No. 7 Alabama looks to remain in playoff contention with a visit to Oklahoma
Tafara Gapare throws down 19 points and a highlight dunk, and Maryland beats Bucknell 91-67Cloudpoint Technology Berhad (KLSE:CLOUDPT) Has Announced A Dividend Of MYR0.01Dmytro Larin/iStock via Getty Images Bitcoin ( BTC-USD ) remains the undisputed leader among cryptocurrencies, but the road ahead involves challenges that demand investor vigilance. Advancements in quantum computing threaten to undermine its encryption, while debates over network upgrades like OP_CAT expose divisions within Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of BTC-USD, DOGE-USD, ETH-USD either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.Alberta Surrenders to the Australian Coal Lobby
Israel cracks down on Palestinian citizens who speak out against the war in Gaza UMM AL-FAHM, Israel (AP) — In the year since the war in Gaza broke out, Israel's government has been cracking down on dissent among its Palestinian citizens. Authorities have charged Palestinians with “supporting terrorism” because of posts online or for demonstrating against the war. Activists and rights watchdogs say Palestinians have also lost jobs, been suspended from schools and faced police interrogations. Palestinians make up about 20% of Israel's population. Many feel forced to self-censor out of fear of being jailed and further marginalized in society. Others still find ways to dissent, but carefully. Israel's National Security Ministry counters that, “Freedom of speech is not the freedom to incite.” Israel says rabbi who went missing in the UAE was killed TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel says the body of an Israeli-Moldovan rabbi who went missing in the United Arab Emirates has been found, citing Emirati authorities. The statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Sunday said Zvi Kogan was killed, calling it a “heinous antisemitic terror incident.” It said: “The state of Israel will act with all means to seek justice with the criminals responsible for his death." Kogan went missing on Thursday, and there were suspicions he had been kidnapped. His disappearance comes as Iran has been threatening to retaliate against Israel after the two countries traded fire in October. Israeli strike kills Lebanese soldier and wounds 18 as Hezbollah fires rockets at Israel BEIRUT (AP) — An Israeli strike on a Lebanese army center has killed one soldier and wounded 18 others. The Hezbollah militant group meanwhile fired around 160 rockets and other projectiles into northern and central Israel on Sunday, wounding at least five people. Israeli strikes have killed over 40 Lebanese troops since the start of the war between Israel and Hezbollah, even as Lebanon's military has largely kept to the sidelines. The Israeli military expressed regret over the strike, saying it occurred in an area of ongoing combat operations against Hezbollah. It said it does not target the Lebanese armed forces and that the strike is under review. The rising price of paying the national debt is a risk for Trump's promises on growth and inflation WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump has big plans for the economy. He also has big debt problem that'll be a hurdle to delivering on those plan. Trump has bold ambitions on tax cuts, tariffs and other programs. But high interest rates and the price of repaying the federal government’s existing debt could limit what he’s able to do. The federal debt stands at roughly $36 trillion, and the spike in inflation after the pandemic has pushed up the government’s borrowing costs such that debt service next year will easily exceed spending on national security. After Trump's Project 2025 denials, he is tapping its authors and influencers for key roles WASHINGTON (AP) — During the campaign, President-elect Donald Trump had hailed what would become Project 2025 as a conservative roadmap for “exactly what our movement will do." Trump pulled an about-face when Project 2025 became a political liability. He denied knowing anything about the “ridiculous and abysmal” plans, even though some were written by his former aides and many allies. Now, after winning the 2024 election, Trump is stocking his second administration with key players in the effort he temporarily shunned. Trump has tapped Russell Vought for an encore as director of the Office of Management and Budget; Tom Homan, his former immigration chief, as “border czar;” and immigration hardliner Stephen Miller as deputy chief of policy. Forecasts warn of possible winter storms across US during Thanksgiving week WINDSOR, Calif. (AP) — Forecasters in the U.S. have warned of another round of winter weather that could complicate travel leading up to Thanksgiving. California is bracing for more snow and rain this weekend while still grappling with some flooding and small landslides from a previous storm. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for California's Sierra Nevada through Tuesday, with heavy snow expected at high elevations. Thousands remained without power in the Seattle area on Saturday after a “bomb cyclone” storm system hit the West Coast earlier in the week, killing two people. Parts of the Northeast and Appalachia also began the weekend with heavy precipitation. Pakistan partially stops mobile and internet services ahead of pro-Imran Khan protest ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan has suspended mobile and internet services “in areas with security concerns” as supporters of imprisoned former premier Imran Khan gear up for a protest in the capital. The government and Interior Ministry made the announcement on X, which is banned in Pakistan. Sunday's protest is to demand Khan's release. He has been in prison for more than a year but remains popular. His supporters rely heavily on social media and messaging apps to coordinate with each other. Pakistan has already sealed off Islamabad and shut down major roads and highways connecting the city with Khan's power bases. Here's what to know about the new funding deal that countries agreed to at UN climate talks BAKU, Azerbaijan (AP) — In the wee hours Sunday at the United Nations climate talks, countries from around the world reached an agreement on how rich countries can cough up the funds to support poor countries in the face of climate change. But it’s a far-from-perfect arrangement, with many parties still unsatisfied but hopeful that the deal will be a step in the right direction. Japan holds Sado mines memorial despite South Korean boycott amid lingering historical tensions SADO, Japan (AP) — Japan has held a memorial ceremony near the Sado Island Gold Mines despite a last-minute boycott of the event by South Korea that highlighted tensions between the neighbors over the brutal wartime use of Korean laborers. South Korea’s absence at Sunday’s memorial, to which Seoul government officials and Korean victims’ families were invited, is a major setback in the rapidly improving ties between the countries. The Sado mines were listed in July as a UNESCO World Heritage Site after Japan moved past years of disputes with South Korea and reluctantly acknowledged the mines’ dark history. Chuck Woolery, smooth-talking game show host of 'Love Connection' and 'Scrabble,' dies at 83 NEW YORK (AP) — Chuck Woolery, the affable, smooth-talking game show host of “Wheel of Fortune,” “Love Connection” and “Scrabble” who later became a right-wing podcaster, skewering liberals and accusing the government of lying about COVID-19, has died. He was 83. Mark Young, Woolery’s podcast co-host and friend, said in an email early Sunday that Woolery died at his home in Texas with his wife, Kristen, present. Woolery, with his matinee idol looks, coiffed hair and ease with witty banter, was inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007 and earned a daytime Emmy nomination in 1978. He teamed up with Young for the podcast “Blunt Force Truth” and became a full supporter Donald Trump.Share Tweet Share Share Email Blockchain has emerged as a transformative force across various industries. One of its most promising applications is property deed verification, which plays a crucial role in securing ownership records. Property ownership verification ensures transparency, reduces fraud, and streamlines real estate transactions. Traditionally, people have verified property deeds using manual, paper-based systems. These systems are often time-consuming, prone to errors, and vulnerable to fraud. However, blockchain technology provides a secure, immutable, and efficient alternative, transforming the way people record and validate property ownership. Understanding Blockchain Technology Blockchain operates as a decentralized, distributed ledger technology that enables secure and transparent record-keeping. It stores information across a network of computers, ensuring that no single entity controls the data. Each piece of information, or “block,” links to the previous one, forming a continuous chain. Once someone records data on a blockchain , it cannot be altered or tampered with without the consensus of the network participants, making blockchain highly secure and resistant to fraud. The key features of blockchain technology include: Decentralization: No central authority controls the blockchain, reducing the risk of manipulation and fraud. Immutability: Once data is recorded, it cannot be changed or deleted, ensuring the integrity of property records. Transparency: All participants in the blockchain network can access and verify the data, fostering trust and accountability. These characteristics make blockchain an ideal solution for property deed verification, offering a new way to secure ownership records while minimizing the risks associated with traditional methods. The Challenges of Traditional Property Deed Verification Before diving into how blockchain can revolutionize property deed verification, it’s essential to understand the challenges of traditional systems. Real estate transactions have long been plagued by issues such as: Fraud and Forgery: Property deed fraud is a significant concern. Fraudulent activities, such as forging signatures or falsifying property titles, can result in legal disputes and financial losses. Inefficiency: Manual, paper-based systems are slow and prone to errors. Property records are often stored in multiple locations, leading to delays in verifying ownership and transferring properties. Lack of Transparency: Traditional systems can be opaque, making it difficult