Morning everyone. Donald Trump’s post of a picture of himself as a Jesus Christ-like figure has caused such widespread revulsion that it was soon deleted. He also launched an extraordinary attack on the pope, while Tehran signalled hope for more talks even as the US blockade of the strait of Hormuz began and the price of oil spiked to over US$100 a barrel again.
At home, Angus Taylor promised a Trump-style crackdown on immigration, there were more calls for a gas tax, and Harry and Meghan will bring their “love language” to Australia.
Australia
Online gaming | Parents have been caught helping their children bypass age checks and play as adults on Roblox, the gaming company has said, forcing rechecks on accounts deemed younger than they appeared.
Taylor’s immigration plan | A Coalition government would end Australia’s non-discriminatory immigration program and introduce Trump-style social media vetting for visa applicants, as the opposition leader accuses Labor of allowing migrants of “subversive intent” into the country.
Gas tax | The bosses of resources giants including Santos, Woodside, Chevron and Shell could be compelled to face an inquiry into export tax settings, as the Greens ramp up pressure on Labor – who face calls to impose a 25% levy on outflows of LNG before the budget.
Sydney light rail | The potentially life-saving safety upgrades to Sydney’s light rail, which a former Transdev employee has alleged were cancelled in order to save money, would have only cost about $2.2m, according to the whistleblower.
Hungary election | Tony Abbott has likened Viktor Orbán to “[Donald] Trump with brains” and labelled him Hungary’s “greatest modern leader”, as the future of his work for the ousted leader’s pet thinktank hangs in the balance.
World
Southport failures | Axel Rudakubana, a teenager, was able to carry out the dance class atrocity in the UK town of Southport because of “catastrophic” failures by multiple agencies and the “irresponsible and harmful” role of his parents, a damning inquiry has found.
Hormuz blockade | Oil prices jumped back above US$100 a barrel and global stocks fell after weekend talks between the US and Iran ended without an agreement and Donald Trump imposed a blockade of the strait of Hormuz overnight. At an impromptu press conference on Monday, he claimed Iran had “called this morning” and that “they’d like to work a deal”. Follow developments live.
Truth Social post | Trump prompted outrage from high-profile Christian supporters after posting an AI-generated image of himself to Truth Social depicting him as a Christ-like figure – which he told reporters was intended to depict him as a doctor. Meanwhile Pope Leo said he did not fear the Trump administration and would continue to speak out against war, after the president delivered an extraordinary broadside calling the Chicago-born pontiff “weak”.
European reunion | Hungary’s prime minister-elect, Péter Magyar, has pledged to pursue those who “plundered, looted, betrayed, indebted and ruined” his country, promising “a new era” after a landslide election victory over his far-right predecessor, Viktor Orbán. Our analysis looks at how Hungary could now become just a “normal” EU state, and what it means for Ukraine.
Jury verdict | Geoffrey Robertson, the renowned Anglo-Australian barrister, has condemned Keir Starmer’s planned restriction of jury trials in England and Wales as “a betrayal of the values for which Labour purports to stand”.
Full Story
Who should pay for the health impacts of the climate crisis?
Our medical editor, Melissa Davey, tells Nour Hydar about an international study into who will be most affected if sea levels continue to rise, and who should pick up the bill.
In-depth
Prince Harry and Meghan arrive in Sydney today for what has been described as a “faux-royal” tour featuring expensive, ticketed events promoting the prince’s agenda on mental resilience and his wife’s lifestyle business. Meghan is headlining the “Her Best Life” weekend – tickets to which will set you back $2,699.
Not the news
Our in-house mechanic, Alan Vaarwerk, has some maintenance tips for readers who want to save a few dollars by taking to their bike instead of using their car amid the fuel crisis, including degunking the chain and making sure your saddle is at the right height.
Sport
Golf | Masters winner Rory McIlroy has paid tribute to the sacrifices made by his parents, Rosie and Gerry, after urging them to travel to Augusta, while our correspondent judges that he is the sport’s successor to Seve Ballesteros.
Olympics | In a warning to Brisbane 2032 organisers, LA residents have expressed alarm at the price of 2028 Olympics presale tickets.
Football | Manchester United host Leeds United this morning in one of English football’s bitterest rivalries. Follow it live.
Media roundup
Terminally ill Victorian Labor MP Emma Vulin wants a review of the ban on telehealth for voluntary assisted dying consultations, the ABC reports. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, scientists have found summer, when measured by climate, not dates, is expanding by six days every decade globally. And per the Australian, Coalition senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has joined colleagues criticising One Nation for “failing to exercise basic judgment” in employing a convicted rapist.
What’s happening today
Technology | A report into the triple zero inquiry is due.
NSW | The Farrer byelection ballot draw.
Global economy | The IMF will release a world economic outlook report.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
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