Welcome to Fresh Start. This is People’s Daily app. Here are today’s picks from our editors.
China's BeiDou system launches twin satellites
On Monday, China sent twin satellites into orbit using a single carrier rocket. The launch marks the third one of its kind for the self-developed BeiDou-3 Navigation Satellite System.
The pair blasted off on a Long March-3B carrier rocket at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Southwest China’s Sichuan Province. Roughly three hours later they entered preset orbit.
Named after the seven bright guiding stars, the BeiDou navigation system has been providing mapping and location services in the Asia-Pacific region since 2012. (People’s Daily app)
Pence says US now open to dialogue with North Korea
The US could be willing to engage in talks with North Korea without preconditions, US Vice President Mike Pence has suggested. The vice president said the US is open to a policy of “maximum pressure and engagement at the same time.”
The Trump administration had previously said it would not talk with North Korea until Pyongyang took steps towards denuclearization. (CGTN)
North and South Korean performers sing unification song
On Sunday, North Korea’s Samjiyon Orchestra performed their final show in South Korea.
For their closing number, "Our Wish is Unification", they were joined by South Korean pop singer Seohyun, a member of the popular group Girl’s Generation.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in, North Korean president Kim Jong-un’s younger sister Kim Yo Jong, and North Korea’s nominal head of state Kim Yong Nam were in attendance.
During the performance, photos of reunited families from both sides of the Korean peninsula were displayed. (People’s Daily app)
Choi Soon-sil verdict to be announced Tuesday
South Korean officials said the verdict for Choi Soon-sil, friend of former South Koren president, Park Guen-hye, will be heard in court Tuesday morning.
Choi was at the center of an influence-peddling scandal that upset the country's political and business environment.
Tuesday's appearance will hear the verdicts for the charges of extortion, abuse of power, and attempted fraud to extort bribes from business conglomerates. (CGTN)
California pastor accused of sexually assaulting Chinese minor out on bail
A 40-year-old pastor arrested for indecent exposure, burglary, and sexual assault in an incident involving two Chinese minors at a motel in Southern California is now free after posting $100,000 dollar bail Monday morning.
Hotel surveillance footage captured Douglas Rivera watching the two Chinese girls, ages 10 and 12, through their motel window. He then forced himself into their room and assaulted one of the girls.
The Chinese girls were part of a tour group from China.
Rivera maintained his innocence and posted a short video on Instagram where he announced that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. (People’s Daily app)
Giant rhino skeleton restored
Experts have pieced together the fossil remains of a 20 million-year-old giant rhino at a museum in Chengdu, capital city of Southwest China’s Sichuan Province.
Judging from the skeleton, almost 30 feet long, 14 feet high, and roughly 7 feet wide, the rhino is believed to have weighed more than 20 tons.
Experts have suggested the giant rhino died after getting stuck in the mud.
In March, the rhino skeleton will go to a museum in Wuhan, Hubei Province. (People’s Daily online)
US women rally to beat Finland 3-1 in Olympic hockey opener
After falling behind in a scrappy opener against Finland, the US women’s hockey team came out on top with a 3-1 victory on Sunday in Gangneung, South Korea.
Finland’s goalie Noora Raty had 39 saves, and US goalie Madie Rooney, making her Olympic debut, had 23 for the day.
After a troublesome first period that ended with Finland in the lead, the US team picked up the momentum and chipped away at their Scandinavian opponents.
Sunday’s victory keeps intact the US team’s undefeated opening record for Olympic competition at 6 and 0. (People’s Daily app)
Disney parks announce ticket price hike
On Sunday, Disneyland Resorts announced it was raising the price of admission at both if its main theme park locations.
One-day ticket prices at Disney World in Orlando and Disneyland in California will now run $117 on regular days and $135 on peak demand days.
Annual park pass prices jumped 20 percent.
The announcement was expected as the company prepares for the 2019 opening of its much-anticipated "Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge" at Disneyland Resort in Southern California. (People’s Daily app)
Thanks for listening and be sure to catch us tomorrow.
Today’s quote is from the 19th-century English historian and novelist, Charles Kingsley. “Only they who fulfill their duties in everyday matters will fulfill them on great occasions.”
(Produced by Nancy Yan Xu, Lance Crayon, Ryan Yaoran Yu, Serena Na Ma, and Zeke Ziyi Zeng.)
