Morning Mail: Trump's attorney general 'lied under oath' about meeting Russians, Adler shotgun ban could be lifted, Labor asks AFP to investigate release of Centrelink details

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Guardian Australia's Morning Mail Friday 3 March 2017 g Trump's attorney general 'lied under oath' about meeting Russians Good morning, and welcome to the Morning Mail. Among the stories leading our website this morning: the revelation that Donald Trump's attorney general, Jeff Sessions, twice spoke with the Russian ambassador to the United States during the presidential campaign. But during his Senate confirmation hearing in January, Sessions denied he had any contact with the Russians. Now he's facing calls for his resignation amid claims that he "lied under oath" during his testimony to Congress. What we know about Jeff Sessions and the Russia revelations – video Jeff Sessions and the Russia connection: what happened and why does it matter? Trump associates' links with Russia: what we know so far Keep reading for the rest of the top stories this morning, with more news from around Australia and the world.

Headlines Adler A110 shotgun ban could be lifted after firearms law is quietly amended National Firearms Agreement finalised by Council of Australian Governments in February but not officially announced Bill Shorten takes town hall test: Trump, tax, refugees and the gum tree menace The opposition leader rolls up his sleeves and takes questions on a surprisingly diverse range of topics from the audience at Canberra's Albert Hall Jeff Sessions faces calls for resignation amid claims he 'lied under oath' about Russia Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi and other Democrats spoke on Thursday about accusations that the attorney general lied about meeting the Russian ambassador UN climate chief unable to secure meeting with US state department Global governance expert decries 'snub' of Patricia Espinosa as Trump administration considers whether to pull out of Paris climate deal Nationals MP calls for 'real discussion' on reserving natural gas for Australian use Andrew Broad tells Guardian Australia podcast federal politicians should consider keeping back 15% for manufacturing Australian news and politics Can we have a bipartisan energy policy? – Australian politics live podcast Katharine Murphy and Gabrielle Chan look at the week in politics and how Labour has dominated the conversation about penalty rates. They are then joined by Labour's Pat Conroy and the Nationals' Andrew Broad, both members of a new inquiry into modernising Australia's power grid. We take a close look at energy policy and how members of opposing parties can find common ground in one of the most bitterly partisan of all areas of political debate 'It really feels like we're punished too': how the prison system locks out visitors Visitors play a crucial role in prisoner rehabilitation but Australian jails are often difficult to get to, have restrictive visiting criteria and aren't set up for those with mobility issues or children WA election: polling in key seats give Labor hope, despite bigger picture Statewide polls suggest a 10-seat net gain is beyond Labor but marginal surveys show stronger support. Then there's One Nation Princess Mary, Julia Gillard and the Dalai Lama: 25 years of Auspic – gallery David Foote's images of major world events, world leaders, royalty and Australian prime ministers are on display for a new exhibition at Parliament House 70% of people think all super funds should be not-for-profit, poll finds Essential Poll finds 61% trust Fair Work Commission to ensure super system works in best interests of ordinary Australians Police question man over Melbourne factory fire that killed three people Arson squad is investigating the suspicious fire that killed the three who are believed to have been squatting in the abandoned factory Centrelink: Labor asks police to investigate release of welfare recipient's data Matter referred to police after Department of Human Services officials questioned on legality of releasing Andie Fox's details Around the world French presidential election: Emmanuel Macron vows to clean up politics Centrist's vow to return 'morals' to politics comes as reports emerge that home of opponent François Fillon has been searched by investigators Syrian regime recaptures Palmyra from Islamic State Iranian and Russian forces help push extremists out of historic city, which has been badly damaged during occupation Analysis: outcry over Jeff Sessions' Russia ties could be big blow for Trump With Sessions under pressure to resign, Trump faces the loss of a central figure from whom he has borrowed staff, intellectual direction and popular support Debating in whispers: opposition fearful ahead of Turkish referendum Journalists, MPs and activists have been jailed ahead of vote on a system to grant sweeping powers to President Erdoğan Dutch elections: all you need to know After Brexit vote and Trump win, presence of anti-Islam, anti-EU Geert Wilders is drawing global attention to 15 March vote

One last thing Ed Sheeran: 'I got hammered and cracked Justin Bieber in the face with a golf club' As he releases his third album ÷, the biggest male pop star on the planet talks about his most surreal moments of fame, being mobbed on easyJet and why he built a pub in his garden. Have an excellent day and if you spot something I've missed, let me know on Twitter at @earleyedition.

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