Japans Famous Cherry Blossoms Bloom Early as climate warms, AP News, PBS News, NBC News, MSNBC, LastWeekTonight, Brian Tyler Cohen, The Daily Show, Al Jazeera English-Live, and AXIOS
PBS NewsHour full episode, Apr. 5-7, 2021
PBS NewsHour Weekend Full Episode April 3 & 4, 2021
NBC Nightly News Broadcast (Full) – April 7th, 2021
NBC News, Nightly News Full Broadcast April 3rd, 2021
Meet The Press Broadcast (Full) – April 4th, 2021, NBC News
Wikipedia: QAnon
QAnon and Conspiracy Theories: An American Political Tradition | Meet The Press | NBC News, Apr 4, 2021
New GOP Panic As ‘Biden Republicans’ Upend Trump’s Alliance | The Beat With Ari Melber | MSNBC, Apr 7, 2021
All A Scam: Trump 2020 Exposed For Defrauding Own Fans, Echoing Trump U. Debacle, Apr 5, 2021 MSNBC
The National Debt: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO), Apr 5, 2021, LastWeekTonight
Retirement Plans: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO), Jun 13, 2016, LastWeekTonight
Jen Psaki takes gloves off with Fox reporter at press briefing, Apr 1, 2021, Brian Tyler Cohen
McConnell Wants Corporations Out of Politics Unless He Benefits | The Daily Social Distancing Show, Apr 7, 2021, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
White Supremacy: The Rise and Spread in America | The Daily Show, Apr 3, 2021, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
Al Jazeera English | Live
Axios: AM Deep Dive, By Mike Allen, Apr 03, 2021
Japan’s famous cherry blossoms bloom early as climate warms
By MARI YAMAGUCHI, March 30, 2021, AP News
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCFA0Xlynrc
PBS NewsHour full episode, Apr. 7, 2021
Apr 7, 2021 PBS NewsHour
Wednesday on the NewsHour, we explore the state of our streets, pipes and bridges as President Biden pursues a push to sell his infrastructure plan, new questions about AstraZeneca complicate global efforts to deliver inoculations, and Ethiopia’s military crackdown in Tigray displaces tens of thousands and prompts accusations of ethnic cleansing. WATCH TODAY’S SEGMENTS News Wrap: U.K. variant now most common strain in the U.S https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDrXN…? Why America’s infrastructure is in dire need of repair https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnnmH…? Biden to include racial equity in his infrastructure push https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJhkq…? Possible link found between AstraZeneca vaccine, blood clots https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMMOw…? Shifting demands during the pandemic take toll on teachers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wnaya…? Ethiopia’s crackdown brings accusations of ethnic cleansing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvMQM…? Amnesty International finds possible Ethiopian atrocities https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOaIJ…? Why Jimmy Carter’s presidency is so misunderstood https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-Zz2…? Stream your PBS favorites with the PBS app: https://to.pbs.org/2Jb8twG? Find more from PBS NewsHour at https://www.pbs.org/newshour? Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/2HfsCD6? Follow us: Facebook: http://www.pbs.org/newshour? Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/newshour? Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/newshour? Subscribe: PBS NewsHour podcasts: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/podcasts? Newsletters: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/subscribe?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXi0mBxMaI0
PBS NewsHour full episode, Apr. 6, 2021
Apr 6, 2021 PBS NewsHour
Tuesday on the NewsHour, the president moves up an already ambitious vaccine timetable as a Senate rule change could greenlight his infrastructure plan. Georgia’s controversial new voting law faces corporate backlash. Race may have been a factor in former NFL players’ settlements. And, brutal attacks and killings by Islamist militants displace thousands, causing widespread terror in Mozambique. WATCH TODAY’S SEGMENTS Biden administration speeds up vaccination timeline https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnYvS…? News Wrap: Navy medic shot dead after shooting two sailors https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NuQj…? 72 Black corporate leaders condemn Georgia voting law https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRB9-…? Mozambicans fleeing ISIS struggle to rebuild their lives https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wj-D…? Black NFL players seek equal compensation for brain injuries https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQbre…? How resilience helped Stanford women win NCAA championship https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMPBP…? Theater tools help these students accept different views https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVGLl…? Stream your PBS favorites with the PBS app: https://to.pbs.org/2Jb8twG? Find more from PBS NewsHour at https://www.pbs.org/newshour? Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/2HfsCD6?
