Thursday bulletin

08 Aug 2013

Rudd demands to know whether Abbott has discussed the NBN with Rupert Murdoch. In international news, the house where three girls were held captive in the US has been destroyed.

Election update

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is demanding to know whether Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has had dealings with Rupert Murdoch over the future of the NBN. Rudd has accused Murdoch of attacking the Labor Party because he sees the NBN as a threat to his Foxtel network. ABC News has the full coverage plus a live blog throughout the day.

Australians urged to leave Yemen

Australian are being urged to leave Yemen amid growing fears of an attack by al-Qaeda. There are approximately 20 registered Australians in Yemen, all of whom are being contacted by Australian government staff. News.com.au has more.

$50.1 million donation

Millionaire Clive Berghofer has given $50.1 million to the Queensland Institute of Medical Research in the biggest single philanthropic donation by an Australian. Read Clive’s story on News.com.au

Scientists discover technique to test autism in babies

Research will be presented to the Asia Pacific Autism Conference today, showing the biological patterns that will enable the diagnosis of autism in children as young as 12 months. The sooner a child is diagnosed, the better the outcomes from treatment. Read more.

George W Bush released from hospital

Former US president George W Bush is home from hospital after undergoing a successful operation to unblock an artery. He is expected to resume his regular schedule on Thursday, US time. Seven News has more.

House of horror destroyed

The home of Ariel Castro, accused of holding captive, beating and raping three women in the US, has been destroyed. One of the three women watched as the house was reduced to rubble by wrecking crews. Read the story on Nine News. And watch locals celebrate as the house is destroyed.

Brazilian kills family and then takes life

A Brazilian teenager has killed his parents, grandmother and great aunt before going to school for a normal day and then taking his own life. The bodies were discovered in two houses on the same property. Read more.