TRANSCRIPT
- Planning underway for the state funeral for former US president Jimmy Carter
- A call for more blood donations in Australia to meet a shortfall
- Team USA move into top spot in Group A at the United Cup, after defeating Canada
Final arrangements are being made for a state funeral for former US President Jimmy Carter - who has died at the age of 100.
The Carter Center says he died peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia surrounded by his family; more than a year after entering hospice care.
In March 2019, Mr Carter became the oldest living former president in US history.
Mr Carter is survived by his children - Jack, Chip, Jeff and Amy - along with 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
President Joe Biden says planning is underway for an official state funeral in the nation's capital.
The author of nine books on US presidential history, Michael Beschloss, told NBC News, Mr Carter leaves behind a substantial legacy.
"So what Carter used to say is if you like my ex-presidency, take a look at the values that have driven that ex-presidency: a desiry for democracy around the world, human rights, and racial justice. And you will see those things in my presidency."
—-
South Korea has declared seven days of mourning to honour the 179 people who died in what is being described as the country's deadliest aviation in 27 years.
Only two people - crew members - survived the crash after the plane, operated by Korean budget airline Jeju, skidded off a runway and burst into flames at Muan international Airport in South Korea.
Sixty-three-year-old Im Young-hak runs a seafood restaurant near the Muan International Airport.
He says he will never forget what he heard and saw.
Korean* then translated into English): "It was about 8:50 am I heard a bang. At first, I thought it was an oil tanker accident as we could see a lot of oil tankers nearby. I went outside and saw big dark smoke. Then I could hear a big explosion sound, not the one from the crash itself. Then I heard more explosions at least seven times."
—-
Australians are being urged to donate blood to help meet the number of donations needed to maintain supplies for patients.
The Christmas and New Year's period is a particularly difficult time to meet the weekly target of 33,000 donations for needs, including: serious accidents, surgery, complicated births, and cancer treatment.
Cath Stone is executive director of donor services at the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood.
She says the organisation is hoping to get more blood donations before the year is out.
"Four times a year, it is just four hours in your life this year that could make such a game-changing difference for patients that are depending on it 365 days a year. In 2025, we need 100,000 new donors. And we're asking all of Australia to think about adding blood and plasma donation to your New Year habit list."
—-
Australians are broadly paying less in 2024 on their electricity bill than the previous 12 months, but customers who fail to switch plans regularly are paying more.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's latest report on the National Electricity Market finds the so-called "loyalty penalty" intensified the longer customers waited to switch - amounting to paying hundreds of dollars extra a year.
Commissioner Anna Brakey says households that haven’t changed electricity plans in the past 12 months are paying more than they need to.
—-
Australians marking New Year's Eve by attending the Sydney fireworks are being urged to avoid anti-social and dangerous behaviour.
Extra police officers are being deployed in the largest operation of the year for New South Wales Police.
More than a million revellers are expected to flock to the Sydney Harbour foreshore to see the fireworks.
Most of the ever-popular vantage points around the harbour will not be ticketed this year - and people urged to plan ahead and arrive early to avoid missing out.
New South Wales Police Assistant Commissioner, Peter McKenna says officers are there to ensure public safety.
"It is also about people being respectful. People understanding there will be queues. There will be large crowds. So just listen to the police. Heed our advice and guidance. Certainly, we want everyone to have a great time. What we don't want is people coming in and being anti-social, committing offences. You don't want to start 2025 in the back of a police truck. Because I can assure you that is where you will end up if you coming to do the wrong thing."
—-
In Tennis, Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz have guided Team USA to a mixed doubles victory over Canada at the United Cup in Perth.
The result gives the United States a 2-1 win over Canada, putting them in a strong position to advance out of Group A and into the knockout stage in Perth.
The World No.3 says it is a satisfying feeling.
"(I'm) really happy with how we played today in the mix. I felt like we got better as the match went. We had a lot of chances and finally we were able to stick 'em when it mattered."
