Monday morning update

23 Sep 2013

Most hostages have been freed, according to Kenya’s military, as the Westgate mall remains under siege. In the Pacific, China has been lashed by this year’s most powerful typhoon.

Nairobi mall siege

Gunmen have stormed a Nairobi mall over the weekend, taking a number of hostages, killing more than 68 people and injuring at least 200. Grenades were thrown and shoppers were aimlessly shot as the armed gunmen stormed into the Westgate mall on Saturday. Kenya’s military says it has freed most of the hostages. An Australian-UK dual citizen has been confirmed as one of the deceased. Read more on ABC News. A Melbourne woman and her father spent six hours trapped by the terrorists. Read her story on Nine News.

More arrests over PNG attack

Police in Papua New Guinea have arrested more suspects over the attack on the group of Australian trekkers on the Black Cat trail. Six people have now been arrested over the attack after two men surrendered to villagers. They have been taken to Lae for questioning. ABC News has more.

China lashed by powerful typhoon

Southern China has been hit with the year’s most powerful typhoon, forcing the cancellation of hundreds of flights and shutting down shipping. Typhoon Usagi made landfall east of Hong Kong, changing course at the last minute. Read more.

Penguins fed by Suriya, the orangutan

Suriya, the orangutan who calls Myrtle Beach Safari park in South Carolina home, is lending a hand to keepers, helping to feed the penguins, and making new friends along the way. See the wonderful pictures and read more about the playful animal ambassador on News.com.au

Homeless man rewarded for handing in backpack

A homeless man in Boston has been rewarded for his honesty after handing in a backpack containing more than $42,000 in cash and traveller’s cheques. Well-wishers have donated more than $106,000 to help the 54-year-old who has been homeless since 2005. Sky News has the full story.