for buyers, sellers, and other stakeholders to verify the authenticity of property deeds and ownership records. Data Security Risks: Physical property records are vulnerable to theft, natural disasters, and other unforeseen events that can result in the loss or destruction of vital ownership documents. Blockchain addresses these challenges by providing a digital, secure, and transparent method for verifying property deeds. How Blockchain Revolutionizes Property Deed Verification Blockchain technology has the potential to completely overhaul the property deed verification process. By digitizing and decentralizing ownership records, blockchain ensures that property deeds are secure, tamper-proof, and easily accessible. Here’s how it works: Digitization of Property Deeds In a blockchain-based property deed verification system, property deeds are digitized and stored as electronic records on the blockchain. These digital records contain essential details such as the property’s legal description, the owner’s information, and the transaction history. Each deed is associated with a unique identifier, making it easy to track and verify. Immutable Records Once a property deed is recorded on the blockchain, it becomes immutable. This means that no one can alter or delete the information without the consensus of the network participants. This feature eliminates the possibility of forgery or tampering, ensuring that ownership records are accurate and reliable. Decentralized Ownership Verification Blockchain’s decentralized nature ensures that property ownership is verified by a distributed network of participants, rather than relying on a central authority. This reduces the risk of fraud and manipulation by providing an additional layer of security. Each participant in the network has access to the same data, which enhances transparency and trust. Smart Contracts for Property Transactions Smart contracts are self-executing agreements with the terms written directly into code. They can streamline the property transaction process by automating various aspects, such as transferring ownership and releasing payments. In a blockchain-based system, smart contracts remove the need for intermediaries and ensure that transactions complete securely and on time . Real-Time Access to Ownership Records One of the biggest advantages of blockchain for property deed verification is its ability to provide real-time access to ownership records. In a blockchain-based system, everyone involved in the transaction—whether a buyer, seller, or legal professional—can access the most up-to-date and accurate information about the property. This feature eliminates delays caused by waiting for physical records or manual verification. Benefits of Blockchain for Property Deed Verification Enhanced Security Blockchain’s encryption and decentralization make it highly secure. Storing property deeds on a blockchain significantly reduces the risk of data breaches, unauthorized access, or alterations. The immutability of blockchain records guarantees that once someone records a property deed, no one can tamper with it, providing an added layer of protection against fraud. Increased Transparency With blockchain, all participants in the network can access the same information, ensuring that property ownership records are transparent and easily verifiable. Buyers can check the history of a property, confirming its ownership and any past transactions, without relying on third parties or intermediaries. This fosters trust and confidence in the real estate market. Faster Transactions Traditional property transactions can take weeks or even months to complete, primarily due to the time it takes to verify ownership records and transfer documents. Blockchain speeds up this process by automating many aspects of the transaction, including deed verification and transfer of ownership. This significantly reduces the time and cost involved in property deals. Cost Savings By eliminating the need for paper-based records, manual verification, and intermediaries, blockchain can reduce transaction costs. Property buyers and sellers no longer need to pay for title searches, notary fees, or other administrative costs associated with traditional deed verification processes. Smart contracts further reduce the need for middlemen, such as lawyers and real estate agents, allowing parties to conduct transactions directly with one another. Reduced Risk of Fraud Property fraud is a significant issue in real estate, with fraudulent deeds and forged signatures causing major problems for buyers and sellers alike. Blockchain’s immutability and decentralized nature make it nearly impossible for anyone to alter property records or create false deeds. The Future of Blockchain in Property Deed Verification While blockchain is still in the early stages of adoption in the real estate sector, its potential to transform property deed verification is undeniable. Governments and private companies around the world are exploring ways to implement blockchain solutions for land registries and property transactions. Several countries, including Sweden, Georgia, and the United Arab Emirates, have already begun testing blockchain-based property registries, paving the way for broader adoption. As