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Wednesday, December 17
Top Stories
Cheap fuel, but get in quick
PETROL prices have dipped below $1 a litre for the first time in more than three years, but motorists have been warned to fill up quickly.
Footscray 'none the wiser' on tunnel
RESIDENTS 'are no wiser' about a road tunnel that may devastate their neighbourhood, despite meeting with Roads Minister Tim Pallas.
Aussie faces death penalty over drugs
8:11am UPDATE: AN Australian man faces the death penalty after being charged with drug smuggling in Thailand.
Fake Qantas engineer risked lives
A PATHOLOGICAL liar has been jailed after faking his way into a Qantas engineer's job in a move that endangered thousands of lives.
Cousins welcomed back from 'illness'
4:10pm UPDATE: AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou has congratulated Richmond for their "courageous" decision to draft Ben Cousins.
Aussies given Iraq marching orders
AUSSIE troops will be out of Iraq by mid next year as the Iraqi government set a deadline for the exit of all foreign forces from the battle-scarred nation.
Cabbies blockade over safety screens
CABBIES blocked the city this afternoon in a protest against compulsory plastic shields they previously wanted.
Jail for Mokbel brother
MILAD Mokbel, the younger brother of Tony Mokbel, has been sentenced to jail for drug trafficking offences and blackmail.
Accused ram-raiders in court
FOUR people will face court this afternoon over ram-raids in Melbourne's northern suburbs.
Non-whingers 'should get compo too'
THE determination of an injured worker to get on with his life without complaint may have worked against his compo claim, a judge said today.
Internet virus threatens millions
MILLIONS of computers across the globe are threatened by a virus that could open them up to criminals, allowing access to personal details.
$150m fund to fight cancer
THE State Government has announced a $150 million strategy to tackle the state's biggest killer - cancer.
Death driver 'took Top Gear advice'
A MOTORIST involved in a fatal accident was allegedly following advice from TV show Top Gear.
Cake ban ruins Adolf Hitler's birthday
THE father of a toddler called Adolf Hitler Campbell says it's unfair that a store denied him a birthday cake with his child's name on it.
CBA ends share placement deal
COMMONWEALTH Bank of Australia has terminated a share placement agreement with Merrill Lynch.
Dad's horror at rape sentence cut
A CUT in the sentences for two notorious Sydney gang-rapists is unbelievable, the father of one of the victims says.
Obesity risk for teen smokers
TEENAGE girls who smoke more than double their chance of becoming obese in adulthood according to new research.
Brain scan delays terror sentencing
THE sentencing of seven terror suspects has been delayed after tests showed the convicted terror group leader has a brain abnormality.
'Saudi prince' conman jailed
A CONMAN who claimed to be a Saudi prince to lure $7 million from investors has been jailed for at least nine years.
AFL boss to head multicultural council
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou will head a new multicultural advisory council reporting to the Australian Government.
Weather extremes hit planet
VICTORIA has had its ninth driest year since records began, while the planet continued to heat up with 2008 the 10th hottest year on record.
Venditti released on bail
AN ACCUSED gangland killer with alleged ties to AFL star Ben Cousins has been freed on bail.
Xmas thieves hit methane home
A FAMILY caught up in this year's methane gas crisis have now been hit by heartless Christmas thieves who stole all their presents.
Thirty die in Israel bus crash
A BUS full of Russian tourists veered off a desert road in Israel and plunged down a ravine yesterday, killing up to 30 people and seriously injuring about a dozen more.
Mum accused of abuse denied bail
A MOTHER accused of inflicting brain damage on her three-year-old daughter has been refused bail.
Pratt regulator 'made it personal'
A ROW erupted yesterday over the role the corporate regulator played in Dick Pratt being charged with lying about a price-fixing scandal.
Qantas rejects deal with Malaysia
QANTAS dismissed a report today that merger talks were under way with Malaysia's national airline.