PBS NewsHour full episode, Apr. 5, 2021
Apr 5, 2021 PBS NewsHour
Monday on the NewsHour, the Minneapolis Chief of Police testifies against former officer Derek Chauvin. Then, more U.S. hospitals struggle with a dramatic rise in new COVID infections, raising concerns about widespread efforts to re-open states. Also, we explore if Oregon, the first state to reduce penalties for possession and use of hard substances, could become a model for the rest of the U.S. WATCH TODAY’S SEGMENTS News Wrap: U.S. vaccination numbers soar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-deWA…? Minneapolis police chief says Chauvin violated protocol https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXhKG…? MI hospitalizations spike after relaxing restrictions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUoIG…? Long-simmering family feud publicly boils over in Jordan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWUL8…? Exploring Oregon’s decision to decriminalize hard drugs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-JzZ…? Tamara Keith and Amy Walter on GA voting law and fallout https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDw64…? Locals raise over 400K to save family-owned amusement park https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMJpZ…? Stream your PBS favorites with the PBS app: https://to.pbs.org/2Jb8twG? Find more from PBS NewsHour at https://www.pbs.org/newshour? Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/2HfsCD6?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXt6WL82A7U
PBS NewsHour Weekend Full Episode April 4, 2021
Apr 4, 2021 PBS NewsHour
On this edition for Sunday, April 4, lawmakers weigh in on the Biden administration’s infrastructure plan, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy on the 53th anniversary of his assasination, and in our signature segment, “Exploring Hate”: the wave of anti-Asian hate crimes in the wake of COVID-19 and how communities are responding. Hari Sreenivasan anchors from New York. Stream your PBS favorites with the PBS app: https://to.pbs.org/2Jb8twG? Find more from PBS NewsHour at https://www.pbs.org/newshour? Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/2HfsCD6?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tpx9piazY6Q
PBS NewsHour Weekend Full Episode April 3, 2021
Apr 3, 2021 PBS NewsHour
On this edition for Saturday, April 3, Georgia’s governor stands behind the state’s controversial new voting laws, COVID-19 ‘vaccination passports’ meet strong opposition from some lawmakers, and in our signature segment: “Exploring Hate,” examining how disinformation, conspiracy theories and hate speech spread online. Hari Sreenivasan anchors from New York. Stream your PBS favorites with the PBS app: https://to.pbs.org/2Jb8twG? Find more from PBS NewsHour at https://www.pbs.org/newshour? Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/2HfsCD6
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQhTBKt49u8
NBC Nightly News Broadcast (Full) – April 7th, 2021 | NBC Nightly News
Apr 7, 2021 NBC News
Speeding was cause of Tiger Woods crash, investigators say, CDC teams in Michigan amid state’s Covid surge, and Brazil’s Covid death toll reaches 4,000 a day. Watch “NBC Nightly News With Lester Holt” at 6:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. CT (or check your local listings). 00:00? Intro 02:02? Sheriff: Tiger Woods Was Speeding As Fast As 87 MPH 04:33? CDC Teams Deployed To Michigan As Covid Cases Soar 05:15? CDC: U.K. Variant Now Dominant Strain In U.S. 05:31? E.U.Regulator: Astrazeneca Vaccine Linked To Rare Clots 05:51? U.S. Now Averages 3 Million Covid Vaccinations A Day 06:15? New Study: Vaccine Protection Lasts At Least 200+ Days 06:32? Brazil Reports Record 4,000+ Daily Covid Deaths 08:11? Expert Testifies Chauvin Used ‘Excessive’ Force On Floyd 09:35? Courtroom Debate Over Floyd’s Words On Body Cam 10:09? George Floyd’s Brother In Court For Police Testimony 10:33? Investigators: Pills Found In Police Car Contained Meth 10:47? Biden Unveils Plan To Raise Corporate Taxes 11:21? Biden Expected To Announce Executive Actions On Guns 11:40? MLB’s All-Star Move Hits Local Atlanta Businesses 13:51? D.A. Moves To Toss 90 Convictions Tied To Ex-Detective 15:27? Health Care CEO Paid 500 Times More Than Average Worker 17:14? Massive Pay Divide Between CEOs And Average Workers 19:04? Animal Expert Jack Hanna Diagnosed With Dementia 19:20? Oldest Medal Of Honor Recipient Charles Coolidge Dies At 99 » Subscribe to NBC News: http://nbcnews.to/SubscribeToNBC? » Watch more NBC video: http://bit.ly/MoreNBCNews?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32gBX4pzRAc
Nightly News Full Broadcast (April 3rd)
Apr 3, 2021 NBC News
Capitol attack suspect’s family speaks out, new debate over how to secure Capitol, and breaking down the data on possible fourth Covid surge.
