Wikinews:Briefs/July 19, 2006

The time is 22:30 (UTC) on July 19th, 2006, and this is Audio Wikinews News Briefs.

Second quake in two days strikes Indonesia
Indonesia

An earthquake measuring 6.3 or 6.4 (according to preliminary data) on the Richter scale hit Indonesia today, days after a larger earthquake hit the same region.

Death toll rises in Indonesian tsunami
At least 550 people are now thought to have died after a tsunami hit the Indonesian island of Java on Monday afternoon. An earthquake, which measured 7.7 on the Richter scale, triggered the two-metre-high tidal wave.

Heatwave hits the UK and Ireland
United Kingdom

Today has seen Britain's hottest recorded July day with temperatures hitting 36.3ºC (97.3ºF) in Charlwood in Surrey, near Gatwick Airport. Warm air from the Gulf Stream is raising the temperature, and the hot weather is causing the asphalt on some public roads to melt, requiring gritting.

Stem cell bills passed by US House and Senate
United States

The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005 (HR810), approved by the US House of Representatives in 2005, gained a 63-37 approval in the Senate on July 17th, 2006, and will now be presented for presidential approval or veto.

Row over NZ Police memo on issuing traffic tickets
New Zealand

According to a leaked memorandum, sent to New Zealand Police officers in the Levin district last year, they will be penalised if they do not perform well in the issuing tickets.

Indian Big Brother to have ban on "hanky-panky"
India

Producers of India’s Big Brother have said that an upcoming celebrity edition will have a ban on “hanky-panky”.

Closing statements
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