Japan: Heavy Snowfall in Hokkaido, Flights Disrupted 2

On January 8, heavy snow across Hokkaido caused major travel chaos. At New Chitose Airport, 27 flights were canceled and many delayed due to de-icing operations. JR Hokkaido suspended 29 services, including 25 "Rapid Airport" trains, while multiple expressways were closed. These disruptions led to massive queues at the airport, with travelers lining up across two floors for the train station.

Traditional Chinese Dragon Boat Festival held in Manchester, UK

STORY: Traditional Chinese Dragon Boat Festival held in Manchester, UK DATELINE: June 1, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:30 LOCATION: MANCHESTER, UK CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Dragon Boat Festival 2. STANDUP (English): DU JUAN, Xinhua correspondent 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): PAUL DENNETT, Salford's mayor 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): NATALIE KENNY, Competitor of Liverpool China Partnership STORYLINE: STANDUP (English): DU JUAN, Xinhua correspondent "The UK Chinese Dragon Boat Festival is taking place along the Manchester canal. 36 teams competed in the dragon boat race this year. Since the first Dragon Boat Race Festival was launched in Salford Quays in 2012, it has grown into a very popular UK event and the largest dragon boat festival in Europe. Originating in the rivers of southern China, dragon boat racing today has evolved into a global competitive water sport with a passionate following. During the race, entertaining performances are staged on the side of the canal, such as Lion dance, calligraphy a

Israel launches 920-mln-USD plan to upgrade sports facilities

STORY: Israel launches 920-mln-USD plan to upgrade sports facilities DATELINE: April 25, 2022 LENGTH: 0:01:29 LOCATION: Jerusalem CATEGORY: SOCIETY/SPORTS SHOTLIST: 1 various of runners 2 various of people at a gym 3 various of people playing volleyball on the beach 4 various of Arab neighborhoods 5 various of soccer stadiums 6 various of people swimming in a pool STORYLINE: Israel has announced a ten-year national plan to support the construction and upgrade of sports facilities across the country. The 3-billion shekel (920-million U.S. dollar) plan includes the purchase of equipment for sports federations and clubs. A total of 590 million shekels will be directed to support the construction of five multi-purpose competitive sports facilities, including four international halls for basketball, handball and volleyball along with high-level gymnastics halls. A hundred community sports halls, three football excellence centers and motor racing tracks will be built as well. The plan addresses s