Labor True Believers, Political Analysis and Satire

31/10/2026

😂

31/10/2026

31/10/2026

𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞
By Joshua S Hill By Renew Economy

Australia is enjoying an unprecedented surge in wind, solar and battery project commitments, with some $32.5 billion either financed or under construction, according to the latest survey from the Clean Energy Council.

The CEC’s database shows a total of 12 large-scale renewable energy projects totalling 2.6-gigawatts (GW) reached a final investment decision (FID) through the first half of 2026, exceeding the 2.3 GW that was recorded across the entirety of 2025.

But the momentum has continued since then, with five CIS-backed wind farms representing 1,533 MW reaching FID and/or commenced construction since the end of June, and more expected before the end of the calendar year.

Read more:- https://reneweconomy.com.au/australia-enjoys-surge-in-wind-solar-and-battery-projects-with-32-5-billion-now-financed-or-under-construction/

30/10/2026

FIVE YEARS ON, CLEO SMITH’S REMARKABLE RESCUE REMAINS A STORY OF HOPE

Five years after four-year-old Cleo Smith was abducted from her family’s tent at a remote Western Australian campsite, crime experts say her survival and rescue were extraordinarily fortunate.

Cleo disappeared from the Blowholes campsite, north of Carnarvon, on 16 October 2021 while her mother, Ellie Smith, and stepfather, Jake Gliddon, slept nearby and he disappearance triggered one of Australia’s largest missing-person investigations and attracted international attention.

For 18 agonising days, her family and the nation feared the worst. Then, in the early hours of 3 November, police entered a Carnarvon house and discovered Cleo alive, alone in a bedroom. When asked her name by a detective, the little girl eventually replied with the words that became unforgettable: “My name is Cleo.”

Criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro says her survival defied the odds because stranger abductions of young children are rare, and when they end in murder, the danger is often greatest within the first few hours.

Cleo’s abductor, Terence Darrell Kelly, pleaded guilty and was sentenced in April 2023 to 13 years and six months in prison. His appeal against the sentence was dismissed in 2024.

Now nine, Cleo is reportedly enjoying school, swimming, gymnastics and time with her younger sister and friends. Her mother told Nine’s 60 Minutes earlier this year that Cleo was a happy child.

Criminologist and clinical psychologist Michelle Noon says the case resonated because Cleo’s family had been doing something entirely ordinary: enjoying a camping holiday. But she also cautions against allowing the public fascination with the crime to overshadow Cleo’s privacy and future wellbeing.

The little girl at the centre of an extraordinary police investigation is growing up, and the lasting effects of her experience deserve sensitivity.

For Australians who remember the terrible uncertainty of those 18 days, Cleo’s rescue remains an exceptional story of police determination, family endurance and hope.

Above all, it is the story of a little girl who came home.

— National Herald

30/10/2026

NATIONAL HERALD | TRUMP TELLS BLACK AND JEWISH VOTERS THEY’RE “CRAZY” — EVEN IF THEY DON’T VOTE DEMOCRAT

A very interesting election strategy. Not sure it will be effective 🤔

With America’s midterm elections just days away, President Donald Trump has adopted an unusual campaign strategy: insulting voters his Republican Party might otherwise hope to win over.

Speaking at a rally in Rock Hill, South Carolina, on Thursday, Trump turned his attention to Michigan’s Senate race, where Democrat Abdul El-Sayed is challenging Republican Mike Rogers.

“If you’re Black, or if you’re Jewish, and if you vote for Abdul, you’re crazy, okay? You’re crazy,” Trump told the crowd.

Then came the extraordinary addition: “You’re crazy anyway.”

The remarks appeared to insult Black and Jewish voters regardless of which candidate they supported.

Trump also claimed El-Sayed was “definitely Muslim Brotherhood”, repeating an allegation for which he provided no substantiating evidence.

El-Sayed, a Muslim physician and former public health official, has denied association with the organisation. He would become the first Muslim elected to the US Senate if successful.

The comments drew criticism from political figures and community representatives, who accused Trump of insulting voters and exploiting religious and racial divisions.

This is not the first time Trump has suggested voters who support his opponents need psychiatric assessment.

During the 2024 presidential campaign, he said Jewish Democrats should have their heads examined and made similar remarks about Catholic, Black and Hispanic voters supporting Kamala Harris.

Political campaigns generally attempt to persuade undecided voters, reassure supporters and broaden their appeal and Trump’s approach raises a rather obvious question: how does insulting entire groups of voters help persuade them to support your party?

Many social media users questioned his comments.

"Calling people crazy is a great way to win them over. For sure," opined writer Joel Klebanoff. "Not to mention that he just called Black and Jewish people crazy no matter how they vote. Not beating the racist and antisemitic accusations, is he?"

"Does he know we can’t vote for Abdul in SC?" asked Bluesky user BlondeJustice.

"El-Sayed and Obama are living rent free in his rapidly declining brain," argued Bluesky user Marty Kearns.

With the election approaching, Republicans may be hoping voters overlook the remarks, though Trump’s words are an advertising gift to the Democrats. And they’d be foolish not to use them.

"This is like listening to your drunk, racist Grandfather ramble on at Thanksgiving dinner," observed widely followed X user Denison Barb.

"Definitely going to move the needle for Rogers. *checks notes* Yeah, this was in South Carolina," sneered writer Alana Church. "What a f---ing moron."

But telling people they are “crazy anyway” is an extraordinary way to ask for their votes.

30/10/2026

Erin Patterson Considers High Court Challenge After Appeal Defeat

Triple murderer Erin Patterson is considering taking her fight to the High Court of Australia after losing her first appeal bid against her convictions.