blockchain technology continues to mature, it is likely that more jurisdictions will embrace it as a means of securing property deeds and streamlining real estate transactions. In the future, blockchain could become the standard for property deed verification, offering a faster, more secure, and more efficient alternative to traditional systems. Conclusion Blockchain technology is revolutionizing the way property deeds are verified, offering a secure, transparent, and efficient solution to the challenges of traditional real estate systems. By digitizing ownership records, providing immutable verification, and automating transactions through smart contracts, blockchain has the potential to significantly reduce fraud, enhance security, and speed up property transactions. As the technology continues to gain traction, it could transform the real estate industry , making property ownership verification more accessible and trustworthy than ever before. 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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Image: EPA/Abir Sultan) ICC ARREST WARRANTS The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , his former defence minister Yoav Gallant and senior Hamas official Mohammed Deif . Judges at the ICC issued the warrants on Thursday for alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during Israel’s war in Gaza, the ABC reports. The BBC flags both Israel and Hamas have rejected the allegations. Israel has also claimed it killed Deif in an airstrike in July, though Hamas has neither confirmed nor denied this, Reuters says. Responding to the warrants, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said Israel “utterly rejects the false and absurd charges of the International Criminal Court”, the BBC reports. “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not give in to pressure. He will continue to pursue all the objectives that Israel set out to achieve in its just war against Hamas and the Iranian axis of terror,” the office added. The broadcaster quotes Gallant as saying: “The decision sets a dangerous precedent against the right to self-defence and moral warfare and encourages murderous terrorism.” Reuters reports Hamas’ official statement declared: “We call on the International Criminal Court to expand the scope of accountability to all criminal occupation leaders.” The BBC highlights the impact of the warrants issued would depend on whether the ICC’s members, which do not include Israel or the US, decide to enforce them. The Guardian flags that the US has said it “fundamentally rejects” the ICC decision. A US National Security Council spokesperson is quoted as saying: “We remain deeply concerned by the prosecutor’s rush to seek arrest warrants and the troubling process errors that led to this decision. The United States has been clear that the ICC does not have jurisdiction over this matter.” However, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell is quoted by euronews as saying: “It is not a political decision, it is a decision of a court, of a court of justice, an international court of justice. And the decision of the court has to be respected and implemented.” Elsewhere in world news, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Moscow fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile at Ukraine on Thursday in response to the use of US and British weaponry by Kyiv earlier this week. The BBC quotes Putin as saying: “In combat conditions, a test was carried out of one of the latest Russian intermediate-range missile systems. In this case, with a non-nuclear hypersonic version of a ballistic missile,” adding the “test was successful. The target was reached.” Yesterday Reuters cited sources claiming Putin was open to discussing a Ukraine ceasefire deal with incoming US president Donald Trump but with an insistence Kyiv gives up on plans to join NATO and ruling out Moscow making any major territorial concessions. In the last few hours, Trump has suffered a setback domestically, with his attorney-general pick, Matt Gaetz , withdrawing his name from consideration. Writing on X Gaetz said: “I had excellent meetings with senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback — and the incredible support of so many. While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance transition. “There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I’ll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as attorney-general. Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on day one. I remain fully committed to see that Donald J. Trump is the most successful president in history. I will forever be honoured that president Trump nominated me to lead the Department of Justice and I’m certain he will save America.” DEPORTATION RISK Guardian Australia and AAP are giving considerable coverage this morning to claims more than 80,000 people could be potentially removed to third countries by the Albanese government’s migration bill. The newswire says the proposed amendments to the Migration Act would seek to deport non-citizens and pay third countries for their part in the removals. The bill has passed the House of Representatives and was yesterday subject to a Senate inquiry. Guardian Australia reports government officials have said most of those involved could return to their home country and thousands do so voluntarily. AAP flags the government has not detailed which countries it has been in discussion with. Associate legal director of the Human Rights Law Centre Josephine Langbien told the Senate inquiry: “We don’t know which countries will be included. We don’t know how those countries will treat people who are sent there. They could be detained arbitrarily, denied medical treatment, violently attacked or killed, or sent back to their country of origin.” Meanwhile, the AAP flags that thousands of people are expected to march in Melbourne later today demanding an end to gender-based violence. The newswire said “vast” crowds are expected in what is the start of 16 days of activism. Respect Victoria chairperson Kate Fitz-Gibbon said the two weeks represented “great opportunities for all Victorians to get involved in shifting the narrative”. Respect Victoria said on its website this morning’s event “marks the beginning of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence — a global campaign for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls. By joining the walk you can take action to prevent family violence and violence against women and stand in solidarity with victim survivors.” The march is set to begin at 11am at Birrarung Marr. The AAP also reports climate activists will stage a protest against fossil fuels at the world’s biggest coal export port, Newcastle Harbour, later “with a flotilla, live music and other events revolving around protest and climate”. The newswire said the protest comes after organisers Rising Tide launched a successful last-minute legal challenge to overturn a “marine exclusion zone” planned by the NSW government that would have stopped protesters from being able to enter the water. Finally, as we get to the end of what might be the penultimate sitting week of this parliamentary term, the Nine newspapers are amping up the speculation swirling in Canberra that we may get an election in March next year. The Sydney Morning Heralds says Labor will move to a “campaign war footing” before Christmas with the party’s national campaign office reportedly being set up near Surry Hills in Sydney next month. The Liberal and National parties have leased a campaign office in Parramatta, the paper adds. ON A LIGHTER NOTE... Pamela Hayden , the actor who voices numerous characters on The Simpsons including everyone’s favourite Milhouse, is retiring from the show after 35 years, The Guardian reports. Hayden, who also voices Ned Flanders’ children Rod and Todd, Lisa’s friend Janey Powell, school bully Jimbo Jones and Chief Wiggum’s wife Sarah, said in a statement: “The time has come for me to hang up my microphone.” In a video on Instagram , the 70-year-old said of all her characters, Milhouse was her “main guy”. “People are always saying what a nerd he is, but one thing that I love about Milhouse is he’s always getting knocked down, but he keeps getting up. I love the little guy. It’s this wonderful analogy for life.” As a wise boy once said, everything’s coming up Milhouse. Say What? I stand here, neither defeated or disposed, lucky to have served, fortunate to be able to say goodbye. Bill Shorten Someone else who is retiring (from politics) is former Labor leader Bill Shorten who delivered his valedictory speech on Thursday. The Sydney Morning Herald said hundreds of people stood, applauded and cheered Shorten following his speech in the House of Representatives. Shorten is off to be the vice-chancellor of the University of Canberra from February. CRIKEY RECAP Emails reveal how Labor engineered event to support its own teen social media ban CAM WILSON South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas (Image: AAP/Bianca De Marchi) At a press conference announcing the federal government’s plans to ban Australians under the age of 16 from using social media earlier this month, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese thanked South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns . The pair had been responsible for organising a jointly-held social media summit, Albanese said, which was “most instructive” as part of the government’s consultation in coming up with the ban. But far from being a frank discussion of the ban’s benefits and drawbacks or a wide canvassing of possible ways to address concerns about social media, internal emails from Malinauskas’ office and interviews with attendees suggest the event was carefully stage-managed with the explicit purpose of creating “momentum” for the social media ban. Simon Holmes à Court on Climate 200, donation reforms and why Kerry Stokes wields more power than he does RACHEL WITHERS Simon Holmes à Court is not a billionaire — “not even close,” he tells me. The Climate 200 founder is often described as the son of Australia’s first billionaire, with Peter Dutton and David Littleproud recently suggesting he is one too . Labor’s electoral reforms, which the Coalition is currently helping rush through, are pitched as getting “big money” out of politics, using him and mining magnate Clive Palmer as examples of said money. But Holmes à Court is adamant he and Palmer are “not in the same league”. The