Trump orders release of JFK assassination files; includes records on Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.

President Trump signed an executive order directing the release of federal documents related to the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr.

The order requires the director of national intelligence and the attorney general to submit a plan within 15 days for the complete release of JFK assassination records.

Trump stated that continued withholding of JFK-related information is not in the public interest and that the documents’ release is overdue.

While no congressional act mandates the release of records on the other two assassinations, Trump asserted that making these documents public is also in the public interest.

During his 2024 campaign, Trump promised to declassify remaining documents about JFK’s assassination, which continues to intrigue the public since the event in 1963.

Despite previously pledging to release documents during his first term, Trump kept some withheld, citing intelligence concerns.

John F. Kennedy was shot in Dallas by Lee Harvey Oswald, leading to ongoing conspiracy theories regarding potential CIA involvement.

In 2022, nearly 13,000 new files related to JFK’s assassination were released by the National Archives, marking the largest release since 2018.

Legislation from 1992 requires all remaining records to be released by October 2017 unless related to national defense or intelligence.

Both Trump and President Biden have issued extensions to keep some documents private.

Experts suggest that significant revelations are unlikely from the upcoming document releases.

Trump urges companies to produce in the U.S. to avoid tariffs, proposes historic tax cuts to incentivise domestic manufacturing.

President Donald Trump spoke virtually at the World Economic Forum, highlighting his plans for tax cuts aimed at encouraging companies to produce goods in America.

Trump stated that significant tax cuts are expected for workers, families, and domestic manufacturers.

He noted that some previous tax cuts are set to expire at the end of 2025 unless extended, implying ongoing discussions with Democrats about this issue.

His message to businesses worldwide was clear: produce in America for lower taxes.

He warned that companies that choose not to manufacture in the U.S. would face tariffs, which could direct substantial revenue into the U.S. treasury.

Trump reiterated his support for tariffs on imports, hinting at planned tariffs of 10% on goods from China and 25% on those from Canada and Mexico starting soon.

Albanese to announce $10,000 cash bonuses for apprentices in residential construction at National Press Club.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will announce a new policy at the National Press Club, offering a $10,000 cash bonus to apprentices in residential construction. This incentive aims to support the training of the next generation of tradespeople and address workforce shortages in a sector facing significant challenges.

The funding, totalling $626.9 million, is meant for over 60,000 apprentices, with payments made in five $2,000 instalments throughout their apprenticeship. However, previous similar initiatives, such as a scheme for green jobs, attracted only 2,200 participants, indicating potential difficulties in reaching the target.

Albanese’s address marks a year since he introduced changes to stage three tax cuts. He aims to tackle the housing crisis by increasing the number of new homes, with a goal of 1.2 million in five years. Achieving this will require 90,000 additional workers, as identified by construction industry leaders.

The announcement will also include plans to increase allowances for apprentices living away from home and a commitment to making fee-free TAFE subsidies permanent, allowing more Australians to gain vocational skills without financial barriers.

Labor’s housing strategy contrasts with the Coalition’s approach, which supports first homebuyers using superannuation savings for deposits. The debate over vocational training continues, with calls to encourage trades over university degrees, highlighting the importance of skills in the current economic climate.