The article discusses the ongoing pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, which were sparked by the introduction of an extradition bill by Chief Executive Carrie Lam. The bill, which would have allowed extradition to mainland China, was seen as a threat to Hong Kong's autonomy and legal system. Despite Lam's withdrawal of the bill, protests have continued for 15 weeks, with demands for an independent inquiry into police brutality, amnesty for arrested protesters, democratic elections, and not labeling the protests as riots. The article includes perspectives from Emily Lau, a former Legislative Council member, and protesters, highlighting the tension between Hong Kong citizens and the government, as well as concerns about Beijing's influence. The protests have led to clashes with police and have raised international concerns about potential violence, especially with the upcoming 70th anniversary of the People's Republic of China.

The article discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the punk music scene in Wuhan, China. It highlights how musicians and bands like Chinese Football, Sky King Jack, Da Bang, and SMZB are coping with the lockdown and restrictions. The city, known for its historical dissidence and revolution, has seen its vibrant music scene disrupted, with live venues closed and musicians turning to online platforms to engage with fans. The article also touches on the broader Chinese music industry, the dichotomy between underground and mainstream music, and the government's control over cultural content. It features interviews with musicians and industry insiders, including Xu Bo of Chinese Football, Lucas of Sky King Jack, Pupi of Da Bang, Wu Wei of SMZB, and Archie Hamilton of Split Works, who share their experiences and outlook on the future of music in China.

Australian paramedic and humanitarian Alison Thompson has been awarded the US Presidential Lifetime Service Award for her extensive volunteer work, including multiple trips to Ukraine in 2022. Leading the Third Wave Volunteers, she has been instrumental in various rescue and aid missions globally, including disaster relief in Puerto Rico and Florida. The award recognizes her significant impact and aims to inspire further volunteerism.

Australian paramedic and humanitarian worker Alison Thompson has been awarded the US Presidential Lifetime Service Award for her extensive volunteer work, including multiple trips to Ukraine in 2022. Leading the Third Wave Volunteers, a network of over 30,000 first responders, she has been involved in various disaster relief efforts globally, including the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico and Hurricane Ian in Florida. Dr. Thompson emphasizes teamwork and the importance of volunteering in addressing global suffering and calamity.

Australian Alison Thompson has been awarded the US Presidential Lifetime Service Award for her extensive volunteer work, including her efforts in Ukraine and disaster zones worldwide. As the leader of Third Wave Volunteers, she has coordinated a network of over 30,000 first responders. Thompson's work includes rescuing children, teaching medical aid, and providing disaster relief. She emphasizes teamwork and the importance of volunteering to address global suffering and calamity.

Australian Alison Thompson has been awarded the US Presidential Lifetime Service Award for her extensive volunteer work, including multiple trips to Ukraine in 2022 to aid in rescue and medical efforts. As the leader of Third Wave Volunteers, she has been instrumental in various humanitarian missions globally, including disaster relief in Puerto Rico and Florida. Thompson emphasizes teamwork and the importance of volunteerism in addressing global crises.

Australian paramedic and humanitarian worker Alison Thompson has been awarded the US Presidential Lifetime Service Award for her extensive volunteer work, including multiple trips to Ukraine in 2022. Leading the Third Wave Volunteers, a network of over 30,000 first responders, she has been involved in various rescue and relief operations globally, including aiding in the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico and Hurricane Ian in Florida. Dr. Thompson's efforts have been recognized for their significant impact, particularly in high-risk areas and disaster zones.

Australian paramedic and humanitarian charity worker Alison Thompson, known for her dedication to running toward danger in emergencies and combat zones, has been honored with a US Presidential Lifetime Service Award ahead of her ninth trip to Ukraine in 2022. This prestigious award is typically reserved for American citizens, highlighting Thompson's exceptional contributions.

Australian paramedic Alison Thompson has been honored with a US Presidential Lifetime Service Award for her extensive volunteer work, particularly her efforts in Ukraine and response to natural disasters. Thompson, who leads Third Wave Volunteers, has been a full-time volunteer since September 11, 2001, and has a history of providing aid in emergency situations, including rescuing special-needs children and orphans, and teaching combat medical aid. The award recognizes her impact and the importance of teamwork in humanitarian missions.

Australian paramedic and humanitarian charity worker Alison Thompson, who runs toward emergencies and combat zones, has received a US Presidential Lifetime Service Award ahead of her ninth trip to Ukraine in 2022. The award recognizes outstanding volunteers and the impact they make. Thompson's organization, Third Wave Volunteers, has a network of over 30,000 volunteer first responders globally. She has been a full-time volunteer since September 11, 2001, and has been involved in various disaster response efforts, including rescuing special-needs children and orphans in Ukraine and teaching combat medical aid. Thompson also assisted in the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico and Hurricane Ian in Florida.

