8.53am That's it from us this morning. Have a wonderful Thursday! Enjoy the lovely weather.
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8.48am Here's what's making news in your Mercury today:
*Kate McIlwain has followed up reccomendations to change council's services. She's looked at parking meters - raising Wollongong parking fees by 50 per cent would be ‘‘the nail in the coffin’’ for many struggling businesses in the city centre, Downtown Newsagency owner Noel Perry has said.
*Ben Langford has looked at Wollongong's tourism sector - the city's success in setting itself up as an event-driven tourist destination will suffer if cuts to the events and tourism budget recommended by council’s controversial citizens panel go ahead.
*Gujarat NRE workers got their first wages in at least six weeks on Wednesday night, as money started flowing into their bank accounts. Check it out here.
*The Port Kembla RSL sub-branch executive was sacked by RSL NSW over ‘‘significant’’ breaches of the group’s constitution, including the apparent absence of the club’s cash books, according to a letter sent to members. Read more here.
8.46am Are these beauty looks brave or bonkers?
8.43am If you've just tuned in, here's what you need to know RIGHT NOW:
WEATHER It's going to be sunny & warm today, we're headed for a top of 27 degrees. Nice. Perfect beach weather - but make sure you slip, slop & slap! Right now in Bellambi and Albion Park, it's 20 degrees.
TRAINS There is still track work on the South Coast line. Buses replace trains between Bomaderry and Oak Flats. Some buses will start from or extend to Dapto/Wollongong. Leave extra travel time.
TRAFFIC Everything looks a-okay on the road this morning. Don't forget those partial lane closure at GWYNNEVILLE around University Ave.
8.41am WORLD NEWS: Internet giant Google says it is exploring using two large barges on the East and West coasts as interactive learning centres.
8.38am CELEB GOSS ALERT: Justin Bieber is wanted by police for spraying graffiti on Hotel Nacional in Rio de Janeiro.
8.36am Lucy Humphrey's two-tonne water-filled sculpture has proved the talk of this year's Sculpture by the Sea.
8.34am Submissions for the Plan Illawarra discussion paper close on Monday. Make sure you get your submission in if you want a say on the region's future. Post your submissions here: http://strategies.planning.nsw.gov.au/IllawarraStrategy.aspx
8.32am Coledale Surf Life Saving club is holding its centenary celebrations this weekend. Head over to the club and give the guys a pat on the back - 100 years is a long time.
8.30am TV ALERT: The SMH has issued a school report card for new show Ja'ime and its key student. Check it out here:
8.28am Last acts for the Farmer and the Owl music festival announced yesterday. A great line-up and so good to see the Gong getting its own festival.
8.26am Complaints from NSW energy and water consumers are on the rise, with high bills, poor customer service and marketing issues causing most grief. The Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) found 36,373 complaints in 2012-13 for a 45 per cent increase. This follows a 43 per cent increase the previous financial year. (AAP)
8.24am Court reporter Shannon Tonkin has this story out of court this morning:
A Bellambi man kidnapped from his home by three men was subjected to a savage beating before the group’s ringleader bit off part of his ear, a court has heard.
8.22am CELEB GOSS ALERT: Aussie actress Margot Robbie is fighting off claims she is coming between Will Smith and wife Jada.
8.19am WORLD NEWS: Swiss aviator Yves "Jetman" Rossy has used his jet-engine powered wings to fly around Mount Fuji, Japan.
8.17am Papergirl is hosting its official wrap party tomorrow night. Looks like it should be a great night!
8.15am Simon Gittany told his fiancee Lisa Harnum not to gaze in the direction of other men, not to leave their unit without permission, not to see any friends when she was overseas and asked her to refrain from wearing high heels or revealing clothing. He also forbade her from wearing her hair out or confessing her sins to a priest, called her ''cute'' when she said she had no friends, and monitored her text messages through a computer program, it has been alleged.
8.13am SPORT: Channel Nine has just tweeted that Greg Inglis & Johnathan Thurston will be rested for Rugby League World Cup game against Ireland.