Meet The Press Broadcast (Full) – April 4th, 2021 | Meet The Press | NBC News
Apr 4, 2021 NBC News
Sec. Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) discuss the Biden administration’s infrastructure plan. Dr. Michael Osterholm explains what the fourth Covid wave means for the return to normalcy. Yamiche Alcindor, Amy Walter, Rich Lowry and María Teresa Kumar join the Meet the Press roundtable. » Subscribe to NBC News: http://nbcnews.to/SubscribeToNBC? » Watch more NBC video: http://bit.ly/MoreNBCNews? NBC News is a leading source of global news and information. Here you will find clips from NBC Nightly News, Meet The Press, and original digital videos. Subscribe to our channel for news stories, technology, politics, health, entertainment, science, business, and exclusive NBC investigations. Connect with NBC News Online! Visit NBCNews.Com: http://nbcnews.to/ReadNBC? Find NBC News on Facebook: http://nbcnews.to/LikeNBC? Follow NBC News on Twitter: http://nbcnews.to/FollowNBC? Follow NBC News on Instagram: http://nbcnews.to/InstaNBC? Meet The Press Broadcast (Full) – April 4th, 2021 | Meet The Press | NBC News
QAnon Wikipedia QAnon, or simply Q, is a disproven and discredited American far-right conspiracy theory alleging that a secret cabal of Satan-worshipping, cannibalistic pedophiles was running a global child sex-trafficking ring and plotted against former U.S. president Donald Trump while he was in office.
QAnon and Conspiracy Theories: An American Political Tradition | Meet The Press | NBC News
Apr 4, 2021 NBC News
Conspiracy theories are nothing new in American politics, but QAnon presents unique problems.» Subscribe to NBC News: http://nbcnews.to/SubscribeToNBC? » Watch more NBC video: http://bit.ly/MoreNBCNews? NBC News Digital is a collection of innovative and powerful news brands that deliver compelling, diverse and engaging news stories. NBC News Digital features NBCNews.com, MSNBC.com, TODAY.com, Nightly News, Meet the Press, Dateline, and the existing apps and digital extensions of these respective properties. We deliver the best in breaking news, live video coverage, original journalism and segments from your favorite NBC News Shows. Connect with NBC News Online! NBC News App: https://smart.link/5d0cd9df61b80? Breaking News Alerts: https://link.nbcnews.com/join/5cj/bre…? Visit NBCNews.Com: http://nbcnews.to/ReadNBC? Find NBC News on Facebook: http://nbcnews.to/LikeNBC? Follow NBC News on Twitter: http://nbcnews.to/FollowNBC? Follow NBC News on Instagram: http://nbcnews.to/InstaNBC? QAnon and Conspiracy Theories: An American Political Tradition | Meet The Press | NBC News
New GOP Panic As ‘Biden Republicans’ Upend Trump’s Alliance | The Beat With Ari Melber | MSNBC
Apr 7, 2021 MSNBC
President Biden is boasting about Mitch McConnell’s voters supporting his policies. In this special report, MSNBC’s Ari Melber examines how republican voters are supporting Pres. Biden’s agenda from the popular Covid Relief Bill to a $2 trillion infrastructure and jobs package. Melber reports on how democrats are using the ‘Reagan Playbook’ – working on a wave of ‘Biden Republicans’ similar to the ‘Reagan Democrats.’ (This interview is from MSNBC’s “The Beat with Ari Melber, a news show covering politics, law and culture airing nightly at 6pm ET on MSNBC. http://www.thebeatwithari.com?). Aired on 04/07/2021. » Subscribe to MSNBC: http://on.msnbc.com/SubscribeTomsnbc? “The Beat with Ari Melber” covers politics, law and culture on MSNBC nightly at 6pm ET, anchored by Emmy-winning journalist and attorney Ari Melber (@arimelber). The Beat focuses on original reporting and in-depth interviews with a wide variety of guests, and was nominated for a 2020 Emmy in the Outstanding Interview category. MSNBC delivers breaking news, in-depth analysis of politics headlines, as well as commentary and informed perspectives. Find video clips and segments from The Rachel Maddow Show, Morning Joe, Meet the Press Daily, The Beat with Ari Melber, Deadline: White House with Nicolle Wallace, Hardball, All In, Last Word, 11th Hour, and more.