Australian paramedic and humanitarian charity worker Alison Thompson, who has made multiple trips to Ukraine and other disaster zones, has been honored with a US Presidential Lifetime Service Award. Thompson, who leads the Third Wave Volunteers organization with over 30,000 global volunteers, has been a full-time volunteer since the 9/11 attacks and has been involved in various humanitarian efforts, including rescuing special-needs children and orphans and teaching combat medical aid in Ukraine.

Australian paramedic Alison Thompson has been honored with a US Presidential Lifetime Service Award for her volunteer work with Third Wave Volunteers, a network of over 30,000 volunteer first responders. Thompson, who has been volunteering since 9/11, has made multiple trips to Ukraine in 2022, rescuing special-needs children and orphans, and teaching combat medical aid. She has also assisted in disaster relief following hurricanes in Puerto Rico and Florida. The award recognizes her impact and the importance of teamwork in humanitarian efforts.

Australian paramedic and humanitarian charity worker Alison Thompson, who runs toward emergencies and combat zones, has received a US Presidential Lifetime Service Award ahead of her ninth trip to Ukraine in 2022. The award honors outstanding volunteers and recognizes their impact. Thompson's organization, Third Wave Volunteers, has a network of over 30,000 volunteer first responders globally. She has been a full-time volunteer since September 11, 2001, and has been involved in various disaster response efforts, including pulling survivors from the rubble at ground zero, running refugee camps, field hospitals, and teaching combat medical aid in Ukraine. Her work also includes rescuing special-needs children and orphans and assisting in hurricane aftermaths in Puerto Rico and Florida.

Australian paramedic and humanitarian charity worker Alison Thompson, who runs toward emergencies and combat zones, has received a US Presidential Lifetime Service Award ahead of her ninth trip to Ukraine in 2022. The award recognizes outstanding volunteers and the impact they make. Dr. Thompson has been a full-time volunteer since September 11, 2001, and has been involved in various disaster response efforts around the world, including pulling survivors from rubble at ground zero, running refugee camps, field hospitals, and teaching combat medical aid in Ukraine. Her organization, Third Wave Volunteers, has a network of over 30,000 volunteer first responders globally.

Australian paramedic and humanitarian charity worker Alison Thompson, who runs towards emergencies and combat zones, has been honored with a US Presidential Lifetime Service Award ahead of her ninth trip to Ukraine in 2022. The award recognizes outstanding volunteers and the impact they make. Thompson's organization, Third Wave Volunteers, has a network of over 30,000 volunteer first responders globally. She has been a full-time volunteer since September 11, 2001, and has been involved in various disaster response efforts, including pulling survivors from the rubble at ground zero, running refugee camps, field hospitals, and teaching combat medical aid in Ukraine.

Australian paramedic and humanitarian charity worker Alison Thompson, who runs toward emergencies and combat zones, has received a US Presidential Lifetime Service Award ahead of her ninth trip to Ukraine in 2022. The award honors outstanding volunteers and recognizes their impact. Thompson's organization, Third Wave Volunteers, has a network of over 30,000 volunteer first responders globally. She has been a full-time volunteer since September 11, 2001, and has been involved in various disaster response efforts, including pulling survivors from rubble at ground zero, running refugee camps, field hospitals, and teaching combat medical aid in Ukraine. Her organization also assisted in evacuations and delivering medical and food supplies during Hurricanes Fiona and Ian.

Australian paramedic Alison Thompson has been honored with a US Presidential Lifetime Service Award for her volunteer work. Thompson, who has been a full-time volunteer since September 11, 2001, leads Third Wave Volunteers, a network of over 30,000 volunteer first responders. She has made multiple trips to Ukraine in 2022, rescuing special-needs children and orphans, and teaching combat medical aid. Thompson has also assisted in disaster response efforts following Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico and Hurricane Ian in Florida.

Australian paramedic and humanitarian Alison Thompson has been awarded the US Presidential Lifetime Service Award for her extensive volunteer work, including multiple trips to Ukraine in 2022. Leading the Third Wave Volunteers, a network of over 30,000 first responders, she has been involved in various rescue and aid missions globally, including disaster relief in Puerto Rico and Florida. Her efforts have been recognized for their significant impact, inspiring others to volunteer and support humanitarian causes.

