Today’s national news includes more US forces to be deployed in Australia under the AUKUS pact, hundreds affected by flood in northeastern Australia, Santos gets drilling approval for its Barossa gas project, and Turkish Airlines set to expand in Australia.

Police Taser machete-wielding teen
Officers Tasered a 15-year-old boy who police allege was running at people with a machete after fighting amongst a large group in an underground car park of the Casuarina Shopping Centre, NT Police said.

First locally trained paramedics graduate
The first four paramedics trained by Flinders University in the Northern Territory have graduated the university has said.
NT Independent Car of the Week: 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser VDJ79R GXL Double Cab
Check out Dustin’s newly arrived grey 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser VDJ79R GXL Double Cab that comes with a five-speed manual transmission, and is powered by an 8-cylinder 4.5-litre diesel engine. This vehicle has an odometer reading 75,383 km.

Three men arrested and charged with child exploitation offences in separate operations
Two Palmerston men have been arrested and charged after police raided their homes in Bakewell and Gray on November 29, where police found child abuse materials on their electronic devices, the Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team (JACET) has said; while another man was arrested for transmitting child abuse material to people three states.
Trip around the Nation: Free to Read National News for December 15
Today’s national news includes US Congress approving the sale of Aukus nuclear submarines to Australia, the US asking Australia to send warships to the Red Sea, Australia’s government expecting a much-improved budget bottom line this year, and a new migration strategy reducing to post-study work rights

Feds clear Middle Arm assessment terms of reference but have not made them public
The terms of reference for the increasingly controversial proposed Middle Arm industrial precinct have been signed off by Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek, the Fyles Government has said, although the terms of reference have not been made public and the project is the subject of a Senate inquiry.

Airnorth to service Perth to Alice Springs route starting in March
Darwin-based Airnorth will launch a non-stop, three-times-a-week service between Alice Springs and Perth starting March 2024.

Solar company charged with allegedly ignoring heights risk faces millions in penalties
NT WorkSafe has charged a Darwin-based solar installation and electrical company and its manager for failing to ensure the safety of its workers while working on the roof of a commercial building in August, which could see the company on the hook for more than $6 million in fines if found guilty.

Alleged sex offender caught in Alice Springs after more than a week on the run
A 28-year-old man has been arrested in connection to an alleged sexual assault in Alice Springs that occurred last week, NT Police said, only issuing a statement after being sent questions by the NT Independent.
Trip around the Nation: Free to Read National News for December 13
Today’s national news includes Australia limiting immigration intake, Parliament releasing a food security report, Sigma Healthcare and Chemist Warehouse signing a merger deal, and Disney Cruise Line returning to Australia next year.

Bonza launches Alice Springs to Melbourne route
Australia’s newest low-cost airline Bonza has launched its Melbourne – Alice Springs route, with its maiden flight due to touchdown in Alice Springs later today.

