No letup against online blackmail

China will continue efforts to crack down on those who profit from helping others delete negative posts or engage in online blackmail, according to the nation's Internet watchdog.

Old fisherman recalls heroic act

Shen A'gui stared vacantly at the ceiling above his bed, hands fluttering weakly like broken birds on the bunched-up blankets.

Street barber won't cut ties with clients

In an age of modern salons and flashy hairstyles, veteran barber Zhang Yanjun continues to give traditional haircuts with his antique clippers and razor on a Beijing street.

Families provide care at live-in hospital

A hospital in Harbin offers relatives of brain-injured patients a chance to provide personal care in a homelike setting with family rooms and a communal kitchen.

Around China

Hubei

College-bound students seek guidance

Many students seek help with the complex and confusing college application process from education counseling agents.

Process keeps parents on their toes

Applying for college in China is a complicated process, varying from province to province and sometimes year by year.

Police detain suspected ringleader of examination fraud

The suspected leader of a gang that allegedly hired university students to take the national college entrance exam, or gaokao, for its "clients" has been detained by the police in Jiangxi province, authorities said on Monday.

Plan aims to boost quality of rural teachers

China will increase the number and quality of teachers in rural areas in the next five years, according to a State Council plan released on Monday.

IN BRIEF (Page 4)

Survey says village life still appeals to elderly

Most elderly people who live in villages are satisfied with their lives, even though they are far from their children, struggle to obtain healthcare and services for the aged and are still working on family farms or in other endeavors, a survey found.

River pollution targeted in cities as goals loom

Many cities have begun tackling water pollution, buoyed by government cleanup goals and public support for ridding their communities of black, smelly rivers and ponds. But significant work remains, environmental experts say.