7News Just In

Flu cases across Australia have surged more than 160 percent in four weeks, jumping from 8,000 to over 23,000 reported cases between February and March. Deaths related to flu in January 2025 reached 63, almost double the 35 recorded in January 2024. A highly contagious strain known as Super-K, which originated in America, is driving the spike, with medical experts concerned about declining vaccination rates leaving more Australians vulnerable this winter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dame Sarah Mullally has been enthroned as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the Church of England's history. The ceremony took place at Canterbury Cathedral before 2,000 attendees, including the Prince and Princess of Wales and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. In her first sermon, she emphasised the importance of safeguarding against abuse in the Church and holding victims and survivors in prayers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cyclone Narelle has strengthened to a Category 3 system off the northern West Australian coast with winds reaching 165 kilometres per hour. The cyclone is expected to intensify to Category 4 off Exmouth before making landfall as a severe Category 3 system near Denham, north of Geraldton. Perth will avoid the cyclone's direct impact but is forecast to receive around 50 millimetres of rainfall on both Friday and Saturday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first ever regular season NFL match in Australia will be held at the MCG on Friday, September 11.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

American television host Savannah Guthrie has given her first official interview about her 84-year-old mother Nancy Guthrie's kidnapping, which occurred almost eight weeks ago. Speaking on NBC's Today Show with colleague Hoda Kotb, she described the nightly anguish she experiences imagining her mother's terror. A retired detective has revealed that Nancy Guthrie's home was canvassed prior to the abduction, and the Guthrie family is offering a $1 million reward for her safe return.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Los Angeles jury has found Meta and Google liable for causing depression and anxiety in a young woman who used their platforms from childhood. The jury determined the tech giants were negligent in designing addictive platforms, awarding the now 20-year-old $3 million in damages plus $3 million in fines. This landmark case, described as a 'Big Tobacco moment' for big tech, could trigger thousands of similar legal challenges globally, though both companies plan to appeal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police have released new CCTV footage of a brazen daylight shooting at M Brothers kebab shop in Auburn on 16 June, where two men fired eight shots, critically injuring three people including a female staff member who was shot four times. One victim sustained injuries so severe he is not expected to walk again. Nine months later, detectives are appealing for public assistance to identify two men and a vehicle captured in the newly released surveillance footage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Love Machine nightclub in Prahran, Melbourne, was destroyed by an arson attack at 2am, with offenders smashing through a roller door, spreading accelerant on the first floor, and setting the building ablaze. It took 45 firefighters almost two and a half hours to bring the inferno under control. The club has a violent history, including a 2019 drive-by shooting that killed two people and multiple incidents linked to outlaw motorcycle club members, and had been closed for months due to liquor licensing and safety issues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia has implemented a temporary six-month travel ban preventing Iranian nationals from entering the country. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke enacted the measure due to concerns that visitors from Iran may be unable to return home. Exemptions apply to spouses or dependent children of Australian citizens and Iranians already in transit to Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran has outright rejected a 15-point ceasefire plan proposed on behalf of the United States, describing it as excessive and out of touch. The regime has countered with its own demands, including payment for war damages, mechanisms to prevent future wars, and international recognition of its control over the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, strikes continue across the region with Israel targeting Lebanon and focusing on controlling its southern territory to eliminate Hezbollah, while Pakistan attempts to serve as a conduit for potential negotiations between the US and Iran.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's National Cabinet will convene to address the ongoing fuel crisis, with state and territory leaders meeting the Prime Minister to discuss emergency conservation measures recommended by the International Energy Agency. The proposed plan includes work-from-home arrangements for white-collar workers, increased public transport use, reduced air travel, and car sharing initiatives. One Nation is advocating for fuel rationing to preserve supplies for farmers and industry, while some politicians including Barnaby Joyce and Liberal Senator Alex Antic have called for Australia to purchase Russian oil processed through India, despite current government prohibitions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Love Machine nightclub in Melbourne was destroyed by a suspicious fire overnight at the corner of Chapel Street and Commercial Road. The venue, which has been closed for some time, was the site of a double fatal shooting in 2019 and faced liquor licensing violations in recent years. Police and firefighters remain at the scene investigating the blaze that began around 2am.