ABC NewsMail - Afternoon Edition

Top Stories PM's 'Keatingesque' support for republic a 'political death wish' Federal Government MPs who support a constitutional monarchy question an address by the Prime Minister to the Australian Republican Movement, criticising the timing of the speech amid debate about power prices, pensions, and the economy. Scientists dig up dirt on agricultural 'sweet spots' in northern Australia In the biggest undertaking of its kind in Australia, thousands of soil samples are being collected from water catchments in Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland in a multi-billion-dollar bid to develop the Top End and double the nation's agricultural output. 'Never give up': Michael Schumacher's family launches inspiring initiative Michael Schumacher's family establishes not-for-profit movement Keep Fighting to help others inspired by the seven-times Formula One world champion's career and character. Live: Australia looks to close out Gabba Test against Pakistan on day four Pakistan reaches 2-131 in its run chase against Australia on day four at the Gabba, with tea called early because of inclement weather. Follow our live blog. Trump thanks his 'vicious, violent' supporters in Orlando President-elect Donald Trump thanks his "violent" and "vicious" supporters at a victory rally in Orlando, but also urges them to "be cool" after his presidential election victory. Government prepares for lacklustre economic outlook The Federal Government lays down the groundwork for a lacklustre mid-year budget update on Monday, warning that a rise in commodity prices may not be enough to counter a decline in economic growth. Severe asthmatics to benefit from drug subsidy Severe asthmatics breathe a little easier following the announcement of $130 million in federal funding to subsidise two medications, Spiriva Respimat and Nucala over the next four years. Six Christmas presents money can't buy Believe it or not there are some things that even billionaires can't have for Christmas. Here's a list of some very hard — if not impossible — presents to find, according to science. China says US 'hyped up' seizure of drone China says it will return an American underwater drone taken by a Chinese naval vessel in the South China Sea, but adds the US did not help by "hyping up" the issue. Farmers test drones for mustering Central Queensland farmers are experimenting with drones to muster their stock, in the hope they will one day reduce costs — as well as their workload. SA photographer travels 5,000km by bike to capture extraordinary images South Australian photographer Che Chorley has just completed a 5,000 kilometre winter odyssey with little more than his bicycle and a camera to share a unique view of Australia's coastline. Michelle Obama tells Oprah the White House needs a 'grown-up' US first lady Michelle Obama tells an interview with Oprah Winfrey that the White House needs a "grown-up" in times of crisis and America will come to appreciate President Barack Obama's ability to inspire hope. One Nation to announce 36 candidates for Queensland Pauline Hanson's One Nation has learnt from its mistakes in Queensland and vetted its candidates carefully for the next state election, party bosses say. Heimlich manoeuvre inventor dies aged 96 The American surgeon who created the life-saving Heimlich manoeuvre for choking victims, dies aged 96 after suffering a heart attack. New deal reached to complete Aleppo evacuation: official A new deal is reached to complete the evacuation of rebel-held areas of east Aleppo which had stalled after pro-government forces demanded two villages besieged by rebels also be evacuated, a Syrian Government source says. Analysis and Opinion: The Drum With the fall of Aleppo, Idlib province becomes rebels' final stronghold By Middle East correspondent Matt Brown Dylan Voller evidence is a hurdle cleared but commission's task is still huge By Kate Wild The recession we're already in By business reporter David Taylor A man tried to fight me. He didn't land a punch but he still won By Emily Clark Just In Christmas comes early for thousands of underprivileged children December 18, 2016 - 4:10 pm Severe storms hit south-east Queensland December 18, 2016 - 3:46 pm Premier doesn't want detention for unpaid fines December 18, 2016 - 3:43 pm World • Indonesian air force plane crashes in Papua killing 13: official • Pope contemplates old age on 80th birthday • Mugabe to run again in 2018 Zimbabwe election Business • No recommendations from two-year inquiry into housing prices • Treasury has not modelled potential impact of credit rating hit • Crown, Bellamy's and ANZ prove China ain't no Silk Road for Australian businesses Politics • PM's 'Keatingesque' support for republic a 'political death wish' • Alcoa's Portland smelter still viable, minister says, ahead of NY trip • Trump thanks his 'vicious, violent' supporters in Orlando Sport • Live: Australia looks to close out Gabba Test against Pakistan on day four • Khawaja explains why Australia didn't enforce the follow-on at the Gabba • 'Never give up': Michael Schumacher's family launches inspiring initiative Science and Tech • Fukushima nuclear clean-up, compensation costs nearly double • Self-driving Uber runs red light as company launches SF pilot program • Why there's nothing you can do about the Yahoo hack Environment • Beijing factories ordered to shut or cut output after pollution red alert • China wants 23 northern cities put on red alert for smog • Oldest water on Earth could provide clues to hidden life on Mars Follow ABC News About this email You received this email because you are subscribed to ABC News email alerts. 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