8.10am Mums, dads, carers, bumps, babies and tykes! Reserve your seat at the next Mummy Mingle community event. The morning teas feature monthly information geared towards parents of children from 0-5 years, pop up fashion and lifestyle stalls, guest speakers, children’s activities and a baby weigh station. The upcoming event on Monday, November 11 is “LUAU Style” Morning Tea (dress up optional). Seats are limited. To reserve your place email – mummymingle@yahoo.com.au, www.facebook.com/mummymingle or call 0434248114.
8.08am Bowral RSL Sub Branch member and Southern Highlands army cadets will be selling Remembrance Day Poppies and Badges in the Bowral CBD on Friday. Bowral RSL Sub Branch will conduct a Remembrance Day service at the Bowral War Memorial park on Monday, November 11 at 10.45am. Members of the sub-branch will also gather at Bowral House Nursing Home at 2pm on Monday for a service.
8.06am Check out reporter Kate McIlwain's analysis piece on the council's citizens' panel report. Some great points about its overall ambiguity (can you vague that up for me!?)
8.04am It's that time of the morning - HILARIOUS ANIMAL PIC, yaaaaaay! Here is a cat dressed as a slice of pizza. I know. Amazing. Enjoy.
8.02am BREAKING WORLD NEWS: One of the US teenagers accused of the drive-by shooting of Australian baseball player Chris Lane has been charged with murder as an adult.
8am CELEB GOSS ALERT: Denise Richards is seeking to end temporary custody of Charlie Sheen's twins over their violent behavior.
7.58am Here's what's making news in your Mercury today:
*Kate McIlwain has followed up reccomendations to change council's services. She's looked at parking meters - raising Wollongong parking fees by 50 per cent would be ‘‘the nail in the coffin’’ for many struggling businesses in the city centre, Downtown Newsagency owner Noel Perry has said.
*Ben Langford has looked at Wollongong's tourism sector - the city's success in setting itself up as an event-driven tourist destination will suffer if cuts to the events and tourism budget recommended by council’s controversial citizens panel go ahead.
*Gujarat NRE workers got their first wages in at least six weeks on Wednesday night, as money started flowing into their bank accounts. Check it out here.
7.54am Good morning, good MORNING! If you've just tuned in, here's what you need to know RIGHT NOW:
WEATHER It's going to be sunny & warm today, we're headed for a top of 27 degrees. Nice. Perfect beach weather - but make sure you slip, slop & slap! Right now in Bellambi, it's 19 degrees and it's 14 in Albion Park.
TRAINS There is still track work on the South Coast line. Buses replace trains between Bomaderry and Oak Flats. Some buses will start from or extend to Dapto/Wollongong. Leave extra travel time.
TRAFFIC Everything looks a-okay on the road this morning. Don't forget those partial lane closure at GWYNNEVILLE around University Ave.
7.50am BREAKING: Independent Senator Nick Xenophon says Clive Palmer will face formal scrutiny over how much of his own money he spent ‘‘buying’’ himself a seat in parliament. Senator Xenophon has told The Courier-Mail he expects a parliamentary committee on electoral matters to focus some of its attention on the new member for Fairfax. (AAP)
7.48am Really good read from SMH business columnist Elizabeth Knight on the ongoing struggle to address the gender imbalance in management.
7.46am The Paul Grabowsky Sextet is performing at the IPAC tomorrow night. Looks like a great concert! Check out Kate Walsh's story here:
7.43am Have you downloaded the Mercury's iphone app yet? It's seriously good - free and very easy to read. A great way to get your news on the go!
7.40am In the market to buy a record store? Well, just head on over to eBay - there's one for sale right there. Seriously, is there nothing you can't buy on eBay!?
7.38am BREAKING: The NSW government will waive the waste levy for asbestos disposal to discourage people from illegally dumping the deadly material. Environment Minister Robyn Parker says the $3 million, 12-month trial will also reduce tip fees in participating council areas.The move comes as increasing numbers of home renovators undertake work on homes built before 1987, Ms Parker says. (AAP)
7.36am Hi-5 are headed to the IPAC on Sunday. The group will perform classic favourites like ‘L.O.V.E’ and ‘Ready or Not’, along with new songs including ‘Dance with the Dinosaurs’ and ‘Come on in’ performed for the very first time on stage. The show will also include the popularFeatured Songs of the Week from the series. Shows are at 10am and 1pm. Grab your tickets today.
