Sunrise

New data reveals that extras cover is one of the most underused components of private health insurance in Australia, with many policyholders paying significantly more in premiums than they claim back. Private health insurance premiums are rising 4.1% from April 1st and have increased 17.5% over the past five years, with singles paying over $3,000 annually and families exceeding $6,000. Financial expert Matt Bowen from ING advises Australians to reassess their coverage levels, check for unnecessary upgrades, review policy limits, and consider switching providers to avoid loyalty taxes and access new customer offers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is testifying in a Los Angeles court as part of a landmark trial examining whether social media platforms are deliberately designed to be addictive and cause harm to young people. The case has been brought by a 20-year-old woman who claims early exposure to YouTube and Instagram contributed to her depression and suicidal thoughts. The trial's outcome could impact approximately 1,500 similar pending cases against social media companies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two men escaped from New South Wales mental health facilities within 24 hours of each other before allegedly committing fatal attacks. Luke Peter Francis, 31, broke out of Cumberland Hospital Mental Health Ward using a stolen staff access card and allegedly killed two people in a vehicle incident in Camden. Stefano Leotola, 25, escaped from a health transfer vehicle the day before and allegedly stabbed two people and killed another in Maryland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two men escaped from New South Wales mental health facilities within 24 hours of each other and allegedly killed multiple people. Luke Peter Francis, 31, broke out of Cumberland Hospital's mental health ward using a stolen staff access card before allegedly stealing a car and killing two people in Camden during a police pursuit. Stefano Leotola, 25, escaped from a health transfer vehicle the day before and allegedly stabbed two people and killed another in Maryland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A two-storey warehouse on Mollison Street in Abbotsford caught fire at approximately 3:00am, requiring 34 firefighters at the height of the blaze. The building was locked when emergency services arrived, and while the fire is now under control, the cause remains unknown. Police have stated they will not be investigating as the incident is not believed to be suspicious, though fire investigators will examine the scene.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian government has issued a temporary exclusion order banning one of 11 Australian ISIS brides from returning to the country due to national security concerns. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed that Australian passports have been provided to the group of 11 women and 23 children currently in the al-Raj camp in northeast Syria, with DNA testing organised prior to documentation being issued. Ten ISIS brides and 23 children will be permitted to return to Australia, though the government has stated that any individuals who have committed crimes will face charges upon arrival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 17-year-old boy allegedly stole a black Mercedes from a shopping centre in Worongary on the Gold Coast, with the owner's sausage dog Bailey inside. Police tracked the stolen vehicle from the sky and ground for seven hours as it travelled to Logan and back to the Gold Coast, before deploying tyre spikes in Palm Beach where the teenager eventually surrendered on the Gold Coast Highway. Bailey was found by a good Samaritan in Nerang and reunited with his owners after being taken to a vet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eleven-year-old Valentine Mayerson has raised over $40,000 by creating and selling beaded bee bracelets to help the family of Matilda Brett Finn, the 10-year-old tragically killed in the 2024 Bondi terror attack. The bracelets, featuring a bee to honour Matilda's middle name, have become a global symbol of peace and remembrance, with nearly 3,000 sold across Australia, Europe, the US and Canada. Valentine aims to raise enough funds to send Matilda's family, including her younger sister Summer, to Disneyland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Queenscliff Football Club in Victoria has created a viral video recreating the iconic 2010 Puma advertisement featuring Savage Garden's 'Truly Madly Deeply', amassing over 3,000 views on Instagram. The senior coach Heath Jamison came up with the idea to boost the small town club's profile and attract new members, with the team filming their rendition in one take after training. The club, located in a town of only 1,500 people on the Bellarine Peninsula, is now selling memberships for $55 and has attracted interest from as far as Scotland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eleven-year-old Valentine Mayerson has raised over $40,000 by creating and selling beaded bee bracelets to help the family of Matilda Brett Finn, the 10-year-old tragically killed in the 2024 Bondi terror attack. The bracelets, featuring a bee to honour Matilda's middle name, have become a global symbol of peace and remembrance, with nearly 3,000 sold across Australia, Europe, the US and Canada. Valentine aims to raise enough funds to send Matilda's family, including her younger sister Summer, to Disneyland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eleven-year-old Valentine Mayerson has raised over $40,000 by creating and selling beaded bee bracelets to help the family of Matilda Brett Finn, the 10-year-old tragically killed in the 2024 Bondi terror attack. The bracelets, featuring a bee to honour Matilda's middle name, have become a global symbol of peace and remembrance, with nearly 3,000 sold across Australia, Europe, the US and Canada. Valentine aims to raise enough funds to send Matilda's family, including her younger sister Summer, to Disneyland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eleven-year-old Valentine Mayerson has raised over $40,000 by creating and selling beaded bee bracelets to help the family of Matilda Brett Finn, the 10-year-old tragically killed in the 2024 Bondi terror attack. The bracelets, featuring a bee to honour Matilda's middle name, have become a global symbol of