From the Sunrise Early News team at 7NEWS Australia: this round-up brings together the latest developments from Melbourne to Washington DC, covering a homicide investigation in Melbourne's north-east, the arrest of an extremist who gate‑crashed Victoria's Premier, a high‑profile sporting apology, and a raft of national and international headlines.
Table of Contents
- Breaking: Homicide investigation launched in Ivanhoe
- Neo‑Nazi leader Thomas Sewell charged after King's Domain attack and press‑conference ambush
- Fugitive Desi Freeman accused of welfare hypocrisy as search continues
- Adelaide Crows forward Isaac Rankin issues public apology
- Donald Trump returns to the spotlight amid health rumours
- Diplomatic decision: Australia's ambassador skips Beijing military parade
- ISIS brides to be evacuated back to Australia
- Melbourne carjacking: children briefly taken from back seat
- Political heat: Bob Katter faces scrutiny after confrontation
- Brisbane Broncos consider crisis manager for Reece Walsh
- Travel and culture highlights: Qantas adds Perth–Rome flights; Vogue names new editor
- Weather snapshot
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Breaking: Homicide investigation launched in Ivanhoe
Victoria Police have launched a homicide investigation after a man was found dead inside a home in Ivanhoe overnight. Officers descended on a property on Lyndon Avenue after reports the man was shot at around 6:00pm. Police say the suspected shooter is still at large and inquiries are ongoing.
Neo‑Nazi leader Thomas Sewell charged after King's Domain attack and press‑conference ambush
Thirty‑two‑year‑old Thomas Sewell, a self‑declared white supremacist, will face court today after spending a night in custody in Melbourne. He has been charged with a string of offences including violent disorder, affray, assault by kicking and discharge of a missile following an alleged attack at the King's Domain Aboriginal site on Sunday.
The same morning, Sewell interrupted Premier Jacinta Allan's early press conference in West Melbourne, angrily demanding to know why Australians "don't have the right to protest". The confrontation prompted heightened security at the event and drew strong condemnation from the Premier.
"There is no place for this evil behaviour. There is no place for this division and I'll keep fighting for the strong, fair Victoria we all know and love."
After his arrest, Sewell doubled down on his remarks in public, claiming security guards had "put their hands on me" and insisting he had been merely passing by. Authorities continue to investigate his alleged role in assaults during the site attack.
Fugitive Desi Freeman accused of welfare hypocrisy as search continues
Neighbours and family members of fugitive Desi Freeman have accused him of hypocrisy after revelations he received hundreds of thousands of dollars in government welfare despite identifying as a "sovereign citizen" who does not recognise the state. Victorian plain‑clothes officers have conducted searches of properties around Wangaratta, roughly 75 kilometres from Port‑Punah, as the manhunt continues.
In Adelaide, police charged a protester who held a placard in tribute to Freeman. The sign showed Freeman's face with the words "free man" and prompted a charge of displaying offensive material against a 39‑year‑old man.
Adelaide Crows forward Isaac Rankin issues public apology
Adelaide Crows forward Isaac Rankin, 25, has broken his silence after returning from an overseas holiday. Speaking to media at Adelaide Airport, Rankin apologised for a homophobic slur aimed at a Collingwood player and accepted responsibility for his actions.
"I want to start by saying how deeply sorry I am, just for what I said. There was no excuse. It was wrong and I take full responsibility. I'm disappointed in myself and I know I've let a lot of people down."
Rankin has been handed a four‑match ban and said he will express his remorse to both the club's men's and women's squads in the coming days.
Donald Trump returns to the spotlight amid health rumours
After a week largely out of view, US President Donald Trump made his first on‑camera appearance in over a week from the Oval Office. His absence had prompted online speculation about his health; White House reporters noted he appeared his "normal self" during the press engagement.
Among today's announcements, President Trump confirmed that the U.S. Space Command headquarters will move from Colorado to Huntsville, Alabama, calling the city "Rocket City" and celebrating the relocation as a major win for the region.
