ABC NewsMail - Morning Edition

Good morning. Here's what's happening now: In breaking news this morning, the US central bank has raised interest rates for the first time since the GFC. Our correspondent Stephanie March says it's a "big vote of confidence" in the US economy. It could be up to a couple of weeks before residents can return to homes damaged in yesterday's Sydney tornado. There is a risk of asbestos in some of the debris. WARNING: our review of the new Star Wars movie, which hit Australian cinemas overnight, contains spoilers. We can't say anything else about it because we dare not click on it. So, what else can we give you?: We have some ideas for other types of emails we could offer. Help us decide. Here's what's coming up today: 8.30am AEDT: Julie Bishop and Qantas boss Alan Joyce will announce the G'Day USA 2016 program 9.15am AEDT: Police will announce increased security measures for the Boxing Day cricket Test 9.30am AEDT: Volkswagen is expected to appear in Federal Court over its emissions scandal 9.30am AEDT: The Federal Court is due to rule on former HSU boss Kathy Jackson's appeal against orders to repay $1.4m 12.15pm AEDT: Defence Minister Marise Payne tours submarine builder ASC Top Stories Financial transactions linked to terrorism up 300 per cent: Austrac Australia's financial intelligence agency Austrac says it has seen a 300 per cent increase in the number of financial transactions in Australia suspected of being linked to terrorism, particularly Islamic State. Before and after: How the drought is biting in regional Australia Drought is spreading across southern and eastern Australia, affecting more of Queensland than ever previously recorded. Use our interactive images to explore how the impact on the landscape. Almost 200 charities stripped of charitable status Almost 200 charities are being removed from the Federal Government's official register, to ensure only "active and compliant" charities are listed. Preventing a zombie apocalypse: Study uses zombies to highlight risks of a serious pandemic The world is still not prepared for serious viruses like Ebola to become pandemic, says an infectious diseases expert who warns that a large zombie outbreak would lead to human extermination. Cage of secrecy unlocked as new Star Wars film opens Star Wars: The Force Awakens finally opens in cinemas around world, with record numbers of excited fans turning out for their first look at the long-awaited seventh instalment. US Federal Reserve raises interest rates for first time in nine years The US Federal Reserve has raised interest rates for the first time in nearly a decade, signalling faith that the US economy has largely overcome the wounds of the 2007-2009 financial crisis. Asbestos threat after tornado hits Sydney Residents at Kurnell on Sydney's south coast are surveying the damage this morning after a tornado ripped through the area yesterday, tearing roofs off houses and destroying property. Adoption rates reach new low, state departments urged to put children first Social Services Minister Christian Porter calls on state child protection agencies to shift their attitudes towards adoption, with new figures confirming the adoption rate in Australia has reached a new low. Super-Earth: Potentially habitable planet discovered 14 light years from Earth Australian astronomers discover the closest potentially habitable planet found outside our solar system so far — a super-Earth located just 14 light years away. Silicon Wadi: Israel to become start-up hotspot for Australian entrepreneurs Israel becomes the first pit stop in the Federal Government's mission to create innovation "landing pads" across the world, with Tel Aviv touted as the equivalent to Silicon Valley. 'It would be shame if a plane fell from the sky': China's warning to RAAF over South China Sea flights A Chinese state-owned newspaper issues a strongly worded warning to Australia about a Royal Australian Air Force surveillance plane carrying out "freedom of navigation" exercises over the South China Sea. Gold nugget, stored in box used for hallway cricket, goes on display A 10.7-kilogram gold nugget is loaned to the Australian Museum for display after public servants discover it locked away in box they were using for impromptu cricket games. Two men linked to Paris attackers arrested in Austria: report Two men, who allegedly entered Europe through Greece on fake Syrian passports, have been arrested at a refugee centre in Austria on suspicion of being connected to the Paris attacks. 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 FOI battle prompts order for Government to hand over strategic policy advice documents December 17, 2015 - 7:20 am 'I feel like Santa every day': What it's like to make fake eyes December 17, 2015 - 7:05 am Before and after: How the drought is biting in regional Australia December 17, 2015 - 7:00 am World • Jailed Saudi blogger's wife accepts EU Sakharov prize on behalf of jailed husband • EU adopts tougher rules on tracking jetliners • Japan's top court upholds 'archaic' law requiring common surnames for married couples Business • US Federal Reserve raises interest rates for first time in nine years • Australia's biggest companies bagging $100m in sales each year under tax microscope • Credit ratings caution Australia on financial vulnerabilities Politics • Two men linked to Paris attackers arrested in Austria: report • EU adopts tougher rules on tracking jetliners • North Korea sentences Canadian pastor to life for subversion Sport • Castro scores game-winner as Glory upset Victory • Manly confirms Walker signing from Rabbitohs • 'Too much politics is killing West Indies cricket', says Dwayne Bravo 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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