7News Just In

Mali Freeman, wife of fugitive Dezi Freeman, learned of her husband's death through a phone call from Victoria Police investigators rather than an in-person notification. The call came as a shock as she believed her husband was already dead. The seven-month ordeal significantly impacted local businesses in Porepunkah and Bright, with some experiencing up to 50% revenue losses during lockdowns, though the townships have since recovered.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New South Wales is experiencing a fuel crisis with 387 service stations out of at least one type of fuel, including 247 without diesel and 61 completely out of stock. The state government has temporarily eased weight and curfew rules for trucks to allow larger loads using less fuel, achieving 18-30% fuel savings. Sydney pubs owned by Iris Capital, including the Steyne Hotel and Ivanhoe, have introduced a 1% surcharge on drinks, while the broader hospitality industry considers 1-5% fuel surcharges as diesel prices have doubled since the Iran war began.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crime scene detectives are conducting a thorough forensic examination of Dezi Freeman's remote hideout at Thologolong, where a deadly siege ended with Australia's most wanted man. Specialist police officers are processing shipping containers and makeshift caravans with evidence markers and hazmat gear, searching for links to anyone who may have harboured or assisted Freeman. The property owner insists he hasn't visited since December, and locals believe Freeman had only been in the area for less than a week, arriving after massive bushfires swept through in January.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has announced a ban on bank card surcharges for debit, prepaid and credit cards on EFTPOS, MasterCard and Visa networks, effective from 1 October this year. The decision is expected to save Australian consumers $1.6 billion, with the RBA also lowering the cap on interchange fees to ease the impact on businesses. Small business groups, including the restaurant, catering, hotel and retail sectors, have condemned the changes, arguing the ban simply shifts fees from customers to merchants without addressing underlying systemic issues in the payment system.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Uber has introduced a new pricing model for Sydney and Melbourne that charges passengers in inner city and affluent suburbs almost 40 per cent more than customers in other areas. Australian parents are experiencing increased anxiety, with psychologists observing they have lost their ability to parent by instinct due to constant questioning and social media pressure. The National Film and Sound Archive has added nine new audio recordings to its collection, including iconic Australian moments like the 'Where the bloody hell are you?' tourism campaign and the 'Not happy, Jan' advertisement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A giant throne sculpture featuring a golden toilet was installed on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. as protest art titled 'A Throne Fit for a King'. The demonstration criticises Donald Trump's decision to renovate White House bathrooms during a government shutdown, with an accompanying plaque highlighting the contrast between the country's chaos and the President's bathroom renovation priorities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Arnold Schwarzenegger has received an honorary doctorate from Ulster University in Northern Ireland, 60 years after his first visit to Belfast. The degree recognises his contributions to public service, environmental advocacy and the arts, particularly his environmental work during his tenure as Governor of California. The Austrian-born actor and former bodybuilder says his first speaking engagement in Belfast was a pivotal moment when he could barely speak English.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dezi Freeman, a police killer and self-described sovereign citizen, was shot dead by police after more than seven months on the run. The incident occurred at a rural property near the New South Wales-Victoria border following a standoff during which Freeman failed to surrender. Police had him under observation for several days before the confrontation, using a BEAR cat (Ballistic Engineered Armoured Rescue Vehicle) in an attempt to force him from a shipping container.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's most wanted fugitive, Desi Freeman, was shot and killed by police after a 216-day manhunt ended at a property in Victoria's Upper Murray region. Freeman, wanted for the murders of police officers Neil Thompson and Vadim Devart Hotart, pointed a firearm taken from one of the slain officers at special operations police during a dawn raid, resulting in his death. Police discovered Freeman had been hiding in a makeshift shipping container hideout equipped with camping supplies, and are now investigating who assisted him during the seven-month manhunt.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian Prime Minister has announced a three-month fuel excise cut that will reduce petrol prices by 26.3 cents per litre, costing the federal budget $2.6 billion. The measure, running from 1 April to 30 June, is expected to save motorists approximately $19 per 65-litre tank, though economists warn it may contribute to inflation and influence Reserve Bank interest rate decisions. Questions remain about whether retailers will pass the full savings on to consumers at the pump, with the ACCC tasked with monitoring compliance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has threatened to destroy Iran's energy infrastructure, including Karg Island where 90% of Iran's oil flows, and desalination plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened and Iran refuses negotiations. The US claims serious discussions are underway with a 'new and more reasonable regime', though Iran has rejected the American 15-point peace plan as excessive and unrealistic. Trump is also considering asking Arab nations to fund the war costs, while strikes continue with an Israeli oil refinery recently damaged by intercepted missile debris.