Diplomatic decision: Australia's ambassador skips Beijing military parade
Australia's ambassador to China opted not to attend a large military parade in Beijing that featured leaders including Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, instead addressing the Australian business community in southern China. Reports suggest the decision was deliberate to avoid sharing the stage with certain foreign leaders. Former Labor state leaders Bob Carr and Daniel Andrews travelled to Beijing but are not representing Australia in an official diplomatic capacity.
ISIS brides to be evacuated back to Australia
More than a dozen Australian women, children and some young men described as "ISIS brides" stranded in camps in northern Syria are expected to be evacuated and returned to New South Wales and Victoria before Christmas. Senior federal officials are supporting a top‑secret operation behind the scenes, though Australian personnel will not provide on‑ground assistance due to security risks.
Melbourne carjacking: children briefly taken from back seat
A Melbourne mother was left shaken after two males jumped into her Ford while her two young children were in the back seat in Doreen, north‑east of the CBD. The offenders drove off with the vehicle and later dumped the four‑year‑old toddlers on the side of the road at separate locations, almost two kilometres from home. The stolen vehicle and suspects remain at large.
Political heat: Bob Katter faces scrutiny after confrontation
Federal MP Bob Katter has come under fire after a threatening exchange with a Queensland reporter over a question about his heritage. The Greens have called for sanctions and asked the Speaker of the House to consider suspension. Critics say the MP should apologise or resign.
Brisbane Broncos consider crisis manager for Reece Walsh
NRL powerhouse the Brisbane Broncos reportedly discussed hiring a crisis manager to oversee star fullback Reece Walsh's social media after another controversial post from the 23‑year‑old drew criticism. The club is concerned about repeated online incidents — this was Walsh's third social media misstep this year — and noted his significant reach with more than 541,000 Instagram followers.
Travel and culture highlights: Qantas adds Perth–Rome flights; Vogue names new editor
Qantas is extending its seasonal direct service from Perth to Rome, adding an extra weekly flight from early May to late October and nearly 10,000 additional seats across the peak season.
In major fashion news, Chloe Malles (Chloe Miles) has been named the new editor‑in‑chief of American Vogue following Anna Wintour's resignation. The 39‑year‑old, daughter of actress Candice Bergen, has spent 14 years at Vogue and was widely tipped for the role.
Weather snapshot
- Brisbane: sunny, 25°C
- Sydney: mostly sunny, 22°C
- Canberra: partly cloudy, 17°C
- Melbourne: showers, 18°C
- Hobart: a shower or two, 13°C
- Adelaide: showers, 17°C
- Perth: sunny, 21°C
- Darwin: sunny, 33°C
Conclusion
From a violent death in Melbourne to political disruptions, sporting apologies and global diplomacy, today's headlines reflect a tense and fast‑moving news cycle. Authorities continue investigations into the Ivanhoe shooting and the King's Domain attack, while public figures and institutions deal with the fallout of their actions in the court of public opinion.
FAQ
What is known about the Ivanhoe homicide?
Police say a man was shot at a home on Lyndon Avenue in Ivanhoe around 6:00pm. Investigations are ongoing and the suspected shooter remains at large. No further details about the victim have been released.
Who is Thomas Sewell and what charges does he face?
Thomas Sewell is a self‑described white supremacist who allegedly assaulted people at the King's Domain sacred Indigenous site and later interrupted Premier Jacinta Allan's press conference. He faces charges including violent disorder, affray, assault by kicking and discharge of a missile.
What did Isaac Rankin say about his slur?
Isaac Rankin apologised at Adelaide Airport, saying: "There was no excuse. It was wrong and I take full responsibility." He has been banned for four matches and plans to apologise to his club teammates.
Why was Australia's ambassador to China absent from the Beijing parade?
The ambassador chose to address Australian business audiences in southern China rather than attend the military parade, a move reported as deliberate to avoid appearing alongside certain international leaders on the world stage.
Are the Australian nationals in Syria being brought home now?
More than a dozen women, children and some young men are expected to be evacuated from camps in northern Syria and returned to New South Wales and Victoria before Christmas. The operation is being managed discreetly due to security risks.
Who should I contact with information about the Ivanhoe shooting or other incidents mentioned?
Members of the public with information should contact Victoria Police through their usual crime reporting lines or Crime Stoppers. For immediate sightings of suspects, contact emergency services.