Dear owner, please protect your car
POLICE in Victoria are using the letter of the law to alert motorists that their vehicles are highly sought-after by car thieves.
Wall St surges on rate cut
US stocks have soared after the key interest rate was slashed to near zero, as Australia's official rate was tipped to drop to 3 per cent by March.
Mergers, money pushed in uni review
A REVIEW into Australia's higher education system has recommended radical reforms that would cost the Federal Government $6.5 billion.
Cousins takes the field
9:44am UPDATE: NEW Tiger Ben Cousins has completed an on-field training session, and spent much of it with legend Matthew Richardson.
I know Venditti – Cousins
12:10pm UPDATE: BEN Cousins today admitted knowing an accused gangland killer but says he wants to leave the past in the past.
US Fed cuts rate to nearly zero
THE US Federal Reserve slashed its base lending rate today from one per cent to virtually zero, in a last-ditch attempt to fight deflation.
Lucky escape for smash pair
TWO men have had miraculous escape from a horror single vehicle smash in Melbourne's north overnight.
Brumby hints at shuffle
PREMIER John Brumby has fuelled speculation of a pre-election Cabinet reshuffle.
Family health funds shock
FAMILIES face health premium rises of more than $200 next year as insurers try to claw back rising costs.
New teammates best medicine for addict
BONDING with his new Tiger teammates on and off the field will be the best medicine for Ben Cousins, drug addiction experts say.
Wave of emotion sweeps Tigerland
TIGERS coach Terry Wallace explains drafting Ben Cousins is a humanitarian effort.
Drive to slash cancer curse
AN extra 20,000 women will be offered breast cancer screening in a multi-million-dollar Brumby Government program.
More players seek asylum
AT LEAST 24 Homeless World Cup soccer players have sought asylum in Australia and up to 20 more are believed to be considering seeking protection visas.
Sponsors join throng keen to be kissin' Cousins
BEN Cousins can deliver Richmond an instant $800,000 sponsorship windfall.
Fans flock to Tigers
BEN Cousins will be given a hero's welcome at Tigerland today as fans celebrate the former Brownlow medal winner's move to Richmond.
US and back for $1199
INFANT airline V Australia will fire the first shots in a new ticket war with Qantas today by offering an ultra-low Melbourne-Los Angeles return fare of just $1199.
Look back, head forward
BABIES in prams might walk the walk, but they also need to talk the talk, a new study has found.
Tigers waste no time
TIGER cub Daniel Trembath can't wait to lay eyes on his new favourite player - Brownlow medallist Ben Cousins.
Stay-at-home mums out of coverage
STAFF at a major telco company refused to sell a mobile phone to a stay-at-home mum because she didn't have a real job.
Underworld links haunts Cousins
A GANGLAND murder investigation has linked Ben Cousins to an accused killer.
Swanston St shuffle
IT'S back to the drawing board for Swanston St, with Melbourne's new council last night ordering a report into the city's most controversial street.
Cousins and the accused killer
BEN Cousins has flown back into a storm of controversy amid court claims of links to an accused gangland killer.
Victoria News
Cabbies blockade over safety screens
CABBIES blocked the city this afternoon in a protest against compulsory plastic shields they previously wanted.
Jail for Mokbel brother
MILAD Mokbel, the younger brother of Tony Mokbel, has been sentenced to jail for drug trafficking offences and blackmail.
Non-whingers 'should get compo too'
THE determination of an injured worker to get on with his life without complaint may have worked against his compo claim, a judge said today.
$150m fund to fight cancer
THE State Government has announced a $150 million strategy to tackle the state's biggest killer - cancer.
Dear owner, please protect your car
POLICE in Victoria are using the letter of the law to alert motorists that their vehicles are highly sought-after by car thieves.
Pratt regulator 'made it personal'
A ROW erupted yesterday over the role the corporate regulator played in Dick Pratt being charged with lying about a price-fixing scandal.
Stay-at-home mums out of coverage
STAFF at a major telco company refused to sell a mobile phone to a stay-at-home mum because she didn't have a real job.
