Our world in photos: March 25
Brooklyn Eagle Staff
March 25, 2025
BEIJING — Is it something in the water or a reflection of China’s policies — kids’ toys with a war theme on artificial snow? Children ride military tank-styled snow karts at a park made with artificial snow during the Longtan Park Temple Fair on the second day of the Lunar New Year, Jan. 30, 2025. The fair, which runs through Feb. 4, bills itself as featuring “time-honored brands, such as Quanjude and Donglaishun, as well as typical items, delicious snacks and local specialties typical of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei.”
It is one of several temple fairs around Beijing, including at Grand View Garden, offering glimpses into classic Chinese life, particularly as depicted in the 18th-century masterpiece of Chinese literature, “A Dream of Red Mansions.”
BEIJING — Colorful celebration invoking history: Women dressed in Qing Dynasty attire pose for souvenir photographs as they visit the Forbidden City during a week-long Chinese New Year holiday, Jan. 30, 2025. Once the palace for emperors spanning more than five centuries, the Forbidden City is now a museum of China’s imperial history. It was called the Forbidden City because commoners were prohibited from entering without permission, and these could only be high-ranking officials. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1987 designated the Palace Museum as a World Cultural Heritage Site.
The Qing Dynasty was the last imperial era in China, from 1644-1911. Its founders were the Manchu people from northeastern Asia who considered themselves distinct yet ruled over a very multiethnic empire and selected what they considered the best of Chinese culture and civilization.
CAPITOL HILL — Are they praying? Don’t we pay them to think with an open mind? Friends of former Representative Tulsi Gabbard — U.S. President Donald Trump’s nominee to be director of national intelligence — pray ahead of her confirmation hearing before a Senate Intelligence Committee in Washington, Jan. 30, 2025. Formerly a Congressmember from Hawaii and Democrat, Gabbard faced intense grilling during Thursday’s hearing, particularly on past comments she has made. Gabbard holds the rank of lieutenant colonel in the National Guard and served two tours in the Middle East. But she has alarmed members of the intelligence and national security communities with comments sympathetic to Russia. She has also, in the past, opposed a critical surveillance program.
If confirmed, Gabbard would become the next director of national intelligence, a position that was created in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks.
CAPITOL — The vetting continues: Kash Patel, President Donald Trump’s choice to be director of the FBI, appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee for his confirmation hearing on Jan. 30, 2025. Patel, known as a fierce critic of the FBI, told the Judiciary Committee on Thursday that it has lost the trust of the American public, even calling their agents “Gangsters.”
Democratic Senators questioned Patel on Thursday over his incendiary remarks, loyalty to the president and stated plans to overhaul the bureau.
ARLINGTON — Tragic mid-air collision in shadow of Capitol dome: Search and rescue efforts are seen around a wreckage site in the Potomac River from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, early Thursday morning, Jan. 30, 2025, in Arlington, Va. Wednesday night, an inbound American Airlines flight and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided above ground just shy of the runway. Air traffic control had already cleared the commercial jet for landing. The helicopter crew were reportedly experienced pilots, including the trainee, who knew the local airspace, yet the cause remains unclear.
According to a report from the Federal Aviation Administration, staffing was “not normal” in the tower at the time of the collision, and one air traffic controller was working two positions simultaneously.
LONDON — Holding court, inside and outside: Police officers talk to climate activists as protesters block the road outside The Royal Courts of Justice in support of 16 climate activists who are at the high court to appeal against jail sentences, Jan. 30, 2025.
Among the protesters was a group of Quakers (Religious Society of Friends), committed to nonviolent action against policies they consider unjust.
INDIANAPOLIS — Thigh pads are visible; are helmets coming next? Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) shoots between Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) and forward Tim Hardaway Jr. (8) during the first half of an NBA basketball game on Jan. 29, 2025. The Pacers won 133-119.
Pascal Siakam scored 37 points, Tyrese Haliburton had 30 points and eight assists, while “Siakam and Haliburton combined to hit 25 of 38 shots.”
ISRAEL — A room full of joy and celebration: Family members and supporters of Israeli hostage Agam Berger, a soldier who was seized from her army base in southern Israel during the deadly Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, react as they watch a broadcast of Berger during her release, in Holon, Jan. 30, 2025.
Berger was among eight hostages that Hamas freed on Thursday. The others included an 80-year-old Israeli man, a 29-year-old Israeli woman and five Thai nationals who were engaged in farm work at the time of the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack.
