• Sun, February 2, 2025

by: Couriermail

'Bureaucratic lunatics running the asylum': Is it time to abolish local councils?

Mr Hurlston, who formed the lobby group originally known as Ratepayers Victoria in 2001, said Queensland's local government model was arguably the best while NSW and Victoria both had too much of a "hands-off" approach that led to mismanagement and waste.

by: WKRG

Tariffs: What do Trump's executive orders say and how would they work?

Trump's orders say the tariffs are a consequence of illegal immigration and drug smuggling. Not everyone will agree with his reasoning, as U.S. government reports show that unauthorized border crossings from Mexico have fallen over the past year and seizures of fentanyl along the northern border are relatively low.

by: MSN

Xi weighs retaliation after Trump hits China with 10% tariff

Chinese President Xi Jinping delayed a response to Donald Trump's new 10% tariff, while Canada and Mexico imposed quick retaliatory measures. China plans to take internal economic measures to counteract the potential impacts of the tariffs,

by: MSN

King calls for vigilance against online scams and slander on social media

His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim today reminded Malaysians to remain vigilant against cybercrime. He cautioned the public against falling victim to online financial scams and identity theft.
  • Mon, February 3, 2025

by: WAtoday

Mettam vows to run WA and its health system at same time if elected premier

Libby Mettam said retaining the health portfolio alongside premier duties would show the public how seriously her party took fixing Labor's mess.

by: cnbctv18

Public holiday in Delhi and Haryana on February 5

The Haryana government said workers of factories, shops, and private establishments in the state are eligible for paid leave to cast their votes.

by: i

FTSE 100 tumbles more than 1% after Donald Trump's tariff announcement

FTSE comes down off a five-year high after Trump did not rule out imposing tariffs on UK goods, but reportedly said the situation with Britain 'can be worked out'

by: briefly

Chamber of Commerce in USA Worried About Donald Trump's Statements of Cutting Aid, Netizens Unmoved

The South African Chamber of Commerce in the US said that the more than R8 billion in pledged funding to SA will be jeopardised by Donald Trump's announcement.

by: StamfordAdvocate

Trump's Project 2025 agenda caps decades-long resistance to 20th century progressive reform

Alternatively disavowed and embraced by President Donald Trump during his 2024 campaign, Project 2025 is a collection of conservative policy proposals - many written by veterans of his first administration. It echoes similar projects, both liberal and conservative, setting out a bold agenda for a new administration.

by: Sky

Will school report cards help inform parents?

The new system will see each school given one of five grades - from "exemplary" to "causing concern" and a traffic light rating of red, amber and green.

by: MARCA

Elon Musk's reaction to senator's 'no one elected you' comment

by: Yahoo

FAA's ground stop proves business needs a functioning government to thrive

—The FAA's role is a reminder that the U.S. needs a functioning federal government to keep planes running on time, among many other things. Gridlock and partisan stalemate are not good for business or the economy.

by: Slate

Will the Supreme Court Force Taxpayers to Pay for Catholic Schooling?

The Oklahoma Supreme Court agreed with the state of Oklahoma and blocked the opening of St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, but recently, the U.S. Supreme Court St. Isidore is using the courts to further its own conservative Catholic agenda,

by: Reuters

Trump to cut off funding for South Africa over expropriation act

Three U.S. Army soldiers were onboard a BlackHawk helicopter that collided with a passenger jet near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, U.S. officials said on Wednesday.

by: i

Emmanuel Macron to tell Keir Starmer Brexit has failed at EU 'reset' summit

Keir Starmer will travel to Brussels for dinner with European leaders and defence and security co-operation talks with Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte

by: RealClearPolitics

Vance: Biden And Obama Administrations Told White People Don't Bother Applying For Air Traffic Control Jobs

Vice President J.D. Vance told FNC's "Sunday Morning Futures" how the "DEI regime of the Biden administration" created a shortage of air traffic controllers. "We have a massive shortage of air traffic controllers.

by: CNN

The latest on Trump's presidency as tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China loom

President Donald Trump announced extraordinary new tariffs over the weekend on Mexico, Canada and China, and the leaders of all three countries have since announced retaliatory measures. Follow for live updates.

by: ABC

Trump 2nd term updates: Trump says USAID is run by 'radical lunatics'

President Donald Trump made good on his threats to impose tariffs on some of the U.S.'s trading partners, announcing Saturday that he will levy 25% tariffs on some goods from Canada and Mexico and 10% on Chinese goods.

by: Slate

I'm a Federal Worker. People Don't Understand the Level of Heist Elon Musk Is Perpetrating.

