TRANSCRIPT
Severe flooding and a tropical cyclone are expected to pose fresh threats to Queensland's already hard-hit far north.
The Bureau of Meteorology says Tropical Low 12-U, positioned east of Cooktown, is likely to develop into a category two cyclone.
If that happens, Cyclone Koji would likely make landfall just south of Townsville early tomorrow morning [[11 Jan]].
With it would come damaging winds of up to 100 kilometres per hour, heavy downpours in already soaked catchment areas and a risk of flash floods.
However, Premier David Crisafulli is adamant the state is better prepared than ever to handle the challenge.
"If there is a heavy rainfall event and if there is flooding we have to be able to switch quickly from response to recovery and we are putting in place the resources and personnel to be able to do that. But our major priority right now is for people to prepare, take that remaining window to do so, and I have every faith in the ability of North Queenslanders to be able to handle events like this as they so often do."
+++
At least 130 structures, including homes and schools, have been lost and around 38,000 properties are without electricity across Victoria as out of control bushfires continue to wreak havoc.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has declared a state of disaster as over 300,000 hectares have been burnt by 36 separate fires.
14 emergency warnings remain active with major fires rage in Longwood, Otway and Walwa.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says its crucial Victorians follow the advice of emergency services.
"There are multiple dangerous bushfires burning across Victoria, some of which pose a threat to life and property, and the situation is far from over and a massive firefighting effort is underway as we speak. This is a crucial time for Victorians, for them to listen to the advice of emergency services and being ready to enact emergency plans."
+++
in New South Wales, more than 40 fires are burning across the state, with heatwave temperatures exceeding 40 degrees across Sydney.
While nearly all fires are under control, one out of control blaze is raging in northern Sydney's Ku-ring-gai National Park, as temperatures are expected to peak at 43 degrees.
The extent of the fire is still to be determined but Rural Fire Service has issued a Watch and Act warning for residents in and around the suburb of Mount Colah.
R-F-S firefighters have also managed to bring a fast-moving fire at Goombargana under control after it spread across farmland, burning more than 1,020 hectares.
Meanwhile, Opposition leader Sussan Ley has praised the efforts of communities and New South Wales firefighters.
"The Australian landscape is extraordinary but it is unforgiving. When the weather is at its worst, Australians are at their best and our volunteer fire service is unparalleled globally. It is indeed amazing what is done with volunteer and community efforts."
+++
U-S President Donald Trump has reiterated claims the U-S needs to take control of Greenland to prevent Russia or China from occupying it in the future.
President Trump has long indicated he wants to control Greenland to enhance American security and explore business and mining deals.
During a meeting with oil executives at the White House ((Saturday 10/01)), the President said he hopes to make a deal to acquire Greenland, but plans to take control of the self-governing island one way or another.
"I'm not talking about money for Greenland yet. I might talk about that. But right now, we are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not, because if we don't do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland and we're not going to have Russia or China as a neighbour. I would, I would like to make a deal, you know the easy way but if we don't do it the easy way, we're gonna do it the hard way."
The White House has said military options are being considered.
Denmark's prime minister has warned U-S military action in Greenland would deepen the divide between Trump and European leaders, and could mean the end of the NATO alliance.
+++
The United States has seized the Olina tanker in the Caribbean, the fifth vessel targeted in recent weeks as the U-S steps up efforts to stop Venezuelan oil exports.
The U-S Southern Command says, in a pre-dawn move, marines and sailors from Joint Task Force Southern Spear captured the Olina in the Caribbean Sea without incident.
The Olina left Venezuela last week fully loaded with oil as part of a flotilla shortly after the U-S launched their air bombardment of Venezuela and seized President Nicolas Maduro on January 3.
An industry source has told Reuters the vessel was returning fully loaded to Venezuela amid the U-S blockade when it was seized.
+++
The online platform X, formerly known as Twitter, is being threatened with a ban in the United Kingdom if it doesn't adequately address the issue of sexualised deepfake images.
X's A-I chatbot, Grok, has an image generation tool that some users have prompted to sexualise images of women and children.
X has responded by limiting use of that image generation tool to paid subscribers, whose details X has, and can thus be tracked down if they misuse it.
But Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says that's not good enough.
The Guardian is reporting British communications regulator Ofcom is looking into X, and it has the power to block access to the site in the U-K if it deems that necessary.
British Technology Secretary Liz Kendall says the government will support Ofcom if they make that recommendation.
+++
On one side of the world, Elvis Presley's 91st birthday has been marked with a quiet reverence fit for a king but that's not quite how it's done in rural Australia, where Elvis is honoured with the roar of hot rod engines under the beating summer sun.
Hundreds of fans decked out in spangly polyester jumpsuits, gold sunglasses and plastic pompadour wigs have honoured the king with a parade at the Parkes Elvis Festival, in western New South Wales, today [[Sat 10 Jan]].
The festival, which is marking its 33rd year, is held on the weekend of Presley's January 8 birthday, often doubling the farming town's population of 10,000.
Brass bands, troupes of swing dancers and devoted Elvis fanatics have filled the streets, embracing the festival's Love Me Tender theme.
+++
In football,
Wrexham have beaten Nottingham Forest on penalties after a 3-3 draw to reach the fourth round of the F-A Cup, eliminating a Premier League side for the first time in 26 years.
Wrexham's Liberato Cacace and Oliver Rathbone scored in quick succession in the first half, and the second-tier side looked headed for a home victory with a 3-1 lead in the second half until Callum Hudson-Odoi struck in the 76th and 89th minutes.
As the match went to a penalty shoot-out after extra time, goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo was the hero for the hosts, saving Forest's fifth penalty by Omari Hutchinson to ensure the win.
