Highlights:

• RBA's Rate-Hike Split Raises Questions Over Timing of Tightening — Economists and traders disagree on whether Australia's central bank will raise rates in May or pause amid geopolitical uncertainty, with board division weakening conviction for a third consecutive hike. Bloomberg Economics

• Pritzker Ally Stratton Projected to Win Illinois Senate Primary — Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton won the Democratic nomination for US Senate, delivering a victory to Governor JB Pritzker despite being outspent by a rival. Bloomberg Politics

• Japan's Takaichi Visits Trump as Hormuz Warship Standoff Simmers — Japan's Prime Minister faces diplomatic balancing at a summit with Trump after the US president called for Japanese warship deployment in the Strait of Hormuz, then withdrew the request. Bloomberg Politics

• Counterterrorism Center Director Resigns Over Iran War — See source link. Bloomberg Politics

• Japan's Export Growth Slows on China Holidays, US Tariffs Impact — Japan's export growth decelerated as US tariffs reduced car shipments and Chinese Lunar New Year holidays dampened demand. Bloomberg Economics

• Progress in Reducing Child Mortality Has Slowed, UN Report Finds — Global child mortality reductions have slowed and stalled in some regions, with sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia particularly affected. Bloomberg Politics

• Ali Larijani, Key Wartime Leader in Iran, Is Killed — Ali Larijani, a veteran Iranian politician leading wartime efforts against the US and Israel, was killed in an Israeli airstrike at age 67. Bloomberg Politics

• Will Larijani Killing Weaken Chance of US Exit Strategy for Iran War? — Analysts say the assassination of Iran's national security adviser removes a potential diplomatic off-ramp to end the war. Bloomberg Politics

• Trump Withholds Support as Battle for Texas Senate Seat Unfolds — Trump has not endorsed a candidate in the Republican Senate runoff in Texas despite pledging to quickly end the race. Bloomberg Politics

• China, Russia Driving Autocratic Shift Around World, Report Says — Moscow and Beijing are collaborating to advance authoritarian networks that facilitate global repression, according to AI-powered research. Bloomberg Politics