Wednesday news

19 Dec 2012

Obama on gun control, Gillard prepares to say sorry and Koko passes away. Here are today's top stories. 

The wake of Sandy Hook

Students in Newtown, Connecticut went back to school yesterday as the town continues to mourn the lives lost in the Sandy Hook massacre. In the wake of the school shooting, President Obama has thrown himself behind a bill to ban civilians owning assault weapons, which was previously allowed to lapse in 2004. Read the full story here.

Gillard to apologise

A date has been set by Prime Minister Julia Gillard to formally apologise to those affected by forced adoption practices throughout the 1950s-1970s. The apology will be delivered at Parliament House on 21 March 2013. The ABC has more.

Farewell to Red Dog star

Koko, the star of the movie Red Dog, has sadly passed away in Perth. The Kelpie became famous after starring in the movie about a dog uniting a Pilbara mining community in the 1970s. Nelson Woss, the film’s producer and Koko’s owner is devastated. Read more. Watch the Red Dog trailer below.

Gift that keeps giving

Australians are expected to spend approximately $8.5m on Christmas presents averaging about $511 per adult. More than half of buyers plan to purchase presents using a credit card. SMH has the story. 

Qantas forced to land

A passenger on a Qantas flight from Sydney to Japan forced the plane to land and cost the airline $120,000 after becoming intoxicated and lighting a cigarette in the toilets. He has been granted bail after facing Cairns Magistrates’ Court. Read more.

Corby’s health declines

Schapelle Corby’s health is deteriorating as she prepares to spend another Christmas and New Year behind bars. Another sentence cut has been recommended. Perth Now has the story.