Devastating Earthquakes Hit Venezuela, Teal independents launch a new centrist political, Brazil defeats Scotland in the World Cup.
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TRANSCRIPT
- Devastating Earthquakes Hit Venezuela...
- Teal independents launch a new centrist political
- Brazil defeats Scotland in the World Cup.
Powerful back-to-back earthquakes have struck Venezuela, causing buildings to collapse in the capital, Caracas.
The US Geological Survey says the quakes measured 7-point-1 and 7-point-5, and warns high casualties and widespread damage are likely.
Emergency crews are searching collapsed buildings as residents remain on the streets fearing aftershocks.
Authorities have urged people to stay away from damaged structures while rescue efforts continue.
"A seismic event has occurred. We have buildings, homes and houses which have collapsed and we are taking care of things with everything we have available in terms of security, civil assistance. No one should stay inside buildings because this kind of event is usually followed by aftershocks."
Donald Trump has clashed with NATO chief Mark Rutte over whether Europe is doing enough on defence.
The U.S. President says several allies are still falling short and relying too much on American support.
Mr Rutte says there are problems, but most countries are stepping up.
The meeting comes ahead of a major NATO summit next month, amid tensions over Iran and European security.
"There’s reason for disappointment. Absolutely. But my argument is this, these are isolated cases. When you look at the overall. Take, for example, Germany. From day one, they delivered on their commitments. These countries all did what they promised to do. I would argue it would have been very difficult to do Iran without having Europe as a power projection platform for the United States. He’s right, there is also reason for disappointment. So this is a mixed bag."
The last Australian woman linked to Islamic State and stranded in Syria will be allowed to return home.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke says the government can no longer keep a temporary exclusion order in place after she requested a return permit.
The woman and her child will be subject to strict monitoring, including reporting where she lives, works and studies, and giving 24 hours’ notice before using any phone or social media.
ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess says his agency is ready and will use its full powers when she returns to Australia.
Australia’s spy agency is reviewing its terror warning system, after more than a decade in place.
ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess says the current system no longer reflects the security environment facing Australia.
The current threat level is probable, but Mr Burgess says that understates the danger to the public.
"The next level on the scale is expected, which applies when we have intelligence about a specific attack - we do not. But we do know the environment is degrading and acts of political violence are becoming more likely than probable suggests."
Two teal independent MPs have launched a new centrist political party.
Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender have announced the formation of Community Strong Australia, which will operate without a formal leader.
They say the party will focus on housing, cost of living, climate change, health, education and integrity, though no other teal MPs have joined so far.
Ms Steggall says the major parties are no longer serving ordinary Australians.
"I care deeply about the laws and how they impact lives but I was concerned that too often politics was not based on merit, on clear facts but it was made on vested interests, party brokers, ideology and it left ordinary Australiansa behind."
Brisbane is on track to overtake Sydney as Australia’s most expensive city for units.
New figures from Domain predict Brisbane’s median unit price could rise by up to nine per cent to almost eight-hundred-and-ninety-three thousand dollars by 2027.
That would put it ahead of Sydney, where median unit prices are forecast to reach no higher than eight-hundred-and-fifty-five thousand dollars.
Domain says strong population growth, investor demand and a tight rental market are driving the shift.
Star player Vinicius Jr has helped Brazil win their match against Scotland, 3-nil at U-S state of Florida.
With two goals, and plenty of shots, the Real Madrid star eased past Scotland to win their World Cup group stage.
Matheus Cunha scored the third goal in the second half.
Meanwhile in Atlanta, Haiti score their first World Cup goal in 52 years against Morocco, but the African team won 4-2.
