[warm] This is NewsCard Daily for Thursday March 19, 2026... the biggest stories from Australia and around the world in just minutes.

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[serious] We begin in Canberra where the Prime Minister has called an emergency National Cabinet meeting to tackle a mounting fuel supply crisis gripping the nation. The government is scrambling to find solutions as energy security concerns intensify. Treasurer Jim Chalmers is preparing for what could be a transformative May budget... signaling major tax reforms and productivity measures to shield Australia from economic shocks ahead.

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[serious] The economic uncertainty stems partly from escalating Middle East tensions. Treasury analysis shows a prolonged U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran could add 1.25 percentage points to inflation and strip nearly 0.6 percent off economic output next year. Chalmers told lawmakers this week that instability demands bold action, not caution.

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[urgent] In Queensland, communities are bracing as Tropical Cyclone Narelle gains strength and barrels toward the far north. The system is moving fast and intensifying... residents are preparing for impact as emergency services monitor its path closely.

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[serious] In Melbourne, a terrifying moment unfolded at an Altona North café when a brazen drive-by shooting forced customers to scramble for safety. Police are investigating the incident as part of ongoing efforts to combat escalating street violence in the city.

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[urgent] Overseas now... the Trump administration has signaled a dramatic shift in Middle East strategy. The U.S. President says he no longer wants allied help protecting the Strait of Hormuz... a critical global oil chokepoint. American allies are pushing back hard against the move as oil flows face restriction and geopolitical tensions rise.

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