7News Just In

Pope Leo has publicly condemned US President Donald Trump's threat to erase Iran's entire civilisation, calling the comments 'truly unacceptable'. The Pope reminded world leaders that attacks on civilian infrastructure violate international law and urged citizens to pressure their governments to work for peace. It is rare for the Pope to respond directly to a world leader in this manner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Liberal opposition has announced an election policy to introduce a new criminal charge for drivers who initiate police pursuits, carrying penalties of up to three years in jail for first offences and five years for repeat offenders. Police chases in the state have risen to almost 1,000 per year, with drivers failing to stop reaching their highest level in a decade. The policy also includes greater legal protections for police officers involved in pursuits that end in crashes, though the government claims similar laws already exist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bill Gates will testify before U.S. Congress on June 10 about his interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following the release of millions of files by the Justice Department. Kanye West has been blocked from entering the UK for a London music festival headline performance, prompting organisers to cancel the July Wireless Music Festival and refund tickets due to intense criticism over his history of antisemitic remarks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A pizza shop in Black Rock was destroyed by arson around 2:30am when offenders arrived in a stolen black sedan, spread accelerant inside the Hello Bello restaurant and set it alight. Thirty firefighters battled the intense blaze which spread along awnings to neighbouring businesses, while a couple sleeping above an adjacent chiropractor clinic fled to safety in their underwear after waking to explosions and the smell of fuel. The owners have posted online stating they believe this was a case of mistaken identity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A gunman has been killed and two others injured during a shootout with security forces outside the Israeli consulate in Istanbul's financial district. Three gunmen, who rented a car from a nearby city, engaged in a gunfight with authorities in broad daylight, with one suspected of having links to ISIS. The Turkish president condemned the incident as a heinous act of terror, though no group has claimed responsibility.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A warehouse fire at a paper business in Ontario, California required more than 100 firefighters to battle towering flames that spread rapidly through the building. The intense blaze caused the roof to collapse, though all 20 workers inside at the time safely evacuated. An employee has been arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with the fire.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 13,000 Toyota Hiluxes from 2025 and 2026 models are being recalled due to a technical fault. An installation error can cause the vehicles to suddenly lose power steering, creating a serious safety risk. Affected drivers can have the problem fixed free of charge at their local dealership.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A drive-by shooting occurred at a Shepherd Street home in Colyton, Western Sydney, around 9:30pm, with multiple shots fired including what a witness described as machine gun fire. One person inside the property escaped injury, and police found a large number of bullet cartridges on the lawn. The incident is the latest in a series of shootings affecting Western Sydney residents.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A family home on Talgham Avenue in Panania, Sydney's west, has been shot at for the fourth time in four weeks, with police believing it is a targeted attack. Security camera footage captured a gunman firing into the home's front window just before 11pm, following three previous shooting attempts and a firebombing of a neighbouring property. Police allege someone at the address has links to underworld crime, and the traumatised family had been away for two weeks before returning hours before the latest attack.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jackie O Henderson has filed a statement of claim seeking more than $82 million in damages from her former employer Australian Radio Network, alleging she was forced out of her presenting role following a breakdown in her working relationship with co-host Kyle Sandilands. The Federal Court documents claim she was subjected to months of verbal abuse and degrading comments, and that ARN failed to act on her repeated complaints about the toxic working environment. Sandilands has lodged his own $85 million compensation claim against ARN, with the legal battle threatening to potentially bankrupt the broadcaster.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith has been charged with five counts of war crime murder and will remain in custody at Silverwater jail. His legal team has sought a bail review hearing for 17 April at Downing Centre Local Court, where a judge will decide whether the 47-year-old remains in custody or is conditionally released. These are the most serious allegations ever brought against an Australian serviceman, with Roberts-Smith facing life behind bars if convicted, though he has always maintained his innocence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran that should see the Strait of Hormuz reopened, with the US president saying a full peace agreement is close. