9am That's it from us this morning! Tune in tomorrow at 6am for Thursday's edition of the Rush.
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8.56am Good morning! If you've just joined us, hello, welcome, good morning! Let's check out what's happening in the weather, roads & rail this morning as you roll out of bed and head to work.
WEATHER Say see you later to the rain, it's going to be a sunny day, yippee! We're headed for a top of 24 degrees. Right now, in Albion Park and Bellambi, it's 21 degrees.
TRAINS There is track work on the South Coast line. Buses replace trains between Bomaderry and Oak Flats. Some buses start from or extend to Dapto/Wollongong. Trains operate between Oak Flats and Wollongong, Central/Bondi Junction, some to an amended timetable. There are also delays on the Airport & the Inner West & South line if you're headed that way.
TRAFFIC The Princes Highway will be closed at 9.30am in both directions at Broughton Creek Bridge in BERRY due to a truck rollover. Northbound light vehicles are being diverted onto Bolong Road in Bomaderry, then Gerroa Road, then Crooked River Road before re-joining the highway at Gerringong. Southbound light vehicles are being diverted off the Princes Highway at Gerringong then via Crooked River Road, Gerroa Road and then Bolong Road before re-joining the highway at Bomaderry. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time. A truck accident on Picton Rd (@ Almond St) is affecting westbound traffic.
8.52am Don't forget the John Steel Singers are performing at the Den tomorrow night.
8.50am Interested in local history? Why not join a theatrical tour of Gleniffer Brae tomorrow at10am-12pm where Sid Hoskins, the one-time owner of Australian Iron and Steel and Gleniffer Brae, will share details of his home and garden. $9 per person. Bookings essential by calling 4227 7667 or emailing botanicgarden@wollongong.nsw.gov.au.
8.46am Here are 10 things you can do to make you happier today - and they're backed by science so they must be right.
8.44am TRAFFIC UPDATE - BERRY: The Princes Highway will close to all vehicles in both directions at Broughton Creek Bridge in Berry at 9.30am to allow for a salvage operation to take place after a truck rollover earlier this morning. Light vehicles will continue to be diverted.
8.42am WORLD NEWS: Eighty people have been executed by firing squad in North Korea for watching foreign films, according to a newspaper report.
8.40am Tickets for Kings of Leon's Aussie go on-sale at 9am today. Don't miss out if you're a fan!
8.38am If you missed this gallery yesterday of adorable baby animals at Mogo Zoo, here it is for you again. Oh so cute.
8.36am CELEB GOSS ALERT: American Idol alum Kelly Clarkson really, really, really wants to get pregnant.
8.34am A new film about Melbourne's iconic Italian strip, Lygon Street, all began, appropriately, over lunch.
8.31am BREAKING: The federal opposition is demanding the coalition government provide a coherent explanation of conflicting reports about people-swap talks with Indonesia. A senior Indonesian official is standing by her claims that Canberra and Jakarta are discussing a deal that would would allow rescued asylum seekers to be returned to Indonesia if Australia took an equal number of processed refugees. However Djoko Suyanto, Indonesia’s co-ordinating minister for security and political affairs, has told the ABC there is no deal and Jakarta is standing by its position that rescued asylum seekers should be brought to Australia. Opposition immigration spokesman Richard Marles says it is time for the Australian government to make a ‘‘plain, open and simple’’ explanation.‘‘We are left in a situation of confusion,’’ he told reporters in Canberra on Wednesday.Prime Minister Tony Abbott insists the talks with Jakarta are about what ‘‘sort of arrangements’’ should apply to people picked up by Australian authorities in Indonesia’s search and rescue zone. (AAP)
8.29am CareSouth is celebrating its 21st birthday. This Friday, CareSouth is holding a gala fundraising night. For more information, visit
8.27am Dr Who fans, lend me your ears. The Daleks will descend on Buckingham Palace next week at a reception to mark the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who.
8.23am Schoolies are warned about the dangers of unprotected sex, drugs and alcohol abroad, but need as much education about contracting diseases such as rabies, doctors say. Travel Medicine Alliance spokeswoman Doctor Deb Mills says teenagers heading for Bali and other parts of Asia should make sure they have had all vaccination shots.