Accused ram-raiders in court
FOUR people will face court this afternoon over ram-raids in Melbourne's northern suburbs.
Footscray 'none the wiser' on tunnel
Hundreds of residents are no wiser about plans for a road tunnel that will devastate their neighbourhood despite a meeting with Victorian Roads Minister Tim Pallas, a protester says.
Cheap fuel, but get in quick
PETROL prices have dipped below $1 a litre for the first time in more than three years, but motorists have been warned to fill up quickly.
Brain scan delays terror sentencing
THE sentencing of seven terror suspects has been delayed after tests showed the convicted terror group leader has a brain abnormality.
'Saudi prince' conman jailed
A CONMAN who claimed to be a Saudi prince to lure $7 million from investors has been jailed for at least nine years.
Weather extremes hit planet
VICTORIA has had its ninth driest year since records began, while the planet continued to heat up with 2008 the 10th hottest year on record.
Venditti released on bail
AN ACCUSED gangland killer with alleged ties to AFL star Ben Cousins has been freed on bail.
Xmas thieves hit methane home
A FAMILY caught up in this year's methane gas crisis have now been hit by heartless Christmas thieves who stole all their presents.
Mum accused of abuse denied bail
A MOTHER accused of inflicting brain damage on her three-year-old daughter has been refused bail.
Lucky escape for smash pair
TWO men have had miraculous escape from a horror single vehicle smash in Melbourne's north overnight.
Drive to slash cancer curse
AN extra 20,000 women will be offered breast cancer screening in a multi-million-dollar Brumby Government program.
Swanston St shuffle
IT'S back to the drawing board for Swanston St, with Melbourne's new council last night ordering a report into the city's most controversial street.
Sponsors join throng keen to be kissin' Cousins
BEN Cousins can deliver Richmond an instant $800,000 sponsorship windfall.
Footy trio assault compo case delay
A SECURITY guard's claim for compensation over a brawl involving Collingwood's Dane Swan stalled yesterday after resolution talks broke down.
More players seek asylum
AT LEAST 24 Homeless World Cup soccer players have sought asylum in Australia and up to 20 more are believed to be considering seeking protection visas.
Laws aid ID theft victims
VICTIMS of identity theft will regain control of their lives, under laws proposed by the State Government.
New teammates best medicine for addict
BONDING with his new Tiger teammates on and off the field will be the best medicine for Ben Cousins, drug addiction experts say.
US and back for $1199
INFANT airline V Australia will fire the first shots in a new ticket war with Qantas today by offering an ultra-low Melbourne-Los Angeles return fare of just $1199.
Love turned to murder
A MAN who strangled the woman he said was the love of his life has been jailed for at least 15 years.
Tigers waste no time
TIGER cub Daniel Trembath can't wait to lay eyes on his new favourite player - Brownlow medallist Ben Cousins.
Abuse nightmare of brain-damaged girl
A MOTHER accused of inflicting brain damage on her three-year-old daughter may have abused her over 13 days, a court has heard.
Cousins and the accused killer
BEN Cousins has flown back into a storm of controversy amid court claims of links to an accused gangland killer.
Brumby hints at shuffle
PREMIER John Brumby has fuelled speculation of a pre-election Cabinet reshuffle.
Life is a tall order
MELBOURNE'S tallest people are standing up for their rights and hitting out at "heightism".
Underworld links haunts Cousins
A GANGLAND murder investigation has linked Ben Cousins to an accused killer.
Wave of emotion sweeps Tigerland
TIGERS coach Terry Wallace explains drafting Ben Cousins is a humanitarian effort.
Perfection no drama for Jessica
FLAME-haired thespian Jessica Stanley produced a performance that defied her critics.
Fans flock to Tigers
BEN Cousins will be given a hero's welcome at Tigerland today as fans celebrate the former Brownlow medal winner's move to Richmond.