Melbourne-based businessman, who isn’t on rich lists , donated $250,000 at the 2022 election — less than 2% of what Climate 200 raised, paling in comparison to Palmer’s $120 million. He’s not “crying poor”, he says. But he’s clearly exasperated at the way he continues to be portrayed. “ The Australian has pumped me up as a billionaire Palmer-like figure,” he says. “There’s the Karl Rove playbook thing of ‘accuse your opponent of your biggest flaw’, right? Dutton’s taking Gina’s private jet around the country ... Labor has taken millions from Pratt ... But it suits them to paint me as being ‘big money’.” Mass arrests, home raids, excess force: Police treatment of Land Forces protesters could lead to class action CRYSTAL ANDREWS On October 24, five police officers turned up on Jasmine Duff’s doorstep. Despite not having a warrant, Duff claims they insisted on coming into the house to look for her. “They walked into my room as I was climbing out of bed and placed me under arrest,” Duff tells Crikey . “One officer stayed in the room while I stripped down to get dressed, telling my housemate ‘It’s so she doesn’t jump out the window’.” Duff says she was taken to a police station, shown photographs of herself at the anti-war protest outside the Land Forces Defence Expo at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in September, and charged with affray. The expo is an international showcase for weapons and military technology manufacturers, described by anti-war demonstrators as a “one-stop genocide shop” that should not be hosted in Australia or supported by government funding (the Victorian government was a “principal sponsor” of this year’s event). Duff is one of the many Disrupt Land Forces protesters attending hearings today at the Melbourne Magistrates Court. Victoria police have confirmed that 110 people have been arrested for their participation in the protest. While 89 arrests were made on the spot at the demonstrations from September 11 to 13, a further 21 people have since been arrested. Many of these individuals were arrested at their homes in a series of “raids” beginning in late October, like that experienced by Duff. READ ALL ABOUT IT Australian backpacker dies as countries warn of suspected methanol poisonings in Laos (CNN) Mali releases Resolute Mining CEO and other executives after $US160 million random paid (ABC) For Netanyahu, wanted by a landmark warrant, a smaller world ( The New York Times ) ($) Elon Musk to ‘summon MPs to US to explain threats to American citizens’ ( The Guardian ) Sell Chrome to end search monopoly, Google told (BBC) Disney TV star removes snake from a plane ( The Australian ) ($) THE COMMENTARIAT Time to land ‘Airbus Albo’. Letting fly over PM’s travels is plain silly — David Crowe ( The Sydney Morning Herald ): So the complaint that the prime minister travels too much — the “Airbus Albo” line in parts of the media — is puerile. That did not stop The Daily Telegraph from using its front page on Wednesday to smash Albanese for being away. What was revealing, however, was that newspaper had to resort to using the Institute of Public Affairs, a conservative group loyal to the Liberals, to offer a quote saying there was a problem. And this was after the critics wanted Albanese to fly to Israel, Indonesia and a NATO summit at various points this year. Some even suggested he should fly to Mar-a-Lago to see Trump. The hypocrisy is rampant. The government’s mistake was planning two weeks of Parliament at the same time as the G20 when it knew Albanese would have to be away. It could have moved the sittings one week later so Parliament ended in the first week of December rather than November 28. In the end, the prime minister’s absence for three sitting days did not slow the government or the Parliament. While there were some conservative conniptions when Albanese met with Xi, there was no sacrifice of Australian sovereignty in talking to the Chinese president. Albanese listened to Xi across the table and then put Australia’s position on fair trade and the need to maintain the status quo on Taiwan. He also expressed concern at the treatment of Australian writer Yang Hengjun , who is in prison in China after receiving a suspended death sentence. So the prime minister made effective use of the summits. Yes, the plenary sessions were padded with platitudes. All the real work was in the face-to-face talks. Albanese weighed down abroad by parlous state of world — Phillip Coorey ( AFR ): Equally weighing on Albanese’s mind while abroad was the increasingly parlous state of the world, exacerbated by the second coming of Trump. This government has an unfortunate, avoidable and inexplicable habit of scheduling parliamentary sitting weeks to clash with the prime minister’s commitments abroad. This only amplifies his absence, especially when Parliament is blowing up as it did this week over foreign student caps, and gives Albanese’s detractors ammunition to claim he’s not tuned in to domestic concerns, Which, of course, is untrue. Every press conference over the past seven days began with the domestic political spinoffs of the policy positions Australia was putting at the summits or at the bilateral meetings being held — be it job creation, generating growth or lowering inflation.
