'Repair vouchers' reducing waste in Vienna

A program that encourages fixing broken items instead of buying new ones has been hailed as a success in Vienna.

The Austrian capital launched the program in the fall of 2020, with the latest stage wrapping up on Thursday.

The city gave residents a voucher worth up to €100 ($119) that could be used to cover repairs to an array of items — from smartphones and appliances to sporting goods and clothing.

So far, over 22,000 devices have been repaired since the program launched last fall, city officials said. In that time, an estimated 180 tons of CO2 were saved.

Hollywood opens opportunities for LA teens

US movie stars including George Clooney, Eva Longoria, Don Cheadle and Kerry Washington are hoping to give children from disadvantaged communities around Hollywood their shot at the silver screen.

They have established with the Roybal School of Film and Television Production, which will take applications from high school children in the Los Angeles area. 

The academy, which will launch in 2022, aims to train teens in cinematography, lighting and other industry jobs.

"Our aim is to better reflect the diversity of our country,” Clooney said in a statement.

"It means creating high school programs that teach young people about cameras and editing and visual effects and sound and all the career opportunities that this industry has to offer."

EU steps up efforts to combat homelessness

The battle to end homelessness in the European Union hit a major milestone this week.

For the first time, EU member-state governments, institutions and NGOs signed an agreement to combat homelessness across the bloc.

At high-level talks on Monday, they agreed to a platform that will "ensure concrete progress" in all 27-member states.

"We need to seriously tackle homelessness and give back human rights to people who have lost hope," said Portugal's Labor Minister Ana Mendes Godinho.

Japan eyes longer weekends

Japan, known for its hardworking citizens and long days at the office, is looking at going to a four-day working week.

Its government said the plans could help companies retain experienced staff, allow for further education and help people spend more.

Authorities believe the proposal could even help aid the shrinking birth rate by giving young people the chance to meet, marry and have children.