China Daily Video News August 14, 2009

Sotomayor sworn in to top US court

In the US, Judge Sonia Sotomayor was sworn as an associate Justice on the country’s Supreme Court. She will be the first Hispanic and only the third woman to ever serve on the court in its 220 year history.

US foreclosures rise 7% in July

Meanwhile, the American economy continues to suffer as seven percent of American households now face foreclosure on their homes. That’s 32 percent higher than the same period last year.

Ship to Algeria mysteriously disapears

In Europe, a cargo ship on its way to Algeria has mysteriously disappeared. The ship was last seen passing through the English Channel after reporting an attack off the coast of Sweden.

DPRK frees Hyundai worker

North Korea has freed an employee of South Korea’s Hyundai Group after the company’s chairwoman visited Pyongyang this week. The man was held for four months for allegedly insulting Kim Jong Il while working in North Korea.

Green Dam unbound on PC

In China, the government said Thursday that it will not require the controversial internet filter program Green Dam be installed on all new computers sold in the country. Instillation on all public computers will continue, however.

Probe into Rio case expanding

The government also announced that four employees of Australian mining giant Rio Tinto have been arrested and formally charged with illegally obtaining commercial secrets. More serious charges that they illegally obtained state secrets have been dropped.

Typhoon Morakot kills 108

In Taiwan, Typhoon Morakot has claimed 108 lives as of Thursday. The island appealed for international assistance, including larger helicopters and shelters to help rescue survivors.

One year after the Beijing Games

Finally, August 8 marked the first anniversary of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. We leave you know an exclusive China Daily look at that milestone. I’m Dan Chinoy, and thanks for watching.

The 2008 Beijing Olympic Games began on August 8th with a spectacular opening ceremony choreographed by Chinese movie director Zhang Yimou. One year later, thousands of people visited the Bird’s Nest stadium and other Olympic venues to recall the excitement.

Related links:

First anniversary of the Games marked

Big smile!

Great Olympic venues

Olympic hostess Hao Jingyu

Beijing Jinghuo courtyard

Olympic volunteer Zhou Shanshan

Host family after the Olympics

About the broadcaster:

Dan Chinoy is a reporter and editor for the China Daily's website. A graduate of Columbia University, he grew up in Beijing, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Dan has experience in Hillary Clinton's Senate Office in Washington, and Fortune Magazine in Beijing, the U.S. Consulate in Shenyang.Dan speaks Chinese, but not as well as he should.