.COM

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U.S. Deploys Two B-52H Stratofortress To Romania

Handout file photo dated July 10, 2010 shows U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress from the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Barksdale AFB, La., flies a mission in the pacific Ocean. On July 21, 2024, two B-52H Stratofortress aircraft from the U.S. Air Force’s 2nd Bomb Wing, stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, landed at Mihail Kogalniceanu Airbase in Romania as part of Bomber Task Force 24-4. During their flight over the Barents Sea, the B-52s, operating in international airspace in compliance with international law, were intercepted by two Russian aircraft around 8 a.m. Central European Time. Despite the interception, the B-52s maintained their flight path and continued their mission as planned, including integration exercises with NATO fighter jets, before landing at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jacob N. Bailey via ABACAPRESS.COM

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U.S. Deploys Two B-52H Stratofortress To Romania

Handout file photo dated February 20, 2019 shows a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress makes a flyover at Air Force Station Yelahanka, Bengaluru, India. On July 21, 2024, two B-52H Stratofortress aircraft from the U.S. Air Force’s 2nd Bomb Wing, stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, landed at Mihail Kogalniceanu Airbase in Romania as part of Bomber Task Force 24-4. During their flight over the Barents Sea, the B-52s, operating in international airspace in compliance with international law, were intercepted by two Russian aircraft around 8 a.m. Central European Time. Despite the interception, the B-52s maintained their flight path and continued their mission as planned, including integration exercises with NATO fighter jets, before landing at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Juan Torres via ABACAPRESS.COM

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U.S. Deploys Two B-52H Stratofortress To Romania

Handout file photo dated February 22, 2011 shows a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortess has just been refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker. On July 21, 2024, two B-52H Stratofortress aircraft from the U.S. Air Force’s 2nd Bomb Wing, stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, landed at Mihail Kogalniceanu Airbase in Romania as part of Bomber Task Force 24-4. During their flight over the Barents Sea, the B-52s, operating in international airspace in compliance with international law, were intercepted by two Russian aircraft around 8 a.m. Central European Time. Despite the interception, the B-52s maintained their flight path and continued their mission as planned, including integration exercises with NATO fighter jets, before landing at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Angelita M. Lawrence via ABACAPRESS.COM

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U.S. Deploys Two B-52H Stratofortress To Romania

Handout file photo dated April 20, 11 shows U.S. Air Force aircrew assigned to the 23rd Bomb Squadron Minot Air Force Base N.D., pre-flight their B-52 Stratofortress aircraft before an 8hr sortie going over bomb dropping sequences and air refueling. On July 21, 2024, two B-52H Stratofortress aircraft from the U.S. Air Force’s 2nd Bomb Wing, stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, landed at Mihail Kogalniceanu Airbase in Romania as part of Bomber Task Force 24-4. During their flight over the Barents Sea, the B-52s, operating in international airspace in compliance with international law, were intercepted by two Russian aircraft around 8 a.m. Central European Time. Despite the interception, the B-52s maintained their flight path and continued their mission as planned, including integration exercises with NATO fighter jets, before landing at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Andy M. Kin via ABACAPRESS.COM

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U.S. Deploys Two B-52H Stratofortress To Romania

Handout file photo dated June 16, 2016 shows a U.S Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, takes flight June 16, 2016, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. On July 21, 2024, two B-52H Stratofortress aircraft from the U.S. Air Force’s 2nd Bomb Wing, stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, landed at Mihail Kogalniceanu Airbase in Romania as part of Bomber Task Force 24-4. During their flight over the Barents Sea, the B-52s, operating in international airspace in compliance with international law, were intercepted by two Russian aircraft around 8 a.m. Central European Time. Despite the interception, the B-52s maintained their flight path and continued their mission as planned, including integration exercises with NATO fighter jets, before landing at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexa Ann Henderson via ABACAPRESS.COM

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U.S. Deploys Two B-52H Stratofortress To Romania

Handout photo dated April 9, 2016 shows a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress aircraft from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., arrived at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. On July 21, 2024, two B-52H Stratofortress aircraft from the U.S. Air Force’s 2nd Bomb Wing, stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, landed at Mihail Kogalniceanu Airbase in Romania as part of Bomber Task Force 24-4. During their flight over the Barents Sea, the B-52s, operating in international airspace in compliance with international law, were intercepted by two Russian aircraft around 8 a.m. Central European Time. Despite the interception, the B-52s maintained their flight path and continued their mission as planned, including integration exercises with NATO fighter jets, before landing at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base. U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Nathan Lipscomb via ABACAPRESS.COM

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U.S. Deploys Two B-52H Stratofortress To Romania

