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Morning Edition. Sun 26 Dec 2010
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Top Stories	More Top Stories >
Cut-off town braces for Boxing Day floods Waters are continuing to rise near Ingham in Queensland's north, threatening to flood low-lying homes in the area. Retailers hope for Boxing Day turnaround Retailers are hoping for strong post-Christmas sales after sluggish sales figures leading up to Christmas. Record crowd to attend Boxing Day test A record crowd of over 90,000 fans is expected at the MCG this morning for day one of the Boxing Day test match between Australia and England. Wild weather forecast to strike Sydney-Hobart Sailors competing in this year's Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race have been warned to expect tough conditions on the journey down Australia's east coast. Dutch police arrest Somalis over terrorism plot Dutch police have arrested 12 Somalis on Christmas Eve on suspicion of plotting an imminent terrorist attack in the Netherlands.
The Drum	More from The Drum >
A source of hope For many people across Australia, Christmas is a reminder of how things might have been; of disappointment and loss. Perhaps it brings into sharp relief the strained or shattered relationships that are part of life for so many. But the original Christmas story, now so obscured by clamouring consumerism, gaudy lights, and sentimentalised nativity scenes, still contains a message of profound hope. Stop the fear, not the boats What Australia needs most is a new policy to change the attitudes of Australians, not the practices of people smugglers. Will the finger be raised for Ponting at the MCG? With The Ashes series as well as a significant milestone in Ricky Ponting's career in the balance, all eyes are on the captain. The state, religion and the need for rational scrutiny When religion claims authority in the political sphere, it's totally justifiable that atheists and sceptics question the source of this authority. If religious organisations or their leaders claim to speak on behalf of a god, it's fair to ask whether the god concerned really makes the claims that are communicated on its behalf and why should its wishes by translated into laws. These questions are being asked more often, and so they should be. Committing to the true spirit of Christmas The money we give to help the less fortunate pales in comparison to the money we spend on ourselves at Christmas.
World	More World Stories >
Obama condemns 'outrageous' Pakistan blast US president Barack Obama has condemned the "outrageous terrorist attack" in north-western Pakistan in which a suicide bomber killed dozens of people at a World Food Program project. 100 hurt in Christmas firework celebrations Fireworks from Christmas revellers have injured at least 100 people in Argentina this year, according to medical officials. Pope rebukes China in Christmas address Pope Benedict has rapped China for its curbs on religion and freedom of conscience in his Christmas message, reflecting the tense relations between the Vatican and Beijing.
Science & Technology	More Science & Technology Stories >
Legal action considered over GM contamination Western Australia's organic farming community is rallying behind a grower whose property has been contaminated by genetically modified crops. Boffins make world's smallest Christmas card Scientists have produced what they believe is the world's smallest Christmas card. New measures to restrict GM crop contamination The government says it will consider introducing new measures to minimise cross-contamination of genetically modified crops.
Environment	More Environment Stories >
Swimmers warned about rising current South Australia's Emergency Service says higher water levels in the River Murray pose dangers for campers and swimmers. Residents 'kept in dark' over high lead levels Residents in WA's Mid West city of Geraldton are angry that it has taken so long to be told about high levels of lead being recorded in the air around the city's port. High lead levels in Geraldton investigated The State Government says it is not yet clear how long lead exports from Geraldton port will be suspended.
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