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister is convening a second National Cabinet meeting to address the fuel crisis affecting Australia, marking a significant shift from his previous position that states and territories should manage the response. Proposed federal measures include encouraging white-collar workers to work from home and promoting public transport use. Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers warns that economic impacts from the Middle East war could persist for weeks or months, while facing pressure to cut spending in the May budget to avoid recession.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran has rejected a 15-point ceasefire plan proposed by the United States, calling it excessive and out of touch. The US proposal included provisions preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and reopening the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for lifting sanctions, while Iran's counteroffer demands payment for war damages and internationally recognised control over the Strait of Hormuz. Despite Pakistan serving as a mediator between the two nations, hostilities continue with Iranian strikes on Israeli infrastructure and Israeli operations targeting Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thieves are turning to new devices to steal cars right from under the noses of owners, with serious consequences. One family was on the trip of a lifetime around Australia when the key to their four-wheel-drive was cloned and their car was stolen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mel Schilling, one of the dating experts on reality series Married At First Sight, has passed away from cancer at the age of 53. She'd been battling the disease for years and was briefly in remission before it returned in December, her husband making an emotional tribute to his “soulmate”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump is sending more troops to the Middle East as plans are made for face-to-face peace talks between the US and Iran. But Israel isn't backing away from the fight, now vowing to take control of southern Lebanon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The war in the Middle East is already putting family budgets under pressure but we're being warned it's only going to get worse. The real inflation rate is likely much higher than today's official figure, which was taken before the war began. There is a silver lining: borrowers may be spared another interest rate hike because drivers are already copping it at the pump.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cheap flights to Asia and London are now being offered to lure the first passengers to Western Sydney Airport.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's been a major arrest in the case of Chris Baghsarian, the 85-year-old who was kidnapped and then killed in Sydney last month. Police say they have made a crucial arrest, hauling a man from a Seven Hills home that also contained guns and drugs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celine Dion is teasing fans with cryptic clues in Paris suggesting a potential comeback tour as soon as September. The French-Canadian singer has posted Instagram photos with the caption 'I don't know how to tell you', while signs featuring her song titles have appeared around the city. This would mark her first tour since the Courage World Tour was cancelled during COVID due to her battle with stiff person syndrome, and her first performance since the Paris Olympics opening ceremony at the Eiffel Tower.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show has opened at Carlton Gardens, featuring seven show gardens by leading Australian designers. Landscape designer Jamie Durie returns after 20 years with a future-focused garden showcasing 100% Australian native plants, recycled materials, electric vehicles, and smart technology including AI-powered security cameras and robotic lawnmowers. The garden demonstrates sustainable design principles for smaller urban spaces, featuring recycled concrete aggregates, shade-tolerant buffalo grass, and mulch from Melbourne's FOGO bin waste programme.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rock and heavy metal memorabilia, including costumes and instruments, is being auctioned at New York's Hard Rock Cafe in a Music Icons sale. A guitar belonging to KISS lead guitarist Ace Frehley is expected to fetch up to $800,000. The auction also features items from Metallica, Guns N' Roses and Mötley Crüe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New domestic violence legislation will close a legal loophole that previously prevented former partners still listed on a lease from being charged with break and enter offences when forcing their way back into a home. The loophole left victims, typically women who had ended relationships, vulnerable to former partners returning without facing criminal charges. State Attorney General Michael Daley says the legislation will provide victims with greater protection in their own homes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two teenagers, aged 15 and 14, were killed when their trail bike collided with a bus on the Liverpool-Parramatta T-way on Monday night. Hundreds of people have visited a makeshift memorial in Bossley Park to pay their respects to the young victims who died at the scene.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oil prices fluctuated dramatically, dropping 14% before surging past $100 USD a barrel amid conflicting statements from Washington and Tehran about potential diplomatic talks. US President Donald Trump claims Iran has agreed to abandon nuclear weapons ambitions and made concessions on the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran's military leadership vows to continue fighting until complete victory. Ongoing military strikes continue across the Middle East, with Israeli operations in southern Lebanon and Iranian missiles penetrating Tel Aviv's Iron Dome defence system, causing damage to residential areas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NASA has announced plans to establish a $30 billion lunar base on the moon's surface, marking a significant shift from its previous Gateway space station project. The space agency will invest approximately $20 billion over seven years, building the base in stages through dozens of missions with commercial and international partners. