California

Airport board honors Hope

Airport commissioners voted unanimously Monday to rename the airfield in Burbank “Bob Hope Airport.”

The latest name change for Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport — the fifth in its 73-year history — could happen as early as Dec. 17, pending approval by the three cities with joint powers over the airfield.

“It’s a nice tribute to a gentleman who gave so much to everyone in this country,” said Charles Lombardo, president of the airport authority.

Hope, who died July 27 at age 100, was a longtime nearby resident who flew in and out of the airport countless times. In his later years, he kept his private jet there.

Indonesia

Deadly flooding hits resort

A torrent of water, mud and logs swept through a resort village near a reserve for endangered orangutans on Indonesia’s Sumatra island, killing at least 78 people, including five foreigners, and leaving about 100 people missing, officials said.

Rescuers searched for survivors today but hopes of finding people alive beneath the debris faded.

Days of heavy rain triggered a surge Sunday night in the Bahorok River, which winds through the village of Bukit Lawang. Dozens of inns and restaurants that line its banks were destroyed.

Officials blamed the flood on illegal logging in the jungles above the village.

Despite the devastation, officials said the several dozen orangutans in the reserve, located a mile up the valley from the river, appeared unaffected by the disaster.

China

Trial satellite launched

Flush with new spacefaring confidence, China launched an experimental satellite for research and mapping Monday from the same pad where its first manned mission took off last month.

The recoverable satellite, which will orbit for 18 days, went up from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, the official Xinhua News Agency said. It said the launch used a Long March 2-D carrier rocket.

The launch is the 73rd by the country’s Long March carrier rockets since 1970, Xinhua said, and the 31st consecutive successful launch since October 1996. Xinhua said the satellite would be used to gather information to “help promote the country’s scientific and technological, economic and social development.”

On Oct. 15, China launched its first manned space mission, sending astronaut Yang Liwei into orbit and bringing him back safely the following day with promises it would kick its space program into high gear.