ABC NewsMail - Morning Edition

NewsMail Morning Edition Fri 25 Oct, 2013 Top Stories More Top Stories » Firefighters in control as Blue Mountains bushfire threat eases Firefighters are continuing to gain the upper hand in the battle against bushfires in the Blue Mountains, but warn it could take weeks for them to be extinguished. Watch-and-act orders remain in place for the three fires burning west of Sydney, near Lithgow, Mount Victoria and Springwood. Yesterday, 43-year-old pilot David Black died after his water-bombing plane crashed while fighting a fire at Wirritin, in Budawang National Park. Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons described Mr Black's death of the as a "huge tragedy". Meanwhile, the RFS says firefighters are making progress with their aggressive approach to back-burning around the State Mine (Lithgow) fire. The fire burning near Springwood is within containment lines, although the RFS says residents may see some smoke and should remain vigilant. Meanwhile, firefighters say the Mount Victoria fire has been contained is no longer an immediate threat to property. More » Angela Merkel says trust needs to be rebuilt with US after spying allegations Homicide squad takes over search for 'Bung' Randall attended AFL on taxpayer-funded trip Branson says he quit Britain for health, not tax Ex-Reserve Bank board member accuses Swan of economic vandalism Portugal reopens probe into Madeleine McCann's disappearance More Analysis » How long can the ministerial sound of silence last? The new Coalition Government has it all over the previous mob when it comes to strategy. Tony Abbott and his strategists are closing down the political debate as best they can - and for now the tactic probably has public support. But how long can it last? The political class will eventually claim back their relevance. More to the point, the public deserves better. More » Bob's his uncle: Bill Shorten's path to power Bushfires, climate and the debate we have to have Our political future Does Treasury need to move to the big smoke? The case for George Bailey All is fair in love, war and diplomacy Australia's nuclear policy is a complex challenge Some good news to run your fingers through Civilian deaths demand we rethink secret drone wars Just In More Just In » Spy games: alleged US snooping on foreign leaders Washington is under fire from key allies after reports the United States spied on their leaders' communications. More » Rape Crisis Centre slams Skype sex sentence as 'lenient' Gunman shoots two soldiers at US Navy facility Homicide squad takes over search for 'Bung' Branson says he quit Britain for health, not tax Firefighters in control as Blue Mountains bushfire threat eases Angela Merkel says trust needs to be rebuilt with US after spying allegations Gillard criticises Obama's decision to cancel APEC visit Parents given no information after YMCA sexual abuse allegations Toddler dies after being pulled from pool World More World » Spy games: alleged US snooping on foreign leaders Washington is under fire from key allies after reports the United States spied on their leaders' communications. More » Gunman shoots two soldiers at US Navy facility Branson says he quit Britain for health, not tax Angela Merkel says trust needs to be rebuilt with US after spying allegations Germany summons US ambassador over spying claims British sculptor Sir Anthony Caro dies Business More Business » RBA says no dividend from $4.3b profit By business reporter Pat McGrath The Reserve Bank says it will not pay a dividend to the Federal Government this year, as it devotes its biggest profit in four years to topping up a fund designed to ensure financial stability. The move comes after the Treasurer Joe Hockey announced the Federal Government will give the central bank $8.8 billion for the fund. More » Federal Government releases laws to repeal mining tax Golden Circle sacks 123 Melbourne workers Market closes higher after China data lifts spirits NSW minister says landlords exploiting bushfire victims Politics More Politics » Spy games: alleged US snooping on foreign leaders Washington is under fire from key allies after reports the United States spied on their leaders' communications. More » Branson says he quit Britain for health, not tax Angela Merkel says trust needs to be rebuilt with US after spying allegations Gillard criticises Obama's decision to cancel APEC visit Randall attended AFL on taxpayer-funded trip Sport More Sport » England touches down in Perth ahead of Ashes battle England's cricketers touched down in Perth this morning, confident of winning a fourth-straight Ashes series. More » Hooper wins John Eales Medal Warner's 197 launches NSW into one-day cup final England name Burgess brothers to meet Kangaroos Clarke could return to cricket this month Postecoglou backs Muscat to take reins at Victory Science and Technology More Science and Technology » Coral more resilient than first thought: scientists By Stephanie Smail Australian scientists have found that not only is coral more resilient than first thought, its secret defence weapon contributes to the bad smell that can come from oceans. More » Slow broadband not sustainable, Europe tech chief says US firm to take balloon rides to new heights NBN Co chiefs seek answers at broadband forum Gold grows on eucalyptus trees: study Environment More Environment » Hunt defends Abbott's climate change comments By Lexi Metherell Environment Minister Greg Hunt has had a testy exchange with a BBC presenter in an interview over bushfires and climate change. More » More exploration permits granted for Bight Coral more resilient than first thought: scientists Invasion of venomous 'false widow' spiders shuts British school Russia softens piracy charges against Greenpeace activists About this email You received this email because you are subscribed to ABC News email alerts. This message was sent to you at starnewsposting@gmail.com Please add newslists@your.abc.net.au to your email address book to see images by default and stop the email being treated as spam. This email address is not monitored - Please don't reply to this email. Manage your preferences | Unsubscribe | Contact Us   This service may include material from Agence France-Presse (AFP), APTN, Reuters, AAP, CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced. Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 700 Harris Street, Ultimo NSW 2007 © 2013 ABC | Conditions of Use | Privacy Policy | Discover other ABC Email newsletters