Asia

The volcano on the Indonesian tourist island covered nearby villages with a thin layer of ash.

Halal tourism is an emerging trend in the travel industry: holidays that don't just accommodate, but actively cater to, devout Muslims. Indonesia is trying to market itself as a halal destination.

An alleged sex abuse scandal in a kindergarten run by a large private school chain has caused an uproar in China.

When Yuka Ogata went back to work after having a baby, she tried to bring him along. The response highlighted the difficulties working women face in rules-bound Japan.

Pope Francis is wading into the controversial Rohingya crisis with his upcoming trip to Myanmar and Bangladesh. Among those he will visit is Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been heavily criticized for not denouncing Myanmar's military crackdown on the Muslim minority.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with our lost shipmates and their families," said Rear Adm. Marc Dalton, Commander, Task Force 70, according to a U.S. Navy statement.

Myanmar and Bangladesh say they have signed an agreement to allow the return of Rohingya refugees who fled to Bangladesh. But many Rohingya say they are too scared of violent attacks in Myanmar to return home.

Myanmar says it is ready to accept refugees back into the country, but many details of the deal are unclear.