Handout file photo dated January 10, 2016 shows a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, conducted a low-level flight in the vicinity of Osan Air Base, South Korea. On July 21, 2024, two B-52H Stratofortress aircraft from the U.S. Air Force’s 2nd Bomb Wing, stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, landed at Mihail Kogalniceanu Airbase in Romania as part of Bomber Task Force 24-4. During their flight over the Barents Sea, the B-52s, operating in international airspace in compliance with international law, were intercepted by two Russian aircraft around 8 a.m. Central European Time. Despite the interception, the B-52s maintained their flight path and continued their mission as planned, including integration exercises with NATO fighter jets, before landing at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base. U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Benjamin Sutton via ABACAPRESS.COM

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U.S. Deploys Two B-52H Stratofortress To Romania

Handout file photo dated May 1, 2013 shows the X-51A WaveRider, attached to the inner wing of a B-52 Spirit, flew its fourth and final mission May 1, 2013, over the Point Mugu Naval Air Warfare Center Sea Range, CA, USA. On July 21, 2024, two B-52H Stratofortress aircraft from the U.S. Air Force’s 2nd Bomb Wing, stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, landed at Mihail Kogalniceanu Airbase in Romania as part of Bomber Task Force 24-4. During their flight over the Barents Sea, the B-52s, operating in international airspace in compliance with international law, were intercepted by two Russian aircraft around 8 a.m. Central European Time. Despite the interception, the B-52s maintained their flight path and continued their mission as planned, including integration exercises with NATO fighter jets, before landing at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base. U.S. Air Force photo by Bobbi Zapka via ABACAPRESS.COM

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13 dead in central Senegal road accident

STORY: 13 dead in central Senegal road accident SHOOTING TIME: April 25, 2024 DATELINE: April 26, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:52 LOCATION: Dakar CATEGORY: OTHERS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the accident site STORYLINE: Thirteen people were killed and around 40 others were injured in a traffic accident in central Senegal Thursday evening, local media reported. The accident happened at around 7:00 p.m. local time on National Road No. 1, near the village of Yamong in the Kaffrine region, reported the Senegalese Press Agency, citing a security source. The accident was caused by the overturning of a transport bus after one of its tires burst, the report quoted the source as saying. The Senegalese government implemented several measures last year to combat traffic accidents following a series of deadly accidents. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Dakar. (XHTV)

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Columbia University classes go remote as U.S. campuses divided over Israel-Hamas conflict

STORY: Columbia University classes go remote as U.S. campuses divided over Israel-Hamas conflict SHOOTING TIME: April 23, 2024 DATELINE: April 24, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:52 LOCATION: NEW YORK, U.S. CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): MAX, Alumnus of Columbia University 2. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): ROSS, New York resident 3. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): CARL DIX, Representative of the Revolutionary Communist Party 4. various of the protest STORYLINE: Starting on Monday, all classes at Columbia University went virtual due to divisive demonstrations and debates around the Israel-Hamas conflict. In his announcement, University president Minouche Shafik urged relevant parties to "sit down and talk and argue and find ways to compromise on solutions." Shafik sent a letter to the New York Police Department (NYPD) on April 18, requesting that the police help remove individuals who had occupied the South Lawn of the university's Morningside Heights campus a day earlier. The students with "Gaza Solidarity Enc

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Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway marks 6-month operation with 2.56 mln passengers

STORY: Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway marks 6-month operation with 2.56 mln passengers SHOOTING TIME: April 17, 2024 DATELINE: April 19, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:18 LOCATION: Jakarta CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the railway and the train 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Indonesian): CHAERUL ZEN, Passenger 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Indonesian): LAKSMI INDIRA, Passenger 4. various of the railway and the train STORYLINE: The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway marked its six months of operation on Wednesday with a total of 2.56 million passengers transported, said PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China (KCIC), a joint venture consortium between Indonesian and Chinese state-owned firms that constructs and runs the HSR. According to the KCIC, since its official commercial operation around mid-October last year, the railway has operated a total of 7,050 train trips with a mileage of over 1.26 million kilometers. At present, the railway's daily train trips have been increased from 14 to 52, and the number of passenger seats has

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Award ceremony of lantern drawing contest held in Bulgaria

STORY: Award ceremony of lantern drawing contest held in Bulgaria SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 22, 2024 DATELINE: Feb. 23, 2024 LENGTH: 0:01:52 LOCATION: Sofia CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of the ceremony STORYLINE: The award ceremony of a lantern drawing contest, dedicated to the Chinese Lantern Festival, was held in Sofia on Thursday evening. More than 300 students from six national art schools from five Bulgarian cities took part in the contest. After a preliminary internal selection at each school, a total of 186 works were on display at the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria, which organized the contest. To ensure transparency and fair judging, the embassy invited three experts from the National Academy of Art in Sofia to evaluate the lanterns. Around 120 contestants attended the ceremony. They had the opportunity to see all the lanterns on site and choose their winners. Other activities such as riddle solving, lantern assembling and calligraphy were also part of the ceremony. Xinhua News Agency corre

