North Korean state media reported that heavy rains will hit the country’s agricultural heartland this week, raising the risk of damage to crops that could exacerbate reported food shortages.

The DPRK and China commemorated the 62nd anniversary of their mutual defense treaty with a celebratory banquet, as official media highlighted the two countries’ “immortal” friendship.

Images of people wearing masks have almost completely vanished from state media since the country appeared to lift a mask mandate earlier this month, suggesting a coordinated effort to project normalcy and the success of state virus controls.[/p