Wednesday's news in under 5 minutes

1. Schapelle Corby suicide attempt

In Bali Schapelle Corby has made what has been described as a ‘suicide attempt’ as an official met with her in her sister’s house to discuss her parole.

The official said that Corby twice tried to harm herself on Monday night saying that the media was following her everywhere. The Sydney Morning Herald report that as the meeting took place two TV camera crews from Channels 10 and 7 were filming from a building across the street.

Her family have denied the attempt, however the official has stuck by his words.

Indonesian Justice and Human Rights Minister Amir Syamsuddin has told Indonesian newspaper Kompas that there is a “probability that her parole will be reconsidered”, but that her return to jail would be ‘humane”.

He added if he revoked parole, it would largely be the fault of her family.

“If it came to that decision, you would have to lay most of the responsibility on her family, which I believe has shown no concern for [the political pressure] we’ve had to face in her case,” he said.

If you need help please call Lifeline on 131 114.

2. Russia will not rule out sending troops to Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he will not rule out sending troops into Ukraine, but that there is no need for it yet.

In developments overnight:

• Russian troops guarding Crimea’s Belbek airbase fire have fired shots into the air as Ukrainian soldiers march in protest.
• The Russian military says it has test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile.
• On live television Mr Putin has said that the takeover of power in Ukraine was “anti-constitutional” and he considered Viktor Yanukovych as Ukraine’s only legitimate president.
• And US Secretary of State John Kerry is now in Kiev, amid intensive diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.

3. Oscar Pistorius court

Both Oscar Pistorius and a key witness have broken down in tears during testimony during day two of the trial of the murder of Reeva Steenkamp.

Michelle Burger a university lecturer stuck to the story that she heard screams of a fearful woman from the home of the Paralympian.

For more on the second day of the trial read this post here.

4. Today’s weather

Need to know what the weather is like where you are today? Mamamia Rogue has got you covered. Read the weather post here.

5. Mum gives birth without knowing she was pregnant

A woman has gone to the toilet and given birth to a baby boy without ever knowing she was pregnant. The 25-year old mother says that luckily she caught the baby before he fell into the toilet.

For more read this post here “ This actually happened. She went to the toilet and had a baby”.

6. Childcare ‘doesn’t make any difference’ for the first two-years of life

A visiting British expert has told Federal MP’s that the paid parental leave scheme should be extended to 12 months as childcare under the age of two ‘does not make any difference’ for the first two years of life.

The Australian reports that Edward Melhuish of the University of Oxford argues babies should be with their mothers at least until they are one-years of age.

The early child education expert told The Australian it was “ludicrous” to give new mothers six months’ pay when they needed at least a year off with their child.

“I think it’s silly to give full pay for six months when you could give a lower fraction for a longer period up to, say, 12 months.”

His research has shown childcare in the first year of life was not usually beneficial.

7. Petrol prices to soar

Economists are warning that petrol prices will rise with Europeans stockpiling oil because of the threat of war in the Ukraine.

Prices as high as $1.65 a litre were seen yesterday across Melbourne.

8. Were children present during riots?

The Guardian Australia raises concerns today over whether children were present on Manus Island during the violent clashes that left one man dead. According to a leaked document seen by Guardian Australia fourteen asylum seekers on Manus Island were unaccompanied minors.

There are also questions whether asylum seekers are transferred to Manus without having their ages properly verified.

8. Judge jails stalker

A South Australian judge has jailed a stalker saying that women have the right to end a failed relationship without fear of reprisal.

Duane Edward Cremer will serve five months’ jail for the five harassing text messages he sent a woman he met through online dating.

The judge would not suspend the sentence, saying that Cremer had a history of stalking women. “This sort of behaviour is a serious problem in our community,” Judge Chivell said.

9. Boy who raped sister walks free

A 13-year old boy who raped his eight-year old sister after watching hardcorn pornography on his X-Box has walked free.

The Lancashire Telegraph reports that the girl told a court appointed official that she loved her brother and wanted him home.

The boy has been reunited with his family – the Judge saying he is sure the boy will grow up to be a responsible member of society.

10. Part-time work a struggle for employers

News Limited report that many employers admit fitting in Mums after they return to work is difficult.

The Australian Industry Group which represents more than 60,000 businesses has rejected calls to toughen legal rights for mothers negotiating flexible work. The group has said in a national submission into pregnancy and return to work that parental leave poses challenges.

11. Burglar bashed baby

A Victorian court has heard that a burglar bashed a 10-month old baby with a homemade baton, leaving him for his mother to find dead in his cot.

Harley Hicks, 20, of North Bendigo, has been charged with murdering 10-month-old Zayden Veal during a robbery of the family’s Bendigo home.

Prosecutor Michelle Williams said Hicks unplugged a baby monitor and struck Zayden about 25 times to the head. The case continues today.

12. Anti-Semitism at Uni

Racist graffiti has been reported to be appearing at the University of Adelaide. The Australian reports that a campus sign was vandalised with a Star of David scrawled on it containing the number “666” and the words “No Jew world order”.

The graffiti has since been removed by university.

12. NAPLAN data goes live

The My Schools website goes live today with the 2013 NAPLAN data showing how schools perform against similar ones.

The site had 1.2 million visits last year.

What news are you talking about today?