Australian paramedic and humanitarian worker Alison Thompson has been awarded the US Presidential Lifetime Service Award for her extensive volunteer work, including multiple trips to Ukraine in 2022. Thompson, who leads the Third Wave Volunteers organization, has been a full-time volunteer since 9/11 and has participated in numerous disaster relief efforts globally. Her recent activities include rescuing children in Ukraine and aiding hurricane victims in Puerto Rico and Florida. Thompson emphasizes teamwork and the importance of volunteerism in addressing global crises.

Australian paramedic and humanitarian Alison Thompson has been awarded the US Presidential Lifetime Service Award for her extensive volunteer work, including multiple trips to Ukraine in 2022. Leading the Third Wave Volunteers, she has been instrumental in disaster response efforts globally, including rescuing children in Ukraine and aiding hurricane victims in Puerto Rico and Florida. Thompson emphasizes teamwork and the importance of volunteering in addressing global crises.

Australian paramedic and humanitarian worker Alison Thompson has been awarded the US Presidential Lifetime Service Award for her extensive volunteer work, including multiple trips to Ukraine in 2022. Leading the Third Wave Volunteers, a network of over 30,000 first responders, she has been involved in various rescue and aid missions globally, including disaster relief in Puerto Rico and Florida. The award recognizes her significant contributions and aims to inspire more volunteerism.

Australian Alison Thompson has been awarded the US Presidential Lifetime Service Award for her extensive volunteer work, including her efforts in Ukraine and disaster-stricken areas like Puerto Rico and Florida. Leading the Third Wave Volunteers, she has significantly contributed to humanitarian aid, rescuing children and providing medical assistance in conflict zones and disaster areas. Her recognition underscores the importance of teamwork and volunteerism in addressing global crises.

Australian Alison Thompson has been awarded the US Presidential Lifetime Service Award for her extensive volunteer work, including her efforts in Ukraine and disaster zones worldwide. Leading the Third Wave Volunteers, she has significantly contributed to humanitarian aid, rescuing children, and providing medical assistance in conflict and disaster areas. Her recognition underscores the impact of her team and the importance of volunteerism in addressing global crises.

An Australian, Dr Alison Thompson, is risking her life in the Ukraine war zone to rescue special needs children, provide food for recaptured villages, and train civilians in combat medics. Although she is based in Miami, Florida, she is an Australian citizen.

A boots-on-the-ground report from Kyiv during the early days of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, detailing the author's experiences and observations. The narrative covers the constant threat of missile strikes, the psychological toll on journalists, and the resilience of the Ukrainian people. It highlights the author's interactions with locals, other journalists, and international workers, as well as the challenges faced, including cyberattacks and a robbery. The report also touches on the broader geopolitical context, including Russian disinformation campaigns and the international response to the conflict.

Vietnam faces a new COVID-19 outbreak affecting 25 provinces, leading to stricter border controls and quarantine measures. The resurgence, attributed to returning travelers and illegal border crossings, threatens to delay economic recovery and reopening of borders. The tourism industry, already suffering, faces further setbacks, while local businesses adapt by lowering prices to attract domestic tourists. Economic experts highlight the need for long-term recovery plans and continued reforms. Despite challenges, Vietnam maintains social stability and remains attractive to foreign investors, with ongoing improvements in infrastructure and human resources.

Myanmar security forces killed over 80 anti-junta demonstrators in Bago, using heavy artillery against civilians. The United Nations condemned the violence and called for medical aid for the injured. Ethnic armies opposed to the military government killed at least 10 police officers in Naungmon. Despite the crackdown, protests continued in Launglone and Dawei. Since the February 1 coup, 618 people have died, and martial law has been imposed across Myanmar. The military contested the November election results, leading to the ousting of Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint.

Myanmar, once seen as an attractive destination for international investors, is now under scrutiny following a military coup. Foreign governments and companies are reassessing their ties with the military junta that overthrew the democratically elected government. Human rights activists are pressuring companies that support the regime, with the Burma Campaign UK publishing 'The Dirty List' of such companies. Investors are concerned about their links to military-controlled enterprises like Myanmar Economic Corporation and Myanmar Economic Holdings Public Company Limited. The military also profits from the oil and gas industry, with companies like Total reevaluating their operations. Singapore-based financial institutions and the Singapore stock exchange have been identified as major investors in Myanmar, with controversial projects like Golden City in Yangon, involving powerful Chinese corporations and tech firm Huawei.