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Four intruders broke into Elena Parolin's home in Rochedale South, Brisbane, while she and her husband were asleep upstairs. The woman in her 60s confronted the thieves after hearing a loud bang, and when she threatened to call police, they knocked the phone from her hand, breaking her finger. This marks the second home invasion the couple has experienced in six months, and police suspect the offenders may be linked to other crimes across Brisbane's south side.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a fear of every landlord: finding their property trashed by unruly tenants. A Baulkham Hills owner has been left with a mess so bad, it's shocked professionals - the cleaners calling it horrific.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They escaped the law once, despite the discovery of five tonnes of cocaine on their ship, but now six men from Honduras and Ecuador are facing the prospect of life in jail. They couldn't evade Australian authorities when another tonne of the illicit drug was found on board, bound for Sydney streets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NSW Premier Chris Minns has apologised, calling it “the worst timing ever” after a major transport meltdown in the middle of a fuel crisis. Countless train passengers have been left frustrated and forced to endure lengthy delays, with another shutdown still ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to seize Iran's oil as American troop numbers in the Middle East surpass 50,000, whilst Tehran threatens retaliation against any ground invasion. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expanding military operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah, as Pakistan hosts peace talks with foreign ministers from Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. The escalating conflict continues despite ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, with world leaders intensifying diplomatic efforts to prevent further military escalation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neighbours have rushed to rescue an elderly woman as her Northern Beaches home went up in flames. The Frenchs Forest property was destroyed in just minutes, the blaze so intense firefighters were pulled back with fears the building could collapse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NASA's Artemis 2 mission will send four astronauts beyond the Moon, travelling further from Earth than any human has ever been. The crew, including Commander Reid Wiseman and Mission Specialist Christina Koch, will spend 10 days in a capsule flying to the Moon's far side without landing. This mission, the first to return humans to lunar orbit since 1972, will pave the way for future lunar landings and eventual missions to Mars.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An electric prime mover has completed Australia's first zero-emissions freight delivery between Sydney and Canberra, covering 460 kilometres while carrying consumer goods. The electric truck cut energy costs by 84 per cent and completed the journey 25 minutes faster than a traditional diesel truck. A Central Coast company is now converting commercial fleets to battery power, citing cost and speed advantages.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U.S. President Donald Trump is considering seizing Iran's oil and its strategic export hub, Kharg Island, as tensions escalate in the Middle East. Iran's parliamentary speaker has declared the country is ready to face American ground troops, accusing Washington of planning a ground assault while publicly offering diplomatic solutions. Israel has announced it is expanding its ground operation in Lebanon, while Pakistan hosts foreign ministers from Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkey in an attempt to broker peace, though both Iran and the U.S. did not attend the talks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's most wanted fugitive, Dezi Freeman, was shot dead by police after a three-hour standoff near the Victoria-New South Wales border, ending a seven-month manhunt. Freeman was found armed and hiding in an elaborate camp structure approximately 100 kilometres from where he killed police officers in August last year. Victoria's Chief Commissioner Mike Bush confirmed Freeman refused an opportunity to surrender peacefully before the fatal shooting, and police are investigating whether others assisted him during his months in hiding.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liberal Party MP Moira Deeming may retain her pre-selection after rival candidate Dinesh Gourisetty withdrew his candidacy hours after ousting her. Gourisetty's exit follows revelations he provided a character reference for a man facing child sex offences in the County Court, with the opposition leader stating he is not welcome on her team. The controversy has raised questions about the party's vetting processes and created fresh internal division ahead of the election.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Penrith Beach, known locally as 'Pondi', will extend its opening hours by two hours each day over the Easter long weekend in Western Sydney. Easter Saturday will feature free ice creams for early arrivals, food trucks and live music. The beach will remain open after Easter to include the new Anzac Day public holiday on 27 April.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mulgoa Road's $226 million upgrade has completed its first stage, with the Western Sydney thoroughfare now widened to six lanes and open to traffic. The Westlink M7 motorway has also opened its newly constructed third lane, with a 7.5-kilometre southbound stretch now accessible between Richmond Road and the Light Horse Interchange. The full M7 project is scheduled for completion by mid-year, while the next stage of Mulgoa Road won't be finished until the end of 2028.