8.21am Local accomplished author Dell Brand will launch her latest novel at Warilla Library on November 21. The adult historical novel, A Voice to be Heard, is set in Australia in 1839 and follows the lives of two young women determined to live outside the confines of the Victorian Age. This is the second novel written by the Albion Park author, who has also written four children’s books known as the History’s a Mystery series. The free event will begin at 11am. Bookings can be made by contacting 4297 2522.
8.19am Can you believe it's only six weeks until Christmas? This actually gives me anxiety. Have you organised your gifts yet?
8.17am CELEB GOSS ALERT: In the 90s, Take That were the biggest boy band in the world, but Robbie Williams reckons it cost him an absolute fortune to leave the group in 1995. Ultimately, Williams ended up having to pay $2.5 million to get out of his contract - more than he earned from being in the band.
8.15am TRAIN ALERT: Allow extra travel time away from the city on the Inner West line & South line due to urgent signal equipment repairs between Holsworth and East Hills.
8.13am Don't forget the i98fm Camp Quality Convoy for Kids is on this Sunday. Find a posse roadside and wave to the dozens of bikes, trucks and cars passing by!
8.11am I love this story on news.com.au this morning - a Perth policeman looks EXACTLY like Ryan Gossling. What a burden to be plagued with! In fact, the pair are so alike he is now a professional Ryan Gossling lookalike. Love it.
8.09am REALITY TV ALERT: Don't forget the Bachelor is on tonight. Tim has just three girls left - who will he choose? Ooo it's getting close to the end now!
8.07am SPORT: James Horwill has revealed he was completely blindsided by coach Ewen McKenzie's decision to strip him of the Wallabies captaincy.
8.05am One World Trade Center has officially been deemed the tallest building in the US, standing at 1776 feet.
8.03am NSW RSL president Don Rowe has flagged the possible sale of the Port Kembla RSL premises.The NSW RSL state council last month stood down the Port Kembla sub-branch RSL over "significant" breaches of the RSL constitution. Read more here.
8.01am This weekend is the last weekend to catch Hotel Sorrento at Wollongong Workshop Theatre. Don't miss out, I've heard it's excellent.
7.59am Ladies, looking for an excuse to visit NYC? Ha, really, who needs one! Look, just in case you need some written-proof, here's 20 reasons from the SMH:
7.57am Wollongong City Council's citizens panel report has ignited a heated debate about service cuts, fee hikes and a 7.5 per cent rate rise, but has so far failed to attract many official submissions.
7.54am REALITY TV ALERT - Australia's Got Talent: The future of AGT remains uncertain, with speculation it could be axed after just one season on Channel Nine
7.52am Good morning! If you've just joined us, hello, welcome, good morning! Let's check out what's happening in the weather, roads & rail this morning as you roll out of bed and head to work.
WEATHER Say see you later to the rain, it's going to be a sunny day, yippee! We're headed for a top of 24 degrees. Right now, in Albion Park, it's 16 degrees and 19 in Bellambi.
TRAINS There is track work on the South Coast line. Buses replace trains between Bomaderry and Oak Flats. Some buses start from or extend to Dapto/Wollongong. Trains operate between Oak Flats and Wollongong, Central/Bondi Junction, some to an amended timetable. There are also delays on the Airport line if you're headed that way.
TRAFFIC The Princes Highway is closed in both directions at Broughton Creek Bridge in BERRY due to a truck rollover. Northbound light vehicles are being diverted onto Bolong Road in Bomaderry, then Gerroa Road, then Crooked River Road before re-joining the highway at Gerringong. Southbound light vehicles are being diverted off the Princes Highway at Gerringong then via Crooked River Road, Gerroa Road and then Bolong Road before re-joining the highway at Bomaderry. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time.
7.46am Local radio station Pulse 94.1FM's radiothon starts today. The station hopes to raise $44,407 before November 16. Right now, their tally sits at $6,275 but they still need $38,132 to replace ageing computer equipment. Contact the station to help.
7.44am So apparently cinema food is getting healthy. Not sure how I feel about this one - aren't the movies supposed to be the opportunity to eat pop-corn and choc-tops guilt-free?
7.42am Reporter Kate Walsh has a great story today about five students from St Mary's who are skipping schoolies to help in the Phillipines. Well done ladies!
7.40am National debt will continue to balloon throughout the first term of the Coalition government, despite harsh spending cuts to be identified by a Commission of Audit, a crackdown on public service jobs, and a promise that government would be smaller.
