The Australian government has announced a two-year ban on foreign investors purchasing existing homes from April 2025 to address housing affordability. While foreign investors can still invest in newly built homes, the policy aims to increase housing supply. The policy has faced mixed reactions and questions about its impact on overall housing affordability.
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The Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged, indicating potential future cuts. Economic growth is slowing, and inflation persists above the 2% target, currently at 2.5%. Tariffs are influencing inflation through higher import costs. The Fed will reinvest more in Treasury securities to stabilize markets. Consumer sentiment is cautious as inflation may rise to 3% by year-end, driven by import taxes.
The Trump administration plans to lay off thousands of scientists and researchers at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with significant cuts to its scientific research division. This move aligns with President Trump's goal to reduce federal employment and environmental regulations.
Fifteen Palestinian prisoners freed by Israel under the Gaza ceasefire have arrived in Turkey, according to foreign minister Hakan Fidan. They were issued visas by the Turkish embassy in Cairo. This follows the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, where 33 Israeli hostages were released in exchange for around 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. Some of the freed prisoners will be permanently exiled, with Turkey offering to take in a number of them.
Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Rep. Gerald Connolly of Virginia are seeking detailed information about the authority of the DOGE Service, including Trump adviser Elon Musk and some 40 other people, to carry out firings of federal workers and dismantling of federal agencies.
US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Troy Meink as the next Secretary of the Air Force. Meink, with almost 40 years of experience in military and national security roles, will work alongside Defense Secretary Nominee Pete Hegseth to ensure the effectiveness of the nation's Air Force. Meink previously managed significant satellite intelligence and space capabilities at the National Reconnaissance Office.
The NYPD has reversed its decision and awarded $10,000 to three teenagers for reporting a subway arson suspect. Initially denied due to a technicality, the boys received the reward after media attention and public outcry. They will also receive a Nintendo Switch as an additional reward.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff attended a Los Angeles Lakers game Thursday. In a viral video, Kamala Harris was seen waving at which haters took a swipe asking whom were they waving. "Kamala Harris is at the Lakers vs. Warriors basketball game right now, and no one there even cares. Who exactly is she waving at?" one wrote on X.
​Before the victim was identified as a woman, the person filming one video said, "Sorry to his family, that's a person right here." From the background, a chorus of "oh s**t" could be heard. But none of them tried to save the woman whose identity has not yet been established though on social media it's being falsely claimed that the woman was some Amelia Carter.
A federal judge has refused to halt the destruction of old or unnecessary classified documents at the US agency for international development (USAID). Despite concerns over the near-dismantling of USAID by the Trump administration, the judge found no link to ongoing court battles. The agency is significantly reducing staff and ceasing most foreign development programs.
Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has appointed Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem as his representative in Lebanon, responsible for religious and non-litigious affairs. Qassem succeeds Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike. Hezbollah, part of Iran's "axis of resistance," delayed public commemorations for Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine until a February 23 funeral due to security concerns amid recent Israel-Lebanon tensions.