Chinese car giant muscling into Melbourne

US threatens higher tariffs on Australia

The Trump administration has proposed increasing tariffs on Australian imports from a baseline rate of 10% to 12.5%, part of new duties targeting dozens of countries. Washington claims these nations are not doing enough to combat forced labour, while the Australian government maintains its tariffs are unjustified and points to its world-leading modern slavery legislation. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Australian economy slows as productivity falls

Australia's GDP growth has slowed to 0.3% in the March quarter, down from the December quarter, with annual growth at 2.5%. Productivity has declined while Australians work harder for less, though private sector investment, particularly in data centres, is supporting the economy. The Treasurer attributes some economic challenges to the Middle East conflict, while economists warn that recent Fair Work Commission wage increases will add to inflation and complicate the Reserve Bank's cash rate decision in a fortnight. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Gen Z returns to church; woman scatters ashes; director calls Val Kilmer "worst human"

New data reveals Gen Z Australians are returning to church in significant numbers, seeking community and meaning. The segment also covers controversial incidents including a British woman scattering ashes through the streets of Santorini, Greece, and director Adam Marcus's criticism of Val Kilmer one year after the actor's death. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Black bear attacks four people in Fukushima

A black bear attacked four people in a residential area of Fukushima, Japan, with security camera footage capturing the animal chasing and dragging a Fukushima Steel Works employee to the ground before attacking two other male employees in their 60s and an 80-year-old woman. None of the injuries are considered life-threatening. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

US strikes oil tanker near Iranian port

The US military has fired a Hellfire missile at a Botswana-flagged oil tanker in international waters heading towards Kharg Island, an Iranian oil port. The ship's crew reportedly ignored US orders and warnings to comply before the strike was executed. This marks the second US strike on an oil tanker within days, following another targeted vessel over the weekend. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.