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Lebanon celebrates New Year despite hardships

STORY: Lebanon celebrates New Year despite hardships SHOOTING TIME: Dec. 31, 2023 DATELINE: Jan. 2, 2024 LENGTH: 00:03:52 LOCATION: Beirut CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Mawlawi and ISF Director General inspecting the troops 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): IMAD OSMAN, Director General of the Internal Security Forces (ISF) Major General 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): BASSAM MAWLAWI, Lebanese Interior Minister 4. various of celebrations STORYLINE: Despite the harsh economic situation in the country, the Lebanese celebrated the New Year, participating in festivities all around the country. On New Year's Eve, Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi and the Director General of the Internal Security Forces (ISF) Major General Imad Osman oversaw the launch of the ISF patrols to maintain security in the streets of Beirut. At a ceremony held at the ISF headquarters, Major General Osman addressed the ISF members vowing to secure their dues in these harsh situations. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): IMAD OSMAN, Director Gene

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At least 52 injured in blast at Moscow plant: authorities

STORY: At least 52 injured in blast at Moscow plant: authorities DATELINE: Aug. 10, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:55 LOCATION: Moscow CATEGORY: OTHERS SHOTLIST: 1. STANDUP (English): MENG JING, Xinhua correspondent in Moscow 2. various of the Zagorsk Optical-Mechanical Plant 3. various of the rescue efforts STORYLINE: STANDUP (English): MENG JING, Xinhua correspondent in Moscow "We are here in the city of Sergiyev Posad in Moscow region. An explosion took place this (Wednesday) morning in the Zagorsk Optical-Mechanical Plant behind me, which caused at least 52 injured." According to the Governor of the Moscow Region Andrei Vorobiev, the explosion happened at around 10:40 a.m. local time at a pyrotechnics warehouse, which was being rented out on the optical-mechanical plant's territory by a private company. Vorobiev said people have been evacuated from all the buildings and workshops of the plant, as well as from a kindergarten close to the factory. He also said that a sport complex near the plant had been damaged

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Chinese local gov'ts see steady fiscal revenue growth, sending positive signs

STORY: Chinese local gov'ts see steady fiscal revenue growth, sending positive signs DATELINE: June 6, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:52 LOCATION: Beijing CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of China 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): PUAH TZE SHYANG, CEO, CapitaLand Investment (China) 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): MAURO DE FELIP, General manager, Ferrero China STORYLINE: According to China's Ministry of Finance, the country's fiscal revenue maintained steady growth momentum in the first four months of this year. From January to April, the fiscal revenue expanded 11.9 percent year on year to nearly 8.32 trillion yuan (about 1.19 trillion U.S. dollars). During the period, the central government collected around 3.76 trillion yuan in fiscal revenue, up 8.6 percent, and local governments collected over 4.56 trillion yuan, surging 14.8 percent. The ministry said that the increase was partly driven by China's continued economic recovery. Foreign business leaders have expressed confidence in the Chinese economy, believing the

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Nigeria unveils long-awaited national carrier

STORY: Nigeria unveils long-awaited national carrier DATELINE: May 27, 2023 LENGTH: 0:01:52 LOCATION: Abuja CATEGORY: SOCIETY/ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Nigeria Air 2. various of officials around the aircraft 3. various of stakeholders 4. SOUNDBITE (English): HADI SIRIKA, Minister of Aviation STORYLINE: The Nigerian government Friday unveiled the long-awaited national carrier, Nigeria Air, in a major step forward for the aviation sector. The aim of setting up the national carrier is to re-position the most populous African country as a prominent player in the global aviation market, Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika said at an unveiling ceremony at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in the Nigerian capital. SOUNDBITE (English): HADI SIRIKA, Minister of Aviation "We have the population. We have the geography. We have the economy. We have the people. We have the know-how. We have the market. In this partnership, we are connecting the biggest population of Africa, Nigeria with the second big

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Midnight fire kills at least 6 people in New Zealand capital

STORY: Midnight fire kills at least 6 people in New Zealand capital DATELINE: May 16, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:36 LOCATION: Wellington CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the rescue STORYLINE: At least six people were killed and up to 30 others were believed unaccounted for after a blaze broke out overnight at a four-story hostel building in downtown Wellington, capital of New Zealand, police said on Tuesday. Fire and Emergency were called to the Loafers Lodge hostel on Adelaide Road in central Wellington around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, where a fire started from the top floor. The exact number was unspecific at the moment, according to the initial assessment of the police. A total of 52 people were taken out of the building and at least five were rescued from the roof, but others remained unaccounted for, according to the police. Five people were sent to hospital, including two in a serious condition. A spokesperson from the fire and emergency department said there were around 90 people living in the build