National News
Aussies given Iraq marching orders
AUSSIE troops will be out of Iraq by mid next year as the Iraqi government set a deadline for the exit of all foreign forces from the battle-scarred nation.
Dad's horror at rape sentence cut
A CUT in the sentences for two notorious Sydney gang-rapists is unbelievable, the father of one of the victims says.
Obesity risk for teen smokers
TEENAGE girls who smoke more than double their chance of becoming obese in adulthood according to new research.
Family health funds shock
FAMILIES face health premium rises of more than $200 next year as insurers try to claw back rising costs.
Video game bonanza
PRIME Minister Kevin Rudd's $10.4 billion economic stimulus package for families has helped fuel a pre-Christmas video game bonanza.
Look back, head forward
BABIES in prams might walk the walk, but they also need to talk the talk, a new study has found.
Fake Qantas engineer risked lives
A PATHOLOGICAL liar has been jailed after faking his way into a Qantas engineer's job in a move that endangered thousands of lives.
AFL boss to head multicultural council
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou will head a new multicultural advisory council reporting to the Australian Government.
Uni funding key to global drive
UNIVERSITIES and students would get a huge funding boost under a plan to make Australia more globally competitive.
World News
Cake ban ruins Adolf Hitler's birthday
THE father of a toddler called Adolf Hitler Campbell says it's unfair that a store denied him a birthday cake with his child's name on it.
Internet virus threatens millions
MILLIONS of computers across the globe are threatened by a virus that could open them up to criminals, allowing access to personal details.
Death driver 'took Top Gear advice'
A MOTORIST involved in a fatal accident was allegedly following advice from TV show Top Gear.
Angry protesters target historic Acropolis
FURY over the shooting death of a young man in Greece has erupted again, with protesters targeting the historic Acropolis.
Think it and researchers could see it
JAPANESE researchers have reproduced images of things people were looking at by analysing brain scans, opening the way for people to communicate directly from their mind.
OPEC agrees to record oil cuts
OPEC agreed today to a record cut in oil output of two million barrels a day, Saudi Arabian oil minister Ali al-Nuaimi said.
Iraqi doctor sentenced over bombings
AN Iraqi doctor found guilty of trying to murder hundreds of people in failed car bombings in London and Glasgow has been jailed for at least 32 years.
Guantanamo 'worst place on Earth'
AN Algerian-born man who has just been freed from Guantanamo Bay has described the US "war on terror" camp as the worst place on Earth, in an interview published in a Bosnian newspaper.
Arrests over building tycoon's death
FIVE young men have been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of one of Papua New Guinea's richest and most successful businessmen.
Deadline set for troops in Iraq
AUSTRALIAN troops look set to leave Iraq by the middle of next year after the Iraqi Government set a deadline for non-US forces.
Driver 'dispute' behind bus crash
ISRAEL'S Transport Minister Shaul Mofaz has blamed a row between two drivers for a bus crash in a desert ravine that killed 24 people, most of them Russian travel agents.
Little Adolf Hitler denied birthday cake
THE father of a toddler called Adolf Hitler Campbell says it is unfair that a store denied him a birthday cake with his child's name on it.
'Dark energy' controlling universe
MYSTERIOUS "dark energy" works simultaneously to expand the universe and shrink objects inside it, astronomers in the United States said.
Thirty die in Israel bus crash
A BUS full of Russian tourists veered off a desert road in Israel and plunged down a ravine yesterday, killing up to 30 people and seriously injuring about a dozen more.
Now you can throw shoes at Bush too
FOLLOWING in the footsteps of the Iraqi journalist who hurled his shoes at US President George W Bush, anyone can take a virtual swipe at the US leader thanks to a new game.
Gang teen gets life for boy's death
A TEEN gang member has been jailed for life over the shooting death of a boy, with the judge saying "you have no honour".
Wall St shrugs off grim economic reports
WALL Street shrugged off a series of grim corporate and economic reports and swung higher in opening trade as the market awaited a likely cut in interest rates from the Federal Reserve.
