Disasters

Iranian U of M students mourn victims of Ukraine airline crash
The number of Iranian students at the university is small, only about 130 on a campus of 51,000. But Wednesday evening, around 70 of them paused for several hours to reflect on the tragedy and remember those who died.
Volcanic eruption in Philippines causes thousands to flee
Some 13,000 people were evacuated from the area surrounding Taal Volcano, about 45 miles south of the capital, Manila. Authorities warned that a second, explosive eruption could come in hours or days.
Australia turns from defense to offense in wildfire battle
Crews battling Australia's wildfires said Sunday that they have been able to turn from defense to offense for the first time in weeks thanks to a break in the weather.
Defying police, Iranians protest over plane shootdown
Iranian demonstrators defied a heavy police presence Sunday night to protest their country's days of denials that it shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane carrying 176 people, the latest unrest to roil the capital amid soaring tensions with the United States.
Iran's 'unforgivable mistake' of downing plane elicits furor at home and abroad
After many denials, Iran's admission that it accidentally downed a Ukrainian plane was cautiously embraced by world leaders as a "step forward." Back in Tehran, protesters' reaction was far angrier.
Iran says it shot down Ukrainian jetliner by mistake
After initial denials, Iranian officials now say "missiles fired due to human error" caused the crash of the Ukrainian plane Wednesday, killing all 176 people on board.
Police say a homeowner has died in a house fire in Maple Grove. Authorities say flames were shooting out of the house when firefighters arrived about 7 p.m. Thursday.
Shelter serving Drake Hotel fire victims to close in late January
The Red Cross says a temporary shelter at First Covenant Church won’t be available after Jan. 22. Nearly 60 Drake Hotel residents are still sheltered at the Minneapolis church.