Friday's news

20 Dec 2013

Residents are being encouraged to stay indoors if possible as temperatures soar above 40 degrees in parts of the southeast. In international news, casualties and injuries have been reported due to a ceiling collapse at the Apollo theatre in London.

Temperatures set to soar in southeast

Temperatures are expected to climb in southeast Australia with summer well and truly hitting the country. Set to soar to 40 degrees in some parts of NSW, the temperature peaked at 39.9 degrees in Melbourne’s CBD early Thursday afternoon. There are complete fire bans in areas throughout the country and residents are advised to stay indoors if possible. Sky News has the story or for more up-to-date information see the Bureau of Meteorology.

Message in a bottle shows glacier change

A scientist has found a 54-year-old message in a bottle in Canada, showing just how much the remote glacier has changed. Canadian biologist Warwick Vincent found the bottle while on a research trip. Inside was a letter from 1959 from American geologist Paul Walker recording the measurements of the glacier. Read about the incredible find on News.com.au

American tourist dies while skydiving in Australia

A US marine has died while skydiving in Australia with his wife. Cherilyn McGraw won a trip down under through Ellen DeGeneres’ show. While in Australia, the couple went skydiving in the same plane, Cherilyn choosing to jump tandem and Brandon jumping solo. Brandon, an experienced jumper died at the scene. Read more.

Injuries after ceiling collapses in London theatre

The ceiling of top London theatre, the Apollo, has collapsed during a performance, leaving an unknown number of casualties. Police still do not know how many injuries have been caused and how many people have died. London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service answered calls of a balcony collapse. ABC News has the full story.

Men found guilty of daylight murder

Two British men have been found guilty of the daytime murder of soldier Lee Rigby. The men were convicted at the Old Bailey for running Rigby down with a car and hacking him to death in front of horrified onlookers. Seven News has more.

Royal family to visit Australia

Prince William and his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, are expected to bring their son, Prince George, with them when they visit Australia in April. The tour, which will take in New Zealand first, will be the future king’s first overseas trip, and the first time that Kate Middleton has visited Australia or New Zealand. Read more on ABC News.