The World Today - Individual ItemsABC News and Current Affairs on The World Today.QLD Police Minister under fire for encouraging Broncos support- September 17, 2008 A Queensland Government minister is under fire for encouraging football fans to support the Brisbane Broncos in finals games. Three Broncos players are being investigated for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in a nightclub toilet.http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2008/s2367223.htm Crop report suggest food prices could fall- September 17, 2008 Food prices could be on the way down, according to Australia's top rural research body. In its latest crop report, ABARE Economics estimates this season's grain harvest will increase by almost 10 million tonnes.http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2008/s2366864.htm US appoints new military commander in Iraq- September 17, 2008 The French Defence Minister has told his Australian counterpart France won't pull any troops out of Afghanistan, despite the death of ten French soldiers last month. Earlier, the US installed a new military commander in Iraq and he's already said the situation remains difficult.http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2008/s2366863.htm Education the key, says AIDS group- September 17, 2008 The Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations has called on the government to spend more money on education campaigns, in response to data that shows the incidence of HIV infection has nearly doubled over the past eight years with alarming spikes in remote mining communities.http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2008/s2367152.htm HIV cluster causes concerns- September 17, 2008 Queensland health authorities say six men in Cairns who've recently been diagnosed with HIV could signal the beginning of a large outbreak. The middle-aged, heterosexual men contracted the virus while on business trips to Papua New Guinea.http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2008/s2366860.htm Scientists fear ice-free Arctic summer within decades- September 17, 2008 A cooler than normal Northern Hemisphere summer has failed to halt the sea ice melt in the Arctic. This summer saw the second largest melt on record, only slightly less than last year's thaw. Scientists say within a generation, the Arctic Ocean could be free of ice during the summer months.http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2008/s2366850.htm Turnbull in Labor's sights- September 17, 2008 The new leader of the Opposition, Malcolm Turnbull, has pledged to press ahead with his predecessor's bill for an immediate increase in the aged pension. The Government meanwhile is trying to paint him as out of touch with ordinary Australians because of his wealth.http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2008/s2366847.htm Lawyers call for review of terrorism laws- September 17, 2008 There are calls today for a review of Australia's counter-terrorism laws. Defence lawyers for the 12 men who faced charges in Australia's biggest terrorism trial say their clients were meant to be presumed innocent, but instead were treated like convicted criminals in a high-security prison.http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2008/s2366846.htm US Fed keeps interest rates on hold- September 17, 2008 The US central bank has decided not to cut interest rates, despite pressure to respond to the turmoil on Wall Street. Market economists have praised the Federal Reserve's stance but note it's continuing to pump liquidity into markets.http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2008/s2366845.htm TWT correspondent discusses AIG rescue package- September 17, 2008 In another move on Wall Street the UK-based bank, Barclays, is buying up Lehman Brothers which earlier this week collapsed in the biggest bankruptcy in history. The World Today's Michael Rowland is in New York where he's been monitoring events on the markets.http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2008/s2366856.htm |