Friday's top stories

25 Jan 2013

Australia’s weather woes continue as Queensland faces a barrage of attack from ex-tropical cyclone Oswald. Meanwhile, investigators in Hobart are treating the fire on the Domain as arson. Here are the top stories.

Arthritis rate in children triples

The condition affects less than one per cent of Australian children, however the number of people under the age of 15 admitted to hospital with arthritis has tripled since 2000. The Australian Institute of Health says there could be a number of reasons why it has happened. Read more.

Australia’s weather woes

Flood chaos in Queensland continues with a hectic weekend in store for Queenslanders and emergency services as ex-tropical cyclone Oswald continues to dump a record amount of rain on the region. A severe weather warning is in place for a number of districts. The ABC has more. Meanwhile, in Victoria, strong winds will continue to affect bushfires around the alpine region. A watch and act alert remains in place for those communities as well as those south of the Gippsland fire. Read more.

Joshua George shooter found

Police have been hunting Graeme Smith since Sunday when he allegedly fatally shot his former friend, Joshua George, in a brazen daylight attack. Police patrolling Blacktown Railway Station recognised Smith and arrested him. Read the full story.

Fire on Hobart Queen’s Domain treated as arson

A fire on Hobart Queen’s Domain sparked 74 calls to 000 with emergency services treating the blaze as arson. An investigation has been launched into the fire which could be seen from across the Eastern shore. The Mercury has more.

Media banned from gang-rape trial

An Indian judge has barred the media from the trial of five men accused of the gang rape and murder of a New Delhi student. Both legal teams have also been banned from talking about the proceedings to the press. Read the full story.