7.34am MOVIE ALERT: Hugh Jackman may have hinted that the next X-Men film will be his last wearing Wolverine's claws, but it seems audiences have other ideas.
7.32am If you haven't watched this video yet, DO IT. Watching these kids' reactions to same-sex marriage proposals is thought-provoking and priceless.
7.30am Australians will for the first time begin receiving warnings of impending heatwaves days in advance in an effort to help communities prepare for sweltering weather and limit the damage to health.
7.28am We're giving away family passes to Disney's Mickey's Magic Show. Enter below:
7.26am Viva La Gong is on this weekend. We'll have a preview in tomorrow's paper and a map of the events.
7.24am SPORT: Fiorente has the racing world at his feet - now it is simply up to trainer Gai Waterhouse to decide where to go next with her Melbourne Cup winner.
7.22am Tomorrow is Walk to Work day. Grab your runners, leave plenty of time and stroll to work if you can. If you live to far away, why not aim to have a walk in your lunch break? If you celebrated National Nachos Day (**see previous post**), you might be keen to have a walk!
7.20am Today is National Nachos Day in the states. If you're looking for an excuse to eat some nachos tonight...you've got one! I'm also bringing you some facts about nachos you never knew before. Fact: they are delicious. (Oh, you probably already knew that...)
Happy National Nachos Day! 8 things you never knew about nachos http://t.co/HShHNCBzXS
— Huffington Post (@HuffingtonPost) November 6, 2013
7.18am Ang Thompson has a great story here on yesterday's science fair at UOW. Awesome pics from Merc snapper Andy Zakeli too.
7.16am REALITY TV ALERT - The Bachelor: we've got a great recap here on what happened when Tim met the remaining girls' families. And who did he send packing?
7.14am CELEB GOSS ALERT: Orlando Bloom has opened up about his split with Miranda Kerr.
7.12am Star Wars fans, lend me your ears - detailed plans for the Imperial Death Star that featured in the Star Wars films have been published by car maintenance manual publisher Haynes. The 120 page guide provides technical specifications of the battle station, which appeared in the original Star Wars movie when it was released 1977.
7.10am Frenzal Rhomb will be relying on muscle memory when they perform this Friday night at University of Wollongong, says lead singer Jay Whalley.
7.08am It's McHappy day on Saturday. Head into Maccas, grab a Big Mac and help raise funds for McDonald's charities.
7.06am Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce has defended charging taxpayers more than $5300 for attending three NRL games last year, declaring he will not pay back the funds because the trips were a legitimate part of his job.
7.04am We're giving away double passes to see Jessica Mauboy at the WEC on November 13. Click below to enter:
7.02am Love this story from the SMH - a marching band in the US used an iPad to help them march out the shape of a T-Rex while playing the theme from Jurrasic Park. Impressive!
7am BREAKING: Two men have been shot in Bankstown in Sydney’s southwest, with police later arresting three men over the attack. Residents on West Terrace reported hearing gunshots soon after midnight on Thursday, before two men arrived at Bankstown Hospital suffering gunshot wounds.Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, police say. (AAP)
6.59am The first same sex marriages can happen in the ACT in a month’s time, but a High Court challenge will be heard before any wedding vows. The ACT government’s law official came into effect on Thursday. Same sex couples have to give notice of their intention to marry at least a month before the wedding date, similar to heterosexual couples. This means the first weddings could take place on the weekend of December 7 and 8. However, the High Court will hear the Commonwealth’s challenge to the law on December 3 and 4. (AAP)
6.58am Here's what's making news in your Mercury today:
*Kate McIlwain has followed up reccomendations to change council's services. She's looked at parking meters - raising Wollongong parking fees by 50 per cent would be ‘‘the nail in the coffin’’ for many struggling businesses in the city centre, Downtown Newsagency owner Noel Perry has said.
*Ben Langford has looked at Wollongong's tourism sector - the city's success in setting itself up as an event-driven tourist destination will suffer if cuts to the events and tourism budget recommended by council’s controversial citizens panel go ahead.