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Japan's child population down for 42nd straight year to new low

STORY: Japan's child population down for 42nd straight year to new low DATELINE: May 5, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:52 LOCATION: Tokyo CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of children in Tokyo STORYLINE: Japan's estimated population of children fell to a new record low of 14.35 million, down for the 42nd consecutive year, latest government data showed. The number of children aged 14 or younger, including foreigners, came to 14.35 million as of April 1, down by around 300,000 from a year earlier, data from the internal affairs ministry showed on Thursday. The ratio of children to Japan's total population stood at 11.5 percent, down by 0.2 percentage point, also the lowest figure since the start of comparable data in 1950, according to the ministry. By gender, boys accounted for 7.35 million of the total child population, while girls make up the other 7 million, the data showed. The government data also revealed that after peaking in 1954 at 29.89 million and experiencing a second baby boom in the e

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11 dead in east China factory fire

STORY: 11 dead in east China factory fire DATELINE: April 18, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:52 LOCATION: JINHUA, China CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of firefighters putting out the fire at the factory building in Jinhua STORYLINE: Eleven people were dead after a fire broke out at a factory building in the city of Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang Province, on Monday afternoon. The casualties were trapped on the third floor of the building in an industrial area of Wuyi County after the fire raged at around 2:04 p.m., local authorities said Tuesday. The death toll was confirmed at about 4:00 a.m. Tuesday after two rounds of search and rescue. Investigations into the causes of the accident are underway. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Jinhua, China. (XHTV)

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Sports become new trend for Gazans during Ramadan

STORY: Sports become new trend for Gazans during Ramadan DATELINE: April 7, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:52 LOCATION: GAZA, Palestine CATEGORY: SPORTS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Palestinians walking on the corniche in Gaza 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): EZZAT QAWASMI, Gazan resident 3. various of Palestinians walking on the corniche in Gaza 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): MOUSA AL-SHAWA, Gazan resident 5. various of Palestinians walking on the corniche in Gaza STORYLINE: Along the corniche of Gaza at dusk, hundreds of people do sports each day during the ongoing Ramadan, a new trend among the locals in the Muslim holy month. Aerobics, jogging, walking and bike-riding are among the most popular sports during Ramadan, when Muslims observe a strict daily fast from dawn to sunset while preparing delicious dishes for the fast-breaking Iftar meal that comes around the setting of the sun. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): EZZAT QAWASMI, Gazan resident "I started walking on the corniche two years ago, especially since I saw people walking here after

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China's high-quality development contributes to global economic growth: experts

STORY: China's high-quality development contributes to global economic growth: experts DATELINE: March 14, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:52 LOCATION: Beijing CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of China-related footage 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): SELCUK COLAKOGLU, Director of the Ankara-based Turkish Center for Asia-Pacific Studies 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Spanish): ENRIQUE DUSSEL PETERS, Coordinator of the Latin American and Caribbean Academic Network on China (RED ALC-CHINA) 4. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): RONNIE LINS, Director of China-Brazil Center for Research and Business in Brazil STORYLINE: China has set a GDP target of around 5 percent for 2023 to ensure steady and quality development. Experts say the growth target shows China's pursuit of high-quality development, highlighting the country's role as the main engine for global economic growth. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): SELCUK COLAKOGLU, Director of the Ankara-based Turkish Center for Asia-Pacific Studies "The Chinese government will continue its target for high-quality deve

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China's economy has shown adaptive capacity and resilience: Nigerian expert

STORY: China's economy has shown adaptive capacity and resilience: Nigerian expert DATELINE: March 14, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:52 LOCATION: Abuja CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of China-related footage 2. SOUNDBITE (English): CHARLES ONUNAIJU, Director of Center for China Studies in Nigeria STORYLINE: As the world's second-largest economy, China's economic development is closely watched by other countries around the world. China aims to achieve a faster economic growth of around 5 percent with better quality of development in 2023, as it gathers pace to build up recovery momentum and push ahead with its modernization drive. A Nigerian expert says that China's economy has shown strong adaptive capacity and resilience, and the country's economic growth will improve its people's living standards. SOUNDBITE (English): CHARLES ONUNAIJU, Director of Center for China Studies in Nigeria "China's economy has not only shown resilience but has demonstrated adaptive capacity even in challenging times. So if you

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California governor declares state of emergency for 13 counties due to severe winter storms

