A daily 5 minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability.
Welcome to SBS News in Easy English. I'm Tee Mitchell.
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China has reacted to Australia's new deal with Vanuatu.
The deal covers economic and security matters.
It bans the establishment of a military base in the Pacific nation.
The agreement also says Vanuatu will consult with Australia about important infrastracture.
An earlier version would have given Australia veto powers, but that part has been dropped.
Western countries have expressed concerned about China's growing influence in the Pacific region.
The deal between Australia and Vanuatu is being seen as part of an effort to limit China's influence.
Guo Jiakun is a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry.
He says the deal has caused some concern.
"China has always adhered to the principles of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit, openness, and inclusiveness when carrying out practical cooperation across various fields with Pacific Island countries, including Vanuatu. We hope that cooperation between relevant countries and Pacific Island countries will contribute to the development and stability of the island region, not target any third party or be used as a tool for geopolitical rivalry."
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The United Nations envoy for Venezuela says search and rescue teams are working as fast as they can to find earthquake survivors.
The country has continued to experience aftershocks following two earthquakes last week.
The UN said up to 6.8 million Venezuelans may be affected.
Authorities say almost 1,750 people are confirmed dead and that number is expected to rise.
More than 3,000 are injured and over 12,000 are displaced.
Gianluca Rampolla Del Tindaro is the UN's Resident Coordinator in Venezuela.
He says rescue teams are working hard.
"Since Wednesday last week when we got hit by the two 7.2, 7.5 back-to-back earthquakes, we have had 500 aftershocks. We are beyond the 72-hours critical window, but – and this is one of the miracles of this country – rescuers are still being able to pull out alive people. Yesterday alone, seven persons were pulled out of the rubble alive. Obviously, we are focusing with government on emergency medical care and working rapidly on setting up emergency shelter. There is a tropical wave that is expected in the next hours to reach Venezuela, and this will bring heavy rains."
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Six people have been killed in a shooting at a youth welfare facility in the northern German town of Stade.
Authorities have not released the identities or ages of the victims.
Police have detained three people, including the suspected shooter.
Officials say there is no further threat to the public.
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Jewish Labor MP Josh Burns has given evidence to the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.
He made a written submission and said he's received threats.
Mr Burns also said he's had to take safety precautions with his public engagements.
The federal politician represents the inner Melbourne seat of Macnamara.
He has previously described the period since October 7 2023 as one of the hardest in his life.
Mr Burns has called for hate laws to be expanded.
"I don't know want to see death and destruction on anyone. And to attribute intent or maliciousness to a Jewish person, or to attribute some sort of dual loyalty - it is a complete dehumanisation of Jewish people. And I think that is where antisemitism in the mainstream can catch on. And that's where it can get really dangerous."
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The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is suing Amazon Prime.
The consumer watchdog alleges the company used unfair terms in its contracts.
It says subscribers either had to pay more or watch ads and this went against the original agreement.
Gina Cass-Gottlieb is the chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
She says around one million customers were affected over almost two years.
Ms Cass-Gottlieb alleges Amazon Prime relied on five unfair contract terms.
"Those terms enabled Amazon to unilaterally make negative changes during the contract period without providing subscribers a refund or any remedy. Amazon relied on those terms to introduce advertisements to the Amazon Prime Video Service, which had previous been almost entirely ad-free."
Prime Video said in a statement it is reviewing the case.
The company said it has cooperated with the ACCC investigation.
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Thanks for listening to SBS News in Easy English. I'm Tee Mitchell



