Monday's headlines

17 Mar 2014

Royal Commission into the pink bats program will get underway today in Brisbane. In international news, Malaysia has expanded the search for missing jet MH370.

Royal Commission into insulations scheme to begin

The Royal Commission into former prime minister Kevin Rudd’s home insulation program will begin today in Brisbane. Senior public servants are among those expected to appear before the commission. During installation of the pink bats program four men died and hundreds of fires broke out in ceilings. ABC News has more.

Daniel’s parents speak out

Daniel Morcombe’s parents have spoken out after the serial paedophile, Brett Peter Cowan, was sentenced on Friday for the murder of the Sunshine Coast boy. Cowan was sentenced to life with a 20-year non-parole period. Denise and Bruce Morcombe never gave up their search for their son. See what they had to say on Sky News.

Malaysia calls on 25 countries for help in search

Malaysian officials have requested the help of 25 countries as the search for missing flight MH370 expands. The United States, France and China have all been asked for more information. The search area is has grown, expanding from shallow seas to large areas of land covering 11 countries. Read more.

Crimea to join Russia

Crimeans have voted to join Russia as tensions soar between Russia and Ukraine. Ninety-three per cent of voters expressed the desire to leave Ukraine. Leaders around the world have branded the vote illegal. The options facing voters were joining Russia or going back to a 1992 constitution where Crimea was an independent state within Ukraine. Read more.

Woman has bullet removed from her head 48 years after it was lodged

A Chinese woman has had a bullet removed from her head, 48 years after it was lodged. The 62-year-old did not know about the bullet. She had gone to the doctor complaining about a chronic blocked nose, headaches and swollen lymph nodes. Read the incredible story on News.com.au