STORY: California governor declares state of emergency for 13 counties due to severe winter storms DATELINE: March 3, 2023 LENGTH: 0:00:52 LOCATION: LOS ANGELES, U.S. CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of the closure of State Route Highway 138 in San Bernardino County 2. various of mountain areas impacted by winter storms in San Bernardino County STORYLINE: California Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday announced a state of emergency in 13 counties of the most populous U.S. state due to severe winter storms. The emergency proclamation will support disaster response and relief in the counties of Los Angeles, Amador, Kern, Madera, Mariposa, Mono, Nevada, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Sierra, Sonoma and Tulare. The western U.S. state, home to around 40 million residents, has a total of 58 counties. Severe winter storms struck California beginning in late February, bringing damaging winds and historic precipitation, including snowfall in areas unaccustomed to snow, said the

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Celebrations all around as traditional Spring festival, Valentine's Day ring in Bangladesh

STORY: Celebrations all around as traditional Spring festival, Valentine's Day ring in Bangladesh DATELINE: Feb. 15, 2023 LENGTH: 00:03:52 LOCATION: Dhaka CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: various of celebrations STORYLINE: With poetry, music, and dance, people in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka and elsewhere Tuesday celebrated a grand festival that waves goodbye to the shivery chill of winter in the country. People in Dhaka gathered in parks and green spaces to celebrate Pohela Falgun, the first day of spring and of the Bengali month Falgun, along with Valentine's Day. Amid vibrant bursts of color, a troupe of artists danced and splashed each other with powder-colored red and yellow at one of the major celebration venues -- the University of Dhaka campus on Tuesday morning. Young couples were seen celebrating their relationship and marking their togetherness with the blazing red and yellow colors -- the representative colors of the festivals. Elsewhere in Bangladesh, people also performed chorus, folk dance and

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Carnival of Putignano celebrated in Italy

STORY: Carnival of Putignano celebrated in Italy DATELINE: Feb. 13, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:52 LOCATION: PUTIGNANO, Italy CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of Carnival of Putignano 4. SOUNDBITE (Italian): GIANLUCA IGNAZI, Artistic director of Carnival of Putignano STORYLINE: The historic Carnival of Putignano, an annual celebration of music, color, and creativity is being held in southern Italy, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world. The carnival, which has been held for over 600 years, is one of the oldest and most famous in Italy. It's known for elaborate floats, intricate costumes, and lively parties. This year's carnival features a wide range of events, including a parade of floats, street performers, live music, and food and drink stalls selling traditional Italian delicacies. The floats, which are the centerpiece of the event, are created by local artists and are known for their elaborate designs. SOUNDBITE (Italian): GIANLUCA IGNAZI, Artistic director of Carnival of Putignano "Th

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Tea time around stove: new lifestyle to celebrate Chinese New Year

STORY: Tea time around stove: new lifestyle to celebrate Chinese New Year DATELINE: Jan. 26, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:52 LOCATION: CHONGQING, China CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of tea party in Chongqing 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): TOURIST 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): SHU RONG, Teahouse owner STORYLINE: Enjoying tea time around a stove has become a trending lifestyle in southwest China's Sichuan Province and Chongqing Municipality during this Spring Festival. In Mountain City Lane, a historical and cultural site in Chongqing, many teahouses have provided stove-boiled tea and traditional performances to entertain tourists. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): Tourist "I think it's very romantic. The atmosphere is great." Teahouses have also provided tea with red dates, cranberries and other fruits to make it sweeter and tastier. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): SHU RONG, Teahouse owner "Boiling tea on the stove is becoming more and more popular. People love to have tea and watch performances here as a way to relax. They put dow

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1st round of Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2023 held in Netherlands

STORY: 1st round of Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2023 held in Netherlands DATELINE: Jan. 15, 2023 LENGTH: 0:00:52 LOCATION: WIJK AAN ZEE, the Netherlands CATEGORY: SPORTS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the venue of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2023 STORYLINE: The first round of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2023 kicked off in Wijk aan Zee, the Netherlands, on Saturday. The "Wimbledon of Chess" attracts the best chess grandmasters in the world, along with thousands of amateur players. During this year's tournament, there are both onsite audience and online visitors from around the world. This year marks the 85th edition of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament, which will be lasted until Jan. 29. Chinese chess player Ding Liren is competing in the current tournament. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Wijk aan Zee, the Netherlands. (XHTV)

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Hong Kong shines at NYC Times Square New Year's Eve countdown

