First home buyers scheme twist, drone bomb scare, and butterflies' climate clue

The Australian government's flagship 5% deposit scheme for first home buyers has a growing problem: nearly 1,500 properties bought under the program have been converted into investments, not homes. The Greens say the scheme 'shouldn't benefit the wealthy and property investors,' as new data exposes a loophole that could undermine the policy's core promise.

Investments, not first homes

The scheme was designed to help people with small deposits get a foot on the property ladder, but the latest figures show that 1,499 properties purchased through it are now being used as investments. That means buyers may have used the guarantee to secure a mortgage, only to turn around and rent out the property.

Greens housing spokesperson Max Chandler-Mather said the scheme is being 'rorted' by people who shouldn't qualify. 'This data proves that the 5% deposit guarantee is not just helping frustrated renters get a home – it's also helping wealthy investors snap up even more properties,' he said. 'The government must close this loophole immediately.'

Housing experts say the trend puts further pressure on Australia's already tight rental market and reduces the supply of affordable homes for first-time buyers. The scheme, which allows eligible buyers to purchase with a deposit as low as 5% without paying lenders mortgage insurance, was intended to create a fairer path to home ownership.

A drone with explosives at Leipzig airport

In Germany, a drone carrying explosives was discovered at Leipzig/Halle Airport, causing alarm and the diversion of several flights. Police deployed a bomb disposal robot to investigate the device, which was found on airport grounds. The incident marks a dangerous escalation for Europe, as security experts warn that drones capable of carrying explosives pose a growing threat to civilian infrastructure.

The airport was temporarily closed, and flights were rerouted to other hubs while authorities worked to secure the scene. No injuries were reported, but the event has raised questions about the vulnerability of airports to drone attacks. It comes as other European countries have reported near-misses and drone incursions, prompting calls for stricter drone regulations and counter-drone technology.

Butterflies on the move: a climate signal

Around the world, butterfly populations are shifting their ranges, and scientists say the movement is a vivid indicator of climate change. Many species are migrating further north or to higher altitudes as temperatures warm, while others, unable to adapt, are declining.

In other scientific news, researchers expressed excitement over new high-resolution photos of the sun, which reveal unprecedented detail of solar activity. The images, captured by advanced telescopes, will help scientists better understand solar flares and space weather, which can affect Earth's communications systems.

Other headlines you should know

In Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has blamed allies for failing to deliver air defenses fast enough after Ukraine failed to shoot down a single Russian missile in a deadly overnight attack on Kyiv. In the US, progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed won the Democratic primary for US Senate in Michigan, pointing to a potential shift in party strategy. Meanwhile, in Australia, a new report has exposed how a union boss exerted 'extraordinary influence' over the Victorian government, and Jetstar has introduced a carry-on luggage fee, joining airlines that monetize basic services.

The day's events underscore a pattern: governments and institutions are struggling to address systemic flaws, from housing policy loopholes and security vulnerabilities to the global climate crisis. As these issues intensify, the coming months will reveal whether corrective measures arrive in time to prevent further damage.