Monday musings

02 Sep 2013

Rudd falls in the popularity polls with just under one week to go before the federal election. In international news, veteran interviewer David Frost has died of a heart attack.

Rudd’s popularity falls one week out from election

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s popularity with voters has fallen with less than one week to go until the election, according to a new poll out today. The latest Newspoll shows Tony Abbott has overtaken Rudd as the preferred prime minister as the public’s dissatisfaction with Rudd jumps six points to 58 per cent. ABC News has all the details.

Bravery Awards recognise 70 citizens

The Australian Bravery Awards recognise heroic and selfless acts. Among the 70 Australians honoured over the weekend were five teachers from one school who confronted a knife-wielding intruder early last year. Read the incredible story on ABC News.

Investigations begin into helicopter death

Investigations have begun into the death of a 68-year-old man during a rescue attempt. The man had been hiking through a heavily bushed part of Victoria when he broke his ankle. Investigators are speaking with three paramedics, examining the winching equipment and interviewing the crew as part of the investigation. Read more.

Kerry confirms sarin gas used in Syria

US Secretary of State John Kerry has claimed that the US has proof that sarin gas was used by the Syrian regime to conduct a deadly attack on citizens. Kerry urged lawmakers to support President Obama’s call for limited military action, saying the world cannot turn a blind eye to the use of chemical weapons. Seven News has more.

Mandela’s first night at home

Former South African President Nelson Mandela has spent his first night at home after undergoing treatment for a lung infection in hospital. Mandela has been in the Pretoria hospital since early June. His home has been modified so he can receive the same level of treatment he was getting in hospital. Read more.

David Frost dies aged 74

British broadcaster, David Frost, most celebrated for challenging Richard Nixon over the Watergate scandal, has died. Frost was on board the Queen Elizabeth cruise liner to give a speech when he suffered the deadly heart attack. Read more. Watch part one of the original interview in the video below or head to YouTube to watch the whole interview.