What to know about the Laos backpacker town at centre of suspected methanol poisonings

The Hobart Hurricanes secured a spot in the Big Bash League final with a 12-run victory over the Sydney Sixers, thanks to a strong performance by Riley Meredith. Chasing 173, the Sixers fell short despite Jordan Silk's 57 and Lachlan Shaw's 33 not out, as Meredith's pace caused early damage. The Hurricanes, aiming for their first BBL title, will face off in the final against the winner of the other semifinal. Full Article

Prince Harry's lawsuit against News Group Newspapers over phone hacking allegations has stalled as settlement talks continue before a high-stakes trial. Harry and one other claimant are the only ones who haven't settled among hundreds who have sued the publisher. The trial, which would be the first of its kind against the publisher, was adjourned as parties engaged in settlement discussions, with a substantial sum at stake. Harry blames the press for his mother's death...

Professor Tim Coulson from Oxford University, an expert in evolution, dismisses the existence of the Loch Ness Monster and Bigfoot as "pure fantasy", urging believers to find another hobby as scientific evidence suggests their likelihood is extremely low. Coulson argues that the lack of fossils, bone fragments, or skin samples makes it hard to believe these legendary creatures have gone undetected for thousands of years, labeling them as "fun figments of our imagination". Despite this,...

Displaced Palestinians are slowly returning to their destroyed homes in Gaza as a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas appears to be holding up, with 915 aid trucks entering the strip on Tuesday. The first phase of the ceasefire is underway, leading to the release of hostages and the delivery of essential aid, with negotiations ongoing for a permanent cessation of hostilities. The UN has highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian support, including access for...

After contemplating retirement due to a serious back injury, Paula Badosa has made a remarkable comeback, reaching her first grand slam semifinal at the Australian Open after defeating world number three Coco Gauff. Badosa, who battled mental health struggles, displayed resilience and determination to achieve her goal of being named the comeback player of the year in 2024. Despite Gauff's disappointment, the young American remains positive and reflective, acknowledging the need for improvement. Badosa is...

The president's executive order aims to end automatic birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants in the US, a significant departure from the 14th Amendment which grants citizenship to all born in the country. The order, if implemented, would affect future births by blocking government agencies from recognizing citizenship, with potential legal challenges ahead. In addition to this order, Trump also issued directives to increase deportations of undocumented immigrants and resume construction of a border...