A Victorian property investor has accused real estate agents of contributing to the state's housing crisis by prioritizing short-term leases for higher commission fees, even when landlords prefer longer leases for stable tenancies. The investor calls for scrutiny of real estate agents' practices and supports the REIV's proposal for land tax discounts to incentivize longer leases.
The Trump administration has placed the director and nearly all staff of the Voice of America on leave, effectively silencing the broadcaster and raising concerns about the future of American international broadcasting. This move follows an executive order to dismantle VOA's parent agency, the U.S. Agency for Global Media, sparking criticism that it cedes the airwaves to China and other world powers, harming American interests abroad.
Elon Musk is scheduled to visit the Pentagon on Friday for a briefing on the US military's top-secret war plan for a potential conflict with China, despite President Trump's denial of such discussions. This visit comes amidst the Pentagon's consideration of major cuts to the military's top ranks, aligning with the Trump administration's push to shrink the federal government.
FBI Director Kash Patel's plan to reassign up to 1,000 ATF agents to the FBI has sparked controversy, with concerns about the impact on ATF's ability to fulfill its mission and potential infringement on Second Amendment rights. While the initial reassignment will involve only 150 agents temporarily deployed to support border security, the long-term plan remains unclear, raising concerns about the future of ATF.
The US Department of Health and Human Services removed the 2024 surgeon general's advisory on gun violence from its website, complying with President Trump's Executive Order on Protecting Second Amendment Rights. This action has been criticized by gun violence prevention organizations and public health experts, who argue that it prioritizes gun industry profits over the safety of children and families.