Monday update

19 Aug 2013

Latest Newspoll shows Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s popularity has fallen. In other news, chaos continues in Egypt as the death toll rises significantly overnight.

Rudd’s popularity falls

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s popularity has fallen according to the latest Newspoll published today. With just shy of three weeks until Australia goes to the polls, voter dissatisfaction with the PM has jumped to 54 per cent. ABC News has all the details plus an ongoing live blog of the election campaign.

Chaos continues in Egypt

A prison break in Egypt has left 40 people dead as the death toll of the fighting climbs over 830. Details of the prison break are unclear at the moment, however it’s reported that tear gas was used as detainees were being loaded into a vehicle. A hostage was taken. Read more.

Australian killed in drive-by

An Australian baseballer has been killed in a random drive-by shooting in Oklahoma. Three teenagers have been arrested after one left a chilling message on Facebook. Chris Lane was shot in the back and left to die on the side of the road. The three teens, aged 15, 16 and 17 then drove to another house and murdered another victim. Seven News has more.

Mount Sakurajima erupts in spectacular fashion

Mount Sakurajima in southern Japan erupted on Sunday, sending ash 5000 metres into the air. Volcanic ash fell in the northern and central parts of Kagoshima city, delaying train services and forcing drivers to use headlights while driving. Read more and watch the incredible eruption on Seven News.

Pistorius not wearing prosthetics

A leaked ballistics report that forms part of the prosecution case against Oscar Pistorius has supported the athlete’s claims that he was on his stumps when he fatally shot his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. Pistorius claims he mistook Steenkamp for a burglar. Read more.