All A Scam: Trump 2020 Exposed For Defrauding Own Fans, Echoing Trump U. Debacle
Apr 5, 2021 MSNBC
Donald Trump is under fire for conning over $100 million dollars from his most loyal supporters. The New York Times has released a new bombshell report busting his re-election campaign for a scheme mixing some of Trump’s oldest con artist tricks with his desperation during the election when he was clearly trailing Biden in the money race. MSNBC’s Ari Melber explains Trump’s latest grift and discusses the significance of this deception with journalists Max Boot and Joan Walsh. (This interview is from MSNBC’s “The Beat with Ari Melber, a news show covering politics, law and culture airing nightly at 6pm ET on MSNBC. http://www.thebeatwithari.com?). Aired on 04/05/2021. » Subscribe to MSNBC: http://on.msnbc.com/SubscribeTomsnbc? “The Beat with Ari Melber” covers politics, law and culture on MSNBC nightly at 6pm ET, anchored by Emmy-winning journalist and attorney Ari Melber (@arimelber). The Beat focuses on original reporting and in-depth interviews with a wide variety of guests, and was nominated for a 2020 Emmy in the Outstanding Interview category. MSNBC delivers breaking news, in-depth analysis of politics headlines, as well as commentary and informed perspectives. Find video clips and segments from The Rachel Maddow Show, Morning Joe, Meet the Press Daily, The Beat with Ari Melber, Deadline: White House with Nicolle Wallace, Hardball, All In, Last Word, 11th Hour, and more. Connect with MSNBC Online Visit msnbc.com: http://on.msnbc.com/Readmsnbc? Subscribe to MSNBC Newsletter: http://MSNBC.com/NewslettersYouTube? Find MSNBC on Facebook: http://on.msnbc.com/Likemsnbc? Follow MSNBC on Twitter: http://on.msnbc.com/Followmsnbc? Follow MSNBC on Instagram: http://on.msnbc.com/Instamsnbc? #Trump? #Scam? #MSNBC? All A Scam: Trump 2020 Exposed For Defrauding Own Fans, Echoing Trump U. Debacle
The National Debt: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)
Apr 5, 2021 LastWeekTonight
The national debt has long been portrayed as a burden we’re placing on future generations. John Oliver discusses how national debt works, why people are so concerned about it, and why it might be more helpful that you think. Connect with Last Week Tonight online… Subscribe to the Last Week Tonight YouTube channel for more almost news as it almost happens: www.youtube.com/lastweektonight? Find Last Week Tonight on Facebook like your mom would: www.facebook.com/lastweektonight Follow us on Twitter for news about jokes and jokes about news: www.twitter.com/lastweektonight Visit our official site for all that other stuff at once: www.hbo.com/lastweektonight
Retirement Plans: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)
Jun 13, 2016 LastWeekTonight
Saving for retirement means navigating a potential minefield of high fees and bad advice. Billy Eichner and Kristin Chenoweth share some tips. Connect with Last Week Tonight online… Subscribe to the Last Week Tonight YouTube channel for more almost news as it almost happens: www.youtube.com/user/LastWeekTonight? Find Last Week Tonight on Facebook like your mom would: http://Facebook.com/LastWeekTonight? Follow us on Twitter for news about jokes and jokes about news: http://Twitter.com/LastWeekTonight? Visit our official site for all that other stuff at once: http://www.hbo.com/lastweektonight?
Jen Psaki takes gloves off with Fox reporter at press briefing
Apr 1, 2021 Brian Tyler Cohen
BREAKING: Jen Psaki just took the gloves off with a Fox reporter at a press briefing. To demand the Senate pass the For the People Act, sign here ? http://odaction.com/btc-s1? Subscribe for more and follow me here: PODCAST: https://apple.co/36UvEHs? (or search “No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen” on your podcast app) TWITTER: https://twitter.com/briantylercohen? INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/briantylerc…? FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/briantylercohen? PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/briantylercohen? Please sign up for updates on my new projects below: https://www.briantylercohen.com/sign-up/? Sources: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politi…?
McConnell Wants Corporations Out of Politics Unless He Benefits | The Daily Social Distancing Show
Fundraiser
Apr 7, 2021The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
Mitch McConnell warns corporations to stay out of politics, the U.S. and Iran are talking though European diplomats, and Siri’s voice will no longer be automatically female. #DailyShow? #TrevorNoah? #MitchMcConnell? To help at-risk students grow produce for their communities and build a sustainable, equitable food system that fights food insecurity, donate at https://dailyshow.com/TeensForFoodJus…? Subscribe to The Daily Show: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwWh…?
