Time/AOL Mega Merger – Elder Abuse – Chechnya – Embassy Shooting – Air New Zealand Fare Increases – Child Advocate Mooted
TIME/AOL MEGA-MERGER: The world’s biggest internet company AOL is joining forces with Time Warner. Time Warner employs more than 60,000 people. AOL is the world’s biggest ISP. The new company will have a combined value of $350 million USD.
ELDER ABUSE: Elder abuse expected to increase. Age Concern says that a refuge is needed for older people to get away from abuse.
CHECHNYA: Russia has vowed to resume its offensive in Chechnya with full force. Last week Russia called a temporary pause in the bombardment. Chechens responded by counter-attacking. Russian officials say they have repulsed the rebels attacks.
EMBASSY SHOOTING: An intruder at the US embassy in Moscow has been shot while trying to steal a vehicle.
AIR NEW ZEALAND FARE INCREASES: Air New Zealand says fare prices will rise by around 5% from next week. A spokesman says the price rises are nothing to do with the demise of cut-price competitor K2000.
CHILD ADVOCATE MOOTED: The lobby group Children’s Agenda is backing the proposal for a legal advocate in the office of the Commissioner of Children to help child victims of sexual crimes.