7.38am Don't forget Boy and Bear are performing at Waves this Friday. Tickets still available, should be a good show!
7.35am Today is World Diabetes Day.
7.33am BREAKING: Prime Minister Tony Abbott says the government will deliver on its promise to axe the carbon tax, despite the opposition refusing to back the legislation. Mr Abbott will present his government’s first major piece of legislation shortly after 9am today to deliver a long-held promise to abolish the carbon tax, introduced by Labor in 2012. He says his government is determined to keep the commitment, but would not answer directly if he would go to a double dissolution election if the bill was blocked in the Senate. (AAP)
7.31am STRANGE BUT TRUE: A man is recovering in hospital after reportedly being attacked by a crocodile while playing golf in Mexico.
7.29am Check out this video from news.com.au this morning - a Harlem Globetrotter has narrowly avoided injury after a dunk stunt went seriously wrong. Ouch!
7.26am London's taxis have been voted the best in the world for the sixth year in a row in an annual global taxi survey.
7.23am Kiama mayor Brian Petschler officially opened the Kiama Combined Charities Christmas Card shop yesterday. The temporary shop is located in the council’s Old Chambers in the RSL room and is open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday until December 6. People can drop in and purchase a selection of quality Christmas cards while also supporting a range of charities.
7.20am Seniors in the South Coast electorate can still obtain free tickets to attend the Premier’s Christmas Gala Concert to be held at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre on Thursday, November 28. For more information, visit www.nswseniorsweek.com.au/events/gala_concerts or call the concert's information line on 1300 855 501.
7.18am Wollongong’s iconic lighthouses will turn orange tonight in support and recognition of the great work that NSW SES volunteers do across the State. Each year, NSW SES volunteers give around 400,000 hours helping their communities in times of storms, floods and other emergencies. Don't forget to wear orange today to show your support.
7.16am WORLD NEWS: 16-year-old Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai stole the show at Monday night's Glamour Women of the Year awards. No easy feat, given Lady Gaga was also on the guest list.
7.13am New laws to deliver a fairer payment system for builders and subcontractors working in the construction industry has passed the Legislative Council. Minister for Finance and Services Andrew Constance said the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 had been amended to ensure prompt payments for subcontractors.
7.11am The St Vincent de Paul Society has launched its annual Christmas Appeal, asking people to dig deep and make a generous donation. To make a donation, visit vinnies.org.au or call 13 18 12.
7.09am CELEB GOSS ALERT: Justin Timberlake was honoured at GQ's Men of the Year dinner last night but it was his wife, Jessica Biel, who stole the show.
7.07am WORLD NEWS: An American TV reporter has been diagnosed with breast cancer after having a mammogram on air as part of a story on the disease. ABC News journalist Amy Robach announced on Monday that she had breast cancer — and that she learnt about it only after her colleagues persuaded her to have a mammogram on Good Morning America.
7.05am Motorists are advised of closures on the M1 Princes Motorway between Waterfall and Bulli Tops for essential maintenance work. Night work on the southbound lanes is set to finish tomorrow while northbound lane work will run from Sunday, November 17 to Thursday, November 21. Lanes being worked on will be closed from 8pm to 5am with motorists to detour via the Old Princes Highway. The opposing lanes will be open at all times.
7.03am BREAKING: A cyclist has died in hospital after he collided with a truck in Sydney’s inner west. The man, 40, was riding his bike about 11.10am yesterday at the corner of Talbot Street and the Princes Highway, St Peters, when the collision occurred, police said. He was taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and died shortly after.The 49-year-old truck driver was taken to hospital for blood and urine testing. (AAP)
7.01am Children as young as 12 who live in areas saturated with liquor outlets are more likely to drink than their peers, researchers say. A study of more than 10,000 high school students has found many are illegally being sold alcohol from takeaway liquor shops. Children between 12 and 14 who live close to many take-away liquor outlets were particularly at risk of drinking.
6.54am Here's what's in your Illawarra Mercury today:
*Court reporter Shannon Tonkin has the findings from the inquest into Ariel Vega's death. All elderly patients being admitted to Wollongong Hospital may have to undergo tests for early signs of dementia-related illness if recommendations put forward by a coroner are adopted. Read more here.
*Kanahooka teen Cassandra Nascimento has died after a three-year battle with brain cancer.