Doctor guilty of failed bomb attacks
IRAQI doctor Bilal Abdulla, a self-confessed terrorist, has been found guilty of failed bomb attacks on London and Glasgow.
Thief returns last words of dead girl
A BURGLAR with a conscience has been caught on CCTV returning the diary of a young woman killed in a car crash in Australia.
Fish market bans tuna huggers
THE world famous Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo is sick of bad behaviour by foreign tourists and is banning them from its tuna auctions for one month.
Sports News
Aussies reach 9-341 at stumps
SIMON Katich led the way with a gritty 83 as Australia recovered from 3-15 to reach 9-341 on day one of the first Test against South Africa.
Three quick wickets have Aussies in trouble
TWO wickets to Makhaya Ntini and one to Dale Steyne had Australia in serious trouble at 3-15 in the first Test against South Africa in Perth today.
Maxwell to captain Collingwood
NICK Maxwell was appointed the new captain of Collingwood today, replacing the retired Scott Burns.
Cousins thanks Tiges for second chance
12.50pm UPDATE BEN Cousins has expressed his gratitude to Richmond for giving him the chance to resurrect his AFL career.
Warner signs for Daredevils
YOUNG NSW opener David Warner has signed a two-year deal to join Indian Premier League side Delhi Daredevils.
Cousins play by play
PUNT Road oval was gripped with Cousins fever this morning as Ben Cousins made his first appearance in the yellow and black.
Eduardo returns after horror injury
ARSENAL'S Croatian striker, Eduardo, made a successful return for the Gunners' reserve team today after his horrendous injury last season.
Wimbledon to test new roof
THE first match to be played under the new retractable roof of Wimbledon's Centre Court will take place in May - just over a month before the 2009 tournament starts.
Oram ruled out of second Test
NEW Zealand all-rounder Jacob Oram has been ruled out of the second cricket Test against the West Indies starting on Friday.
Man U cop Evra ban
MANCHESTER United will not appeal against the four-match ban handed to defender Patrice Evra for his part in a post-match brawl at bitter rivals Chelsea last season.
Bogut stars for Bucks
ANDREW Bogut has continued his strong form by playing a starring role in Milwaukee Bucks' 98-83 win over Miami Heat.
Blackburn fire manager Ince
PAUL Ince was fired as manager of Blackburn Rovers today after a run of 11 Premier League matches without a win.
Teen dents Dokic wildcard hopes
JELENA Dokic faces a must-win match today to stay in the race for an Australian Open wildcard.
Tiger's cage rattled
TIGER Woods expressed disappointment yesterday with disparaging comments made by his caddie Steve Williams about Phil Mickelson and said the matter had been "dealt with".
Warnie gave up his secrets
SEVERAL people have commented on how relaxed this South African team is compared with previous touring squads. That is good news.
I held my cards close to my chest
BATTLES between South Africa and Australia have always had hype, but the Proteas have never lived up to the billing.
Finals dream for Tigers
BEN Cousins' arrival at Richmond has the club's oldest player dreaming of something uncommon: finals.
Bid to join Sid
SID Patterson's ghost will almost certainly be at the bikes tonight, beer in hand, hoping to welcome a new member to his exclusive club of one.
Dees eye slice of Dreamtime
MELBOURNE added to its growing list of indigenous talent when it grabbed exciting forward Liam Jurrah with the first pick in the pre-season draft.
Tigers wary of coach-less Taipans
CAIRNS Taipans coach Alan Black was preparing for tonight's NBL home game against Melbourne Tigers when he was dumped.
Fergie defends trip to Japan
MANCHESTER United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has come to the defence of the Club World Cup, calling it a prestigious tournament that was important for his team to win.
Special Reports
The Big Dry
Weather extremes hit planet
VICTORIA has had its ninth driest year since records began, while the planet continued to heat up with 2008 the 10th hottest year on record.
