39 Chinese bodies found in Truck

The 39 people found dead in a truck container in Essex, east of London, Police have confirmed all 39 of the victims were believed to be Chinese nationals. Eight of them were women and 31 were men.

previously reported one of the victims was a teenager, but have since clarified she may have been "a young adult woman".

They said a 25-year-old man — locally identified on Wednesday as Mo Robinson from Northern Ireland, who was the driver of the truck — remains in custody on suspicion of murder.

Adelaide a meth hot spot

A  study monitoring the use of illicit drugs has revealed Adelaide is a meth hot spot revealed Adelaide is a meth hot spot. 

Findings were gathered through analysing sewage samples from 60 million people between 2011 and 2017. 

Richard Blade, University of South Australia research associate said determining the scale of the illicit drug market would help countries work out the ‘best way’ to tackle the industry.
 

Gold Coast Haunted House

The parents from the Gold Coast, who are going by the pseudonyms Mr and Mrs Strappleberry,  have spent half a year and considerable funds transforming their handsome Queensland home into a nightmarish scene from an iconic horror film.

After using a smoke machine and fake spider webs last year, they noticed more kids and families in the neighbourhood trick or treating.

“It was wonderful to see excited kids out having fun, so we decided we could do more,” Mr Strappleberry said.
 

Zip-lining accident used to try and cash in

A friend of the Adelaide tourist who was killed in a zip-lining accident has revealed the sick tactic someone used to try and cash in on the freak accident.

Damian McCann, a friend of the couple, has since set up a GoFundMe page to help with the costs of Mr Sanderson’s funeral.

But he revealed it has been a struggle to get donations after a scammer set up his own fundraiser on a different website and tricked friends and family of the couple into donating.

Metro Delays

Metro delays will continue until March according to Brisbane City Council.
 
More than 500 buses per week were too full to take on passengers in September after delays in Brisbane City Council’s key mass transit project, Brisbane Metro.
Brisbane
 
Deputy mayor Krista Adams Says "Importantly, 65 per cent of the bus loads were during peak hours, but that's still a 35 per cent that occurred during off-peak, so it's not just daily work commuters who are copping the brunt of the problem.

Presidential apology and reform pledge failed to quell Chile protests

At least eighteen deaths have occurred after tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Chile’s capital setting up flaming barricades and clashing with police.

President Sebastian Pinera issued an apology and promised economic reforms which fueled the riots.

Millions of students were unable to attend classes and several subway stations were shut.

Protesters in Santiago waved the national flag and shouted, “Chile has woken up!”

Canadian PM Eliminates forming a coalition government

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has eliminated the possibility of forming a coalition government after losing Liberal seats in Monday’s general election.

Liberal representation in the House of Commons reduced from 177 to 157 seats in the recent election.

Mr Trudeau says he will be discussing with other party leaders parliamentary support for his minority government.

Government urged to reconsider Newstart

The Deputy Premier of NSW, John Barilaro has called on his federal colleagues to reconsider their position on Newstart at NCOSS event today.

The Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) CEO, Dr Cassandra Goldie said by increasing Newstart, the Government can act on poverty while providing needed economic stimulus, especially in regional areas, where people spend much of their income locally.

Sydney bus services going private

The Berejiklian government has decided to privatise bus services in parts of Sydney including the northern beaches and eastern suburbs.

Thousands of drivers will be notified the State Transit Authority’s grip on ‘bus regions’ seven, eight and nine will be terminated.

Several drivers will be offered transfer jobs to the companies, however, the question remains regarding jobs for the administration and other back-office staff at State Transit.