To other stories:

 

The center of Hong Kong remained shutdown this morning. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters are refusing to leave. They want to stop China betting candidates in Hong Kong's 2017 elections. The US is urging restraints as China warns other countries not to interfere. 

 

Uh, the United States urges the Hong Kong authority to exercise restraint, and for protesters to express their views peacefully. We believe that an open society with the highest possible degree of autonomy, and governed by the rule of law, is essential for Hong Kong's stability and prosperity. 

 

Iraqi ground forces backed by US-led airstrikes have halted advancing Islamic State fighters in the town west of Baghdad. Just 40 kilometers from the capital Amariya al-Fallujah is seen as a key strategic town. Federal cabinet will make a final decision on Australia's deployment later in the week. 

 

And police this morning are investigating the stabbing death of the man at Liverpool in Sydney's southwest. They say three men showed up at Liverpool Hospital last night all with stab wounds. One man died; two others are still in a serious but stable condition. 

 

And North Queensland's Jonathan Thurston and Parramatta's Jarryd Hayne have been crowned the first-ever dual winners of the Dally M Medal for the NRL player of the year. The pair finished level on 32 points, 3 ahead of South-born Samsburg, Sam Burgess.