Superfooty Video Wrap
Cousins play by play
PUNT Road oval was gripped with Cousins fever this morning as Ben Cousins made his first appearance in the yellow and black.
VCE Top Achievers 2008
Wednesday, December 17
Archive Stories
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Entertainment
'I'll never work with Nic again' - Baz
Film director Baz Luhrmann says it's unlikely he and Nicole Kidman will ever work together again following the completion of Australia.
Axl Rose and fans trade abuse
AXL Rose's publicity campaign for the long-awaited Guns N'Roses album has taken another blow, with the frontman trading foul-mouthed abuse with his online fans.
Greer bashes our Nic, Hugh
GERMAINE Greer has savaged Baz Luhrmann's outback epic, Australia, branding it a "disaster".
Footy fans boycott Keanu flick
KEANU Reeves' new sci-fi thriller has been boycott by upset soccer fans... because their stadium gets blown up by aliens in the movie.
Health / Science
$150m fund to fight cancer
THE State Government has announced a $150 million strategy to tackle the state's biggest killer - cancer.
Business
Centro backtracks amid debt confusion
SHARES in Centro Properties Group pulled back from early highs today amid confusion over a debt extension agreement.
Market makes marginal gains
THE Australian share market closed slightly higher today but investors ignored a big lead from Wall Street.
CBA ends share placement deal
COMMONWEALTH Bank of Australia has terminated a share placement agreement with Merrill Lynch.
Australia tipped to avoid recession
AUSTRALIA will avoid recession in 2009 despite another drop in expectations for economic growth, a survey shows.
$330m bonus for wheat farmers
AUSTRALIAN wheat farmers will be able to celebrate Christmas a week early with $330 million in crop payments flowing to their bank accounts today.
Qantas rejects deal with Malaysia
QANTAS dismissed a report today that merger talks were under way with Malaysia's national airline.
Wall St surges on rate cut
US stocks have soared after the key interest rate was slashed to near zero, as Australia's official rate was tipped to drop to 3 per cent by March.
US Fed cuts rate to nearly zero
THE US Federal Reserve slashed its base lending rate today from one per cent to virtually zero, in a last-ditch attempt to fight deflation.
Experts tip rate tumble
WORSENING economic conditions may force the Reserve Bank to slash interest rates to a low of 3 per cent early next year.
Packers off air after 50 years
SO ENDS more than half-a-century of the seemingly unbreakable union of Packer and Nine - grandfather Frank, father Kerry and son James.
RBA's logic doesn't need meeting of the minds
IT PROBABLY would have been 'better' if the Reserve Bank had come right out and explicitly stated there would be no board meeting in January.
Miners' woe as more jobs go
THREE big miners - Xstrata, Macarthur Coal and OZ Minerals - moved to cut jobs, as the resources downturn starts to threaten the broader economy.
Hardie heat on Hellicar
FORMER James Hardie chairman Meredith Hellicar has taken the stand in the corporate watchdog's landmark case against former executives of the building products maker.
Telstra hit again
INVESTORS have shown their displeasure with Telstra by stripping more than $7 billion from its market value in just two days.
Banks take over Centro
OWNERSHIP of stricken shopping centre giant Centro has been handed over to its bankers under a deal revealed last night that promises to save it from the liquidators.
Packers end transmission
THE Packer family's ties to Channel Nine owner PBL Media have been all but severed, with a $445 million recapitalisation of the media company diluting James Packer's stake to less than 1 per cent.
Wine group prunes 50
CONSTELLATION Brands – the US owner of Australian wine labels Hardys, Leasingham and Banrock Station – has reportedly sacked 50 British-based employees in response to an 8 per cent rise in wine taxes.
Paralysis sets in after Madoff's touch
DAMAGE from the scandal involving Wall Street money manager Bernard Madoff is as widespread as his alleged fraud, and it is not just the rich caught in the slipstream.
Road takes toll on MIG
MACQUARIE Infrastructure Group came under selling pressure yesterday after slashing the value of its toll road network by more than $2 billion.