Conspiracy Theories: Born in America | The Daily Social Distancing Show
Mar 31, 2021 The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
No one does conspiracy theories like the United States. Here’s a look at the biggest and best, from Jeffrey Epstein to Qanon. #DailyShow? #TrevorNoah? #ConspiracyTheory? 00:00? – Where Did Coronavirus Really Come From? 6:56? – QAnon: Prophecy or Hoax? 17:47? – Is 5G Safe? 24:27? – Who Killed Jeffery Epstein? 30:28? – Was the 2020 Election Stolen? Subscribe to The Daily Show: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwWh…?
White Supremacy: The Rise and Spread in America | The Daily Show
Apr 3, 2021 The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
White supremacy has played a leading role in the development of the United States. Here’s a look at the full history. #DailyShow? #WhiteSupremacy? #Racism? 00:00? – THE LEGACY OF SLAVERY 01:28? – THE HISTORICAL IMPLICATIONS 03:24? – THE RESPONSE TO OBAMA 04:41? – THE KKK SUPPORTS DONALD TRUMP 06:32? – TRUMP LEGITIMIZES WHITE SUPREMACY IN CHARLOTTESVILLE 08:31? – TRUMP REFUSES TO CONDEMN WHITE SUPREMACY 13:14? – W. KAMAU BELL TALKS TO THE KKK 15:04? – WHITE MALE MEDIOCRITY Subscribe to The Daily Show: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwWh…?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-upyPouRrB8
Al Jazeera English | Live
Started streaming on Mar 5, 2021, Al Jazeera English
@Al Jazeera English, we focus on people and events that affect people’s lives. We bring topics to light that often go under-reported, listening to all sides of the story and giving a ‘voice to the voiceless’. Reaching more than 270 million households in over 140 countries across the globe, our viewers trust Al Jazeera English to keep them informed, inspired, and entertained. Our impartial, fact-based reporting wins worldwide praise and respect. It is our unique brand of journalism that the world has come to rely on. We are reshaping global media and constantly working to strengthen our reputation as one of the world’s most respected news and current affairs channels. Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe? Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AJEnglish? Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera? Check our website: http://www.aljazeera.com/? #AlJazeeraEnglish? #BreakingNews? #AlJazeeraLive?
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| Photo illustration: Aïda Amer. Photos: Robert Gauthier/L.A Times, Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
Historically untouchable issues — like climate change and race — are now on the table for the Fed as it wades further into uncharted territory, writes Axios Closer author Courtenay Brown. Why it matters: The about-face has implications for how one of the world’s most influential economic bodies steers policy and regulates the nation’s banks. The Fed recently set up two committees to look at the impact of climate change on the economy and banks. · It may feel small, particularly for issues that have threatened and plagued the country for years. · But it’s a big deal for an institution that rarely — if ever — spoke publicly about these issues, let alone interwove them into considerations about the economy. On climate: The Fed is behind its peers around the globe where climate change is less politicized. On race: Fed officials have implied that the national unemployment rate wouldn’t be the only jobless measure they look at when measuring the health of the economy. · Black unemployment — which tends to fall much more slowly — might also be a factor. What to watch: Resistance from Republicans. · The latest: Sen. Pat Toomey, the top Republican on the powerful Senate Banking Committee, warned this week of “mission creep” at the Fed’s regional banks, pointing to their research on topics like climate change and racial justice. |
| 3. Attack renews fear at Capitol
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| Photo: Samuel Corum/Getty Images
Capitol Police officers lower the flag over the U.S. Capitol to half-staff in honor of William “Billy” Evans, an 18-year Capitol Police officer. Evans died yesterday after a 25-year-old rammed his sedan into a barricade. · The attack once again put the city on edge, after threats stemming from the deadly insurrection in January had started to wane, the WashPost reports.
The driver emerged with a knife, and started running at two officers. Authorities shot the suspect, who died at a hospital. The suspect, Noah Green, described himself on Facebook as a follower of Louis Farrakhan, leader of the Nation of Islam, per the N.Y. Times. |
| 7. Brace for 17-year cicadas
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| Adult cicadas in Reston, Va., during their last visit in 2004. Photo: Richard Ellis/Getty Images |
| In a few weeks, billions of periodical cicadas are predicted to emerge in parts of the eastern U.S. after 17 years underground, managing editor Alison Snyder writes in Axios Science.
