Venezuelan Floods – Russian Elections – Willow Sawfly – Third World Debt – Drinking and Boating – Palmerston North Airport - Cricket

VENEZUELA: Mayor of Venezeulan port city says more than 10,000 are dead in Venezuelan floods and mudslides.

RUSSIAN ELECTION: Voting in Far East Regions of Russia has begun as 11 time zones begin to conduct the poll. 26 parties are running for seats in the Russian Duma. Election is seen as a warm up for Presidential race next June.

WILLOW SAWFLY: Willow sawfly found in Hawkes Bay and Palmerston North. It is expected to move to South Island next year.

THIRD WORLD DEBT: Pressure is mounting on Government’s to wipe off third world debt as the UK decides it will forgive lots of third world debt. Mozambique and Uganda will be among the first to benefit.

DRINKING AND BOATING: Queenstown harbourmaster is warning of the dangers of drinking and boating.

PALMERSTON NORTH AIRPORT: Palmerston North airport expansions open today as Palmerston North opens up to international traffic.

CRICKET: NZ Cricketers have a first innings lead of 28 as the second innings begins.

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Alastair Thompson

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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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