The Headlines: The only news series that won’t judge you if your New Year’s resolutions have already flopped. And speaking of news, there are a whack of important stories that we need to get through today. Unfortunately, not all of them are pleasant or peachy, so let’s put a pause on the bants and jump straight into the facts.
Here are some of this Tuesday’s biggest news stories.
The Gold Coast’s Devastating Helicopter Crash
On January 2, two Sea World Helicopters crashed into each other whilst flying on the Gold Coast. One of these helicopters tragically collided into the ground, and the other vehicle was able to land.
In the aftermath, it was revealed that four people died, three are in critical conditions, five have minor injuries, and one person was uninjured. One of the folks who passed away was Sea World’s Chief Pilot, Ashley Jenkinson.
In response to this helicopter crash, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has sent some investigators to the crash site to determine how and why this event happened.
The ATSB’s Chief Commissioner, Angus Mitchell, said, “The ATSB asks anyone who may have seen the collision, or who witnessed the helicopters in any phase of their flights, or who may have footage of any kind, to make contact via witness@atsb.gov.au at their earliest opportunity.”
“The ATSB anticipates publishing a preliminary report detailing basic information gathered during the investigation’s evidence collection phase in approximately six to eight weeks. A final report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation.”
In a statement, Sea World Helicopters said, “We are cooperating with all the authorities, including the Australian Transport Safety Bureau and the Queensland Police. As it is now a police investigation, we cannot provide any further information at this stage.”
Roger Federer Isn’t Attending the Australian Open
Tennis Australia is thirsty for the legendary Roger Federer to attend this year’s Australian Open. This would have been a huge boon for the organisation and Novak Djokovic despisers alike.
Back in September 2022, a Tennis Australia official said, “The welcome mat will always be rolled out for Roger.”
However, Federer also retired that same month. He has also made it clear that he won’t compete in any more Grand Slams or sit in an Australian Open commentary box in 2023.
At the time of Federer’s retirement, he said, “The past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries. I’ve worked hard to return to full competitive form. But I also know my body’s capacities and limits, and its message to me lately has been clear.”
“I am 41 years old. I have played more than 1500 matches over 24 years. Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt, and now I must recognize when it is time to end my competitive career.”
Nevertheless, Tennis Australia has a plan to get Federer on a plane in 2024. This year would be the 20th anniversary of Federer’s first Australian Open win. They are hoping to coach him here so that he can party in style.
Related: The Full Australian Open Prize Money Spread
Related: Why Did the Australian Open Tennis Players Wearing the Same Outfits?
A Melbourne Zoo Elephant Has Been Born
In some wholesome news, a female Asian elephant calf was born at Melbourne Zoo right before midnight on January 1. That’s right, this little critter was a New Year’s Day spectacular.
“We are over the moon to have another healthy female calf join the herd,” said Melbourne Zoo’s Life Sciences Manager, Erin Gardiner.
This newborn’s Mum is Num Oi, and their Dad is Luk Chai. The calf is also the third elephant to be born by natural conception rather than artificial insemination.
Gardiner said, “We began planning these births years ago, so to see natural biology play out at its best has been a real privilege.”
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