RBA raises official interest rate to 4.1% in blow to mortgage holders

• President Trump is attempting to garner international support to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway where oil transport has halted since the US and Israel began their war with Iran on day 17 of the conflict. • Trump claimed the US received "some positive response" from countries including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK, though Australia and Japan have stated they will not send warships; the UK said it is discussing options while China called for an immediate end to hostilities. • The blockade has caused oil prices to rise significantly, with the Strait of Hormuz responsible for transporting approximately one-fifth of the world's oil supply; Trump warned NATO faces a "very bad" future if US allies fail to assist in reopening the shipping lane.

• A powerful winter storm is impacting the Midwest, causing significant travel disruptions for millions of Americans as the system is forecast to move eastward. • The severe weather creates additional operational challenges across transportation networks already strained by various crises and conflicts affecting global commerce. • Forecasters warn of continued travel trouble as the storm progresses across the country over the coming days.

• A federal jury in Texas convicted eight anti-ICE protesters on terrorism charges Friday, marking the first successful terrorism prosecution against activists by the Justice Department. • Federal prosecutors accused the protesters of being members of antifa in connection with a reported shooting during a demonstration outside the Prairieland ICE jail in Alvarado last year. • The conviction has raised concerns about the Trump administration's intensifying crackdown on activists and First Amendment rights, with the DFW Support Committee calling it "a sham trial, built on political persecution and ideological attacks."

• Energy Secretary Chris Wright told NBC News that gasoline prices could decline by summer despite ongoing disruptions from the Iran war and threats to global oil supplies. • The forecast suggests potential relief from elevated energy costs that have accompanied the three-week conflict, though oil markets remain volatile due to Iranian actions in the Strait of Hormuz and retaliatory attacks on regional infrastructure. • The projection reflects administration confidence in energy supply alternatives and market stabilization even as the conflict continues to create supply-chain uncertainties.

• North Korea conducted a test of nuclear-capable rocket launchers, adding to regional tensions as international attention remains focused on the escalating Iran conflict and Middle East instability. • The weapons test underscores ongoing security challenges facing the United States across multiple regions simultaneously, from the Middle East to the Korean Peninsula. • The development occurs as the Trump administration manages diplomatic challenges with multiple countries and military operations abroad.

The Federation Council in Corowa received 266 submissions from ratepayers opposed to a plan to remove Indigenous flags, and only 44 in favourFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA regional New South Wales council has abandoned a controversial plan to ban the display of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, after receiving almost 700 submissions criticising the idea.But because of council procedure, the flags were removed anyway – at least temporarily. Continue reading...

Exclusive: One Nation leader updates register after questions from the Guardian to include multiple flights courtesy of Rinehart’s companyFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastOne Nation senator Pauline Hanson has failed to properly declare more free flights gifted from mining billionaire Gina Rinehart – this time through her agricultural company S Kidman and Co.Senator Hanson updated her register on Tuesday to include multiple flights taken last year courtesy of Rinehart’s company following questions sent from the Guardian on Monday regarding a flight from Tamworth to Brisbane on 8 December last year. Continue reading...

Audiences draw parallels between the abduction plot of Feels Like Home and Viktor Orbán’s 16-year reignIt’s seven o’clock on a Tuesday night, and one of the most popular movie theatres in Budapest is full, not an empty seat in sight. The audience is not here for a Hollywood blockbuster, but a Hungarian film that barely had the budget to be made.Feels Like Home (Itt Érzem Magam Otthon) has captured moviegoers not only with its striking visuals but also with its timing – its release coming before Hungary’s pivotal parliamentary elections on 12 April. Continue reading...

The policy reversal came after a federal court judge asked the government to explain why it had stopped negotiating with Cape York traditional ownersFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Queensland government has made an 11th hour backflip on a secret policy to contest every new native title claim in court, on the eve of being hauled before the federal court to explain themselves.But the Liberal National party’s position appears to still be unclear after Queensland natural resources minister, Dale Last, doubled down on contesting native title in a statement to Guardian Australia on Tuesday. Continue reading...

Only half the road network is in good condition despite 1.9m repairs last year, says industry bodyA losing battle with potholes has now seen the backlog of repairs across England and Wales reach a record £18.6bn, according to an annual industry estimate, despite councils filling in about 1.9m holes last year.The “national disgrace” of dangerously pockmarked local roads has been exacerbated by a notably wet winter, with only half of the network now reported to be in good condition. Continue reading...

Energy minister says country’s fuel supply has yet to be affected by war, following meeting with suppliers and retailersFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastChris Bowen has insisted the country’s fuel supply is yet to be affected by the war in the Middle East while criticising a rush to buy jerry cans to fill up with petrol as “un-Australian”.The energy minister made the comments after an emergency meeting with major fuel suppliers and retailers, that was convened by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to demand explanations for the recent surge in petrol prices. Continue reading...

Trump says delay of ‘a month or so’ requested while key official insists move is not to pressure Beijing to help unblock strait of Hormuz; Iraqi officials say drones and rockets attacked embassyEuropean countries reject Trump’s call for help to reopen strait of HormuzHow have you been affected by the latest Middle East events?Are fuel price increases making you cut back? Continue reading...