On Friday night, reports emerged that Elon Musk's aides had tussled with Office of Personnel Management and Treasury staffers while demanding access to troves of information about federal employees. And on Sunday,

by: ABC

Turmoil inside USAID: Staff to work from home as Musk seeks to shut down agency

Amid ongoing turmoil inside the U.S. Agency for International Development, sources say that Department of Government Efficiency staffers have moved to take over offices.

by: CNN

Trump's race to honor his promises is bringing risk and turmoil to America and the world

And at home, a quickening purge of federal government workers and erratic spending decisions have already called into question assistance that's critical to the well-being of millions of citizens, as well as the legality of ousting scores of federal workers to fulfill Trump's political whims.

by: ABC

Trump 2nd term live updates: Trump says USAID is run by 'radical lunatics'

President Donald Trump made good on his threats to impose tariffs on some of the U.S.'s trading partners, announcing Saturday that he will levy 25% tariffs on some goods from Canada and Mexico and 10% on Chinese goods.

by: MSN

DR Congo: People in Goma face immense challenges in wake of fighting

In Goma, people are still suffering in the aftermath of the recent fighting between the M23 rebels and the Congolese army. A family recounts their traumatic experiences during - and after- the fighting.

by: MSN

How Marco Rubio, Pete Hegseth and others made it to Trump's Cabinet

How do President Donald Trump's picks to run federal agencies this term compare to previous presidents' choices? As the confirmation process continues, we wanted to look at the career paths taken by past secretaries of state,

by: MSN

Ford 'ripping up' Ontario's $100M contract with Elon Musk's Starlink system

Doug Ford says the Ontario government is 'ripping up' its $100-million contract with Elon Musk's Starlink to provide high-speed internet to northern and rural communities.

by: MSN

Hochul's spending plan takes another swing at government efficiency

A proposed state office focused on "innovation and efficiency" was a key point in Gov. Kathy Hochul's plan to increase government accountability when she unveiled her State of the State policy book in early January.

by: MSN

What is USAID and why Trump and Elon Musk want to shut it down? Explained in 10 points

Elon Musk has said the US government is planning to shut down US Agency for International Development (USAID) — a decades' old organisation responsible for carrying out foreign aid programmes around the world.

by: MSN

Farouk Kibet claims Raila's AUC victory will end tribalism in Kenya

Farouk Kibet has told off Kenyans praying for Azimio leader Raila Odinga to lose in the AUC chairmanship election, arguing that his win will eradicate tribalism.

by: MSN

How Donald Trump's sudden decision to cut aid to SA could affect the country

The South African Chamber of Commerce in the US said that the more than R8 billion in pledged funding to SA will be jeopardised by Donald Trump's announcement.

by: MSN

Musk's wrecking ball pierces government's inner sanctum

Elon Musk and his cost-slashing allies are taking a hammer to the massive bureaucracy that staffs the U.S. government — and a scalpel to any senior officials who dare put up a fight. Why it matters: Musk isn't the only force driving the Trump administration's escalating purge of civil servants.

by: MSN

Delhi Elections 2025: Public holiday declared in Delhi, Haryana on February 5

A public holiday has been declared in Delhi and Haryana on Wednesday, February 5, in the wake of voting in the Delhi Elections 2025. Delhi will vote on February 5 to choose its next chief Minister. The voting will be held between 7 am and 6 pm on Wednesday.

by: MSN

UK politics - live: Trump hints Britain may dodge tariffs as US-EU trade war looms

Trump hints Britain may dodge tariffs as US-EU trade war looms - US president warns of EU tariffs 'soon' as row risks overshadowing PM's key meeting with European leaders

by: MSN

Indiana bill tracker: Senate OKs income tax cut, parental rights bill. Here's what else moved

There's about 1,200 bills filed but only some of them will become law. Here, we're tracking the bills that actually progress in the legislature.

by: MSN

India News Live Today February 3, 2025: Ex-serviceman killed, wife and daughter injured in terrorist attack in Kashmir's Kulgam

Stay informed with our live blog covering India's latest in politics, economy, crime, and general news. Get real-time updates on political developments, financial trends, crime reports, and important events across the country.

by: MSN

'Ashamed To Go Abroad And...': Jaishankar Slams Kejriwal As Delhi Election Battle Heats Up |BJP Vs AAP