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has responded to the development, calling the ceasefire positive while describing Trump's earlier threat to obliterate Iranian civilian infrastructure as extraordinary and inappropriate. The ASX 200 surged 2.6% to just under 9,000 points on news of the ceasefire, with West Texas crude oil falling below $100 US per barrel, though impacts on Australian fuel prices are not expected until next week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two trucks collided on the Princes Freeway at Officer just after midday, resulting in a complex rescue operation that took more than three hours. The driver of the first truck was freed and transported to the Alfred Hospital with critical injuries, while the second driver escaped without injury. The crash caused a spill from a tanker and resulted in the closure of all outbound lanes from O'Shea Road, creating significant traffic delays in Melbourne's southeast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Nationals leader Matt Canavan presents his economic vision at the National Press Club, proposing tariffs, on-shore manufacturing and increased self-reliance in response to supply chain concerns. Gen Z Australians are abandoning gap year travel, with interest falling 78 per cent according to Southern Cross Travel research, as economic uncertainty and housing affordability pressures force young people to prioritise careers and savings. A new club in Amsterdam encourages young people to disconnect from digital devices and engage in face-to-face interactions without phones or computers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US and Iran have reportedly agreed to a two-week ceasefire, with Donald Trump suspending bombing on condition that Tehran safely reopens the Strait of Hormuz. The ceasefire extends to Lebanon, though Iran plans regulated vessel flow through the strait rather than full open access. Nearly 40 days into the bombing campaign, both nations have tabled multi-point peace proposals for negotiation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Artemis 2 mission crew is returning to Earth following their historic lunar flyby, having travelled further into space than any humans before. During their journey, the astronauts captured extraordinary photographs including Earth setting behind the moon's horizon, a solar eclipse lasting nearly an hour, and images of the moon's south pole. NASA is now preparing for splashdown as the Orion spacecraft makes its way home, with scientists already analysing the scientific value of the images taken during this test flight for the Artemis programme's goal of establishing a permanent lunar base.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three gunmen opened fire near the Israeli consulate in Istanbul's financial district in a suspected terrorist incident. One attacker was shot dead and two others were injured during the shootout with Turkish security forces, who also sustained injuries. Turkish officials revealed the trio rented a car from a nearby city, with one gunman believed to have links to ISIS, though no terror group has claimed responsibility.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has announced a two-week suspension of planned military strikes against Iran, extending his self-imposed deadline following negotiations mediated by Pakistan. The President cited communications from Pakistan stating Iran would agree to fully reopen the Hormuz Strait, and confirmed receipt of a 10-point proposal from Iran which he considers a workable basis for negotiations. Trump had previously threatened massive bombing of Iranian civilian infrastructure with a deadline that was due to expire within 90 minutes of his announcement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to Iran stating "a whole civilisation will die tonight" as a deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz approaches, following US strikes on Iran's main oil export terminal at Karg Island. Australia's most decorated living soldier Ben Roberts-Smith has been charged with five counts of war crime murder and spent his first night in custody after being refused bail. A 19-year-old woman was bashed in her Balladurra home by two armed intruders carrying a machete, suffering a fractured nose, while police search for the attackers who fled in a blue Ford Falcon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elena and John Parolin have been targeted by masked thieves for the third time since September, with the latest attempted break-in thwarted by a private security guard the grandparents hired for protection. The couple was previously threatened at gunpoint by four armed offenders just last week. Police have made arrests overnight and are investigating links between this attack and other attempted break-ins in nearby streets including Bulimba.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Ford Ranger was deliberately driven into a luxury jewellery store on James Street in Burleigh Heads at 2:40am before being set alight by masked offenders who fled in another vehicle. The incident marks the second firebombing on the Gold Coast in two days, following a similar attack at a car wash in Arundel. Police are investigating whether the two attacks are linked, with no arrests made in either case.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia's most decorated living soldier, has been charged with five counts of war crime murder relating to alleged incidents between 2009 and 2012. He was arrested at Sydney Airport by the Australian Federal Police and spent his first night at Silverwater Jail, with a bail hearing scheduled. The charges include three counts of aiding and abetting counselling the offence of a war crime murder, one count of war crime murder, and one count of joint commission of war crime murder.