
Good morning. Stock markets have surged after the US president, Donald Trump, announced a 90-day “pause” on his tariff plan so that most countries will now be hit with the base 10% rate (which Australia was already facing) rather than higher figures announced last week. However, China now faces increased 125% tariffs.
In Australia, the Coalition’s nuclear plans would prevent the creation of more jobs in the renewable energy sector, according to new modelling. And we look at extinction threats to the yellow-bellied glider, the latest native species we’re highlighting in our Last Chance series.
Australia
Wrecking ball | A Coalition proposal to limit the rollout of renewable energy could stop at least $58bn of private investment in new developments and halt billions of dollars in flow-on spending in communities, new analysis has warned.
Last chance | Australia’s most skilled aerial mammal, the yellow-bellied glider, is on an “inexorable slide” to extinction as global heating creates more extreme bushfires that rob the species of food and tree hollows.
Cry for help | One Afghan man who worked as a translator for Australian aid workers is now a target of the Taliban. Mohammed Ibrahim Danish is now asking the Australian government to save him and his family.
Bad dog | Dogs have “extensive and multifarious” environmental impacts, disturbing wildlife, polluting waterways and contributing to carbon emissions, new research has found.
Exclusive | Adani has named two dead Australian war veterans in court documents alleging they were part of a conspiracy against the coalmining company.
World
Trade backflip | Donald Trump has paused plans to hike tariffs above 10% on most countries except China, after days of market turmoil and warnings of recession. Follow the live blog here.
Middle East | At least 23 people have been killed in an Israeli airstrike that hit a residential building in northern Gaza, as reports emerge that the Israeli military is preparing to seize the entire city of Rafah as part of a newly announced security corridor.
Culture shock | Sexual violence and sexual harassment are “endemic” in France’s entertainment industry, a damning report by French politicians has found, concluding that women and children are still being routinely preyed on.
Europe | Germany’s biggest mainstream parties have sealed an agreement to form a government keeping the far right out of power, as Europe’s top economy struggles to reverse a downturn and gird itself for the potentially catastrophic impact of new US tariffs.
Civil war | The British government is bringing together foreign ministers from nearly 20 countries and organisations in an attempt to establish a group that can drive the warring factions in Sudan closer towards peace.
Full Story
Gout Gout: a sprinting star is born
The rise to stardom and record-breaking performance of teenage athletics sensation Gout Gout has left many excited about the future of Australian athletics – it has even galvanised a new global fanbase. Nour Haydar speaks to Guardian Australia sport reporter Jack Snape about why the stakes could not be higher over the weekend, and what’s next for the high schooler from Ipswich who has been called the next Usain Bolt.
In-depth
Donald Trump’s ongoing tariff wars with the world have sent shock waves through every country’s economy. Greg Jericho wonders why the RBA is waiting until May to meet while Australia suffers from actions by a US administration divorced from reality.
Not the news
What does Eddie Izzard, a spectacular burp and small children saying the darndest things have in common? They are all some of the 10 funniest things comedian Chloe Petts has ever seen on the internet. In a distinctly British list, Petts lays out “all of the funny stuff that scratches a brain itch in a way that very few other mediums can”.
Sport
Olympics | Sprint-distance swimming races and mixed-gender events in artistic gymnastics and golf have been added to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Football | The Champions League quarter-finals are on – catch up with the live action as PSG play Aston Villa and Barcelona host Dortmund.
Tennis | Novak Djokovic crashed out of the Monte Carlo Masters with a straight sets defeat to Alejandro Tabilo.
Doping | One in three sport supplements contain substances prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency, according to researchers.
Media roundup
The opposition leader, Peter Dutton, will announce a centrepiece to his economic plan later today: two new Future Fund vehicles, according to the Australian. In the Sydney Morning Herald, private school Scots College will unveil its controversial $60m “faux baronial castle” this week after construction delays and cost blowouts. The AEC is urging Western Australians not to panic about the federal election having long queues and ballot shortages, per the West Australian.
What’s happening today
Canberra | Federal energy ministers Chris Bowen and Ted O’Brien will debate at the National Press Club.
Adelaide | Oil and gas company Santos will have its annual meeting.
Melbourne | The RBA governor, Michele Bullock, will deliver a keynote address.
Sign up
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.