While ash and gases were spewing from the crater, searchers wearing surgical masks and helmets carried devices to measure the toxicity of the gases to make sure it was safe to be on the slopes filled with volcanic debris. The Australian Parliament on Wednesday passed a raft of counterterrorism laws that extend secret service powers despite concerns about its impact on press freedom. The National Security Legislation Amendment Bill gives greater search and surveillance powers to the nation’s domestic spy agency, Australian Security Intelligence Organization. Months after the Mexican army said it had killed 22 suspected gang members in a fierce shootout, three soldiers are being charged with homicide.