News for Tuesday

18 Dec 2012

Funerals begin for Sandy Hook victims, Fiji assesses the damage and the oldest person in the world passes away. Here are your top stories. 

Funeral for nurse Saldanha

Thousands of people have gathered in Mangalore, South India to farewell nurse Jacintha Saldanha. Her husband and two children escorted her body from London. Read more. 

Newtown begins to say goodbye

Two children, victims of the Sandy Hook massacre, have been laid to rest. This is just the beginning for the Connecticut town as fellow students, parents, families and friends farewelled Jack Pinto and Noah Pozner. News.com.au has more.

Memorial service for Dame Elisabeth

After a private family funeral was held last week, the life of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch will be celebrated in a state memorial service today. About 1000 guests are expected to attend. ABC has the full story.

Canadian history buff cracks WWII code

When a carrier pigeon from WWII was found in Surrey last month, the Government Communications Headquarters said the code was uncrackable. But a Canadian man has deciphered the message. Read and listen to the full story.

Victorian government blames the Fed cuts

Up to 700 Royal Melbourne Hospital patients will have to wait much longer for elective surgery with more services to be cut in the coming months. Victorian Health Minister David Davis blames the federal government’s funding arrangement with the sate. More on Ninemsn. 

Fiji hit by Evan

Fiji has been hit by its worst cyclone in 20 years as Evan battered homes, tearing off roofs, forcing trees to the ground and leaving thousands of people stranded. Read the full story here and watch the video below.

World’s oldest person passes

Dina Manfredini, given the title of world’s oldest person, passed away on Monday, less than two weeks after earning the title. A mother and homemaker most of the time, Dina took up cleaning later in life and continued to clean people’s homes until she was 90. Read more.