are embracing the dark chapters of their past with hopes of luring tourism dollars. VOA's Chris Simkins reports.

Video

With the end of summer in the Southern hemisphere, the Antarctic research season is over. Scientists from Northern Illinois University are back in their laboratory after a 3-month expedition on the Ross Ice Shelf, the world’s largest floating ice sheet. As VOA’s Rosanne Skirble reports, they hope to find clues to explain the dynamics of the rapidly melting ice and its impact on sea level rise.

Video

A Lao dam project on a section of the Mekong River is drawing opposition from local fishermen, international environmental groups and neighboring countries. VOA's Say Mony visited the region to investigate the concerns. Colin Lovett narrates.Schools across Europe are being closed to protect children and prevent the spread of coronavirus, but some school facilities will remain open for children of health and public service workers.

As a slew of coronavirus prevention and control measures are hurriedly being implemented, Belgium and Norway announced provisions requiring certain school facilities to continue running to help look after children whose parents are crucial in healthcare, transport and other essential industries.

Norway announced its measures on Thursday and has shuttered all schools, kindergartens and universities but primary schools and kindergartens are to stay partially open.

Prime Minister Erna Solberg warned other parents facing sudden childcare demands not to turn to grandparents and other elderly relatives for help, as they are “particularly at risk of developing a serious illness”.

She said: “We must