GOP-led states quickly mirror Trump’s policy agenda.

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In his nearly four weeks in office, President Donald Trump has unveiled a constant stream of policy priorities in quick succession, from shrinking government, to cutting taxes, to waging a war on diversity initiatives, illegal immigration and transgender rights. His allies in the states are rushing to keep up.   The Florida and Tennessee legislatures have passed sweeping immigration packages that will make it easier for state law enforcement and federal immigration officials to coordinate during recent special sessions. Leaders in Ohio and Arkansas are renewing efforts to place work requirements on Medicaid recipients. And Republicans in at least nine states have moved to create government efficiency task forces inspired by the initiative helmed by billionaire Elon Musk.  Across the country, Republican governors and legislatures are taking advantage of the national spotlight – and friendlier regulatory environment – the Trump administration has created to advance lo...
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Australian police find explosives for possible antisemitic attack

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Authorities in Sydney are investigating whether explosives discovered in a caravan were intended for an antisemitic attack.

The explosives could have caused a 40-metre-wide blast and "significant damage,"

 police said on Wednesday, adding that the threat was contained.

A note was found in the caravan that displayed antisemitic messages, investigators said.


"This is the discovery of a potential mass casualty event," New South Wales Premier

 Chris Minns said.

New South Wales Police Deputy Commissioner David Hudson told a news conference

 that the caravan was discovered on 19 January in Dural, a suburb of north-west Sydney.

The investigation became public on Wednesday after details of it were leaked to the

 media.

There was "some indication that the explosives might be used in some form of 

antisemitic attack," Mr Hudson said, but he wouldn't be drawn on the possible target.

He said officers had "mitigated the risk as much as possible" but stressed: "I'm not

 saying it's been eliminated. I'm saying it's been mitigated."

"That's one of the reasons we're talking today, for members of the public to be vigilant in relation to what they see and what they hear in relation to antisemitism in our community."

An investigation involving the Australian Federal Police (AFP) has been launched.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese posted a statement on X saying that "hate and

 extremism have no place in Australian society".

He said that New South Wales Police had "people in custody" and was working with

 the AFP taskforce investigating antisemitic crimes called Special Operation Avalite.

Premier Chris Minns described the incident as "terrorism".

"This would strike terror into the community, particularly the Jewish community, and it

 must be met with the full resources of the government."


It has not yet been designated a terrorist incident, the premier confirmed.

The discovery follows a spate of antisemitic attacks in Australia in recent months.

In December, worshippers were forced to flee as Melbourne's Adass Israel synagogue

 was set on fire.

Earlier this month, a childcare centre in Sydney was set alight and sprayed with 

antisemitic graffiti.

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