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar took on the Aam Aadmi Party and its policies during an election rally in Delhi on 1. Jaishankar said he feels ashamed of going abroad and say that people of Delhi lack basic facilities.

by: MSN

Aden Duale names architect, engineers behind revamped State House look: "It's anchored in law"

Duale noted that the Nairobi State House is a strategic security installation in the country, and not just a building, but the face of Kenya to the world dignitaries

by: MSN

UDA MP announces date William Ruto will sack CS Justin Muturi: "He called for it"

Belgut MP Nelson Koech accused Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi of seeking political mileage over abduction cases. He said Muturi will be sacked.

by: MSN

Trump takes aim at EU and UK in latest tariff threat

Large puppet portraying Donald Trump is carried as people gather in Trafalgar Square, central London, to demonstrate against the state visit of President Donald Trump.

by: MSN

Rigathi Gachagua never contributed anything in Cabinet, Aden Duale claims

The Environment CS accused former DP Gachagua of attacjing CS's yet he never contributedd anything meaningful during his time in the Ruto's cabinet

by: MSN

What is the salary of the DM of any district, and how much is the appraisal every year?

A District Magistrate (DM) or District Magistrate is an IAS officer who is responsible for the entire district. There is no administrative officer higher than the DM in a district unless that district is the division headquarters.

by: MSN

Maken picks holes in AAP govt's education, transport models

by: MSN

Is Tesla in big trouble?

Australians could be the big winners of the car industry fight between the two biggest powerhouses, as the American and Chinese duke it out on electric vehicles and tariffs. Let me make one thing clear from the beginning — this is a car story,

by: MSN

Trump upends US government's programmes, policies, personnel and prospects

These are not serious people intent on governing. Instead, they are pulling down the temple pillars in pursuit of retribution and revenge against those whom they believe have done them wrong.

by: MSN

Delhi schools shut on February 5 ahead of Assembly elections

Schools and colleges in Delhi will remain closed on February 5, 2025, ahead of Assembly elections. The polling will be conducted in a single phase, and the results will be declared on February 8, 2025.

by: MSN

EU leaders to huddle on defence against Russia and handling Trump

European Union leaders gather on Monday to discuss how to bolster the continent's defences against Russia and how to handle U.S. President Donald Trump after his decision to impose tariffs on goods from Canada,

by: MSN

Bengaluru Palace Land Under Govt Lens as Karnataka Issues Takeover Ordinance

The Karnataka government has issued an ordinance to assert control over Bengaluru Palace land, a move likely to spark legal and political battles. The ordinance aims to regulate ownership and usage of the historic property,

by: MSN

Delhi Elections 2025: Jamia schools closed on February 4 and 5

Ahead of the Delhi Assembly Elections 2025, Jamia Middle School has declared a two-day holiday for students and staff, February 4 and 5. The Delhi elections are scheduled to be held in a single phase on February 5,

by: MSN

More USAID staff ousted after Trump administration dismantles aid agency

By Jonathan Landay, Patricia Zengerle and Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Trump administration removed two top security officials at the U.S. Agency for International Development during the weekend after they tried to stop representatives from billionaire Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from gaining access to restricted parts of the building,

'Bureaucratic lunatics running the asylum': Is it time to abolish local councils?

Mr Hurlston, who formed the lobby group originally known as Ratepayers Victoria in 2001, said Queensland's local government model was arguably the best while NSW and Victoria both had too much of a "hands-off" approach that led to mismanagement and waste.
The article from News.com.au discusses the growing discontent with local councils in Australia, highlighting their perceived inefficiencies and bureaucratic overreach. It points out that local councils, responsible for services like waste collection, local roads, and community facilities, are often criticized for their high costs, slow decision-making processes, and sometimes nonsensical regulations. The piece mentions specific examples like the City of Sydney's decision to remove a popular fig tree for a bike path, and other councils' controversial decisions on parking, development, and heritage issues. Critics argue that these councils have become too powerful and disconnected from the communities they serve, leading to calls for their abolition or significant reform. The article also references a Productivity Commission report suggesting that local government could be more efficient, potentially through mergers or by transferring some responsibilities to state governments. However, it acknowledges the complexity of such reforms given the democratic role local councils play in representing community interests.

Read the Full Couriermail Article at:
https://www.news.com.au/finance/economy/australian-economy/bureaucratic-lunatics-running-the-asylum-is-it-time-to-abolish-local-councils/news-story/c24a2550e4bd458077e3e84ab8323052