In Nigeria, violence between Christians and Muslims is continuing. At least 38 people have so far died in the attacks that erupted over the weekend. Most of them died in a series of bomb blasts that rocked villages across central Nigeria.

 

While Queensland is sick of all the rain, they are praying for it over in the west. Parts of Western Australia are in the grip of a heatwave where temperatures are again approaching 40 degrees today. There's a total fire ban surrounding Perth as well as in the south and central areas of the state. Fire authorities are warning residents to remain on alert.

 

While people weren't spending in the lead-up to Christmas, they are making up for it now. Thousands have descended upon shopping centres and department stores searching for a bargain. It's one of the best starts to the post-Christmas sales. Retailers are hoping to reap about $7 billion.

 

And Europe's icy weather has moved east, causing chaos in Russia. Moscow's largest airport is closed and more than 200,000 people are facing freezing conditions without electricity. Public transport has also been severely disrupted.