Weekend wrap-up

17 Dec 2012

The biggest story this weekend was the tragic school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. Also, Cyclone Evan is moving towards Fiji, people power is up and stroke sufferers are missing out on key drug. 

America mourns

Flags are flying at half-mast throughout the United States as the country mourns the lives of 27 innocent victims, including 20 children aged between five and seven, six teachers and the gunman’s mother. After shooting dead his mother at home, Adam Lanza forced his way into the Sandy Hook primary school in one of the worst school massacres in America’s history. President Obama called for solidarity and support for the victims, and their families and friends. Read the full story and watch the video on ABC.

Cyclone Evan moves toward Fiji

Authorities in Fiji scrambled to evacuate tourists and residents as Cyclone Evan threatened the Pacific nation. At least four people have already been killed in Samoa with the toll expected to rise after eight people have been reported missing. Read more.

People power up as donations go down

Charity organisations have reported doing it tough as we approach Christmas with donations down from previous years. However, people are more readily giving up their time to wrap gifts and prepare hampers. Read the full story on the Sydney Morning Herald.

Upgrade plans ignore walkers

Walking groups in Canberra say the ACT government has ignored walkers in its upgrade of the walking and cycling network, leaving references to walkers almost completely non-existent in the plan. Canberra Times has more.

Stroke sufferers missing out on de-clotting drug

The National Stroke Foundation is lobbying for a $198million action plan to boost awareness of how to prevent and recognise the signs of a stroke. It has been found that many patients in hospitals presenting with a stroke don’t have access to de-clotting drugs that need to be administered within four hours. Read more.