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Six crew members from Ecuador and Honduras have been charged after Australian authorities discovered one tonne of cocaine hidden in sophisticated compartments aboard the MV Raider cargo ship. The 40-metre vessel had previously been intercepted off French Polynesia where five tonnes of cocaine worth $1.5 billion was found and destroyed, but authorities missed the additional tonne concealed in professionally made hides. After making a distress call 180 nautical miles off the Australian coast, the crew was escorted to Sydney Harbour where AFP, NSW Police and Border Force uncovered the drugs hidden under a wardrobe and in custom-made compartments, with evidence suggesting links to a criminal syndicate and potential distribution in Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sydney's train network experienced major signalling failures at Town Hall and St James stations, causing delays of more than an hour on the T2 Leppington and Inner West line, T3 Liverpool line, and T8 airport line. The breakdowns occurred after weekend trackwork upgrading signalling equipment and laying new rail line at the same two stations. Premier Chris Minns apologised to commuters and confirmed an investigation is underway to determine if the delays are linked to the recent upgrades.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukrainian drones have struck Russia's second-largest oil refinery and an oil and gas terminal at a Baltic Sea port near Finland. The attacks halted production at the refinery and caused significant damage to the port facility, intensifying pressure on Russia's already strained oil infrastructure. Ukraine's security agency confirmed the strikes, with workers at the scene capturing video footage of the drone attacks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 36-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly driving a car into a crowd in Derby city centre, injuring seven people. Counter-terrorism police are assisting with the investigation and examining possible motives for the ramming incident.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ABC is conducting ongoing pay negotiations following a 24-hour strike by staff last week. The Media Union is weighing options for further industrial action, including a potential hour-long walkout during April's rates announcement or a week-long strike coinciding with the May federal budget.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dezi Freeman, a double cop killer wanted for murdering senior constable Vadim de Vort-Hotar and Neil Thompson, has been shot dead by Victorian police after a seven-month manhunt. The fugitive was found living in a container in a small town on the New South Wales border following a tip-off that led to a three-hour siege. Freeman emerged from the container wrapped in a doona and armed with a gun before police opened fire, ending the 216-day search that involved hundreds of officers from multiple jurisdictions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A grandmother was rescued by neighbours after a house fire erupted on Gladys Avenue in Frenchs Forest on Sydney's northern beaches. The blaze was so intense that firefighters were forced to withdraw due to structural collapse fears, with the family of five losing everything in the home. Investigators are examining a faulty dryer as a potential cause, while the local community has established a GoFundMe to help the family rebuild.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian government has announced a temporary halving of fuel excise for three months, saving motorists 26.3 cents per litre at the bowser from Wednesday until June 30. The $2.5 billion measure, approved by National Cabinet, also reduces the heavy vehicle road user charge to zero to prevent freight and food costs from rising further. A four-stage national fuel security plan has been implemented, with the country currently at stage two, which encourages voluntary fuel conservation and government underwriting of fuel imports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New South Wales faces a significant fuel supply crisis with almost 400 service stations experiencing limited fuel availability. More than 200 stations are out of diesel and 75 have no fuel at all. Premier Chris Minns addresses concerns about regional diesel access ahead of the Easter long weekend, noting the state government is working with federal authorities and fuel distributors to manage the situation linked to Middle East instability.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Motor neurone disease patient Julie is caught in Australia's aged care crisis, waiting 11 months for approval to move from level three to level seven support, with an additional five-month wait for allocation despite the urgent progression of her condition. Her daughter Jayne Christian was forced to leave her job to become a full-time carer after the November 2024 'Support at Home' system reforms created significant delays and barriers to accessing appropriate care. In the Riverina region of New South Wales, the MND diagnosis rate is seven times higher than the national average, yet specialist clinics remain unavailable.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Violence against school principals by parents has surged dramatically across Australian government, Catholic and independent schools. Research from the Australian Catholic University reveals that between 39 and 75 per cent of school leaders experienced violence in the past year, representing a 150 per cent increase since 2011. Some principals have reported serious physical injuries including broken bones, cuts and severe bruising from parental attacks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 100 politicians across the political spectrum are demanding urgent changes to the federal government's Support at Home system, which has left older Australians worse off since its introduction in November. A News Corp investigation called Care Repair reveals service prices have doubled, forcing many seniors to choose between basic necessities like showers and meals, while others face waits of up to 12 months for funding approval.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A massive fire engulfed a plastic factory in West Java, Indonesia, requiring dozens of firefighters to battle the blaze for nearly seven hours before bringing it under control. Local authorities and soldiers provided support during the emergency response. No injuries were reported in the incident.