Friday's headlines

25 Oct 2013

Fire threat eases in NSW despite 20 of the 57 fires remaining uncontained. In international news, a man has been left in airport limbo in Dubai after being released from prison.

Fire threat eases

The NSW Rural Fire Service says it could take weeks to fully extinguish the bushfires in the Blue Mountains despite gaining the upper hand over the past 24 hours. Watch and act orders remain in place for three fires – Lithgow, Mount Victoria and Springwood. Twenty of the 57 fires burning around the state remain uncontained. Residents in Mount Tomah and Berambing are being allowed to return home today. ABC News has more on the bushfire crisis.

England team arrive in Australia ahead of Ashes tour

The English cricket team has landed in Australia for the high-stakes Ashes tour. Both teams are hungry for a win with the Aussies desperate to avoid another embarrassing loss and the English keen to take home a fourth consecutive Ashes victory. Read more.

Man in limbo at Dubai airport

A Syrian man has been stuck in Dubai’s airport for 16 days, evoking scenes of The Terminal staring Tom Hanks. Wasfi Tayseer Jarad was freed from prison after serving time for a drug-related conviction and was given a deportation order. Authorities in Dubai gave the 34-year-old the option to travel anywhere given the current crisis in Syria. However the young man’s passport has expired. Read more on Seven News.

Gnome prankster’s identity revealed

For years, gnomes would secretly be placed around a small English village, the identity of the good-natured prankster a mystery. His name was finally revealed on Monday as his son delivered the eulogy at his funeral. Peter Leighton’s antics attracted the attention of national and international media. Read the touching story.

Strangers marry three years after kidney donation

A couple have married three years after the kidney donation that started their relationship. Chelsea Clair and Kyle Froelich met at a car show where, after hearing about his condition, Clair told Froelich she would donate one of her kidneys to him. The couple were married earlier last week. Read more and watch the video on News.com.au