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to Iran threatening mass destruction, stating "a whole civilization will die tonight" as a deadline approaches for Iran to make a deal and open the Strait of Hormuz. US forces have already struck military targets on Karg Island, Iran's main oil export terminal, whilst Trump threatens further bombing raids on civilian infrastructure including power plants and bridges. Iranian citizens have formed human chains around potential targets in defiance of the threats.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kids under the age of four will be able to get a free nasal flu vaccine as doctors warn Australia could be heading for a tough season. A highly contagious Super K strain is now spreading early, with more than 100 deaths reported so far this year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tammy Black has fostered over 400 cats in six years with the RSPCA, providing round-the-clock care for abandoned and unwanted kittens in their crucial early stages of life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sydney will mark Anzac Day at both dusk and dawn this year with the return of a special sunset concert on the Harbour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Love is in the air at the Sydney Royal Easter Show with some unlikely encounters blossoming into romance. And while the energy is high at Olympic Park, crowd numbers aren't. This year's opening weekend recorded a slow start. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An afternoon ride went well and truly off track for a cyclist close to the NSW border. They became stranded for hours in the famous Snowy River but were saved thanks to some very good thinking.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former Sydney nanny is facing extradition to Chile, accused of violent crimes committed during the brutal Pinochet regime in the 1970s. Adriana Rivas today lost a legal bid to stay in Australia, a battle that's lasted more than a decade.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal Government has dismissed fears that fuel rationing is inevitable, with only enough supply in the country until next month. The Prime Minister is now preparing to head overseas to shore up ties with key suppliers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US President has lashed out at Australia over our refusal to join the war against Iran, while issuing new ultimatums. But Iran is not flinching, a call going out on state television for the nation's youth to form human chains around the power plants that Donald Trump is threatening to bomb tomorrow morning. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paralympic swimmer Alexa Leary is advocating for a national traumatic brain injury awareness day following her life-threatening bike accident on 17 July 2021, which left her with severe brain damage and memory loss spanning five years before the incident. Leary, who is competing at the Australian Age Championships on the Gold Coast, refers to traumatic brain injury as an 'invisible disability' and recently reunited with the life flight doctors who saved her life. Her memoir 'Sink or Swim' is set to be released, detailing her journey living with traumatic brain injury and the daily challenges of brain damage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

London's Wireless Music Festival has defended booking Kanye West as headline act despite major sponsors including Pepsi withdrawing in protest. The festival director acknowledges initial disgust at the booking but has chosen to offer West forgiveness and hope. The controversial rapper's inclusion has sparked significant backlash from corporate partners.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sydney Opera House will host the Lest We Forget Sunset Tribute on Anzac Eve for the second year, bringing together more than 200 military personnel, veterans and civilian artists including a full orchestra. The harbour location commemorates the departure point of troop convoys during wartime. The free public service begins at 5pm on Friday, 24 April, with donations accepted for the Anzac Appeal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 42-year-old man has been stabbed to death at Buff Point on the Central Coast, with a 20-year-old arrested and charged with murder after neighbours heard shouting at approximately 8pm. In a separate incident, a 21-year-old delivery rider was threatened with a knife by three people in Zetland who attempted to steal his electric scooter but fled empty-handed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A motorbike rider lost control while speeding around a blind corner at a Texas intersection, causing the bike to hit the curb and rupture its fuel tank. The resulting fireball forced nearby students to flee as the rider, engulfed in flames, ran across the road and rolled on grass to extinguish the fire. The rider's leather gear appeared to provide protection during the incident.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A fuel tanker explosion at a depot in Panama has partially destroyed a nearby bridge, with cars visible on the structure at the moment of the blast. The incident has resulted in multiple injuries and one person remains missing. The explosion caused significant damage to the bridge infrastructure.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A three-week police operation has been launched on Chapel Street in Melbourne following multiple firebombings, knife fights and shootings in recent months. Specialist units including sniffer dogs, mounted police and drug detectives are targeting antisocial behaviour, drug offences and retail theft across the precinct. Police recorded around 100 drug and weapon-related offences in the area over the past year, though retail crime has dropped by 7 per cent with 270 offenders arrested for theft.