News for Friday

04 Jan 2013

Authorities are reminding people to drink water and stay indoors as the country braces for an extreme heatwave. The Sandy Hook students return to school and the family of a missing South Australian woman plead with her to make contact. 

Extreme fire danger

The southern states will swelter today amid the most extreme fire conditions for several years. In Tasmania, fire crews have already been battling four major fires. In Victoria and South Australia, a total fire ban is in place. Read more and watch the video.
For detailed, up-to-date weather information and warnings see The Weather Channel. 
Remember to keep hydrated and stay indoors as much as possible.
Do you know more or are you in the area? Share your pictures and stories with us on our Facebook page. 

No foul play

The family of Denni North, the Australian woman found dead in a pool in Bali, do not suspect foul play. Denni’s family has travelled to Bali and are treating her death as an accident, eager to get her body home. Read the full story on the ABC.

Family plea for daughter to contact them

Rachael Moritz is a family person, described by her sisters as ‘daddy’s girl’. She’s been missing since 23 December. Rachael’s mother has made an emotional plea for her daughter to send them a sign that she is alive. For the full story and related coverage, see adelaidenow.com.au.

Charges laid for Indian gang rape

Five men suspected of gang raping a young Indian woman have been formally charged in a New Delhi court. Charges include rape, murder, kidnapping and destruction of evidence. The five accused could face the death penalty if convicted. ABC has the story.

Clinton raring to go

US Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton, has been released from hospital and is aiming to be back at work as soon as possible. Clinton was admitted to a New York hospital after a scan revealed a blood clot in the space between her skull and her brain. Read the full story on Ninemsn.

Back to school

Sandy Hook students have resumed classes after the tragic shooting on 14 December. A school in the nearby town of Munroe has been transformed into a temporary school for the Sandy Hook students, with 80 people working to make the building feel safe, warm and secure. ABC has the full story.