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Here are today’s picks from our editors.
President Xi meets Macao SAR chief executive
Chinese President Xi Jinping met with outgoing Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Chui Sai On on Wednesday, saying the central government fully acknowledged Chui's diligent work during his 10 years as the chief executive.
Xi, during the meeting, said Chui has led the SAR government to fully and faithfully implement the principle of "one country, two systems," and strictly abide by the Constitution and the Basic Law to govern the SAR in a steady and pragmatic manner over the past decade, making a great number of new achievements, and consolidating and promoting prosperity and stability in Macao.
The president expressed the hope that Chui will continue to care about the development of the country and Macao, actively support the new chief executive and the SAR government in their law-based governance, and continue to make contributions to the practice of "one country, two systems." (Xinhua)
13 miners rescued after being trapped for over 80 hours
Thirteen miners have been rescued after being trapped for over 80 hours in a mine in southwest China's Sichuan Province, local authorities said Wednesday.
Rescue started after a water inrush accident that happened on Saturday in Shanmushu mine in the city of Yibin, according to local emergency management authority. As of Tuesday, five people were killed and 13 remained missing.
At 3:00 am Wednesday, a trapped miner walked out of the tunnel sector that is about 313 meters underground, and met the rescue teams. He reported that his 12 colleagues were safe.
All the miners were lifted out of the mine Wednesday. (Xinhua)
China to ensure smooth Spring Festival travel rush
China will take multiple measures to ensure smooth travel during this year's Spring Festival, said China's top economic planner Wednesday.
About three billion trips are expected to be made during the 2020 Spring Festival travel rush between Jan. 10 and Feb. 18, according to a document on the website of the National Development and Reform Commission.
Local transport departments should enhance coordination of subways, urban public buses and taxis with railway transport and civil aviation as well as dealing with traffic jams, extreme weather and safety hazards. (Xinhua)
France's new pension chief takes office amid tensions
France's new pension chief Laurent Pietraszewski took office on Wednesday and joined fresh talks with labor unions, whose social mobilization against government's plan to overhaul the current pension system has crippled public transport across the country for two weeks.
Pietraszewski replaced Jean-Paul Delevoye, who resigned on Monday after media reports criticized him for holding paid private sector positions without declaring them. (Xinhua)
Boeing 737 Max production halt to slow US GDP growth in Q1: JP Morgan
US aircraft giant Boeing's decision to halt production of the 737 Max jets will cut the US gross domestic production (GDP) growth in the first quarter of 2020 by around 0.5 percent, according to an estimate by JP Morgan.
The report said the production halt could also show up in employment at aircraft parts suppliers.
Boeing announced Monday it will temporarily halt production of 737 Max jets beginning in January after US regulators ruled out any clearance for the troubled planes for flight until next year. (Xinhua)
Toronto shooting victims sue US gun maker
Victims of a 2018 shooting rampage in Toronto that left two dead and 13 injured are suing the American maker of the pistol used in the attack, holding it responsible for not making guns safer.
The class action alleges that Smith and Wesson knew that its M&P 40 handgun "was an ultra-hazardous product."
Yet the company chose not to incorporate safety features such as fingerprint recognition to prevent unauthorized users, it alleges. (AFP)
Archaeologists in Greece find 3,500-year-old royal tombs
American archaeologists have discovered two monumental royal tombs dating from about 3,500 years ago near a major Mycenaean-era palace in Greece’s southern Peloponnese region, the Greek culture ministry said Tuesday.
Recovered grave goods from the two tombs included a golden seal ring and a golden amulet of an ancient Egyptian goddess, highlighting Bronze Age trade and cultural links. The ministry said the discovery was particularly important as it shed light on the early phases of Greece’s Mycenaean civilization. (Xinhua)
Thanks for listening and be sure to catch us tomorrow.
And now for the Question of the Day:
What gemstone has been discovered on Mars?
(Answer: Opals.)
Today’s quote is from French philosopher Blaise Pascal (1623-1662).
"In faith there is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don't."
(Produced by Nancy Yan Xu, Ryan Yaoran Yu, Brian Lowe, and Elaine Yue Lin. Music by Eugene Loner.)