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

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. 
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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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Wikinews:Briefs/July 19, 2006