BTN Newsbreak 03/07/2025

Australia Broadcast Center

14 hours ago

EUROPE HEATWAVE
Record-breaking temperatures have been scorching Europe this week, and some communities have been getting creative to cope with the heat. Several countries are reporting their hottest days on record for this time of year, with temperatures in some areas over 46 degrees. Red alerts have been declared in many cities across the continent, and the high temperatures have triggered forest fires and forced nuclear power stations to shut down. Many people have been taken to hospital, and at least 8 people have died. Summer heatwaves aren't unusual, but experts say this one's unique because of how early in the season it is. It's been brought on by unusually high temperatures in the Mediterranean Sea, and something called a "heat dome", and due to climate change, events like this are expected to be more common. Animals are also making the most of it, being treated with ice, ice, and more ice! So, although it's a difficult time for many, it's times like these we see people come together, help each other, get creative, and have some fun!
EAST COAST WEATHER
It's been a lot colder, windier, and wetter on the East Coast of Australia, but the wild weather is finally starting to clear up. Days of intense rain caused one of Sydney's main water supply dams to spill over last night, and many homes were flooded. Several flights up and down the East Coast were also cancelled this morning because of strong winds. While there are still some warnings in place for flooding and coastal erosion in northern New South Wales, authorities say the worst of the weather is over and the huge cleanup effort is underway.
DALAI LAMA
The Dalai Lama, who's the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, has come out and said he will have a successor after his death, but not everyone agrees on who that should be. Yep! The Dalai Lama, known as the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists and as a symbol for peace and compassion, says he plans to reincarnate and will have a successor after his death. So, what does that mean exactly? Well, according to Tibetan tradition, each Dalai Lama is believed to be a reincarnation of the previous one. That means when he dies, his soul enters a newborn who will grow up to take his place. The Dalai Lama says only his inner circle can choose his successor, but China doesn't agree and says the next Dalai Lama must be chosen by China. Why? Well, since China took over Tibet in 1951, they've had tight control over the region ever since. And because the Dalai Lama is pretty popular and often speaks up about protecting Tibetan culture and freedom, some see it as China wanting to control who becomes the next Dalai Lama to strengthen its power over Tibet. But the Dalai Lama has made it clear and says his next successor will be born in a free country, might be an adult, and not necessarily male, so, we'll have to wait and see.
101-YEAR-OLD TENNIS PLAYER
First up to Henry Young from the Gold Coast who, at 101 years old, still plays tennis several times a week. A couple of years ago, he even played at the Australian Open. This weekend, he'll be bringing his A game to the Queensland Seniors Championships.
MR. SQUIGGLE
Now to an iconic Aussie children's TV character. If you don't recognise him, don't worry, he was on telly a little before your time, from 1959 to 1999. And now, the original Mr. Squiggles puppet is going on display at a new, free exhibition at the National Museum in Canberra, along with hundreds of other works by the show's creator, Norman Hetherington.
CURLING DADS
And finally to Brisbane where a group of dads have taken up the sport of curling. They quickly realised they had potential, taking out local and national level competitions. Now, their eyes are set on the Olympics.