*NSW Resources Minister Chris Hartcher has announced an immediate halt to coal seam gas activity in water catchment areas in Sydney and the Illawarra.
*A Lismore man has admitted violently bashing his elderly parents at their Mount Pleasant home before trying to set it on fire. Read more here.
6.52am Good morning! If you've just joined us, hello, welcome, good morning! Let's check out what's happening in the weather, roads & rail this morning as you roll out of bed and head to work.
WEATHER Say see you later to the rain, it's going to be a sunny day, yippee! We're headed for a top of 24 degrees. Right now, in Albion Park, it's 12 degrees and 17 in Bellambi.
TRAINS There is track work on the South Coast line. Buses replace trains between Bomaderry and Oak Flats. Some buses start from or extend to Dapto/Wollongong. Trains operate between Oak Flats and Wollongong, Central/Bondi Junction, some to an amended timetable.
TRAFFIC The Princes Highway is closed in both directions at Broughton Creek Bridge in BERRY due to a truck rollover. Northbound light vehicles are being diverted onto Bolong Road in Bomaderry, then Gerroa Road, then Crooked River Road before re-joining the highway at Gerringong. Southbound light vehicles are being diverted off the Princes Highway at Gerringong then via Crooked River Road, Gerroa Road and then Bolong Road before re-joining the highway at Bomaderry. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time.
6.49am Simon Gittany, accused of murdering his fiancee by throwing her off a high-rise balcony, has been refused bail and will remain in custody until a judge decides his fate.
6.46am The Albion Park Men’s Shed is opening its doors to blokes who want to learn more about carpentry and welding using a range of tools and equipment. The free workshop tomorrow aims to promote the sustainability message by encouraging Shellharbour men to learn more about how they can make and fix items rather than buying new products. Register to be part of the free event by contacting Yvette or Kellie on 4221 6351.
6.44am Struggling to save for a house deposit? You're not alone - with deposit, stamp duty, legal fees and building inspection fees, buyers are finding it difficult to scrape together the cash to get into the market.
6.42am Reporter Kate Walsh has written a lovely piece on the students at Aspect South Coast School. The school has been busy preparing for its end-of-year concert tonight. Check out the story & snapper Kirk Gilmour's great pics here.
6.40am SPORT - cricket: Australian pace ace Mitchell Johnson admits this summer’s Ashes series is make-or-break for his Test career, but he’s not going to let any taunts from the Barmy Army shatter his confidence. Johnson’s hot form during the recent one-day series in India was rewarded on Tuesday when he was named in Australia’s 12-man squad for the first Test against England at the Gabba, starting November 21. The 32-year-old has endured mixed fortunes during his two previous Ashes series, with his erratic bowling making him an easy target of England’s supporter group. Johnson, who was overlooked for the last Ashes series in England, admits the jibes directed his way affected him in the past. (AAP)
6.38am Police investigating an attempted robbery at a Melbourne railway station are appealing for help identifying a so-called ‘‘brontosaurus bandit’’. A man wearing a green dinosaur outfit is among a group of youths believed involved in the October 16 incident in which a 21-year-old man was threatened with a glass bottle. (AAP)
6.36am It's 40 days until Christmas. Oh dear. Here's how to stay on track with your work-outs and avoid the festive season bloat.
6.34am TRAFFIC ALERT - BERRY: The Princes Highway is closed in both directions at Broughton Creek Bridge due to a truck rollover. Northbound light vehicles are being diverted onto Bolong Road in Bomaderry, then Gerroa Road, then Crooked River Road before re-joining the highway at Gerringong. Southbound light vehicles are being diverted off the Princes Highway at Gerringong then via Crooked River Road, Gerroa Road and then Bolong Road before re-joining the highway at Bomaderry. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time.
6.32am LOCAL SPORT: South Coast junior Brendon Santalab has been rewarded for a positive start to life at the Western Sydney Wanderers, with a two-year contract extension. After joining the red and black’s in the off-season from Chinese Super League club Chongqing Lifan, Santalab has played a role in all of the Wanderers first five games this campaign.
6.30am CELEB GOSS ALERT: women of the world, unite! It's Ryan Gosling's birthday today - he's 33. Enjoy this evolution of his hotness - although, let's be honest, I think he was born attractive.