Myanmar's military has imposed internet blackouts and proposed a cybersecurity law to curb online dissent, raising concerns about civil rights and freedom of expression. The law would allow the military to monitor internet activity and detain civilians for accessing banned content. The international community, including the Biden administration, is urged to support Myanmar's democracy movement and redirect aid to civil society organizations. Despite the draft law, international investors in Myanmar's communications sector are advised not to withdraw to avoid empowering military-backed providers.

Tens of thousands of people in Myanmar protested against the recent military coup, demanding the release of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and the restoration of democracy. Demonstrations occurred in major cities like Yangon and Mandalay. The military justified the coup by alleging voter fraud in the November elections won by Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy. The coup has been widely condemned by international leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, and the U.N. Security Council has called for the release of detained leaders. Myanmar has a history of fluctuating between civilian and military rule, with recent years showing a hopeful transition to democracy before the coup.

The Myanmar military shut down the internet amid large-scale protests in Yangon following a coup. Mobile data services and Wi-Fi were disrupted, and access to social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook was blocked. The Ministry of Communications and Information cited stability concerns for the block. Norwegian telecom Telenor expressed concern over the shutdown. Protests included residents banging pots and pans and government staff showing resistance with red ribbons and three-finger salutes. Australian economic adviser Sean Turnell was detained, marking the first known arrest of a foreign national since the coup. Suu Kyi and at least 147 others have been detained.

Nearly 300 members of Myanmar's deposed ruling party, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, declared themselves the only lawful representatives of the country and called for global recognition and targeted sanctions against the Myanmar military. Protests erupted in Myanmar's capital and other cities, demanding the military hand back power. The military, which detained Suu Kyi and other officials, blocked access to social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The coup has been condemned by U.S. President Joe Biden and other world leaders, who called for the restoration of the elected government.

Myanmar's military detained Aung San Suu Kyi and other leaders following allegations of election fraud, sparking dismay among residents and expatriates. The coup has led to a civil disobedience movement, with citizens protesting through socially distanced demonstrations and online activism. The National League for Democracy, which won the disputed election, has widespread support, particularly for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a media blackout, citizens are using VPNs to bypass restrictions. The U.S. is considering sanctions against Myanmar's military leaders, though past sanctions have had mixed effects. The situation remains tense as the public's initial shock turns to anger.

Central Vietnam has been severely impacted by consecutive tropical storms and typhoons since October, resulting in widespread flooding and landslides. The Vietnamese government reports that 1.5 million people have been affected, with 235 dead or missing. International aid, including $2.1 million from the U.S., is being directed towards relief efforts. Local NGOs like Pacific Links Foundation and Da Nang Go are actively providing aid packages and support to the hardest-hit regions. The focus now shifts to long-term recovery, including rebuilding infrastructure and resupplying livestock.

Rescuers in Vietnam are searching for dozens of people missing after Typhoon Molave, the most powerful typhoon to hit Vietnam in 20 years, triggered deadly landslides, killing at least 35 people. The Vietnam News Agency reported that nearly two dozen people escaped in Tra Van and Tra Leng villages, but dozens remain unaccounted for in Quang Nam province. The death toll is expected to rise as more regions become accessible. Typhoon Molave struck with winds of 150 kph, killing over a dozen fishermen and leaving several missing. Nguyen Hai Anh of the Vietnam Red Cross stated that the disasters have affected over 7 million people, with over 1 million directly impacted by the typhoon.

Vietnam faces a second wave of Covid-19 centered in Da Nang, leading to strict social distancing and lockdown measures. The Vietnamese government has been praised for its aggressive response, including free testing, contact tracing, and public health campaigns. Despite the challenges, there is optimism about economic recovery, bolstered by the EU-Vietnam free trade agreement and potential foreign investment. Local volunteer efforts are helping those in need, and some lockdown restrictions are beginning to ease, indicating a gradual return to normalcy.

The article discusses the situation in Danang, Vietnam, where the mood had been optimistic due to the country's successful handling of the coronavirus pandemic, which resulted in low infection rates and no deaths. This success had led to a positive outlook for the local economy, particularly in anticipation of the return of foreign tourists to the city's beaches. Additionally, there was hope that Vietnam would attract increased investment as companies looked for alternatives amidst the U.S.-China trade conflict.

Western business leaders remain optimistic about Vietnam’s economic prospects despite a new surge of coronavirus cases, particularly in Da Nang. Vietnam had successfully contained the virus until a new outbreak began on July 25, leading to over 900 new cases and 21 fatalities. Economists warn this could impact short-term economic growth projections, but Vietnam is still seen as an attractive destination for international companies. Strict lockdown measures have been reimposed, and local authorities are testing Da Nang’s entire population. Expatriates and locals credit the government for its swift and effective response.