You may be back at work today after the long weekend of Presidents’ Day.  In China, they’re back from a week’s vacation for the lunar New Year. But many in Beijing and elsewhere are facing a familiar problem. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

As Hawaii continues to welcome record numbers of visitors, tourism is also booming in many parts of Asia. Hong Kong is seeing high demand—especially for visitors from mainland China. And over the last couple of weeks, that’s led to some controversy. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

The National Weather Service confirms that February is the coolest month across the Hawaiian Islands. But forecasters may be surprised about a study that relates colder temperatures to shopping behavior. The research comes from a place where February is a much colder month: Korea. HPR’s Bill Dorman has details in today’s Asia Minute.

Gambling is one topic that often comes up before Hawaii’s legislature. While the current session appears unlikely to legalize any form of gambling, another island community is now several years into its own casino experience.  HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

Part of President Obama’s State of the Union Address focused on energy. As the U.S. and other countries pursue alternative energy, some traditional sources of energy are also getting wider attention. And for China, that now includes natural gas in shale deposits. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.