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Wednesday's news in under 5 minutes.

 

 

News update: Two dead following Chilean earthquake

At least two people are dead following an earthquake off the coast of Chile, which triggered a two-metre tsunami. The earthquake hit in the Pacific Ocean this morning just 86 kilometres north-west of Iquique in Chile’s north, causing a tsunami that measured 2.11 metres at its highest.

Warnings have been issued for surrounding regions in Chile and neighbouring Peru.

1. Charges upgraded for teenage dad

The 15-year old father has now been charged with murder

 

 

A 15-year old father who is accused of fatally assaulting his premature baby at the Bunbury Regional Hospital in WA has appeared in court and had his charge upgraded to murder.

The teenage father had been charged with grievous bodily harm.

He is due back in court on April 29.

New Limited report that the baby’s 16-year-old mother posted on Facebook: “Miss My Little Man … just cant get over it … Love Till We Meet Again.”

2. Transcript of MH370’s last words released

As Malaysia’s acting Transport Minister Hishammuddin Hussein released the full transcript of the last communications with MH370 overnight, he reiterated that authorities believe there was a “deliberate action” by someone on board.

The transcript of the last communications were released amidst growing anger from relatives that Malaysian authorities are withholding information.

Experts agree that the transcript does not provide any clue as to what happened to the plane.

At 1.19 air traffic control told the pilots, “Malaysian three seven zero contact Ho Chi Minh 120 decimal 9 good night.”

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This was a sign-off from Kuala Lumpur as the plane entered the area of responsibility for Vietnam air space.

Someone in the cockpit replied, “Good night Malaysian three seven zero” at 1.19.

Malaysian officials still cannot confirm whether the pilot or co-pilot spoke the words.

3. Most popular baby names

Is your baby’s name on the list?

The list of the most popular baby names has been released and it seems there is a royal influence.

For boys the most popular name in Australia is William, then Jack, Oliver, Noah and Ethan. Thomas, Lucas, James, Cooper and at number 10 is Jackson/Jaxon

Girls: Charlotte, Ruby, Lilly/Lily, Olivia, Chloe, Sophie, Emily, Mia, Amelia and then Ava.

For girls the names Sienna, Ella, and Isabella have left the Top 10 list. The names Harper, Rose and Heidi have all significantly increased in popularity over the year, rising at least 15 places.

For boy’s names Lachlan is the only one to have left the top 10, having been replaced by Jackson/Jaxon.

4. Lara Bingle called the ‘aggressor’

Lara Bingle is being called the ‘agressor’

A Manhattan court has heard that Lara Bingle and her partner Sam Worthington subjected paparazzo Sheng Li to a ‘brutal attack.’

Li’s lawyer told the Judge that Li has been unable to work – suffering wrist and back injuries after a scuffle on February 23.

Bingle was not charged but Li’s lawyer is lobbying for her to be prosecuted and described Li as being the victim of a “brutal attack”.

“She was the aggressor,” Heller said.

“There has to be a warrant issued for her arrest, she has to be charged with a felony assault and attempted robbery.”

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5. QLD Police identify dead woman

Police in Brisbane are piecing together the last hours of murdered French student, Sophie Collombet.

Ms Collombet’s naked body was found on the banks of the Brisbane River on Friday.

She was a French student who was due to return to her family in June.

Detective Inspector Rod Kemp said it was a particularly aggressive attack. “It’s disgusting,” he said.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

6. Therese Rein nets $220 million

Businesswoman Therese Rein (and wife of former PM Kevin Rudd) has sold her employment services company to a US group in a deal which could net as much as $220 million.

The sale of Ingeus puts Ms Rein amongst the rankings of Australia’s richest women.

7. Celebrity custody case bitter and protracted

Sarah McKenna and Bode Miller are in a custody battle over their now 13-month old son

A custody case between an ex-Marine – now model and law student –  and a celebrity Olympic skier is ongoing in the US.

The battle over the 13-month old boy has been making headlines for over a year, and has alarmed women’s groups for its potential rulings over where a pregnant mother may be allowed to live.

Now the boy’s mother, Sara McKenna, has written a post on her heartache and despair when her son was taken from her.

Read more here.”A celebrity mother writes of her dangerous and bitter custody battle”.

8. Greens legislation to help single-mums

The Greens will unveil legislation today to move single parents from the dole back on to the higher-paying parenting payments.

The Australian reports that the party will demand Labor’s support.

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Under the draft legislations single parents will remain eligible for parenting payments until their youngest child turns 16.

Last week, former Labor families minister Jenny Macklin said putting single parents on Newstart had been a mistake.

9. Ebola deaths

Over 80 people in the African country of Guinea have died from one of the world’s most lethal infectious diseases, Ebola.

The unprecedented breakout has promoted Senegal to close its border with Guinea.

The deaths have been scattered in locations several hundred kilometers apart which is causing concern.

10. UK’s Youngest Granddad

A man in prison for murder is about to become the youngest grandfather in the UK.

His daughter is 13 and pregnant to a 13-year old boy.

He was 14 when he had his daughter to a 15-year old girl.

According to The Sun the girl’s Facebook page is full of congratulations.

“Hurry up and push that baby out. You and ******* are going to be the best mum and dad.”

11. Lego has moved to the ‘dark side’

Watch out kids I am here to take you to the dark side!

A Polish priest has warned parents of the dangers of Lego saying that it can “destroy” children’s souls.

The priest has told the UK’s Telegraph that the new Monster Fighters and Zombie figures is “about darkness and the world of death”.

“These toys can have a negative effect on children. They can destroy their souls and lead them to the dark side.”

 

What news are you talking about today?