Wednesday's wonderings

02 Jan 2013

The US debates a bill to avoid falling off the fiscal cliff, a Victorian couple attempt 365 marathons in 365 days and shark sightings have closed beaches around the nation. Here are the top stories to bring in 2013. 

The year of marathons

A Victorian couple in their 60s have made it their mission to run a marathon every day this year. Alan Murray and Janette Murray-Wakelin set off this morning from Melbourne and are raising money for charities. Read more.

Deal pending

Early on New Year’s Day (US time), the US Senate overwhelmingly voted in favour of a deal to avoid falling off the fiscal cliff. The House of Representatives is now debating the bill. The Senate voted 89-8 to raise taxes on the wealthy while keeping income taxes low on moderate-income voters. Read the full story on the ABC, plus an explanation of the fiscal cliff.

Families Minister challenged

Families Minister Jenny Macklin has been challenged to live on the dole for a week after claiming she could. Changes came into effect on New Year’s Day when thousands of single parents lost their parenting payments, moving onto the Newstart allowance. Ms Macklin has come under fire from single parents. Yahoo News has the full story. 

Shark sightings close beaches  

Shark sightings closed beaches around the country on New Year’s Day. A 2.5 metre shark was spotted 100 metres off shore at Moana Beach, south of Adelaide and shortly after, Christies Beach was closed following a second sighting. Read the full story on News.com.au. 
On the east coast, iconic Bondi Beach was empty of swimmers as lifeguards spotted a large shark just off the beach. Sydney Morning Herald has the full story.

Were you at the beach yesterday and do you have some snaps to share? Post them on our Facebook page.

Death in Bali treated as suspicious

A 33-year-old Australian woman has died in Bali and her death is being treated as suspicious. After moving to Bali, Dennielle North started working at the Cocoon Beach Club a couple of months ago. She was found in a pool at a private villa and was unable to be revived. Read more.

Ivory Coast New Year’s crush leaves 60 dead

At least 60 people are dead and dozens more injured after a stampede in the Ivory Coast. The cause of the stampede remains unclear and sources say it broke out just after the fireworks had ended. Ninemsn has the story.