When a fatal fire tore through seven high-rise towers in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, thousands of families were glued to a single webpage that offered updates far more quickly than official government briefings. 

• Hong Kong fire kills at least 55, hundreds missing as buildings smoulder

  

• Did bamboo scaffolding cause Hong Kong's deadliest fire in decades?

  

The former leader and deputy prime minister has confirmed his long-awaited political move.

The decision comes hours after US President Donald Trump said he was confident the suspect behind the shooting of two National Guard soldiers in Washington was from Afghanistan.

• Trump sent soldiers to Washington to reduce crime. Now two are fighting for life

  Topic:Explainer

  

• Trump says Washington National Guard shooting is an 'act of terror'

  

One year after Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire, the IDF is bombing Beirut again. And Israel has promised its latest strike will not be the last unless Lebanon's government does more to disarm Hezbollah.

November saw the return of two beloved franchises; magic-filled Now You See Me and action classic Predator — but can either live up to their predecessors? 

Get the news most relevant to you with an ABC Account

A controversial glass elevator at one of Bali's most picturesque beaches will have to be dismantled, with authorities citing planning violations.

Authorities say metropolitan testing shows Karenia algal levels remain low compared with last month, despite thick foam and fish deaths seen on some beaches in recent days.

Thousands of residents in Western Sydney are waking up without power and some schools across NSW will be closed after a freak storm on Wednesday.

More weather coverage

• Heatwave to intensify with more storms predicted across south-east Queensland

  

• Staff evacuated, calls for ADF help after Cyclone Fina wrecks school

  

With millions of Australians tipped to spend record amounts this Black Friday, the value of personal credit and charge-card balances accruing interest has hit its highest level since 2021.