WA: Main stories in today's West Australian

AAP General News (Australia)
12-17-2003
WA: Main stories in today's West Australian

PERTH, Dec 17 AAP - Main stories in today's West Australian:

Page 1 - Mandurah rail costs leap by $100 million; Saddam Hussein provides information
leading to several arrests; Guy Sebastian could salvage Australian pride in the World
Idol competition.

Page 3 - Holiday-makers warned of Ross River virus epidemic; Sinn Fein leader Gerry
Adams to speak at a Perth conference next February; High rise buildings approved for Scarborough
Beach.

Page 5 - CALM backs down on charges against 82-year-old farmer; Police reject claims
two officers caught speeding while wearing hoods were not charged with driving offences
because of their ranks.

World - France's Muslim community challenges government report urging a ban on Islamic
headscarves in schools (Paris); A former nurse admits killing up to 40 severely ill patients
to end their suffering (New York); A woman who attacked and robbed a string of men has
been sentenced to life for killing her husband with poisoned curry (London).

Business - Swan Cement and Cockburn Cement poised to change hands after an $840 million
takeover swoop positions Boral to snare the majority of WA's cement industry; CSL sells
its animal health division for $170 million; Profit warning from Cochlear triggers a selling
frenzy.

Sport - India's cricket team wants to replace Australia as the world's best.

AAP hn/jv

KEYWORD: FRONTERS WA

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