Japan to begin full-scale selection of new casino resort sites
WorldTOKYO -- The Japanese government is set to begin full procedures to select locations for casino-featuring integrated resorts following Osaka, western Japan.
Boy dies after becoming trapped in escalator in Hokkaido
WorldTOKYO -- A five-year-old boy died after becoming trapped in an escalator at a ski resort in Otaru in the northernmost Japan prefecture of Hokkaido, according to local police.
Australia says Bondi review to check if terror attack could have been averted
WorldSYDNEY -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Monday an independent review into law enforcement agencies set up after the Bondi mass shooting will assess whether authorities could have taken additional steps to prevent the terror attack.
Woman stabbed in Tokyo; suspected attacker at large
WorldTOKYO -- A woman was stabbed multiple times in the upper body in Tokyo around noon Monday and was taken to a hospital while remaining conscious, according to investigative sources.
Thai factory output unexpectedly falls 4.24% y/y in November
WorldBANGKOK - Thailand's manufacturing production index unexpectedly dropped 4.24% in November from a year earlier due to lower petroleum output, the strong baht and a border conflict with Cambodia, the industry ministry said on Monday.
South Korean president vows to reveal truth on anniversary of Jeju Air crash
WorldSEOUL -- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Monday apologised to the families of the 179 people who died in a Jeju Air crash a year ago, vowing to reveal the truth behind the worst aircraft accident on the country's soil.
Iraqis cover soil with clay to curb sandstorms
WorldDeep in Iraq's southern desert, bulldozers and earthmovers spread layers of moist clay over sand dunes as part of a broader effort to fight increasingly frequent sandstorms.
Asian stocks rise, precious metals hit records on Fed rate cut bets
WorldAsian stocks were at six-week highs on Monday, while the dollar hovered near its lowest in almost three months on expectations of the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates next year, which have also sparked a fierce rally in precious metals.
Indonesia fire kills 16 people in retirement home
WorldJAKARTA -- A fire at a retirement home in the city of Manado on Indonesia's on Sulawesi island has killed 16 people, a local police official was quoted as saying on Monday by state news agency Antara.
Third 'Avatar' film stays atop N. American box office rankings
World"Avatar: Fire and Ash" retained the top spot at the North American box office after it debuted the week before, reeling in $64 million during the weekend after Christmas, industry estimates showed Sunday.