peace and remembrance, with nearly 3,000 sold across Australia, Europe, the US and Canada. Valentine aims to raise enough funds to send Matilda's family, including her younger sister Summer, to Disneyland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Josh and Jess from Adventure Intel Australia have been travelling and living off-grid across Australia for years after deciding not to return home following an initial trip. The couple showcases off-road driving techniques at the Victorian Caravan Camping Super Show, demonstrating vehicle capabilities on steep terrain with a three-tonne load. Their favourite destinations include the Ningaloo Coast in Western Australia and the Northern Territory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23-year-old Gold Coast golfer Elvis Smylie won on debut at the LIV Golf season opening event in Saudi Arabia and helped secure a team title with the all-Australian Ripper GC squad in Adelaide. The rising star is now climbing towards the world's top 50 rankings as he pursues qualification for the Masters tournament in the US. Smylie credits fellow Australian golfer Cam Smith, a British Open champion, as a significant mentor in his decision to join LIV Golf.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian ISIS brides and their children are expected to return to Australia within hours or days, sparking political debate over border entry. Opposition leader Angus Taylor is calling on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to block their return, while Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke examines whether temporary exclusion orders can be legally applied. International law expert Professor Donald Rothwell explains that Australian citizens with valid passports have a legal right to enter the country, though temporary exclusion orders remain a possible but exceptional mechanism requiring high thresholds of proof to prevent terrorist attacks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian ISIS brides and their children are expected to return to Australia within hours or days, sparking political debate over border entry. Opposition leader Angus Taylor is calling on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to block their return, while Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke examines whether temporary exclusion orders can be legally applied. International law expert Professor Donald Rothwell explains that Australian citizens with valid passports have a legal right to enter the country, though temporary exclusion orders remain a possible but exceptional mechanism requiring high thresholds of proof to prevent terrorist attacks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A man who allegedly escaped from a mental health facility during transfer between hospitals in Sydney remained at large for 10 days before allegedly committing a fatal stabbing attack in Maryland. The incident resulted in the death of a 38-year-old man and injuries to two others in what police describe as a random attack. The accused is now in custody and facing murder charges, with questions being raised about patient transport procedures and public safety warnings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian Prime Minister states he will not assist 11 families, including 34 ISIS brides and children, to return from Syria to Australia, declaring they must face consequences for their decisions. International law experts warn the government cannot legally prevent Australian citizens from re-entering the country, while the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is legally required to issue passports to Australian citizens. The opposition demands temporary exclusion orders be imposed, whilst the government maintains all decisions will be guided by national security advice and that returnees will face the full force of the law.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reverend Jesse Jackson, legendary civil rights leader and two-time presidential candidate, has died at age 84. Born in 1941, Jackson was a protégé of Dr Martin Luther King Jr and was by his side when King was assassinated in Memphis. Throughout his decades-long career, the Baptist preacher became a powerful voice for justice and equality, ran for president in 1984 and 1988, fought against apartheid in South Africa, and witnessed Barack Obama's historic election as America's first Black president in 2008.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A leaked coalition immigration document proposes temporarily banning migrants from regions including Gaza and Somalia, removing 100,000 visa overstayers, and restricting visas from areas deemed terrorist hotspots. The proposal, prepared under former leader Susan Ley, has exposed deep divisions within the party, with shadow immigration minister Paul Scar stating he never supported the policy. Professor Alan Gamlin from the Australian National University Migration Hub suggests the policy contains both predictable elements and surprising proposals that echo Donald Trump's Muslim ban, describing some measures as cosmetic and reflecting a party still processing its historic election defeat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former NRL player Matt Utai, 44, was shot twice outside a home in Greenacre, Western Sydney, once in the leg and once in the chest. Police believe Utai was not the intended target but was caught in crossfire, with his son Isaiah Utai being well known to police after his house was shot multiple times in December. Utai, who played 170 NRL games for the Bulldogs and West Tigers and represented New Zealand, was taken to St George Hospital in a conscious state under police escort.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A shark deterrent ankle device uses electrical signals to repel predatory sharks within a two to two-and-a-half metre range. Independent testing by the University of Western Australia showed the technology has a 60% success rate in turning sharks away when they approach. The device works on pelagic sharks including great whites, bull sharks, tigers and makos by creating discomfort in their electrical sensory system.