STORY: Hong Kong shines at NYC Times Square New Year's Eve countdown DATELINE: Jan. 1, 2023 LENGTH: 0:01:52 LOCATION: NEW YORK, U.S. CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of countdown activities and performances STORYLINE: A Kung Fu Contemporary Circus staged by artists from China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region amazed tens of thousands of people at New York City (NYC)'s Times Square Saturday night by kicking off one of the most famous New Year's Eve countdowns around the globe. Co-organized by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY), the Sino-American Friendship Association and the Times Square Alliance, the performance was themed "Fusion, Motion, Inspiration - Hong Kong Rocks!", showcasing a spectacular blending of dance, Kung Fu, parkour, capoeira and more against a medley of music from the East and West in a brand-new arrangement. Chinese Consul General in New York Huang Ping, who made brief remarks before the show, wished everyone a happy new year in English, Chinese

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Chinese ships converge near Senkakus

ISHIGAKI, Japan - Aerial photo taken by Kyodo News shows the Chinese maritime surveillance vessel Haijian 50 (front) and the Japan Coast Guard patrol ship Motobu sailing in Japan's territorial waters near Uotsuri Island (back), part of the Japan-controlled Senkaku Islands, claimed by China, in the East China Sea at 9:52 a.m. on April 23, 2013. Eight Chinese maritime surveillance vessels entered Japanese territorial waters the same day around the Senkaku Islands, the Japan Coast Guard said.

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2nd reactor restarted at Oi power plant

OI, Japan - Security guards stand near the entrance to Kansai Electric Power Co.'s Oi nuclear power plant in the town of Oi, Fukui Prefecture, at 7:52 p.m. on July 18, 2012. The No. 4 reactor at the plant was reactivated around 9 p.m. the same day, becoming only the second reactor to resume operation after being shut down for periodic checks since the Fukushima nuclear crisis began in March 2011.

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Toyota's new Prius

NAGOYA, Japan - Photo shows Toyota Motor Corp.'s new ''Prius a'' (Prius alpha) hybrid vehicle. The Japanese automaker said June 14, 2011, it had received around 52,000 orders for the vehicle in the first month since its debut, well above its target of 3,000 units per month.

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54,000 fans of Yujiro attend memorial in Tokyo

TOKYO, Japan - Around 54,000 people gathered at the National Stadium in Tokyo on Sunday to attend a memorial service for the late Yujiro Ishihara, a popular singer and actor who died in July 1987 at the age of 52.

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54,000 fans of Yujiro attend memorial in Tokyo

TOKYO, Japan - Around 54,000 people gathered at the National Stadium in Tokyo on Sunday to attend a memorial service for the late Yujiro Ishihara, a popular singer and actor who died in July 1987 at the age of 52.

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(1)Two Filipino sailors detained over death of Japanese

OSAKA, Japan - Japan Coast Guard officials detain two Filipino crew members (3rd from L and 2nd from R) of the Panamanian-flagged tanker Tajima on May 15 on suspicion of killing a Japanese member of the crew aboard the ship. Almercito Racela, 36, and Nolieto Pabiona, 41, have admitted to killing second mate Izumi Shimba, a 52-year-old from Kyoto, around April 7.

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Health minister meets with CJD plaintiffs

TOKYO, Japan - Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Chikara Sakaguchi (R) meet with plaintiffs in lawsuits filed by patients and bereaved families of victims of the fatal Creutsfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) at his ministry Jan. 15. Standing to address Sakaguchi is Sanichi Tani, 52, who heads the suit filed with the Otsu District Court. The plaintiffs are seeking a total of around 3 billion yen in damages in two suits that are pending at the Otsu and Tokyo district courts.

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Nagasaki A-bombed 10 minutes earlier than believed: expert

NAGASAKI, Japan - File photo shows the mushroom cloud of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki on Aug. 9, 1945. Shigeo Motoyama, a senior official of the Nagasaki Marine Observatory, said that judging by a steep jump in air pressure recorded by equipment located 4 kilometers from ground zero on the day of the bombing, the bomb could have been dropped at around 10:52 a.m., 10 minutes earlier than the current official time of 11:02 a.m.

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Breeder held for allegedly starving 100 dogs to death

URAWA, Japan - Kennels and cages lie scattered around where nearly 100 dogs were found starved to death at a farm in Omiya, Saitama Prefecture, north of Tokyo. Nobuyoshi Aota, a 52-year-old dog breeder, has been arrested for allegedly abandoning his farm sometime in February without providing food or water to his dogs, which were living in filthy conditions.