*Gujarat NRE workers got their first wages in at least six weeks on Wednesday night, as money started flowing into their bank accounts. Check it out here.
*The Port Kembla RSL sub-branch executive was sacked by RSL NSW over ‘‘significant’’ breaches of the group’s constitution, including the apparent absence of the club’s cash books, according to a letter sent to members. Read more here.
6.56am Good morning, welcome aboard! If you've just tuned in, here's what you need to get you out of bed this morning:
WEATHER It's going to be sunny & warm today, we're headed for a top of 27 degrees. Nice. Perfect beach weather - but make sure you slip, slop & slap! Right now in Bellambi, it's 17 degrees and just 10 in Albion Park.
TRAINS There is still track work on the South Coast line. Buses replace trains between Bomaderry and Oak Flats. Some buses will start from or extend to Dapto/Wollongong. Leave extra travel time.
TRAFFIC Everything looks a-okay on the road this morning. Don't forget those partial lane closure at GWYNNEVILLE around University Ave.
6.54am BREAKING WORLD NEWS: Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat was poisoned to death in 2004 with radioactive polonium, his widow Suha said on Wednesday after receiving the results of Swiss forensic tests on her husband's corpse.
6.52am STRANGE BUT TRUE: Fossilized poo reveals tiny predator's last meal.
Fossilized poop reveals tiny predator's last meal http://t.co/LugCPkUqvG
— Huffington Post (@HuffingtonPost) November 6, 2013
6.50am A little Thursday funny for you! Who doesn't like a joke to brighten up their morning?
6.48am LOCAL SPORT - basketball: He has earned a reputation as a hard-hitting brute off the bench, but Dave Gruber is ready to bring his special brand of physicality to the Wollongong Hawks starting lineup in Saturday’s road clash with Melbourne.
6.46am BREAKING: Gang members in possession of firearms could face a mandatory five years’ jail under tough new laws being considered in NSW. Premier Barry O’Farrell is working on the mandatory minimum sentences laws out of frustration at the recent spate of shootings across Sydney, News Corp Australia reports. (AAP)
6.44am Empty shopfronts on Port Kembla’s main drag will be covered with murals as the suburb comes alive for its annual billy cart derby on November 16.
6.42am LOCAL SPORT: The Illawarra Coal League will be reduced to a seven-team competition after Shellharbour confirmed its intention to leave the competition at a meeting of Illawarra clubs on Friday night. The Sharks have been ‘‘on-loan’’ to the Coal League since 2008 and met with officials from Group Seven last night to formalise their plan to return to the competition it first joined in 1920.
6.40am With Christmas approaching, is it time to end the stereotyping of kids' gifts? Why can't a little boy get a doll and a girl get a truck? Great story on the topic from the SMH.
6.38am Don't forget Justice Crew are performing at Westfield Warrawong this afternoon. Don't miss it!
6.37am LOCAL SPORT - swimming: Illawarra swimmer Emma McKeon’s international star has continued to rise with an Australian record-breaking swim to claim gold in the 200-metre freestyle at a FINA World Cup event in Singapore. Against a strong field, McKeon shaved almost half a second off Kylie Palmer’s old mark set at the 2010 World Short Course Championships in Dubai, to claim her first individual gold medal at an international event.
6.35am The HSC is finally over! Yippee! Congrats to all those students who made it through - enjoy the break!
6.30am LOCAL SPORT - football: Albion Park Socceroos defender Luke Wilkshire’s is pondering his international future after he was dropped from new coach Ange Postecoglou’s 22-man squad for this month’s friendly with Costa Rica. The 32-year-old was among a group of four senior players dumped from the national team, on a day where legendary goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer announced his retirement from the international game.
6.28am Have you seen the dress being dubbed the "most revealing ever"? Check it out here:
6.26am Lovely story from Glen Humphries this morning on a Dragons fan who received a special surprise yesterday.
6.24am The Diorama exhibition closes at the Wollongong Art Gallery on November 10. It’s the last chance to get in and see the works of nine sculptors. Don’t miss out!
6.22am REALITY TV ALERT - Big Brother: After 101 days in the Big Brother house, 29-year- old Sydney student Tim has won Big Brother 2013. Tim was followed closely by runner up Jade with 34% and second runner up Tahan with 30%.
