Sydney Now: What you need to know on Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Good morning.

We are in for a hot day with temperatures expected to climb to 31C in the city and 34C in Parramatta. There is a 30 per cent chance of a late storm.

Obeid appeals

Eddie Obeid leaves the NSW Supreme Court. Photo: Daniel Munoz

The Court of Criminal Appeal will today be asked to reconsider former Labor MLC Eddie Obeid's request for bail. Obeid was jailed for a minimum of three years last week after being found guilty of misconduct in public office. Michaela Whitbourn has the latest here.

Three years to go ...

NSW Minister for Transport Andrew Constance witnessing the first track being cemented in place. Photo: Kate Geraghty

Transport Minister Andrew Constance and lord mayor Clover Moore might not see eye to eye on the final vision for the George Street light rail, but Mr Constance is confident of a "happy landing". The first section of track has been laid in George Street.  Jacob Saulwick reports here.

Wake up and smell the pad thai

People line up to buy Pad Thai at Lunar Markets opening night. Photo: Christopher Pearce

Can't get a parking spot at the shopping centre? Given up on buying a house? At this time of the year it's easy to be annoyed with our beautiful city. Here are six reasons to love it from our friends at Domain. 

All walks lead to the Harbour

Cate Blanchett had the idea of a 'cultural ribbon' a decade ago. Photo: Richard Shotwell

​Cate Blanchett's idea of a "cultural ribbon" linking Sydney's arts institutions has been ripped to shreds after a decision by the City of Sydney to endorse a harbour walk that follows the foreshore from Darling Harbour to Woolloomooloo. You can read Andrew Taylor's report here.

Tick, tick ...

There are five shopping days left until Christmas. You can check out trading hours here. The Transport Management Centre advises there will be a clearway along Pyrmont Bridge Road while the Sydney Fish Market is open  for 36 hours straight - from 5am on Friday until 5pm on Saturday. It says you can access the fish market via the light rail or bus services 389 (departing Park Street, Town Hall) or 501 (departing Central). Pyrmont stops marked on map above.

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