A massive Powerball win draws attention to a little-known immigrant culture in the US

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Cheng “Charlie” Saephan wore a broad smile and a bright blue sash emblazoned with the words “Iu-Mien USA” as he hoisted an oversized check for $1.3 billion above his head. The 46-year-old immigrant's luck in winning an enormous Powerball jackpot in...

Winner of $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot is an immigrant from Laos who has cancer

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — One of the winners of a $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot this month is an immigrant from Laos who has had cancer for eight years and had his latest chemotherapy treatment last week. Cheng “Charlie” Saephan, 46, of Portland, told a news conference held by the...

An immigrant from Laos battling cancer holds the winning ticket for the $1.3 billion jackpot in Oregon

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — An immigrant from Laos battling cancer holds the winning ticket for the $1.3 billion jackpot in Oregon.

Water guns are in full blast to mark Thai New Year festivities despite worries about heat wave

It's water festival time in Thailand where many are marking the country's traditional New Year, splashing each other with colorful water guns and buckets in an often raucous celebration that draws thousands of people, even as this year the Southeast Asian nation marks record-high temperatures...

ASEAN finance leaders end meetings in Laos, pointing to challenges from geopolitics, volatile prices

LUANG PRABANG, Laos (AP) — Southeast Asian economies are gaining ground as tourism and exports recover from the shocks of the pandemic, but geopolitical tensions and volatile commodity prices still pose serious risks, regional financial leaders said Friday. Laos’ Finance Minister...

Southeast Asian countries consider ways to boost 'green financing' as region chokes on smog

LUANG PRABANG, Laos (AP) — Senior finance and central bank officials from Southeast Asia and major economies met Thursday in the scenic Laotian city of Luang Prabang to discuss ways to help the region build resilience against shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters brought on by...

Thailand steps up border control of livestock after anthrax outbreak is reported in neighboring Laos

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand's government has ordered officials to closely monitor livestock along the border with Laos after more than 50 people were reported to have contracted anthrax in the neighboring country. Thai authorities have been working closely with those in Laos after...

Minnesota officer who fatally shot 65-year-old man armed with a knife will not be charged

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A Minnesota police officer who fatally shot a 65-year-old man armed with a knife will not be charged, state and local prosecutors said. The offices of the Minnesota Attorney General and the Ramsey County Attorney announced Wednesday that Officer Abdirahmin...