6.20am BREAKING WORLD NEWS: A mystery woman who was found wandering dazed and confused along Dublin's main shopping strip is believed to be an Australian student named Samantha Azzopardi. It has emerged that she has up to 40 different aliases and a previous conviction for deception in Australia for illegally trying to draw social welfare benefits payments.
6.18am CELEB GOSS ALERT: Jennifer Lawrence has also hacked off her hair, showing off a new pixie cut. Cute.
6.16am SPORT - cricket: Australia will have to snatch the urn from an England dressing room full of ''assassins'' and ''warriors'' if they are to win the Ashes this summer after three consecutive defeats.
6.14am BREAKING: A man has been charged after allegedly posing as a Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteer and fund-raising in the Southern Highlands. The RFS reported that a bogus fund-raiser was operating in the area and members of the public told police a man wearing only part of the RFS uniform was going door-to-door in the Mittagong area about midday on Sunday. Police were told that a number of residents purchased raffle tickets. It’s alleged the same man, again partially dressed as an RFS volunteer, sold raffle tickets to residents in Burradoo on Tuesday. Detectives said they issued a search warrant on a home in Mittagong on Wednesday and several items were seized, including part of an RFS uniform and a raffle ticket book.A 42-year-old man was arrested later in Bowral and taken to Bowral Police Station, where he was charged with several offences, including impersonating an emergency services organisation officer, obtaining money by deception and larceny.He was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Moss Vale Local Court on December 16. (AAP)
6.12am SMH has a guide to 10 things you should do before breakfast. Check it out.
6.10am Wollongong Botanic Gardens is holding a free bird-spotting tour today from 12.30pm. Walk starts near Madoline St entrance.
6.08am CELEB GOSS ALERT: Jennifer Aniston has chopped off her hair! Check out her new 'do here.
6.06am Let's have a look at what's in the national news:
*From the SMH: The financial fallout from a spate of corruption inquiries is beginning to hit former Labor powerbroker Eddie Obeid.
*Also in the SMH: Employees have stolen more than $200 million from Australia’s financial institutions in the past 13 years, with the need to feed a gambling addiction the motivation for more than half the people caught.
*More from the SMH: Experts say Australian men have been done a ‘‘great disservice’’ by a massive growth in prostate cancer diagnosis that has led to many receiving unnecessary and invasive treatment.
*Also in the SMH: Lidija Sutevska, 43, who hit and killed kindergarten student Kevin Quintal, was found not guilty in Sutherland Local Court of negligent driving.
6.04am Here's what's making news in your Mercury today:
*Kate McIlwain has followed up reccomendations to change council's services. She's looked at parking meters - raising Wollongong parking fees by 50 per cent would be ‘‘the nail in the coffin’’ for many struggling businesses in the city centre, Downtown Newsagency owner Noel Perry has said.
*Ben Langford has looked at Wollongong's tourism sector - the city's success in setting itself up as an event-driven tourist destination will suffer if cuts to the events and tourism budget recommended by council’s controversial citizens panel go ahead.
*Gujarat NRE workers got their first wages in at least six weeks on Wednesday night, as money started flowing into their bank accounts. Check it out here.
*The Port Kembla RSL sub-branch executive was sacked by RSL NSW over ‘‘significant’’ breaches of the group’s constitution, including the apparent absence of the club’s cash books, according to a letter sent to members. Read more here.
6.01am If you've just tuned in, here's what you need to know RIGHT NOW:
WEATHER It's going to be sunny & warm today, we're headed for a top of 27 degrees. Nice. Perfect beach weather - but make sure you slip, slop & slap! Right now in Bellambi, it's 16 degrees.
TRAINS There is still track work on the South Coast line. Buses replace trains between Bomaderry and Oak Flats. Some buses will start from or extend to Dapto/Wollongong. Leave extra travel time.
TRAFFIC Everything looks a-okay on the road this morning. Don't forget those partial lane closure at GWYNNEVILLE around University Ave.
6am Good morning Illawarra and happy Thursday! Welcome to today's edition of the Morning Rush - join reporter Emma Spillett for all the latest news, sport, traffic and weather. Yay!