Friday's top stories

08 Nov 2013

HMAS Ballarat is in the centre of hazing ritual sexual assault investigations as former officers speak out. In international news, New York City is set to build the tallest Ferris wheel on record.

HMAS Ballarat in centre of sexual assault claims

The Defence Force is investigating claims into behaviour aboard HMAS Ballarat centred on sexual assault claims. The ADF has confirmed that HMAS Ballarat is being investigated surrounding the hazing ritual claims but has not confirmed the nature of the behaviour in question. ABC News has more.

Super typhoon headed for Philippines

This year’s strongest typhoon is accelerating towards the Philippines, resulting in the evacuation of thousands of people. Super Typhoon Haiyan is the strongest storm on earth in three years. Authorities have warned that more than 12 million people are at risk. Read more.

Twin suicide blasts rock Iraq army base

Two car bombings have shaken an Iraqi army base north of Baghdad, killing at least 16 people and leaving dozens more injured. Nine News has the full story.

Twitter share price soars on debut

Twitter’s share price has almost doubled within its first few minutes of trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Twitter shares debuted at $US26 and shot up more than 90 per cent to as high as $US50. Read more on ABC News.

New York to build tallest Ferris wheel

New York City is set to build the world’s tallest Ferris wheel. The $US320 million project is expected to attract four million visitors a year. The wheel will offer views across the Manhattan skyline through to Brooklyn and New York Harbour. Sky News has more.  

Cubs interact through glass

A two-year-old boy and a Sumatran tiger cub have been filmed playing together at a Washington Zoo. The child’s dad filmed the encounter as Kali, the cub, chases his son Marshall, in front of her enclosure. Marshall was dressed up as a tiger for Halloween. Watch the video below.