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Forty-three people rescued and early death toll stands at five after blaze aboard MV ‌June Aster in waters off Coron, Palawan, says coast guardFive people were confirmed dead ⁠in early counting and ​more than 80 were missing after a ferry caught fire ⁠off Palawan island in the western Philippines on Wednesday night, the Philippine coast ⁠guard said.Forty-three people were ​rescued from the MV ‌June Aster in waters off Coron, Palawan, the coast guard said. Footage showed flames engulfing parts of the vessel and responders placing victims ‌in body bags. Continue reading...

Police search for alleged attacker, in his 50s, after incident in Gippsland town of TyersFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThree people have been taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries after an alleged axe attack in Victoria, with police still searching for the suspect.. Continue reading...

• NASA has launched the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, a powerful observatory designed to chart the stars and explore the "dark universe." • Astronomers will utilize the telescope's wide and deep field of view to hunt for new exoplanets and study dark energy and dark matter. • The mission honors the legacy of Dr. Nancy Grace Roman, a pioneer in astronomy who helped shape NASA's space science programs.

National park officials say body of a man, 46, was recovered and about 15 others remain missing or unaccounted forThe Grand Canyon area braced for more rain and thunderstorms on Monday after a flash flood that left one person dead and about 15 others missing or unaccounted for – with scores of visitors evacuated and the only water pipeline for tourists and residents destroyed.Emergency water restrictions that began on Monday prevented tourists from staying overnight at lodges and hotels within the park. Year-round residents were asked to conserve water. Continue reading...

All US immigrant visa applications halted as state department moves to tighten restrictions and limit access. Plus tributes pour in for Dolly Parton, who has died aged 80Good morning. All US immigrant visa applications have been paused by the Trump administration as the state department moves to tighten restrictions and limit access to applicants whom they deem could need US assistance. The agency launched the initiative at all embassies and consulates in early August.Applicants with scheduled interviews were sent emails that their appointments had been canceled. Agency officials claim this will ensure visa applicants will not end up relying on US public benefits. This week the Trump administration also announced plans to revoke visas from asylum seekers who had initially entered the US for tourism or business. Up to 200,000 people seeking asylum could be affected.Is the move lawful? “The court made clear that immigration laws cannot be used to justify discrimination,” Joanna Cuevas Ingram, a senior staff attorney at the National Immigration Law Center, said. In February, a federal judge overturned the president’s attempt to suspend the US refugee system entirely.Why are the states suing Meta? The lawsuit centers on the allegations that Meta deliberately designed addictive products that hooked young people, leading to mental health issues, including anxiety, depression and suicide. Meta has denied all allegations, saying the states are chasing an “outlandish payout”. Continue reading...

Boy, seven, had complained of feeling tired so father left him with snacks and a soft drink and continued his climbA man who abandoned his seven-year-old son on Mount Fuji in Japan after the boy complained of feeling tired while on a family hike has been reprimanded by local police.A worker on Japan’s highest mountain discovered the child sitting alone on a bench near the sixth station of the Fujinomiya trail at an altitude of more than 2,000 metres (6,500 feet) on Thursday. Continue reading...

• Ariana Grande has commenced a UK tour, beginning with the first of 10 scheduled performance dates in London. • The singer intends to "step back" from her public life and take a hiatus following the conclusion of these shows. • This tour marks a significant professional commitment for the star as she navigates personal challenges away from the spotlight.