Friday's news

11 Jan 2013

Aussies flying the flag at the Academy Awards, Royal Commission set to get special investigative unit and a teacher talks down a shooter before he has the chance to do more damage. Here are today’s top stories.  

Weather set to soar

Fire authorities are preparing for soaring temperatures and tough weather conditions today and into the weekend. A total fire ban is in place for the whole of NSW, the ACT and Victoria. The ABC has coverage of the entire heatwave crisis.

Cyclone Narelle upgraded

Tropical Cyclone Narelle was upgraded to a category four system overnight and authorities are warning residents in WA’s north west to prepare for dangerous winds. The cyclone is not expected to hit the state with full force however many communities will still feel the storm. Read more.

Aussies star in Oscar nominations

Hugh Jackman, Naomi Watts and Jacki Weaver will be flying the Aussie flag at the Academy Awards with all three receiving nomination nods this morning. Hugh Jackman is up for best male actor in Les Miserables, Naomi Watts is nominated for best female actor for The Impossible and Jacki Weaver is nominated for best supporting female actor for Silver Linings Playbook. Yahoo Seven has all the Oscars buzz.

Commission to probe child sexual abuse

Six royal commissioners will be appointed to investigate child sexual abuse cases. The commissioners will be appointed for three years and will include an investigative unit for specific cases. Ninemsn has more.  

Teacher praised for talking down shooter

A teacher is being praised for disarming a 16-year-old boy who shot a student in front of his class and attempted to shoot a second. The class teacher engaged the shooter in conversation and successfully convinced him to put the shotgun down. Read more.  

Google Earth uncovers more mystery

A former CIA analyst has spotted a series of roads and structures in the Chinese desert while looking at Google Earth. The large and extensive structures have gone up very quickly, leaving people baffled at what it may be. What else has been discovered using Google Earth? News.com.au has the answer.