Briefly

UNITED STATES

Defense chief Austin released from hospital

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was discharged from the hospital on Monday, two weeks after being hospitalized due to complications from prostate cancer treatment, the Pentagon said. Austin, 70, was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland on Dec 22 for treatment of prostate cancer. He returned to the hospital on Jan 1 due to complications. His hospitalization was not revealed until four days later. Doctors at Walter Reed said the Pentagon chief had received testing and nonsurgical care to address needs, including leg pain, and would not need further cancer treatment.

Succession, The Bear dominate Emmy Awards

Media dynasty drama Succession and restaurant dramedy The Bear dominated the Emmy Awards on Monday, earning six trophies each as Hollywood handed out its top accolades for television. Succession, the HBO series about the high-stakes battle for control of a global business empire, won the prestigious best drama prize for its fourth and final season. The Bear was named best comedy at a ceremony that was delayed by four months because of last year's labor turmoil in Hollywood. Road rage drama Beef claimed best limited series.

COLOMBIA

Cease-fire with FARC rebel group extended

Colombia's government has extended a cease-fire with the FARC-EMC rebel group that was set to expire this week, as both sides hold peace talks in Bogota in an effort to reduce violence in rural parts of the country. The ceasefire will now last until July 15, according to a decree signed by President Gustavo Petro, and it requires that the rebels cease attacks on civilians in areas under their control. Colombia's government in October announced peace talks with the FARC-EMC splinter group after both sides agreed to a three-month-long cease-fire.

JAPAN

Two passenger planes collide at airport

Two passenger planes collided at New Chitose Airport in Japan's northern prefecture of Hokkaido on Tuesday evening, with no reports of injuries so far. The collision, which took place around 5:30 pm local time, involved planes from Korean Air and Cathay Pacific, according to national broadcaster NHK, citing the operator Hokkaido Airports as saying.

Agencies - Xinhua