6.28am WORLD NEWS: Authorities fear outbreaks of diseases in areas devastated by super typhoon Haiyan, with the United Nations calling for more urgency in rescue operations that have been hampered by armed looters desperate for food.
6.26am Two months after NSW Roads Minister Duncan Gay criticised Keira MP Ryan Park for seeking a review of the demerit points system, a government committee is looking into the issue. Read more here.
6.24am Today is Wear Orange to Work day! Grab your favourite orange jumper and support the SES.
6.22am SPORT: The Kangaroos have rallied around rattled fullback Billy Slater as they look to turn their attention to their quarter-final against the USA this weekend. Slater spoke publicly for the first time as CCTV footage emerged showing his retaliatory punch that floored a drunken patron of a Manchester nightclub, while his wife Nicole made an emotional statement on social media
6.20am I know it's early but really, who couldn't do with some cute dog pics right about now?! Am I right?! Oh Buzzfeed, thank you for bringing us "pug puppies that should be illegal." I know. Thank me later. In chocolate.
6.18am Tune into the i98FM Breakfast Show with Marty & Bianca from 7am to 9am for the first ever lead bike auction! Then, whip out your tissues tomorrow for the lead truck auction from 11am to 12pm. Sure to be a tear jerker!
6.16am LOCAL SPORT: Kembla Grange chief executive Peter De Vries is hopeful the Australian Turf Club’s revamped Autumn carnival can boost the Illawarra Turf Club’s own feature event, the Keith Nolan Classic. The ATC announced a massive overhaul yesterday to the feature carnival at Royal Randwick, unveiling a two-day grand final like event known as ‘The Championships’ and increasing prizemoney by almost $10 million.
6.14am Check out this great Facebook page from our very own keen baker Kate. Her "Whisk and Sift" site has some delish recipes - including this one for caramel fudge. Drool.
6.12am REALITY TV ALERT: Embarrassing Bodies Down Under - did you watch last night's episode? If you missed it, here's a cringe-worthy re-cap. Warning: don't read while eating.
6.10am CELEB GOSS ALERT: did you see Miley Cyrus at the European VMAs? She smoked a joint on stage, twerked with a female dwarf and rocked some interesting outfits. Check it out.
6.08am Jess Mauboy is performing at the WEC tonight. Have you got your tickets? Head to Ticketek to pick up tickets if you haven't got them yet - good seats still available.
6.06am Let's see what is making national headlines:
*In the SMH: Under proposed laws being drafted by Fair Trading, a majority of apartment owners will be able to force their neighbours to sell their homes.
*Referrals to cancer genetic clinics tripled after Angelina Jolie publicised her preventative double mastectomy in May, research shows. (SMH)
*Labor will move to delay a vote on the carbon tax until well into next year by moving for a twin Senate inquiry into the repeal legislation and the Coalition’s planned direct action policy. (AFR)
6.04am Here's what's in your Illawarra Mercury today:
*Court reporter Shannon Tonkin has the findings from the inquest into Ariel Vega's death. All elderly patients being admitted to Wollongong Hospital may have to undergo tests for early signs of dementia-related illness if recommendations put forward by a coroner are adopted. Read more here.
*Kanahooka teen Cassandra Nascimento has died after a three-year battle with brain cancer.
*NSW Resources Minister Chris Hartcher has announced an immediate halt to coal seam gas activity in water catchment areas in Sydney and the Illawarra.
*A Lismore man has admitted violently bashing his elderly parents at their Mount Pleasant home before trying to set it on fire. Read more here.
6.02am Let's check out what's happening in the weather, roads & rail this morning as you roll out of bed and head to work.
WEATHER Say see you later to the rain, it's going to be a sunny day, yippee! We're headed for a top of 24 degrees. Right now, in Albion Park, it's 9 degrees and 16 in Bellambi.
TRAINS There is track work on the South Coast line. Buses replace trains between Bomaderry and Oak Flats. Some buses start from or extend to Dapto/Wollongong. Trains operate between Oak Flats and Wollongong, Central/Bondi Junction, some to an amended timetable.
TRAFFIC There is a truck accident at BERRY (Princes Hwy @ Broughton Creek Bridge). Traffic is affected in both directions and emergency services are on the scene.
6am Good morning and happy hump day - it's Wednesday, the middle of the working week (you made it!) Grab your coffee and stay with us this morning for all the latest happenings in & around the region.
