The Climate Commission's latest report says international efforts to tackle climate change are increasing rapidly. It says countries that represent most of the global economy have programs to limit their greenhouse gas emissions. It says Australia risks its international reputation if it doesn't honour its commitments. 

 

 

 

Twelve people have been evacuated after fire broke out in an apartment block in the Sydney suburb of Bondi. The blaze started around one o'clock this morning and quickly took hold of a unit on the top floor. The fire has been contained to the unit and its owner is being treated for smoke inhalation.

 

 

 

A US congressman is under intense pressure to drop his bid for a Senate seat after his remarks on rape. Todd Akin said women rarely become pregnant in cases of what he called “legitimate rape”. US President Barack Obama says his comments are offensive.

 

 

 

And a pioneer of American comedy, Phyllis Diller, has died. She was 95. The former housewife was one of America's first standup comedians. She was well-known for making jokes about her looks. Phyllis Diller created a distinctive persona with her laugh, teased hair, outlandish costumes and a fictional husband that she called Fang.