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TRANSCRIPT:
National MP Bridget McKenzie has criticised Treasurer Jim Chalmers' management of the economy following the latest inflation figures.
New data shows underlying inflation rose to 3.4 per cent in January, adding to pressure on households and strengthening the case for possible interest rate increases.
Ms McKenzie told the Today Show the Treasurer needs to change course.
"We need Jim Chalmers to do less of this and start doing this, because the budget is the perfect situation to actually get this spending profile under control, because Australians are going to be seeing their interest rate rises go up and up and up."
Four people have been killed and seven others wounded after a speedboat from Florida entered Cuban waters and opened fire on local forces, who returned fire.
There are heightened tensions between Cuba and the United States, which has imposed restrictions on oil shipments to the island.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Washington will do its own verification and reach its own conclusion.
"We have various different elements of the US government that are trying to verify elements of the story based on what's been provided to us. Now, I know that the Coast Guard has responded to the area, to the vicinity. I'll need to get more fidelity and understanding from them once I get on the airplane about what exactly they're looking for. I don't know who has possession of the vessel, which is the first thing we would want to have."
Iran's Foreign Minister says Tehran could reach a nuclear deal with the United States as negotiations resume in Geneva.
But Abbas Aragchi says says Iran will not surrender its right to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
"We are a committed member of NPT, Non-Proliferation Treaty, and we have accepted not to have nuclear weapons, but at the same time, we have full rights to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, and we want to practice that right. If there is any question, as I said, if there is any concern, we are ready to address. So we can build confidence on our nuclear program."
US Vice President J-D Vance says he's seen evidence to the contrary.
Kindergartens across Victoria have closed for a 24-hour statewide strike as a 20-month wage dispute between teachers and the state government continues.
Members are set to hold a mass meeting before marching to parliament in Melbourne.
The Australian Education Union says educators, who have gone nearly two years without a pay rise, are underpaid and face excessive workloads.
To sport now,
Winter Olympic gold medallist Cooper Woods says the scale of his Milan-Cortina triumph has finally sunk in after a big welcome home at Sydney Airport.
Woods has returned alongside aerials silver medallist Danielle Scott to cheering fans and autograph seekers.
The 25-year-old's unexpected victory in the men's moguls helped power Australia to its most successful Winter Games, with three gold medals overall.
Australia finished the campaign with three gold, two silver and a bronze on the ice and snow.