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. Attorney General has released files related to Jeffrey Epstein under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, revealing over 300 high-profile names including Barack Obama, Kurt Cobain, Prince Harry, and Robert De Niro. The release has sparked controversy over redacted names and allegedly incomplete files, with calls for further investigation and criminal prosecutions. Former Obama administration adviser Peter Loge clarifies that inclusion in the files doesn't necessarily imply wrongdoing, as Epstein had connections through fundraising and other activities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The AFL's 2026 Premiership season begins in 16 days, with Channel Seven's coverage featuring an expanded commentary team including returning expert Hamish McLaughlin and new addition Shane Crawford, a Brownlow medallist and Hawthorn premiership player. A documentary honouring retired legendary commentator Dennis Cometti is also announced for later in the year. The opening match will see Sydney Swans face Carlton Blues at the SCG, featuring several players who have switched between the two clubs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legendary actor Robert Duvall has died at age 95, leaving behind a storied career spanning more than 80 projects, seven Academy Award nominations and one win. Known for his quiet intensity and commanding presence in films including The Godfather, Apocalypse Now and Gone in 60 Seconds, Duvall was classically trained and shared early New York apartment living with Dustin Hoffman. His wife announced his passing, remembering him as both a filmmaker and family man who brought gravitas to every role regardless of its size.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australians express support for budget cuts to foreign aid and renewable energy programs, though these areas represent only 1% of total spending. Eleven ISIS families consisting of 34 Australian women and children have been turned back after leaving their Syrian camp, with debate continuing over whether they should be allowed to return. A neighbourhood dispute in Sydney's northwest has reignited discussion about the etiquette of mowing nature strips that belong to neighbours.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Amazon delivery driver in the Thames estuary, UK, drove onto the Broomway, reportedly Britain's deadliest footpath, after following GPS directions without observing the surroundings. The Coast Guard was alerted by locals to rescue the driver whose vehicle became stranded in the tidal area.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Savannah Guthrie has issued a public plea for information about her missing mother, Nancy Guthrie, as the search enters its third week in Tucson, Arizona. A fourth potential ransom note has surfaced claiming Nancy was taken across the border to Mexico, approximately 75-80 miles south of Tucson. The FBI is conducting DNA analysis on gloves found at the scene and checking results against multiple databases, though law enforcement has expressed scepticism about the authenticity of the ransom notes received so far.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Healthways Mont Albert North in Melbourne is Australia's oldest bowling alley, celebrating 65 years of operation in 2024. The venue features original 1960s elements including above-ground ball returns, manual scoring systems, and vintage scoring units from the 60s, 70s and 80s. The family-run business has been operated by the same family for 30 years, now spanning three generations of workers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian musician Kelly Holliday performs his hit single 'Dancing 2' from his new album 'Capital Fiction' on Sunrise Music Sessions. The upbeat performance gets the studio audience dancing before 9am on a Monday morning. Holliday reveals he's already writing his next album while promoting the current release.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New South Wales is implementing a new anti-bullying framework that replaces zero-tolerance suspension and expulsion policies with prevention-focused strategies. The framework requires schools to prioritise wellbeing counselling, explicitly teach emotional regulation to students around age 10 when bullying peaks, and provide personalised safety plans for bullied students. Under the new guidelines, schools must action bullying complaints within two days and will only use punishment as a last resort after all other interventions have been attempted.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CanStar's Data Insights team has rated breakfast staples across multiple categories to help shoppers find the best value during rising cost-of-living pressures. Coles Bakery won for white bread and wholemeal, Aldi topped the multigrain category, and Weet-Bix was named the best cereal for 2025, scoring highly on taste, value for money and texture. Generic brand alternatives like Hillcrest wheat biscuits and Woolworths Crispy Rice Pops offer savings of up to 50% compared to name brands, while buying in bulk or waiting for specials can also reduce costs significantly.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Retirement planning expert Bec Wilson outlines strategies for achieving early retirement, including maximising superannuation contributions through concessional and non-concessional options, eliminating debt before retirement, and planning concrete goals for what could be 25 to 35 years of post-work life. Wilson addresses common retirement fears such as running out of money, spending savings accumulated over decades, and loss of purpose, emphasising the importance of understanding the age pension system and viewing retirement as an exciting period of flexibility rather than decline.