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukrainian drones struck Russia's second-largest oil refinery and an oil and gas terminal at a Baltic Sea port near Finland, causing massive damage and halting production. The attacks target Russia's strained oil infrastructure, with Ukraine's security agency confirming significant damage to the port facility. Workers at the scene captured video footage of the drone strikes and resulting fires.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seven people have been injured after a car drove into a crowd in Derby city centre, England. A man was arrested seven minutes after the incident by Derbyshire Police on the other side of the city centre, following eyewitness reports of the vehicle's location. Counter-terrorism officers are assisting with the investigation, though authorities are not currently treating the incident as terrorism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NASA's Artemis II mission will send four astronauts beyond the moon's far side, travelling further from Earth than any human has ever been. The crew, now in quarantine, will spend 10 days in a capsule without landing on the lunar surface. Only 24 people have travelled to the moon since the last Apollo mission in 1972, and this mission will pave the way for future lunar landings and eventual missions to Mars.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australians lost more than $2.18 billion to scams in 2025, according to the ACCC. Investment, payment redirection and romance scams were the top three categories responsible for the losses. The Albanese government's scam laws have passed Parliament but are not yet operational.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Motor neurone disease deaths in Australia have tripled over the past four decades, according to landmark research from Macquarie University. The study reveals significantly higher death rates in rural and regional areas, with Tasmania, South Australia and the NSW Riverina identified as hotspots. Environmental or industrial factors may be responsible for the increase.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 31-year-old man is facing court after approximately 30 vehicles blocked the southbound lane of Brisbane's Gateway Motorway in an early morning hoon gathering. The man's Commodore was seized by police and he has been charged with multiple road offences, including reversing into a police car. The incident occurred yesterday morning on one of Brisbane's busiest roads.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A woman is in critical condition after being struck by a car at a school crossing outside Seaview High in Adelaide's south just before 8am. Teachers provided first aid and ushered students away from the scene during the morning drop-off, while the female driver is assisting police with their investigation. The intersection has not yet had its speed limit reduced to 40 kilometres per hour as part of a state government safety rollout.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An elderly woman was rescued from her burning home on Gladys Avenue in Frenchs Forest after neighbours heard her screams and used a ladder to help her escape over the fence. Fire crews battled the blaze overnight, with the grandmother taken to Northern Beaches Hospital while a family dog remains missing. A faulty dryer is being investigated as a potential cause of the fire that destroyed the home.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Six men from Honduras and Ecuador have been charged with importing one tonne of cocaine into Australia aboard the MV Raider. French authorities previously intercepted the vessel in international waters off French Polynesia, discovering and disposing of five tonnes of cocaine before allowing the ship to continue towards Australia in a 'catch and release' operation. Australian Federal Police, NSW Maritime and Border Force discovered three sophisticated hides in Australian waters suspected of once containing up to six tonnes of cocaine, with authorities investigating links to a larger criminal syndicate involving Australian nationals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tropical Cyclone Narelle has caused widespread destruction across Western Australia, leaving Exmouth completely isolated and the town of Carnarvon under severe flood watch. The Gascoyne River is flowing for the first time in 18 months, with floodwaters inundating crops, submerging vehicles, and transforming bushland into waterways. Evacuation centres have been opened and roadblocks established as residents are urged to stay off roads and avoid floodwaters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pope Leo has condemned the Middle East war, describing the violence as 'atrocious' as the conflict enters its second month. Speaking to tens of thousands gathered in St Peter's Square on Palm Sunday, the Pontiff warned that God rejects prayers from leaders who wage war and appealed for concrete paths to peace and reconciliation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran's parliamentary speaker has issued a warning that Iranian forces will attack American troops if they enter the country, accusing the US of planning a ground assault while publicly offering diplomatic solutions. Israel has announced an expansion of its ground operation in Lebanon to push back threats from its border, as Pakistan hosts foreign ministers from Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkey for peace talks. Tehran has rejected the current US-proposed peace plan, and neither Iran nor the US attended the diplomatic discussions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Cabinet convenes to address Australia's fuel crisis as the Iran war threatens oil shipments from the Middle East to Asian refineries that supply Australia's refined fuel. The meeting focuses on potential measures including work-from-home frameworks to reduce fuel consumption and the Opposition's proposal to temporarily halve the fuel excise, which could cut pump prices by up to 26 cents per litre. Federal Parliament witnesses urgent calls from MPs about fuel shortages affecting constituents, including farmers unable to access fuel for harvesting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.