TV3 News

Friday, 10 August 2001, 6:19 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

Stem Cell Research Funding Approved – Jerusalem Bombing – The Price Of Milk – Power Crisis - Rugby

BLEDISLOE CUP LIVE PRESENTATION - live from the Dunedin Octagon with the cup itself.

STEM CELL RESEARCH FUNDING: President Bush decides we must proceed with great care with funded research into stem cells. The Pope has opposed these experiments. Cures seen for diseases on the other side of research have seen republicans cross party lines to support research. One says he couldn’t face telling Nancy Reagan he wasn’t prepared to allow researchers to experiment with stem cells looking for cures. It is thought by some doctors that stem cells can be made into anything in the body. The moral issue involves the killing of the frozen embryos to extract the cells. George Bush has limited research into stem cells that have already harvested. Scientists won’t be allowed to take new stem cells from foetuses. But By giving $600 million he has sped up the race to a remarkable medical discovery.

JERUSALEM BOMBING: A Palestinian suicide bomber has killed 18 people and injured 90 in a pizza shop bombing in downtown Jerusalem. Among the dead are many women and children. Israel said it knew it couldn’t stop all attacks. Within hours a police station was bombed in retaliation and a Palestinian building was seized. The bombing is the worst since June 1st. Palestinians claim the Israeli PM provoked the bombing through assassination and then waited for the attack. As violence grows the US is again being called upon to intervene. So far no common ground has been found.

THE PRICE OF MILK: Dairy product prices are to go up from Monday. Milk cheese and butter will be first. Milk is about to cost more because of soaring international prices. Milk is expected to rise more than 10 cents a litre. The only way to keep prices down would be government subsidies. Most NZers are happy about it. Supermarket owners however think it is a bit rough. For those feeling jealous of country folk, the farmers say this is just making up for some bad years.

POWER CRISIS: A $2 million advertising campaign will begin on Monday. A series of ads will start on Sunday giving NZers ways to save power. There is concern people are already following bad advice and turning down their water heaters below 60 degrees. This can be dangerous say doctors. The North Island saved 14.4% yesterday. Hot water heaters should be set at a minimum of 60 degrees centigrade.

DUNEDIN PARTY: Fans are out for a big day in Dunedin today. Beer drink of choice at the townhall. Forecast for the match anything but gloomy. Mayor in full battle dress but plans to wear proper clothes tomorrow. Australians are planning on having a big dinner tonight too… only tomorrow they will be outnumbered.

© Scoop Media

Alastair Thompson

Scoop Publisher

Alastair Thompson is the co-founder of Scoop. He is of Scottish and Irish extraction and from Wellington, New Zealand. Alastair has 24 years experience in the media, at the Dominion, National Business Review, North & South magazine, Straight Furrow newspaper and online since 1997. He is the winner of several journalism awards for business and investigative work.

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