Header image depicts Super Typhoon Rai on December 17, 2021. (Wikimedia Commons)

Philippines (MNN) — Super Typhoon Rai, known locally as Odette, claimed over 375 lives in the Philippines this weekend, and the death toll keeps rising. More details emerge as parts of the archipelago restore communication.

Read More

Header image depicts a woman holding a transparent umbrella in Tokyo, Japan. (Stock photo courtesy of Tore F/Unsplash)

International (MNN) — The Omicron surge stops international travel in its tracks. More about that here. Currently traveling in Europe, Joe Handley of A3 constantly checks for updates and new requirements.

Read More

The Bagmati River, considered holy by both Hindus and Buddhists, runs through the Kathmandu valley of Nepal before joing the Koshi River in the Indian state of Bihar. The header image shows the river in flood stage during the 2016 summer monsoon season. (Wikimedia Commons)

Nepal (MNN) — Several days of nonstop monsoon rains have triggered floods and landslides throughout India and Nepal. So far, the deluge has claimed at least 150 victims in both countries.

Read More

(Header photo courtesy of Free-Photos from Pixabay)

Southeast Asia (MNN) — Does a calling to ministry mean no full-time career? That’s a question many young professionals in Southeast Asia are asking.

Read More

Header photo courtesy of Poswiecie from Pixabay.

Southeast Asia (MNN) — One Southeast Asian country has taken a positive step towards more religious freedom. A recent decree outlined a path for religious minority groups to be recognized by the state.

Read More

The header photo shows the United Nations General Assembly. (Photo courtesy of Roberto Stuckert Filho/PR, CC BY-SA 2.5 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5>, via Wikimedia Commons)

Myanmar (MNN) — The United Nations will decide this week which government gets to represent Myanmar at the General Assembly. The military seized power from Myanmar’s elected officials in a February coup. But several of those officials have formed a shadow government, known as the National Unity Government.

Read More

The header photo shows a protest in Yangon, Myanmar from February 2021. (သူထွန်း, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)

Myanmar (MNN) — On Sunday, fresh protests broke out against Myanmar’s military rule. They coincided with the anniversary of 1988 pro-democracy protests. Read more here.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has appointed a special envoy to Myanmar to deal with the post-coup violence wracking the country.

Read More

Header image courtesy of Dick Thomas Johnson/Wikimedia Commons.

Japan (MNN) — The 2020 Tokyo Olympics are officially underway following today’s Opening Ceremony. Delayed by the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, the Games will run through August 8th. See a full schedule here. The Tokyo Paralympics begin August 24th.

Read More

The header image shows people getting tested for COVID-19 in Indonesia. (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain)

Indonesia (MNN) — Indonesia has surpassed Brazil and India as the country with most new COVID-19 cases per day. Indonesia reported over 56,000 new cases on Thursday. However, a lack of adequate testing means the true numbers may be much higher.

Read More

Header photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Malaysia (MNN) — White flags are going up all across Malaysia as COVID-19 cases rise. They signal despair at a lockdown that began on June 1.

Since July 1st, people can’t leave their houses except to get basic supplies, and a curfew starts at 8 pm. Most businesses have to close, meaning no income for many people.

Read More

header image is a stock photo courtesy of Alex Smith/Unsplash.

Japan (MNN) — Will there be any fans in the stands at next month’s Tokyo Olympics? Event organizers could announce their decision as early as today.

Read More

Header image is a graphic obtained from Wikimedia Commons.

Japan (MNN) — Playbooks released yesterday introduce new COVID-19 restrictions and requirements ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The guidelines limit participants’ movement and require more testing.

Read More