A five minute bulletin for English language learners
Listen to Australian and world news, and follow trending topics with SBS News Podcasts.
TRANSCRIPT
More than 100 interstate firefighting specialists are being deployed to help Victoria prepare for the most dangerous fire conditions since the 2019–20 black summer.
The teams have come from New South Wales, the ACT, Queensland and Tasmania.
It comes as firefighters attempt to contain a major bushfire that has been burning in the Grampians for the past week.
Residents near bushfires raging in Victoria's west have been given a two-hour window to return and collect their belongings before Christmas.
Deputy Premier Ben Carroll says residents are being urged to stay alert to the latest warnings.
"We're going to need Victorians to continue to listen to the warnings. The fire that we don't know about is the fire that we're worried about. We've had fires already burning across Victoria. And we're heading into even more dangerous conditions on Boxing Day. In terms of preparation, Emergency Management Victoria is working around the clock. Base camps are being established. We're very thankful that we've got additional teams flying in. If you do need to travel, please go early."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has thanked medical and emergency workers and defence force members who have given up their Christmas to help others.
In his Christmas message, Mr Albanese says they do much to make this season of celebration and reflection possible.
"I want to say thank you to our medical workers and emergency personnel, our charity and hospitality workers; and those serving in the Australian Defence Force here and overseas - everyone who has given up their Christmas to help others in our community. You do so much to make this time of celebration and reflection possible. I do want to wish everyone the very best and a peaceful and joyful Christmas."
Opposition leader Peter Dutton used his Christmas message to celebrate the Australian spirit, which he says shone through a tough year.
"Contending with financial pressures this year, Australians carried on with stoicism - as is the Australian way. I saw this commendable spirit firsthand across the country. Talking to workers and small business owners. Hardhit farmers, fishers and manufacturers. And in families under financial pressure. This Christmas, we spare a thought for those less fortunate - and for those doing it tough."
United States President Joe Biden has announced he is taking 37 people off death row to serve out life sentences behind bars.
Mr Biden's decision will frustrate Donald Trump's plan to expand executions.
The executive director of the group Death Penalty Action, Abraham Bonowitz, says the decision is welcome, but Mr Biden should go further.
"We are absolutely grateful for what President Biden has done, but we urge him to finish the job. Do not give Trump the power to execute anyone. These three racists and terrorists who've been left on death row came to their crimes from political motivations. When Donald Trump gets to execute them, what will really be happening is that they will be given a global platform for their agenda of hatred. Joe Biden can prevent that."
In the A-League, 16-year-old Haine Eames has become the youngest-ever goalscorer and starter in Mariners history.
The Central Coast player broke the goalscoring record held by Garang Kuol since 2021.
The goal happened in the second half of 1-all game against the 10-man Macarthur FC.
It was Eames' first game in the run-on line-up, making him the club's youngest starting player. He then became its youngest goal scorer.
