Morning everyone. Today we reveal growing concerns about the threat of transnational crime in Timor-Leste – Australia’s northern neighbour, which is still emerging from a complex history. A proposed resort development there had ties to three individuals sanctioned for their alleged involvement with the Prince Group, a multibillion-dollar network accused by US and UK authorities of operating scam compounds in south-east Asia.
Elsewhere, hopes of a peace deal between the US and Iran appear to be faltering, with Donald Trump telling media in Washington the Islamic Republic could be “taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night”. Trump also criticised Australia and other countries for failing to ‘help’ with the war. Closer to home, we report on how Sydneysiders are cutting down on car journeys – and take a look at the search for Australia’s oldest musical instrument.
Australia
Life cycle | Thousands of cars have disappeared from Sydney’s streets amid the fuel crisis and bike-sharing rides have soared. Caitlin Cassidy speaks to people swapping four wheels for two.
Diesel problem | Diesel users in Australia are not enjoying the same relief as unleaded customers, with one in 30 service stations still entirely out of diesel and prices rising again after an initial slump last week.
Wildlife risk | Conservationists and scientists have warned a mining lobby proposal to use artificial intelligence to speed up national environmental approvals could generate “robodebt-style” failures, putting threatened species at further risk.
‘Flicked it off’ | A teenage surfer bitten by a shark at a South Australian beach has described how he “flicked it off” and “legged it back to shore”.
Cyclone alert | Tropical Cyclone Maila could hit the far north Queensland coast this weekend, three weeks after the same area was smashed by Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle, the Bureau of Meteorology says.
World
Faltering peace | Iran has rejected Pakistan-led proposals for an immediate ceasefire as an attempt to halt the five-week-old war and stave off threats issued by Donald Trump to bomb Iran’s bridges and power plants. The US president told reporters “the entire country can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night”. He continued his verbal attack on Britain’s prime minister, Keir Starmer, with an unflattering comparison to Neville Chamberlain. Follow developments live. We also examine whether Trump was oblivious to the realities of an “easy war” promised by Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump also criticised Nato for not getting involved in his war, and named countries including Australia, South Korea and Japan who “didn’t help us”. Some countries in the Gulf have helped, though, he said.
‘Deep state’ | The Greek prime minister has vowed to tackle what he has called a “deep state” plaguing the country as he sought to address a growing farm fraud scandal that has forced the resignation of multiple government ministers.
Bannon ruling | Steve Bannon, a key Trump ally, appears likely to have his criminal conviction dismissed after the US supreme court vacated a lower court ruling.
Fly by | Artemis II astronauts are on course to set a new distance record on Monday (US time) when they beform a fly-by of the moon without stopping – and then swing around to head back to Earth.
Sting on the trail | A hiker was taken to a hospital in critical condition after bees stung him more than 100 times on an Arizona mountain trail.
Full Story
Move over Murdochs, here come the Ellisons
If the Ellison family succeeds in buying Warner Bros, they will become the most powerful media magnates on the planet, controlling both CNN and HBO, among other networks. Margaret Sullivan explains why it’s bad for media freedom.
In-depth
A world-first crypto resort was to be built right next to the airport in Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste. But when reporters visited the site as part of a four-month investigation, they found nothing but palm trees and local children playing football. After scouring business records, flight manifests and text messages, a joint investigation has uncovered an alleged connection between three individuals involved with the resort project and the Prince Group, a multibillion-dollar transnational network accused of operating scam compounds in southeast Asia.
Concern has been growing in Timor-Leste since the raid of an unrelated alleged scam operation in a remote pocket of the country in August. “Will we be a sovereign nation governed by democratic laws and institutions,” one government minister asked, “or will we become a criminal state possessed by foreign mafia?”
Not the news
From the yidaki (didgeridoo) to a 450-year-old double bass found in an Italian monastery, and from a piano that arrived with the first fleet to an ancient flute, Stephanie Convery tries to track down the oldest musical instruments in Australia.
Sport
Athletics | American sprint queen Sha’Carri Richardson has lived up to her star status as she chased down the field off scratch to win the 2026 Stawell Gift in a thrilling finish.
Cycling | Tadej Pogacar is among the riders being investigated for running a red light at a railway crossing during the Tour de Flanders on Sunday.
Football | Australia’s World Cup group opponents USA could be without striker Patrick Agyemang after he was stretchered off in clear distress during Derby’s win over Stoke.
Media roundup
Two federal MPs who are also doctors have told the Sydney Morning Herald that the $50bn NDIS needs a reset if it is to retain public support. Prepaid taxi and Uber booking kiosks at Melbourne airport are causing chaos, with many drivers refusing to accept passengers who have already paid their fare, the Age claims. Australia is bracing for a horror flu season according to the Herald Sun. Hundreds of turtle hatchlings, dolphins, seabirds and reptiles washed up after Tropical Cyclone Narelle will be helped by a mobile wildlife hospital, WAtoday reports.
What’s happening today
Environment | There is a hearing at the federal court in Sydney as an NPO challenges Santos environmental plan for WA gas field.
Economy | The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries will release March vehicle sales figures at 11am and the Australian Bureau of Statistics releases monthly household spending numbers at 11.30am.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