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman also revealed plans for a nuclear-powered spacecraft to Mars by the end of 2028.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A driver has been sentenced to nine years in jail for killing siblings Alina Kauffman and Ernesto Salazar in a horror crash in Heckenberg in 2023. The driver was speeding and driving on the wrong side of the road when he struck the victims' car. The siblings' mother, Angelina Kauffman, has expressed devastation at the sentence and vowed to continue fighting for justice, stating her children's lives meant nothing to the court.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tropical Cyclone Narrelle has re-formed off Western Australia's north and is tracking roughly parallel to the Pilbara coast. The Category 1 storm is expected to intensify to at least Category 3 over Carnarvon and Geraldton by the weekend. Perth is on high alert for gale force winds and up to 100 millimetres of rain by the end of the week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sydney venues hosting live music have quadrupled to more than 550 following new government incentives. The program offers an 80 per cent discount on liquor licence fees and an extra two hours of trading for venues that host live performances. The initiative is putting musicians back in work while bringing communities together through live music experiences.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Married at First Sight host Mel Schilling has died from cancer at the age of 53. Her husband Gareth Brisbane announced her passing on social media, noting they shared 15 years together. Schilling had been in remission from colon cancer before the disease spread to her lungs and brain, with fellow hosts and colleagues paying tribute to the television personality.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Myeloma Australia has presented a delegation to Canberra seeking government funding to find a cure for the incurable blood cancer. Health Minister Mark Butler announced that Elrexfio, a revolutionary medicine, will be added to the PBS next month for advanced myeloma patients, saving approximately 300 patients $5,000 per script. The organisation released a report showing the disease costs Australia $7.1 billion annually in health expenses and lost productivity, and is requesting $132 million over five years for research and treatment, which they claim would save $1.5 billion over the same period.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meta has been ordered to pay $375 million in civil penalties after a New Mexico jury found the company misled users over child safety practices. The jury determined Meta exposed children to explicit content and child predators on its platforms. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced the company plans to appeal the decision, maintaining that Meta has been transparent about its inability to catch all harmful content.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russia has launched its largest missile attack on Ukraine since the war began, firing 948 drones across Ukrainian cities within a 24-hour period. The strikes hit multiple locations including Lviv in western Ukraine, where a missile damaged a 16th century monastery that is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. The attacks resulted in at least eight deaths and dozens of injuries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Western Sydney Airport launches its first commercial passenger flights through Singapore Airlines, with tickets on sale for services beginning 23rd November. Return fares start from $870 to Ho Chi Minh City, $900 to Singapore, $966 to Mumbai, and $1,800 to London. The airport will commence with daily non-stop flights to Singapore, with cargo operations starting in July and passenger services in November, providing improved connectivity for 65% of Sydney residents within 45 minutes travel time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

VCAT's new $106 million headquarters on La Trobe Street consolidates tribunal services and key legal agencies under one roof for the first time. The facility is designed to help Victorians resolve disputes more quickly, efficiently and affordably. VCAT processes more than 75,000 cases annually.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Samoan man has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for the murder of his wife Lise in Melton South. The Supreme Court heard the 44-year-old stabbed his wife four times with a kitchen knife, driven by an unfounded belief she was having an affair with his brother, with the court noting his extremely low IQ of 61 and major depressive disorder. The convicted murderer will be eligible for parole in 18 years and faces likely deportation upon release.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 76-year-old man has been arrested after nearly 30 years as a fugitive, facing charges for two alleged armed bank robberies in New South Wales during the 1990s. Alexander Robert McDonald allegedly held a woman hostage during a shotgun robbery at a Coonabarabran bank in 1996, followed by a similar alleged robbery at a Laurieton bank on the Mid North Coast in 1997. He was arrested in Queensland on Monday, extradited to New South Wales, and denied bail during his court appearance via video link.