· Brood X is one of the largest of 15 groups of cicadas that come out en masse in the U.S. at various intervals. · Once the soil temperature reaches 64°F, typically in late April or early May, billions of noisy cicadas will emerge, mate and lay eggs — all within four to six weeks. What we’re watching: D.C. could be the “main stage” for the 17-year swarm, the Washington Post reports: Georgia and other Southern states will probably be where they first emerge around the end of March, experts say. But residents of the Washington area are standing at ground zero. The District, Maryland and Virginia are likely to host more of these animals than any other of the 14 states that share the experience. See a map of Brood X. … Share this story. Japan’s famous cherry blossoms see early bloom amid warming TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s famous cherry blossoms have reached their flowery peak in many places earlier this year than at any time since formal records started being kept nearly 70 years ago,
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Japan’s famous cherry blossoms bloom early as climate warms
AP NEWS
Japan’s famous cherry blossoms bloom early as climate warms
By MARI YAMAGUCHI
March 30, 2021
TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s famous cherry blossoms have reached their flowery peak in many places earlier this year than at any time since formal records started being kept nearly 70 years ago, with experts saying climate change is the likely cause.
Japan’s favorite flower, called “sakura,” used to reach their peak bloom in April, just as the country celebrates the start of its new school and business year. Yet that date has been creeping earlier and now most years the blossoms are largely gone before the first day of school.
This year peak bloom was reached on March 26 in the ancient capital of Kyoto, the earliest since the Japan Meteorological Agency started collecting the data in 1953 and 10 days ahead of the 30-year average. Similar records were set this year in more than a dozen cities across Japan.
Full Coverage: Photography
People wearing protective masks to help curb the spread of the coronavirus gather on bridges as cherry blossoms bloom over Meguro River Sunday, March 28, 2021, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato)
Some say it is the earliest peak bloom ever based on records from historic documents, diaries and poetry books from Kyoto. Osaka Prefecture University environmental scientist Yasuyuki Aono, who tracks such documents, said the earliest blooms he has found before this year were March 27 in the years 1612, 1409 and 1236, though there are not records for some years.
“We can say it’s most likely because of the impact of the global warming,” said Shunji Anbe, an official at the observations division at the Japan Meteorological Agency.
The agency tracks 58 “benchmark” cherry trees across the country, and this year 40 of those already have reached their peak bloom and 14 have done so in record time. The trees normally bloom for about two weeks each year from first bud to all the blossoms falling off.
Cherry trees are sensitive to temperature changes and the timing of their blooming can provide valuable data for climate change studies, Anbe said.
People wearing face masks to help protect against the spread of the coronavirus enjoy blooming cherry blossoms from paddle boats in Tokyo, Monday, March 29, 2021. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)
According to the agency data, the average temperature for March in Kyoto has climbed to 10.6 degrees Celsius (51.1 F) in 2020 from 8.6 C (47.5 F) in 1953. So far this year’s average March temperature in Japan has been 12.4 C (54.3 F).
Sakura have deeply influenced Japanese culture for centuries and regularly been used in poetry and literature with their fragility seen as a symbol of life, death and rebirth.
People wearing protective masks to help curb the spread of the coronavirus walk under cherry blossoms Friday, March 26, 2021, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
A woman wearing a protective mask to help curb the spread of the coronavirus carries a pet dog to take a photo under cherry blossoms Friday, March 26, 2021, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
A person takes a photo of cherry blossoms Friday, March 26, 2021, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
A person films a video with his phone on a selfie stick while riding a bicycle under a canopy of cherry blossoms Monday, March 29, 2021, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato)
People wearing face masks to protect against the spread of the coronavirus walk under cherry blossoms in Tokyo, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)
People wearing protective masks to help curb the spread of the coronavirus take a selfie on a bridge as cherry blossoms bloom over Meguro River Sunday, March 28, 2021, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato)
People wearing face masks to protect against the spread of the coronavirus walk under cherry blossoms in Tokyo, Tuesday, March 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)
A man wearing a protective mask to help curb the spread of the coronavirus pauses under cherry blossoms Friday, March 26, 2021, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
A man wearing a protective mask to help curb the spread of the coronavirus takes a photo under cherry blossoms Friday, March 26, 2021, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
People wearing protective masks to help curb the spread of the coronavirus walk under a canopy of cherry blossoms Sunday, March 28, 2021, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato)
People wearing protective masks to help curb the spread of the coronavirus walk across a street under a canopy of cherry blossoms Sunday, March 28, 2021, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato)
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