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Trump Files $10 Billion Lawsuit Over IRS Tax Leak

US President Donald Trump and his sons Eric Trump, left, and Donald Trump Jr, right, have sued the US federal government over tax leaks.  A new legal battle has erupted as President Donald Trump launches a sweeping $10 billion lawsuit against the U.S. government, accusing federal agencies of failing to protect his confidential tax information. The suit targets both the IRS and the Treasury Department, alleging that years of his private financial records were improperly accessed and leaked to media outlets he describes as politically hostile. The complaint argues that the unauthorized disclosure caused significant damage to Trump’s reputation, business interests, and public standing. It also claims that the leak stemmed from a politically motivated insider who exploited access to sensitive IRS systems. That individual has since been convicted, but Trump maintains that the government bears responsibility for allowing the breach to occur in the first place. The lawsuit, filed in fe...

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Toronto’s Condo Crisis: A Dire Signal for Housing Affordability and Rental Market

 

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is facing a condo crisis that has significant implications for housing affordability and rental supply. According to a recent report by CIBC and Urbanation, the GTA’s condo market is “clearly in recessionary territory,” and the nationwide housing crisis is at a level not seen in over 30 years. Here are the key points:

  1. Condo Pre-Sales at a 20-Year Low: Toronto-area condo pre-sales are below 50%, marking a more than 20-year low. High costs, high interest rates, and poor investment prospects have left the market in a challenging situation.

  2. Investor Dilemma: Condo investors play a crucial role in rental supply and overall housing affordability. However, recent investors are mostly losing money, and prospective investors are avoiding new projects due to uncertainty.

  3. Developers Struggle: Developers face rising construction costs due to inflation, coupled with dwindling interest in future projects. This slowdown in future supply exacerbates the crisis.

  4. Limited Relief: Falling interest rates, projected population growth slowdown, and stabilized construction costs provide some relief. However, it’s not a magic solution, and a more comprehensive policy response is needed.

  5. Record-High Inventory: Unsold condo inventory in the second quarter of 2024 reached a record high of 25,893 units, more than 60% higher than the 10- and 20-year averages. Sales were the lowest in 20 years outside of the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In summary, Toronto’s condo market woes underscore the urgent need for housing policy reforms and creative solutions to address affordability and rental challenges.


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