Good morning. The stage is set for US president Donald Trump’s trade war to begin. Steep tariffs are expected to apply to multiple countries from Wednesday local time, with China in particular facing a 104% rate after it said it would retaliate.
In the first leaders’ debate back home, Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton avoided major missteps. The PM attacked the opposition leader on his energy policies as Dutton buffed his own economic credentials. And the Greens have criticised an online advert that links the party to support of Hamas.
Australia
Online politics | The Greens have criticised a Facebook ad running in an ultra-marginal Melbourne electorate that suggests the party is a national security risk and may support the listed terrorist organisation Hamas as “inflammatory and untruthful”.
Head-to-head | Anthony Albanese has accused Peter Dutton of “gaslighting” Australians on key Liberal policies in a spirited first leaders’ debate of the election campaign which focused heavily on energy, health and tax policies.
Last chance | The Bogong moth was once so abundant it was mistaken for weather – but now their numbers have crashed. Check out the latest in our series on endangered native species being overlooked in this election. In a comment piece, Bob Brown urges action to help save life on Earth.
Housing | Australia’s national home values have surged 39.1% over the past five years, meaning the median dwelling value has increased by about $230,000, according to new CoreLogic data.
Lehrmann saga | The former Spotlight producer Taylor Auerbach suffered substantial distress, embarrassment and hurt after Seven breached a non-disparagement clause, he has claimed in a lawsuit filed against the media company in the federal court.
World
Trump tariffs | Donald Trump is poised to unleash his trade war with the world on Wednesday, pressing ahead with a slew of tariffs on the US’s largest trading partners despite fears of widespread economic damage and calls to reconsider. Follow the live blog here – which also covers a public spat between Elon Musk and the White House trade counsellor, Peter Navarro.
Ukraine | Ukrainian forces have captured two Chinese nationals fighting with the Russian army in the eastern Donetsk region, according to Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Social media | Meta is expanding its safety measures for teenagers on Instagram with a block on livestreaming, as the social media company extends its under-18 safeguards to the Facebook and Messenger platforms.
Criminal algorithm | The UK government is developing a “murder prediction” program which it hopes can identify the people most likely to become killers.
Prince Harry | The Duke of Sussex claimed he had been “singled out for different, unjustified and inferior treatment” as he appeared at the high court in London in the latest round of legal action over his security arrangements while he is in the UK.
Full Story
Yes, we are worse off – will Dutton or Albanese make it better?
Are you better off than you were three years ago? It’s a question you’ll hear more and more during this cost-of-living election as Labor and the Coalition try to convince voters they have a plan that will help where Australians are hurting the most. Reged Ahmad talks to economics editor Patrick Commins about why we need bolder reform to make the next decade better than the last.
In-depth
With measles outbreaks in the United States afflicting hundreds of patients, oncologist Ranjana Srivastava argues Australia must urgently invest its own health system. Srivasta explains how the effects of the US health cuts will be felt around the world and why we can not afford to be complacent.
Not the news
The Melbourne international comedy festival is under way, with acts such as Garry Starr who is staging every novel in the Penguin Classic range – while naked but for a tailcoat and some orange flippers, because he’s also a penguin. Here’s our pick of the crop. Can’t get to Melbourne? Many acts will head up to the Sydney comedy festival, then Brisbane comedy festival, too.
Sport
Champions League | It’s the quarter-finals. Follow the action as it happened in Arsenal v Real Madrid (above) and Bayern Munich v Inter.
Cricket | Former batting prodigy Will Pucovski has officially retired from cricket, admitting he is still suffering “scary” symptoms from repeated concussions.
Soccer | Matildas star Steph Catley says she hopes Football Australia finds a permanent coach “sooner rather than later”, admitting players are “in limbo”.
Golf | The Masters course will look different as Georgian city Augusta still recovers from Hurricane Helene half a year later.
Media roundup
The Greens will push for limits on negative gearing and a capital gains tax in a speech later today, per the Sydney Morning Herald. Peter Dutton’s father suffered a medical episode before the opposition leader’s debate with the prime minister, reports ABC News. Five of the seven nuclear power plants under the Coalition’s plans could be forced to shut down during a drought, according to the Canberra Times. Jacqui Lambi criticised Trump and Tasmanian salmon in an appearance on Abbie Chatfield’s podcast It’s A Lot, reports the Mercury.
What’s happening today
Environment | There will be a high court judgment on a dispute over a glider species habitat.
NSW | The public sector doctors strike enters its second of three days.
Gold Coast | The final report on the tourist helicopter crash will be released.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
