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The top stories this morning:

The Israeli prime minister has been warmly received by the US Congress, where he gave a speech on the stalled peace negotiations with Palestinians. Benjamin Netanyahu said he was prepared to make tough decisions in any peace deal. He said that Jerusalem shouldn’t be divided and urged Palestinians to tear up a power-sharing deal with Hamas. There were about 30 standing ovations during the address.

The Queen has hosted a state banquet to honour US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle. The Queen toasted her dinner guests and the special relationship between the two countries. It’s only the second state visit by a US president. Tomorrow Mr Obama will meet the Prime Minister David Cameron for more substantive talks.

Independent Senator Nick Xenophon has slammed the appointment of former ALP’s national secretary, Karl Bitar, to a position with James Packer’s Crown casino group. Mr Bitar will take on the position of Government Affairs Manager for Crown Ltd just as the Federal Government presses ahead with plans for poker machine reforms. Independent Senator Nick Xenophon says he’ll be asking the Prime Minister to argue for tougher lobbying bans.

And the NRL State of Origin series kicks off tonight in Brisbane. The Queensland side is heavily favoured to build on the (five-game) five-series winning streak. And despite some injuries are sporting and experienced line-up. But the New South Wales Blues say they couldn’t be any better prepared.