New Zealand election: Voters goes to the polls in a narrow race
CNN — New Zealand goes to the polls Saturday in a general election that’s shaping up to be a tight race between the two major parties, with the economy and…
Nobel Prize in medicine awarded for work on mRNA Covid vaccines by Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman
Editor’s Note: Sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. CNN — This year’s Nobel Prize in physiology…
New Zealand scraps last of its Covid restrictions
CNN — New Zealand scrapped the last of its Covid restrictions Tuesday, bringing the final curtain down on one of the world’s strictest pandemic policies as the government said the…
Highest-level Chinese delegation to visit North Korea since Covid restrictions
Seoul, South Korea CNN — A high-level Chinese government delegation is headed to North Korea this week, believed to be the highest-level representatives from Beijing to visit Pyongyang since the…
Asia’s drug trade is thriving post-pandemic, UN report warns
Hong Kong CNN — The synthetic drug trade in Asia is roaring to “extreme levels,” with crime groups establishing new trafficking routes to evade enforcement crackdowns and methamphetamine prices hitting…
UK: Boris Johnson referred to police for potential Covid rules breach
CNN — Boris Johnson, Britain’s former prime minister, has been referred to the police for new possible violation of Covid lockdown rules, the British government told CNN on Tuesday. Documents…
Japan’s hikikomori: Social recluses became more isolated during Covid pandemic
Tokyo CNN — Across Japan, nearly 1.5 million people have withdrawn from society, leading reclusive lives largely confined within the walls of their home, according to a new government survey.…
Thailand air pollution: Smoke from forest fires blankets Chiang Mai
Bangkok, Thailand CNN — Smoke from fires in northern Thailand is making it hard to breathe, and at least one hospital in Chiang Mai says it’s reached “full ward capacity”…
Pope Francis ‘improving’ in hospital with respiratory infection, Vatican says
Rome CNN — Pope Francis has acknowledged the many well-wishes the 86-year-old has received while he’s being treated in a Rome hospital for a respiratory infection. In his first tweet…
Hong Kong: After 959 days, this city is no longer imposing $1,000 fines for not wearing a mask
Hong Kong CNN — One of the last major international cities requiring face coverings on Tuesday announced it will end its controversial Covid mask mandate nearly three years after it…