Thursday's news

06 Jun 2013

Dozens of disgraced Australian Diggers have been sent home since the beginning of 2011. In other news, a US soldier has pleaded guilty to murdering 16 Afghan citizens.  

Brisbane hospital fights to contain deadly disease

A 60-year-old man died on Sunday after contracting Legionnaires’ disease at a Brisbane private hospital. A woman is currently in intensive care, the second person to fall victim to the disease. The bacteria has since been found in the hot water system of the hospital’s east wing. Read more.

Disgraced Diggers sent home

Dozens of Australian Diggers have been sent home from the Middle East in disgrace for drinking on duty, disobeying orders and falling pregnant overseas. More than 34 Defence Force staff have been sent home since the beginning of 2011, including 17 Army personnel, 11 Navy and two Royal Australian Air Force members. News.com.au has more.

Still behind the wheel at 105

A New Zealand driver is still behind the wheel at the tender age of 105, the oldest licensed driver in the country and one of the oldest in the world. Bob Edwards has been driving for 88 years of his life and has no plans to give it up. He continues to work out in his home gym every morning and to cook for himself and his 91-year-old wife. Read Bob’s story.

US soldier pleads guilty

A US soldier has pleaded guilty to murdering 16 Afghan civilians, taking a deal with military prosecutors to avoid the death penalty. Staff Sergeant Robert Bales was accused of the premeditated murder of unarmed villagers, mostly women and children, in attacks on their family compounds, with prosecutors accusing the soldier of setting fire to many of his victims. ABC News has more.

Moscow metro fire leaves thousands stranded

Thousands of commuters have been evacuated from the Moscow metro after an electric cable caught fire at the height of rush hour. The fire was extinguished within the hour and 45 people sought medical attention. Read more and see footage from inside a metro train on ABC News.

Blues take game one

All eyes were on Homebush last night as the NSW Blues looked to end a seven-year drought against the Queenslanders in the annual State of Origin clash. Blues fans celebrated the 14-6 game one victory. The game was not without its controversies with Blues captain Paul Gallen lashing out against Queenslander Nate Myles. See Seven News for a full match report.