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Home and Away stars Ada Nicodemou and James Stewart are engaged after James proposed on Valentine's Day at a location significant to their relationship. The romantic proposal, which took place near the spot where they first held hands, was captured on camera by James's daughter and included a table covered in roses. The couple, who play married characters on the Seven Network soap opera, designed the engagement ring together and celebrated with a seafood dinner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New South Wales, the ACT, and Western Australia will observe a public holiday on the Monday of the 2024 Anzac Day weekend when the day falls on a Saturday. The NSW Premier announced the change with support from the state's RSL, noting that South Australia and Queensland already automatically grant a Monday public holiday when Anzac Day falls on a Sunday. The RSL President emphasises that the Monday public holiday is separate from Anzac Day itself, providing an opportunity for serving defence personnel, cadets, and reservists to spend time with family after working on Anzac Day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Angus Taylor and Jane Hume have assumed leadership of the Australian Liberal Party, promising lower taxes, stronger economic management and major migration reform. The party faces record low polling support and significant voter losses, including 7,000 voters daily, whilst One Nation surges in popularity among conservative voters. The new leadership team acknowledges past mistakes and pledges to restore Australian living standards, address housing affordability, and implement stricter migration policies requiring acceptance of Australian democratic values.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian government faces pressure to reform its skilled migration points system, which a recent review found outdated and failing to target the most qualified applicants. Labour pledged reforms three years ago but has only conducted consultations, whilst maintaining a permanent migration cap of 185,000 annually, with net migration dropping 40% since taking office. Debate centres on balancing skilled worker needs for projects like AUKUS and construction with housing capacity, social harmony concerns, and the distribution of medical professionals to regional areas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The FBI has discovered a glove near the home of missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie that matches those worn by a suspect captured on doorbell CCTV footage. The glove contains unknown DNA that reportedly matches DNA found inside Nancy's home. Investigators are awaiting further lab testing before entering the DNA into the CODIS database system, with hopes of identifying the suspect through direct matches or familial DNA techniques similar to those used in the Brian Kohlberger case.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lunar New Year celebrations are launching in Point Cook, Melbourne, running from tomorrow until 27th February, marking the Year of the Horse. Golden House Noodle House demonstrates traditional Chinese noodle stretching techniques, a customary practice for the important last dinner before Lunar New Year. Point Cook's multicultural community of 86 represented countries gathers to celebrate this significant cultural festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Seven News True Crime podcast 'Kiss and Kill' examines the murder of Brisbane mother Alison Baden-Clay by her husband Gerard Baden-Clay, exploring how coercive control and narcissistic behaviour patterns led to her death. The case, which shocked Australia, demonstrates the eight-stage homicide timeline identified in intimate partner violence research, challenging the initial court finding that the murder was not premeditated. The investigation highlights how one woman is killed every eight days by an intimate partner in Australia, with controlling behaviour being the primary predictor of fatal domestic violence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian actors Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi made a surprise appearance at a Wuthering Heights premiere in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. The Queensland natives greeted fans at the cinema, with Robbie handing out roses to audience members for Valentine's Day. The film is receiving rave reviews and is expected to reach $80 million at the box office.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Larry the Cat, the Chief Mouser at 10 Downing Street, has celebrated 15 years of service at the Prime Minister's residence. Originally brought in to control mice, Larry has served under six Prime Ministers, including memorable interactions with Barack Obama, Boris Johnson, and David Cameron. The famous feline has become one of the most photographed cats in the world and has established himself as an enduring fixture of British political life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bondi businesses continue to struggle with reduced foot traffic and low sentiment two months after a terror attack in the area. Local business owners, including Speedo's cafe owner Matthew Dan, report a noticeable decline in customers and are appealing for people to return to the iconic beach destination. The New South Wales government has launched a 'Back to Bondi' initiative, an online tourism platform providing extra support and funding to help restore the area's vibrancy and attract tourists back to the famous beach.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent polling by Demos AU and Premier National shows One Nation gaining unprecedented support at 21% in Victoria, potentially positioning the party to hold the balance of power in the November state election. Political scientist Simon Jackman analyses whether this surge will hold and how the geographic concentration of votes will translate into seats. The discussion also examines new federal Liberal leader Angus Taylor's political challenges, particularly around housing policy and immigration, as he attempts to win back conservative voters without abandoning the political centre.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nancy, the 84-year-old mother of US TV star Savannah Guthrie, remains missing after two weeks, with investigators conducting nighttime raids near her Reston, Virginia home. DNA evidence found at her residence that doesn't belong to her or those close to her is currently being tested, whilst authorities have received more than 30,000 tip-offs. Police continue to treat the case as if she is still alive, following up on thousands of leads in the ongoing search.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New South Wales introduces a new public holiday rule where if Anzac Day falls on a weekend (Saturday or Sunday), the following Monday becomes a public holiday. The policy applies for 2024 and 2025, with Anzac Day falling on Saturday this year and Sunday next year. The Minns government states the change allows Australians to pay respects to servicemen and women on the actual day while also having Monday to spend with family and friends.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.