Good morning and welcome to the Morning Buzz for Wednesday, November 22. There’s a chance of a possible shower today with tops of 24 degrees in the city and rising to 27 in the west. Enjoy your day!
La Nina likely to develop by December, BOM says
A La Nina is almost certain to develop in the Pacific this summer, as all eight models used by the Bureau of Meteorology anticipate threshold levels for the key climate pattern will be reached or exceeded by next month.
The bureau's latest fortnightly assessment of conditions in the Pacific and Indian oceans rates the likelihood of a La Nina this summer at about 70 per cent - triple the usual level - prompting it to issue a La Nina alert on Tuesday.
During La Nina years, eastern Australia tends to have wetter than usual summers, as equatorial trade winds strengthen, shifting rainfall westwards. Read more
Turnbull flags tax cuts in a year of steady interest rates
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has flagged tax cuts for millions of Australians in the lead-up to the next federal budget, or sooner if an election is called early next year.
In a move that will draw clear battlelines between the Coalition and Labor ahead of the election, Mr Turnbull told a Business Council of Australia dinner in Sydney that work on the tax cut was already under way.
"You know our plans on corporate tax.,” he said. Read more.
Two men fall from scaffolding on Sydney construction site
Two men who fell from scaffolding in north-west Sydney on Tuesday morning have been taken to Royal North Shore Hospital in a serious but stable condition.
The men, who are believed to be in their 20s, fell at about 10.10am, at a construction site on Meriton Street in Gladesville. Read more.
Gallagher won't say when renunciation was confirmed
Labor frontbencher Katy Gallagher has refused to say when moves to renounce her entitlement to UK dual citizenship was confirmed by British authorities, adding to speculation in Labor circles she could be caught up in Parliament's growing crisis.
The ACT senator and opposition spokeswoman for small business and financial services revealed in September she could have been in breach of the constitution before the 2016 federal election, due to a possible entitlement to British citizenship through her father Charles Gallagher. Read more
Uber fined $11.7 million for hiring drivers with criminal records
Uber was hit with a $11.7 million ($US8.9m) fine by Colorado's public utilities commission Monday, after regulators found that dozens of drivers were operating there despite often egregious criminal histories.
In a press release detailing the fine, Colorado officials said that 57 Uber drivers over the past year and a half were on the job despite having felony convictions, major moving violations or were driving with a suspended, revoked or cancelled driver's license.
Nominations open for 2018 NSW Women of the Year awards
The 2018 New South Wales Women of the Year Awards, which formally celebrate inspirational women for their accomplishments and contributions, are now open for nominations.
Now in their seventh year, the NSW Women of the Year Awards recognise the outstanding contributions made by women across the state to industry, communities and broader society. Read more.
Warner injures neck at training ahead of first Ashes Test
Australian vice-captain David Warner has left training early at the Gabba on Tuesday after hurting his neck in fielding practice but is adamant it won't stop him featuring in the first Ashes Test.
In a scare for the hosts' preparations for Thursday's series opener, Warner underwent treatment from team physiotherapist David Beakley after walking off the Gabba. Read more.
Pearce’s Roosters exit not your fault, Cordner tells Cronk
Sydney Roosters captain Boyd Cordner has moved to assure new clubmate Cooper Cronk that he is not to blame for Mitchell Pearce's controversial exit from the NRL club.
Cordner reached out to Cronk in Kangaroos camp after the Roosters on Monday granted Pearce a release from the final two years of his deal following the club's recruitment of Cronk. Read more.
Ben Simmons' Philadelphia 76ers far too strong for Utah Jazz
Ben Simmons has continued his impressive debut NBA season, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a comfortable 107-86 win over the Utah Jazz.
Simmons scored 27 points, with a shooting percentage of 54 per cent, and had 10 rebounds and two assists at his home stadium, the Wells Fargo Center. Read more.