ABC NewsMail - Afternoon Edition

NewsMail Afternoon Edition Wed 29 Jan, 2014 Top Stories More Top Stories » Obama challenges divided Congress to 'give America a raise' US president Barack Obama has used his State of the Union address to lay out a strategy for getting around a divided Congress, starting with a wage hike for federal contract workers. Outlining plans to act unilaterally to raise pay for employees of federal contractors, Mr Obama challenged House Republicans to follow suit and "give America a raise" by increasing the federal minimum wage. "What I offer tonight is a set of concrete, practical proposals to speed up growth, strengthen the middle class, and build new ladders of opportunity into the middle class," he said in the annual televised address. "Some require congressional action, and I'm eager to work with all of you. But America does not stand still - and neither will I." More » Tony Abbott steps up criticism of ABC Diggers in Afghanistan to have 'danger money' cut Serial child molester jailed for raping toddler in Canberra library ACTU rejects calls for construction industry royal commission Salvation Army major 'punched 4yo boys in the face' at Alkira boys' home, royal commission hears Disgraced reporter tells court he hacked James Bond actor's phone More Analysis » Infrastructure deficit puts us on a road to nowhere Last year, Australia's population grew by 1.8 per cent - well ahead of the US, China, Europe and Japan. This population boom is one of the big reasons Australia has had economic growth for 23 years. But this kind of growth comes with costs and challenges. And there's every we're approaching a national emergency when it comes to infrastructure. More » More time on policy, less time on framing The very model of a modern governor-general National security? There's an app for that Applaud the athletes, boo the sponsors The Olympics: a tool for autocrats since 1936 Sober analysis is now found on digital media Official secrecy leaves our Navy exposed Giving a tick to junk food at schools Is another Indonesia faux pas imminent? Just In More Just In » Economists reject Employment Minister's warning of wages explosion By Whitney Fitzsimmons Economists have rejected the Federal Employment Minister's warning that Australia is on the verge of a wages blow-out. Eric Abetz is urging employers and unions to act responsibly when negotiating new pay deals. But economists say that he is letting politics override his economic judgement and that wages for most Australians are flat lining. The most recent data showed the slightest growth in employee pay since 2001. More » Sharks issue response to NRL breach notice Paedophile's address 'should be publicised' Woman jailed for aiding abduction from shelter Obama challenges divided Congress to 'give America a raise' Nauru deports former media adviser Rod Henshaw WA Premier says shark catch and kill to continue, flags crocodile measures Charges dropped over the alleged rape of a Sydney teenager at train station Glasson backs away from Medicare co-payment plan 'Sorry business' foils plan to beat truancy drum World More World » Obama challenges divided Congress to 'give America a raise' US president Barack Obama has used his State of the Union address to lay out a strategy for getting around a divided Congress, starting with a wage hike for federal contract workers. Outlining plans to act unilaterally to raise pay for employees of federal contractors, Mr Obama challenged House Republicans to follow suit and "give America a raise" by increasing the federal minimum wage. "What I offer tonight is a set of concrete, practical proposals to speed up growth, strengthen the middle class, and build new ladders of opportunity into the middle class," he said in the annual televised address. "Some require congressional action, and I'm eager to work with all of you. But America does not stand still - and neither will I." More » Britain to temporarily take in 'vulnerable' Syrian refugees Turkey dramatically raises interest rates in response to currency crisis Apple iPhone sales disappoint, as does Yahoo revenue India's top court refuses to review gay sex ban Obama to announce minimum wage boost in State of the Union Business More Business » Economists reject Employment Minister's warning of wages explosion By Whitney Fitzsimmons Economists have rejected the Federal Employment Minister's warning that Australia is on the verge of a wages blow-out. Eric Abetz is urging employers and unions to act responsibly when negotiating new pay deals. But economists say that he is letting politics override his economic judgement and that wages for most Australians are flat lining. The most recent data showed the slightest growth in employee pay since 2001. More » ACTU rejects calls for construction industry royal commission Forge forecasts full-year loss amid challenging conditions Australian shares rise after overseas stock gains Turkey dramatically raises interest rates in response to currency crisis Politics More Politics » Obama challenges divided Congress to 'give America a raise' US president Barack Obama has used his State of the Union address to lay out a strategy for getting around a divided Congress, starting with a wage hike for federal contract workers. Outlining plans to act unilaterally to raise pay for employees of federal contractors, Mr Obama challenged House Republicans to follow suit and "give America a raise" by increasing the federal minimum wage. "What I offer tonight is a set of concrete, practical proposals to speed up growth, strengthen the middle class, and build new ladders of opportunity into the middle class," he said in the annual televised address. "Some require congressional action, and I'm eager to work with all of you. But America does not stand still - and neither will I." More » Glasson backs away from Medicare co-payment plan Evidence against Thomson only circumstantial, court told Tony Abbott steps up criticism of ABC Diggers in Afghanistan to have 'danger money' cut Sport More Sport » Sharks issue response to NRL breach notice The Sharks have submitted their response to the NRL's breach notice issued over their 2010-11 supplements program. More » Clarke wants quick clarity on Marsh and Bird Watson to stay at number three for Test series Dante Exum declares for 2014 NBA Draft Adelaide United refuses to release Lustica Success for Liverpool and United as Gunners slip Science and Technology More Science and Technology » Sunscreen containing nanoparticles is safe to use, research shows By Whitney Fitzsimmons Sunscreen containing nanoparticles is safe to use because the body knows how to identify and breakdown potentially harmful particles, new research has found. The study identified specific white blood cells that attract and breakdown the nanoparticles before they reach the bloodstream. More » Google buys AI company after big robotics, home devices acquisitions Bitcoin dealers charged with money laundering through Silk Road Experts raise concerns over 'screen addiction' Fish with nostrils sheds light on birth of breathing Environment More Environment » Scientists lobby to halt Abbot Point coal port expansion More than 200 scientists are urging the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to reject a major port expansion in north Queensland. More » Retired racehorses enlisted in fight against South African rhino poachers 'Cave-dwelling' scientists unlocking secrets of valuable groundwater Twitchers in a flap after croc blocks sewerage 2013 fourth hottest year on record for planet: reports 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. 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