Child experts are calling for a national blanket ban on mobile phones in schools as they warn kids are struggling with basic skills in the classroom like reading for long periods of time, critical thinking and recognising emotions on faces.    The father of accused Melbourne footballer Joel Smith says he fears his son is being “scapegoated” to cover up rampant illicit drug use in the AFL.    CFMEU workers on Brisbane’s $6.2bn Cross River Rail project are expected to walk off the job on Tuesday following unmet demands for huge pay rises that would mean an entry-level construction worker earning $240,000.    Rory Sloane thought he might be able to pull just one more “out of the hat” and yet again come back from a serious injury.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.