Leaders of ASEAN member states to meet with Putin at June summit in Russia

MANILA, Philippines (AP) – Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will hold a commemorative summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia in June, the Philippines’ top diplomat said Friday.

US stocks gain ground, adding to their records, as Dell soars

Stock indexes closed higher on Wall Street. The S&P 500 added 0.2% Friday. Tech stocks led the way, with Dell Technologies in a stunning 32.8% gain. The Dow added 0.7%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 0.2%. European and Asian markets mostly rose. Brent crude fell 1.7%.

Indonesians mark 20 years since mud volcano eruption swallowed entire communities

SIDOARJO, Indonesia (AP) – Residents in the East Java province of Indonesia scattered flowers, paid their respects and prayed at the edge of a mud lake on Friday, the 20th anniversary of the eruption of the Lusi mud volcano that inundated villages and killed at least 14 people.

Former leader of Hong Kong journalist group sent to prison for obstructing police

HONG KONG (AP) – A prominent Hong Kong journalist began serving a five-day prison sentence Friday after losing an appeal against his conviction for obstructing a police officer in a case that sparked concerns about the city’s declining press freedom.

Gujarat storms into IPL final chasing 214 to set up Bengaluru clash

NEW CHANDIGARH, India (AP) – Gujarat Titans will face defending champion Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League final after chasing down Rajasthan Royals on Friday.

Japan woos Philippine leader during state visit with arms sales in mind

TOKYO (AP) – Japan and the Philippines on Thursday agreed to strengthen their defense cooperation by accelerating talks on Japanese weapons sales and intelligence sharing at a time of fears over China’s military activity in Asia.

Temu hit with $232 million fine over unsafe toys and electronics

LONDON (AP) – Temu was hit with a 200 million euro ($232 million) fine Thursday after a European Union investigation found the Chinese online retailer failed to protect consumers from illegal products like toxic or hazardous toys and unsafe electronics.

Hyderabad seals IPL playoffs spot with Gujarat after beating Chennai

CHENNAI, India (AP) – Sunrisers Hyderabad qualified for the Indian Premier League playoffs after Ishan Kishan anchored them to a five-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings on Monday.

Thai court acquits a progressive political leader on charges of royal defamation

BANGKOK (AP) – A criminal court in Thailand on Thursday acquitted the popular leader of a progressive political movement on charges of defaming the king and violating the law on online activity.