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Swimming legend Ariarne Titmus returns to the Launceston pool where she began her career, carrying the King's Baton Relay as part of its final Australian stop in Tasmania. The Olympic and Commonwealth Games champion, who has won seven Commonwealth Games gold medals and four Olympic titles, meets with aspiring young swimmers at the facility now named in her honour. The visit comes 120 days before the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ABC staff have walked off the job for 24 hours over a pay dispute, disrupting programming across radio and television. Hundreds of journalists, producers, directors and studio staff rejected a 10% pay rise over three years, arguing it doesn't keep up with inflation. Major programs including the 7.30 program with Sarah Ferguson and the 7pm news bulletins have been cancelled or are uncertain to run.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 16-year-old Sydney boy has been charged with collecting and preparing documents likely to facilitate a terrorist act and possessing violent extremist material following a counter-terrorism police investigation. Police raided a home in Sydney's inner west in December, seizing a gel blaster and flick knife, initially arresting the teenager on weapons charges before laying the more serious terrorism-related charges. The accused faces up to 15 years in jail if found guilty.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A fierce blaze erupted in a Surry Hills garage just after 1am, destroying two cars and prompting the evacuation of nearby buildings. Firefighters battled the flames while police investigators suspect the fire was deliberately lit. The early morning incident required significant emergency response resources.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 2019 national fuel emergency response manual revealed through freedom of information laws details a contingency plan to cap motorist spending at $40 per tank during fuel shortages. State and federal governments have ruled out implementing the rationing plan despite 164 service stations running out of petrol and diesel in a single day. The fuel crisis is causing flow-on effects including Australia Post tripling its fuel levy to 12%, Jetstar cutting services, and waste collectors warning of rubbish pile-ups due to high diesel costs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's inflation rate cooled to 3.7% in February, down from 3.8% in January, with underlying inflation holding at 3.3%. Economists warn that inflation could surge above 5% in March as the impact of soaring petrol and diesel prices from the America and Israel war on Iran hits the economy. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has cautioned business leaders that the economic shock from the Iran conflict could exceed the impacts of COVID-19 and the Global Financial Crisis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Victorian government has announced a new electricity scheme offering households three hours of free power daily during midday periods, potentially saving families around $300 annually. The initiative, called Midday Power Saver, requires households to have a smart meter and opt in through their retailer, with the possibility of higher tariffs during other times of the day. The scheme will be available from October, approximately seven weeks before the state election, and is expected to benefit 2.6 million eligible households.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victoria faces a worsening petrol crisis with 134 fuel stations running low or out of at least one fuel stock. The transport industry held urgent talks calling for emergency powers, warning that garbage collection services could be affected if fuel surcharges aren't recognised. The federal government has ruled out $40 fuel purchase limits from a 2019 emergency plan, while companies like Australia Post are nearly tripling fuel surcharges for parcel deliveries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police have arrested 23-year-old Decklin Donnelly and his girlfriend Jenessa Thurston at a Seven Hills home in connection with the kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian. Detectives allege Donnelly was contracted to kidnap an underworld figure's relative but mistakenly abducted innocent Mr Baghsarian from the wrong house in North Ryde on February 13. Police believe up to nine people were involved in the crime, with multiple guns, ammunition and drugs allegedly found at the property.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns calls for national COVID-style protocols including work from home rules and fuel rationing, with proposals for a $40 fuel cap revealed. Melbourne's City Council faces criticism as an eight-metre high kangaroo sculpture project costs blow out to $22 million, with ratepayers covering half the expense. Workplace culture debates emerge around reintroducing office lunchrooms, with experts arguing that eating lunch at desks is detrimental to business productivity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NASA has cancelled its Lunar Gateway orbital space station project to redirect resources towards building a permanent base on the Moon's surface. Administrator Jared Isaacman announced the agency will invest approximately $20 billion over seven years to construct the lunar base in stages, working with commercial and international partners. The announcement precedes NASA's Artemis 2 mission launching next week, which will send astronauts around the Moon for the first time since 1972, while plans for a nuclear-powered spacecraft to Mars by late 2028 were also unveiled.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate's February visit to Mar-a-Lago in Florida was funded by the Trump Organisation, including accommodation, meals featuring an expensive tomahawk steak, and airport transfers. Council documents confirm the expenses exceeded $500, refuting earlier criticism that ratepayers' money was used. The visit was to witness a deal between Eric Trump and a Gold Coast developer for a proposed 91-storey, $1 billion tower in Surfers Paradise, expected to go through council approval this year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.