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Lebanese watch World Cup in coffee shops as national TV fails to broadcast games

STORY: Lebanese watch World Cup in coffee shops as national TV fails to broadcast games DATELINE: Nov. 28, 2022 LENGTH: 0:01:52 LOCATION: Beirut CATEGORY: SPORTS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Lebanese watching the World Cup in a coffee shop 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Lebanese): KARIM BOU KHZAM, Coffee shop owner 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Lebanese): MAJED KHADDAJ, Football fan 4. various of Lebanese watching the World Cup in a coffee shop STORYLINE: Thousands of Lebanese visited coffee shops over the past few days to watch the World Cup as the games are not broadcasted on Lebanon's public television station. Coffee shop owners pay around 90 U.S. dollars to subscribe channels broadcasting the games. They offer relatively low-cost services to football lovers who gather at their shops to watch the games and cheer for their favorite teams. SOUNDBITE 1 (Lebanese): KARIM BOU KHZAM, Coffee shop owner "Most of people do not have access to electricity amid the current economic situation. People living in mountainous areas have no access to

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Landslide in Italy's Ischia island leaves 1 dead, several missing

STORY: Landslide in Italy's Ischia island leaves 1 dead, several missing DATELINE: Nov. 28, 2022 LENGTH: 0:03:52 LOCATION: Rome CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of landslide 2. various of search and rescue STORYLINE: At least one person died and several others went missing on the island of Ischia in southern Italy on Saturday, after heavy rains triggered a landslide that hit several residential buildings, according to authorities and local media. "So far, we can confirm one victim," Italian news agency AGI cited Naples prefect Claudio Palomba as reporting. The prefect said the victim was believed to be a woman who resided permanently on the island. The landslide occurred at around 5 a.m. local time, yet, rough sea conditions were making it hard for emergency boats and helicopters to manage intervention. Searching activities were ongoing, especially in Casamicciola Terme, one of the municipalities of Ischia. At least 10 buildings collapsed due to the landslide, according to local media. As of lat

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6.8-magnitude quake hits China's Sichuan

STORY: 6.8-magnitude quake hits China's Sichuan DATELINE: Sept. 5, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:41 LOCATION: CHENGDU, China CATEGORY: BREAKING/SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the earthquake STORYLINE: A 6.8-magnitude earthquake jolted Luding County, southwest China's Sichuan Province, at 12:52 p.m. Monday (Beijing Time), according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC). The epicenter was monitored at 29.59 degrees north latitude and 102.08 degrees east longitude, at a depth of 16 km, the CENC said. The epicenter is 39 km away from the county seat of Luding and there are several villages within the 5-km range around the epicenter. The tremor was felt in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan, which is 226 km away from the epicenter. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Chengdu, China. (XHTV)

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17-year-old becomes youngest pilot to fly solo around world

STORY: 17-year-old becomes youngest pilot to fly solo around world DATELINE: Aug. 25, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:09 LOCATION: Sofia CATEGORY: SOCIETY/SPORTS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Mack Rutherford landing 2. various of Mack Rutherford receiving certificates from the Guinness World Records STORYLINE: Mack Rutherford, 17, landed in Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria Wednesday after he broke the current world record for the youngest pilot to fly solo around the world. His achievement was duly recognized by the Guinness World Records, which handed him two certificates immediately after landing: for the youngest (male) person to circumnavigate the world by aircraft solo, and the youngest (male) person to circumnavigate the world in a microlight plane solo. Rutherford took off from Sofia on March 23 this year and landed again here after flying through 52 countries and logging up around 250 hours of flying time. Rutherford, a Belgian-British aviator, was born on June 21, 2005, so he turned 17 during the trip. He has

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BULGARIA-SOFIA-PILOT-WORLD RECORD

(220825) -- SOFIA, Aug. 25, 2022 (Xinhua) -- The aircraft of Mack Rutherford approaches Sofia West Airport in Bulgaria, on Aug. 24, 2022. Mack Rutherford, 17, landed in Sofia on Wednesday after he broke the current world record for the youngest pilot to fly solo around the world. His achievement was duly recognized by the Guinness World Records, which handed him two certificates immediately after landing: for the youngest (male) person to circumnavigate the world by aircraft solo, and the youngest (male) person to circumnavigate the world in a microlight plane solo. Rutherford took off from Sofia on March 23 this year and landed again here after flying through 52 countries and logging up around 250 hours of flying time. (Photo by Marian Draganov/Xinhua)

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BULGARIA-SOFIA-PILOT-WORLD RECORD

(220825) -- SOFIA, Aug. 25, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Mack Rutherford waves after landing at Sofia West Airport in Bulgaria, on Aug. 24, 2022. Mack Rutherford, 17, landed in Sofia on Wednesday after he broke the current world record for the youngest pilot to fly solo around the world. His achievement was duly recognized by the Guinness World Records, which handed him two certificates immediately after landing: for the youngest (male) person to circumnavigate the world by aircraft solo, and the youngest (male) person to circumnavigate the world in a microlight plane solo. Rutherford took off from Sofia on March 23 this year and landed again here after flying through 52 countries and logging up around 250 hours of flying time. (Photo by Marian Draganov/Xinhua)

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Art exhibition offers Yemeni artists opportunity to showcase talents

