Red lines reshape Hong Kong's once freewheeling press scene

HONG KONG (AP) – From 18th place to 140th. That’s how much Hong Kong’s ranking plunged in a global press freedom index over some 20 years.

Wall Street Rises to More Records

NEW YORK (AP) - U.S. stocks rose to more records following a mixed report on the U.S. job market. The S&P 500 climbed 0.6% Friday and topped its prior all-time high set earlier in the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.5% and set its own record, while the Nasdaq composite rose 0.8%. Treasury yields were mixed following the jobs update.

Nepalese royalists demand monarchy restoration ahead of March elections

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) – Supporters of Nepal’s deposed royal family rallied in the capital on Sunday demanding the restoration of the monarchy ahead of March elections. It was the first rally by supporters of ousted King Gyanendra since a wave of violent demonstrations by disgruntled youth in September installed an interim government.

Bride and groom among 8 killed in gas cylinder blast at wedding in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD (AP) – A gas cylinder explosion early Sunday after a wedding reception at a home in Pakistan’s capital killed at least eight people, including the bride and groom, police and officials said. The blast occurred as guests who had gathered to celebrate the couple were sleeping at the house, causing part of the house to collapse.

Myanmar holds 2nd round of elections amid armed conflict

YANGON (AP) – Myanmar resumed voting Sunday in the second round of its first general election in five years, expanding polling to additional townships, including some areas affected by the civil war between the military government and its armed opponents.

Top Asia Pacific Breaking News: Morning Edition

MANILA, Philippines (AP) – Rescuers detected signs of life in an avalanche of garbage that killed at least four workers and left more than 30 others missing Thursday in a central Philippines landfill and plan to intensify search efforts, an official said Saturday.

North Korea accuses South Korea of flying drones across border

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) – North Korea’s military accused South Korea of flying drones across the border between the nations this week, warning Saturday that South Korea will face consequences for its “unpardonable hysteria.”

Filipino rescuers detect 'signs of life' in garbage avalanche

MANILA, Philippines (AP) – Rescuers detected signs of life in an avalanche of garbage that killed at least four workers and left more than 30 others missing Thursday in a central Philippines landfill and plan to intensify search efforts, an official said Saturday.

Top Asia and Pacific Breaking News: Morning Edition

BANGKOK (AP) – Chen Zhi boasted of pulling in $30 million a day, prosecutors in the United States said – a suspected criminal mastermind and onetime internet cafe manager who authorities say presented himself as a legitimate businessman. But in reality, they say, he ran online gambling sites, scams and other illegal businesses from a sprawling headquarters along the Cambodian coast.