Brian Allen

Thousands of Football Fans Party in Countdown to Super Bowl Kick-off

Cold and snow can’t deter Minneapolis residents and visitors from the biggest football party of the year

Thousands of Football Fans Party in the Streets on the Eve of the Super Bowl

On the eve of the Super Bowl, football fans from near and far have descended on host city Minneapolis, in the Midwestern U.S. state of Minnesota. They spent the night before the big game outside, in snow and below-freezing temperatures, celebrating at the biggest football party of the year. VOA's Brian Allen takes you there.

Minneapolis Residents Take to the Sky

The world’s longest system of interconnected skywalks keeps Minneapolis residents elevated and warm during the harsh winter

World's Longest Skyway Gives Minneapolis Residents a Break From Harsh Winter

Minneapolis is known for being cold — extremely cold. But when the temperatures drop and the wind chill bites, how do local residents cope and still carry on with their day-to-day lives? VOA's Brian Allen will take you up into the sky, or more specifically, up into the Skyway to find out.

Trump, Erdogan Optimistic About US-Turkey Relations Despite Major Differences

U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have described their first meeting in Washington as the start of a new era or relations but the two leaders sidestepped their differences over how to confront Islamic State extremists in northern Syria. As VOA's Brian Allen reports, Turkey is fiercely opposed to a U.S. plan to arm Syrian Kurds as part of the fight.

Super Bowl LI - Patriots vs Falcons

Super Bowl fans

Houston Ready for Super Bowl

For Both Parties, South Carolina Primaries Loom Large in Presidential Race

Experts say state is key political battleground because it provides test of candidate's support throughout the South

Super Bowl TV Commercials are Super Business for Advertisers

The Super Bowl, the championship clash between the two top teams in American Football, is the most-watched sporting event of the year, and advertisers are lining up and paying big bucks to get their commercials on the air. In fact, the TV commercials during the Super Bowl have become one of the most anticipated and popular features of the event. VOA's Brian Allen has a sneak peek of what you can expect to see when the big game goes to commercial break, and the real entertainment begins.

US Midwest Hit By Deadly, 'Historic and Dangerous' Floods

Rare winter floods have killed at least 13 people and devastated hundreds of homes in the midwestern U.S. state of Missouri, which has been hit by a record amount of torrential rain in recent days — and the worst is yet to come. VOA's Brian Allen has more.

'Solar Suitcase' Saves Lives, Powers Hospital Operations

A compact solar electric system — dubbed the 'solar suitcase' because of its shape, size and functionality — was designed by Dr. Laura Stachel, executive director of We Care Solar, and her husband. It was the result of a pressing need she saw after delivering babies at a hospital in northern Nigeria that had electricity for just 12 hours per day, and now runs effectively using this alternative energy source.

Hotel in Rio Favela Attracts Jazz Enthusiasts

Once a private residence/art studio, turned hotel, The Maze is now the happening tourist spot club in Rio to experience world-renowned jazz

Nation Transfixed by Brazil-Chile Matchup

Brazil, host of the 2014 World Cup, has survived Chile in the first match of the tournament's elimination round. VOA was there to see how residents of Rio de Janeiro watched the most exciting game of the tournament.

Flash Mobs Dance in Rio for Locals

“Big Dance Brazil” flash mobs organized by the Brazilian Ministry of Culture taking place in all twelve cities hosting World Cup matches

Flash Mobs Dance in Rio for Locals

Not everything about the World Cup revolves around football. Sometimes an event like this can bring an extra bit of excitement to a host nation. VOA’s Brian Allen takes you to Rio de Janeiro, where flash mobs are erupting spontaneously, and bringing joy to locals.

Loud, Loyal American Fans Travel to Brazil in Huge Numbers

Not including Brazil, fans from the United States bought more tickets for the World Cup than those from any other country

World Cup Fans Flock to Rio's Iconic Christ Statue

The iconic Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking Rio de Janeiro is one of the best-known and most-visited tourist attractions in Brazil. Now, during the World Cup, it is packed with football fans from all over the world. VOA’s Brian Allen and Rod James take you to the world-famous landmark.

Rainy Day is Not Enough to Slow the World Cup Party

At the FIFA Fan Fest on Copacabana Beach, fans have turned out despite rainy weather

World Cup Souvenir Sales Add Up to Big Business in Brazil

A stroll down Avenida Atlântica in Copacabana reveals a wealth of knick-knacks and souvenirs for tourists to buy