ABC NewsMail - Afternoon Edition

Good afternoon. Here's what's happening now: A clean-up operation is underway after a massive storm, including a tornado, hit Sydney today. Winds of up to 213kph overturned trucks, brought down powerlines and caused traffic mayhem Two greyhound trainers have been sentenced to jail for animal cruelty after Four Corners exposed the live baiting scandal. John Cauchi received 18 months' jail with a non-parole period of one year and Ian Morgan got 12 months' jail with a non-parole period of nine months Donald Trump's call for Muslims to be banned from entering America was a major focus of the final Republican debate of the year. One of his opponents, Jeb Bush, labelled him a "chaos candidate" but Mr Trump has argued "people like what I say" An auction of former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher's possessions has raised $6.9 million. Her red ministerial box, which carried confidential documents, was initially expected to fetch $10,000 but sold for more than $500,000 Would you like new topics in NewsMail? We want to know how we can improve this newsletter. Take our survey and let us know Here's what's coming up: 5:30pm AEDT: The parents of an Indian medical student who died after being gang raped on a New Delhi bus, will hold a press conference with the head of the National Commission for Women to mark the third anniversary of her death 7:00pm AEDT: The Star Wars red carpet premiere will be held in Sydney ahead of its national release at midnight 7:00pm AEDT: The embargo lifts on Star Wars reviews, so if you're trying to avoid spoilers, you might want to keep away from social media 7:00pm AEDT: Opposition Leader Bill Shorten will address a public forum in Mackay 9:00pm AEDT: Perth Glory host Melbourne Victory in the A-League Top Stories Tornado leaves trail of destruction across Sydney's southern beaches A tornado with wind speeds among the fastest ever recorded in Sydney has hit the southern beach suburb of Kurnell, the weather bureau says. Live: Storms head north as Sydney cleans up Sydneysiders clean up after a tornado lashed the southern beaches, bringing 213kph winds, giant hail, and heavy flooding. The storm cells which caused the chaos are now heading north out of the city. Follow the latest developments live. Pyne-led Middle East delegation savaged by local minister An Australian-led delegation to the West Bank featuring Christopher Pyne, Bronwyn Bishop and Tim Wilson is criticised by a local minister for being "rude and blunt" and "not well educated". Gastro outbreak hits 182 passengers on luxury cruise ship A viral bug is the likely cause of an outbreak of gastroenteritis that has struck down 182 passengers on a luxury cruise liner that has docked in Sydney. Republican candidates spar over Syria, terrorism Republican presidential hopefuls focus on the war against Islamic State jihadists as they debate how to keep America safe, with frontrunner Donald Trump under attack for demanding a ban on Muslims entering the country. Greyhound trainers jailed for animal cruelty Two greyhound trainers will spend time behind bars for animal cruelty after being caught up in live baiting scandal. Terror hoax closes LA schools, 643,000 students get the day off Los Angeles closes more than 1,000 public schools and sends more than half a million students home, after city officials receive a terrorist threat which authorities now say was a hoax. No spoilers: First Star Wars The Force Awakens reviews emerge online Star Wars fans are cautiously monitoring social media as the first of the reviews for The Force Awakens start to roll out after the much-anticipated premiere. Budget savings face tough Senate reception Federal shadow treasurer Chris Bowen is not ruling out blocking the Government's budget savings measures in the Senate, after billions of dollars worth of cuts were flagged in yesterday's update. Bendigo mosque one step closer after latest appeal rejected The group behind Bendigo's first mosque thanks the community for showing "resilience and solidarity" after a Victorian court refuses an appeal against its planning approval given by the local council. Baby food firms in court feud over 'secretly developed' formula A major brand of infant formula could be stripped from Coles supermarket shelves after its founder was accused of secretly developing the brand while still working at another baby food company. Man's kidney donation saves seven lives in one day A Victorian man's kidney donation starts a chain of events that results in seven lives being saved on one day. We're not kidding: Charity launches album of Christmas carols sung by goats A Christmas album by a Swedish charity features goats singing carols to raise awareness of the impact goats can have on families in areas of great poverty. Analysis and Opinion: The Drum It might be time to rewrite Australia's budget script By Michael Janda MYEFO confirms it: We have a mine-sized revenue hole By Greg Jericho Five things I want to see in The Force Awakens - and five things I don't By Dominic Knight Goodbye Soundwave, hello boutique music festivals By Ruby Jones Just In 6 things you probably didn't know about credit cards December 16, 2015 - 4:06 pm Credit ratings caution Australia on financial vulnerabilities December 16, 2015 - 4:05 pm Perth children's hospital Christmas decorating competition canned after sponsorship deal December 16, 2015 - 3:59 pm World • Margaret Thatcher's possessions raise $6.9 million at auction • Russia, US clear way for Syria talks after Kerry meets with Putin • Obama defends immigration as America's 'oldest tradition' Business • Credit ratings caution Australia on financial vulnerabilities • Coles Express agrees to end petrol price sharing • Perth-based banker may fight Libor fraud extradition bid Politics • Arts sector 'horrified' by $50 million MYEFO cuts • Anna Burke will not contest seat at next federal election • Terror and Trump dominate Republican debate Sport • The Big Bashers are ready for season five • Thurston backs Green to coach Cowboys and Maroons • Australia set for gold haul at Rio 2016, according to AOC study Science and Tech • E-health trial improving outcomes for kids with cerebral palsy • First British astronaut arrives at International Space Station • Female scientists consider their career prospects bleak, survey finds Environment • Victoria's first wave power unit installed off Port Fairy coast • Forest fires and traffic congestion plague Indonesia • Linc Energy boss says 'no evidence' operations allowed toxic gas to escape Follow ABC News About this email You received this email because you are subscribed to ABC News email alerts. 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