STORY: Art exhibition offers Yemeni artists opportunity to showcase talents DATELINE: July 29, 2022 LENGTH: 0:02:52 LOCATION: Sanaa CATEGORY: CULTURE/SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1 various of the exhibition 2 SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): MAJED HAMDANI, Organizer of the exhibition 3 various of the exhibition 4 SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): MOHAMED BASHIQ, Yemeni artist 5 various of the exhibition 6 SOUNDBITE 3 (Arabic): ABDUL KARIM RAZI, Visitor STORYLINE: An art exhibition in Yemen's Sanaa offered a rare chance for young Yemeni artists to showcase their talents and and make an emotional call for peace amid a protracted civil war. The exhibition, named Glory of the Country, brought together more than 200 young artists across Yemen, who displayed on the canvas their artistic creativity and their love for their long-suffering motherland. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): MAJED HAMDANI, Organizer of the exhibition "We have invited around 220 artists, both male and female, from all provinces of Yemen to participate in the exhibition. The exhibiti

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Egypt to invest 45.9 bln EGP in health services next fiscal year

STORY: Egypt to invest 45.9 bln EGP in health services next fiscal year DATELINE: May 10, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:50 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: ECONOMY/HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of hospitals in Egypt STORYLINE: Egyptian Minister of Planning and Economic Development Hala Al-Saeed confirmed on Monday that the investments of health services in the sustainable development plan 2022/2023 amounted to 45.9 billion Egyptian pounds (around 2.48 billion U.S. dollars). She said the funds will establish and develop 94 hospitals, 480 health units, and 1,500 intensive care beds, with a focus on the governorates of Qena, Buhaira, Suez and Giza. The minister revealed that the funds will be used to complete the establishment and development of 29 hospitals, seven university hospitals, and 52 integration hospitals within the framework of the Egyptian Family Development Projects. The statement came during the plenary session of the House of Representatives chaired by Counselor Hanafi Jabali on the sustainable development plan

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Tibetan antelopes start annual migration to give birth

STORY: Tibetan antelopes start annual migration to give birth DATELINE: May 9, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:17 LOCATION: XINING, China CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of antelopes 2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): GAMA IMPEI, Wudaoliang Protection Station, Hoh Xil management office under the management bureau of Sanjiangyuan National Park 3. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): DAWA DOLMA, Hoh Xil management office under the management bureau of Sanjiangyuan National Park STORYLINE: Pregnant Tibetan antelopes have begun their annual migration to the heart of northwest China's Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve to give birth. Every year, tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration to Hoh Xil in May to give birth after mating in November or December, and leave with their offspring in around August. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): GAMA IMPEI, Wudaoliang Protection Station, Hoh Xil management office under the management bureau of Sanjiangyuan National Park "On May 5, we observed 52 Tibetan antelopes crossing the highway

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Museums around Barcelona hold exhibitions to mark 175th anniversary of Liceu Opera House

STORY: Museums around Barcelona hold exhibitions to mark 175th anniversary of Liceu Opera House DATELINE: April 28, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:52 LOCATION: BARCELONA, Spain CATEGORY: CULTURE/ENTERTAINMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of Barcelona's Liceu Opera House 2. various of historical photos of Liceu Opera House (courtesy of Barcelona's Liceu Opera House) 3. various of exhibitions in the Museum 4. various of works related to Liceu 5. SOUNDBITE 1 (Catalan): VALENTI OVIEDO, General Manager of Gran Teatre del Liceu Foundation 6. various of exhibitions in museums 7. SOUNDBITE 2 (Catalan): VALENTI OVIEDO, General Manager of Gran Teatre del Liceu Foundation 8. various of the concert for Biocene to mark the reopening of opera house (file) STORYLINE: Museums around Barcelona held exhibitions to mark the 175th anniversary of Liceu Opera House, one of Europe's foremost cultural institutions. The project themed "Museum and Liceu: a shared history" involves the participation of scores of cultural venues including Catalonia's N

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Therapy dogs offer companionship to children with autism in China

STORY: Therapy dogs offer companionship to children with autism in China DATELINE: April 27, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:52 LOCATION: XI'AN, China CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of the two therapy dogs 2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): WANG XING, Director of a guide dogs training and service center in Xi'an 3. various of training STORYLINE: Two therapy dogs have paid many visits to Xi'an Qizhi School, a special school that accepts over 80 children and teenagers with autism. The two former guide dogs have offered comfort and companionship to three children since November last year. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): WANG XING, Director of a guide dogs training and service center in Xi'an "According to the children, the parents and the schools, the effect is very obvious. The dogs have greatly helped improve children's language, communication and social abilities." A dog has to be properly trained before being registered as a therapy dog. According to experts, a dog has to pass several test items, including getting around people,