ABC NewsMail - Morning Edition

Good morning. Here's what's happening now: Senators are preparing for a marathon day of debate over proposed changes to the way Australians vote. The Coalition and the Greens are set to support the proposed Senate voting reforms but Labor and crossbenchers have brought on a same-sex marriage bill to stall the debate US President Barack Obama has nominated veteran appellate court judge Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court. It means things are about to get even nastier in US politics, with Senate Republicans vowing to block any Obama nominee, demanding he leave the decision to the next president FIFA is demanding tens of millions of dollars in damages from the "sordid" officials who are now facing bribery charges in the United States. In a statement, FIFA said the money was diverted from the football community "illegally through bribery, kickbacks and corrupt schemes" and indicated the restitution amount they are demanding could increase New research has questioned the extent to which carbon dioxide released by plants during the respiration process is contributing to climate change Here's what's coming up: 9:00am AEDT: Sydney's Royal Easter Show opens 10:15am AEDT: The 2016 Vivid festival program will be announced in Sydney 11:30am AEDT: February's unemployment figures will be released 1:00am AEDT Friday: Rolf Harris is due to appear in Westminster Magistrates Court in London Top Stories Gang member says Melbourne brawl blown out of proportion A member of the Apex gang at the centre of an extraordinary brawl in Melbourne's CBD says the incident has been blown out of proportion. FIFA demands compensation as victim of corruption FIFA demands tens of millions of dollars in damages from the "sordid" officials now facing charges in the United States over mass bribery scandals that have rocked world football. Same-sex marriage vote unlikely today with focus on Senate voting reforms It is unlikely there will be a vote on same-sex marriage in Federal Parliament today, as Senators prepare to stay up late over Senate voting reforms. Consumer advocates hail 'effects test' change as a win The Federal Government's decision to embrace an "effects test" to prevent big companies wielding too much market power is being hailed as a win for consumers. A decade on from Closing the Gap, strong policy re-focus needed, Calma says Aboriginal leader Professor Tom Calma says political instability has held back progress on Closing the Gap over the last decade. Plant carbon dioxide may not make global warming worse Plants may be better at acclimatising to rising temperatures and contribute less to carbon dioxide in a warming world than some have previously thought, according to a study. Victorian helicopter rescuer recognised for Black Saturday bravery A Victorian helicopter rescuer, who helped saved four lives during the Black Saturday fires with a dramatic escape, is recognised for his courage. Trump sweeps three states to push ahead of rivals Donald Trump wins the crucial Republican primary contests in Florida, Illinois and North Carolina but lost Ohio to Governor John Kasich in a mixed result that sets the stage for a long, bitter nominating fight as Marco Rubio bows out of the race. Global energy emissions plateau despite economic growth: IEA Global greenhouse gas emissions from energy generation appear to have plateaued despite economic output continuing to grow. Syria's ambassador to the UN says Russian forces 'redeploying' Syria's ambassador to the United Nations says Russian forces are not withdrawing from the war-torn country but are instead redeploying. Iran's Foreign Minister criticises Australia's treatment of asylum seekers Iran's Foreign Minister has criticised Australia's treatment of asylum seekers, describing their living conditions as "unconscionable". NASA to light large fire in space NASA says it will light a large blaze in space as part of an experiment to understand how fire spreads inside an orbiting unmanned spacecraft. Belgian prosecutors identify dead gunman as Algerian The suspect gunned down during a Brussels anti-terror raid is identified as an Algerian national, as Belgian police continue the hunt for two fugitives. At least 22 dead in Nigeria mosque suicide blasts: officials Two women disguised as men blow themselves up at a mosque in north-eastern Nigeria, killing at least 22 people and wounding 35, rescue officials say. Analysis and Opinion: The Drum Turnbull's popularity plunge has redefined the election By Peter Lewis Why we need a women's budget statement By Miranda Stewart Beware: Relevance Deprivation Syndrome has struck politics again By Terry Barnes 10 years on, the spirit of WorkChoices still lives By Greg Jericho Just In Kurds to declare autonomy across controlled Syria territories March 17, 2016 - 7:29 am Fewer homes to be built in SA March 17, 2016 - 7:26 am 'Feel like a bad arse' at Melbourne's new Break Room March 17, 2016 - 7:23 am World • Kurds to declare autonomy across controlled Syria territories • Obama nominates veteran judge Merrick Garland for US Supreme Court • China's National People's Congress ends with latest five-year plan Business • Federal Reserve likely to slow rate rise pace • Consumer advocates hail 'effects test' change as a win • Calls for Financial Ombudsman Service to be disbanded over credibility issues Politics • Obama nominates veteran judge Merrick Garland for US Supreme Court • Consumer advocates hail 'effects test' change as a win • Same-sex marriage vote unlikely today with focus on Senate voting reforms Sport • Klemmer avoids ban for touching referee • FIFA demands compensation as victim of corruption • Gayle, Afridi inspire Windies, Pakistan wins Science and Tech • NASA to light large fire in space • 500yo Portuguese ship, rare 'ghost coin' discovered off coast of Oman • Climate change research 'imperative, not luxury': Mary Robinson Environment • Global energy emissions plateau despite economic growth: IEA • Pigeon Air Patrol: The latest bid to combat air pollution in London • Climate change research 'imperative, not luxury': Mary Robinson Follow ABC News About this email You received this email because you are subscribed to ABC News email alerts. 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