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia faces a potentially severe flu season driven by the highly contagious Super K strain, with influenza deaths already doubling in January compared to last year. New South Wales is now offering a needle-free nasal spray flu vaccine free for children aged two to four, with similar programs rolling out in Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. Health insurer Bupa is providing 40,000 free flu shots to eligible customers as vaccination rates across Australia have fallen sharply following last year's record flu season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two men have been charged with robbing a Roxburgh Park family's home after it was destroyed by fire, allegedly while a 48-year-old woman was fighting for her life in hospital. A third man arrested in raids across three suburbs has been charged with drug and firearms offences. Separately, two 14-year-old boys have been charged with affray and riotous behaviour after allegedly attacking another child near Little Malop Street in Geelong last Wednesday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melbourne-born American anchor Savannah Guthrie returned to hosting NBC's Today show 65 days after her mother Nancy was kidnapped. Guthrie was greeted by viewers holding yellow ribbons and signs of support on the plaza, expressing gratitude for the letters and prayers from her audience. She has spoken publicly about how her faith has sustained her through the uncertainty and grief of her mother's disappearance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sydney Royal Easter Show has experienced lower attendance numbers during its opening weekend, with organisers attributing the slower start to Easter falling on the opening weekend. Despite thinner crowds, yesterday's attendance reached more than 85,000 people, and organisers remain confident numbers will increase throughout the school holidays as showbags, rides and livestock competitions continue to attract families.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The state government is introducing a new regulation standard requiring manufacturers to contribute to a recycling scheme for small and removable batteries under five kilograms, particularly lithium-ion batteries. The initiative aims to reduce the risk of fires caused by batteries, with an accompanying education campaign warning people never to dispose of batteries in regular bins. Energy Minister Penny Sharpe announced the measures as part of efforts to prevent battery-related fires.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At least two people have died and two others are in critical condition following suspected heroin overdoses in Sydney. Police are investigating whether drug dealers have been cutting cocaine with heroin or other opioids to maximise profits. New South Wales Health has issued a warning after six people across the state overdosed in March alone from cocaine potentially laced with heroin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Several boys were captured on top of a Meriton skyscraper in the CBD taking selfies, prompting new safety warnings. Authorities are highlighting the dangers of risky photography after deadly incidents in the past involving people putting themselves at risk for photos. The incident has reignited concerns about the trend of dangerous selfie-taking in urban environments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adriana Rivas, a 72-year-old former Bondi nanny, has lost her final appeal against extradition to Chile after seven years in custody. She is accused of involvement in the kidnapping, interrogation and disappearance of seven people under the Pinochet regime in the 1970s, charges she strongly denies. The Federal Court dismissed her appeal, with Justice Lee finding no error of law, making this one of the longest-running extradition requests in Australian history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft have completed a historic lunar mission, becoming the first humans to view the entire far side of the Moon. The crew travelled 405,000 kilometres from Earth, breaking the distance record set by Apollo 13 in 1970. During their journey, they captured breathtaking images and proposed naming two newly identified craters 'Integrity' after their ship and 'Carol' in honour of Commander Reid Wiseman's late wife.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has issued a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face destruction of its power plants and bridges. The U.S. president threatened to decimate every bridge and power plant in Iran by a specific deadline, whilst criticising allies including Australia for not supporting U.S. military action. Trump suggested diplomatic negotiations remain possible despite the severe threats against Iranian infrastructure.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Australian soldier Ben Roberts-Smith has been arrested at Sydney Airport and is expected to be charged with five counts of war crimes murder. The Australian Federal Police allege the victims were detained, unarmed and under ADF control when they were killed, either shot by the accused or by subordinate members acting on his orders. The investigation has been ongoing for five years, and each charge carries a potential life imprisonment sentence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Universities across Australia are mandating students return to campus to combat AI cheating, prompting complaints about cost-of-living pressures including petrol, rent and tolls. The Easter period has seen more than a dozen road fatalities and hundreds of speeding fines, raising questions about effective road safety education for young drivers. Modern texting etiquette is examined as some people find responding to text messages increasingly stressful, with debate over whether delayed responses constitute rudeness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.