Patterson, who was found guilty of murdering three members of her former husband's family and attempting to murder another through a poisoned mushroom meal, will now have four weeks to decide whether to pursue a further legal challenge.

Her failed appeal marks another setback in a case that shocked Australia and attracted international attention.

While Patterson retains the right to seek leave to appeal to the High Court, any further challenge faces a significant legal hurdle. The families of the victims, meanwhile, continue to live with the devastating consequences of her crimes.

The legal process may not yet be over, but the tragedy behind this case will never be undone.

30/10/2026

NATIONAL HERALD WORLD NEWS

SATURDAY, 31 OCTOBER 2026

ISRAEL FACES COALITION UNCERTAINTY AFTER NETANYAHU LOSES MAJORITY

Israel faces difficult coalition negotiations after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political bloc secured just 53 seats in the 120-seat Knesset in Tuesday’s election. The main opposition bloc won 48 seats, while Arab-led parties secured a historic 19 seats. A governing coalition requires at least 61.

Netanyahu remains caretaker prime minister while negotiations proceed. His Likud party has promoted unsubstantiated claims that Arab-led parties stole the election, potentially with foreign assistance. Netanyahu has also declared his opposition to forming a coalition with Arab parties. President Isaac Herzog has said he wants to avoid another election, but a fresh vote early next year remains possible if coalition negotiations fail.

US JUSTICE DEPARTMENT ESCALATES SCRUTINY OF CALIFORNIA ELECTIONS

The US Justice Department has subpoenaed three Los Angeles County election employees to appear in court on 4 November, the day after the midterm elections. Documents obtained by the Associated Press refer to an official criminal investigation by Homeland Security Investigations but do not specify the suspected offence.

The action comes amid continuing disputes between the Trump administration and California over voter eligibility and election administration. It remains unclear whether criminal charges will follow. The existence of an investigation does not establish wrongdoing.

RECORD $6.3 BILLION CRYPTOCURRENCY HEIST LINKED TO NORTH KOREA

Hackers have stolen approximately $US6.3 billion from cryptocurrency exchange Binance in what analysts describe as the largest cryptocurrency theft recorded. Blockchain investigators suspect a North Korean hacking unit was responsible, although its involvement has not been conclusively established.

Binance says it has worked with blockchain partners to freeze approximately $US3 billion in affected assets and is cooperating with law enforcement. North Korean cyber operations have previously been linked to cryptocurrency thefts, which investigators say provide foreign currency to the heavily sanctioned country.

TRUMP’S RURAL SUPPORT SLIPS AS FARM GROUP TARGETS REPUBLICANS

A US farm lobbying organisation is spending heavily on advertising aimed at defeating Republican candidates in the midterm elections. The campaign comes as President Donald Trump’s approval among rural voters has fallen to its lowest level recorded in Reuters/Ipsos polling.

Rural communities have traditionally provided important electoral support for Republicans, making the advertising campaign particularly significant.

DEMOCRATS AGAIN DREAM OF TURNING TEXAS

Texas has remained a major electoral ambition for Democrats for three decades, despite repeated disappointments. With the midterm elections approaching, Democrats are again hoping to weaken the Republican Party’s longstanding dominance of the state.

Whether that optimism translates into electoral gains remains uncertain.

PENTAGON URGES NATO ALLIES TO MODERATE WARNINGS ABOUT RUSSIA

Pentagon officials have reportedly asked several NATO countries to moderate public statements about the threat posed by Russia.

Four people familiar with the discussions told Reuters that US officials believed some European rhetoric was undermining continental security. The reported intervention highlights differences over how Western governments should publicly describe the Russian threat.

UKRAINE AND RUSSIA PREPARE HUMANITARIAN OPERATION

Russia and Ukraine say demining operations around the Russian-held southern Ukrainian town of Oleshky have been completed.

Both sides say preparations are in place to deliver humanitarian assistance and allow residents to leave. The operation could provide urgently needed relief for civilians caught in the conflict.

FRENCH PRESIDENTIAL RACE FRACTURES CENTRIST VOTE

Infighting among centrist candidates is threatening to divide France’s mainstream vote ahead of its presidential election. The divisions could increase the likelihood of a runoff between far-right leader Marine Le Pen and hard-left politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon.

The contest illustrates the continuing fragmentation of France’s political centre.

PATRICK STEWART DIES AGED 86

British actor Patrick Stewart, celebrated for his Shakespearean stage career and his portrayal of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation, has died aged 86.

Born into poverty in England, Stewart established himself as an accomplished classical actor before achieving international television and film fame. His career bridged traditional theatre and popular science fiction, earning him generations of admirers.

BUSINESS AND MARKETS

INTERNATIONAL DOCKWORKERS STRIKE OVER ARMS SHIPMENTS

Dockworkers in 22 countries are striking in protest against war and the use of commercial ports for weapons exports. Organisers say the action could affect more than 40 per cent of Mediterranean cargo traffic and disrupt freight valued at more than $US2 billion. Those figures are organisers’ estimates rather than confirmed disruption totals.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ENTERS THE AIRFARE BATTLE

US airlines are increasingly using artificial intelligence to optimise ticket pricing and maximise revenue. Technology startups are now offering passengers AI-powered services that monitor fare changes and seek refunds or credits when ticket prices fall.

The development could give travellers new tools to respond to airlines’ increasingly sophisticated pricing systems, although savings depend on ticket conditions.

FOXCONN AND OPENAI EXPLORE COLLABORATION

The chairman of electronics manufacturing giant Foxconn says the company is working towards a collaboration with OpenAI. Foxconn, the world’s largest contract electronics manufacturer, plays a major role in global technology supply chains.

Details of the proposed partnership have not yet been announced.

VOLKSWAGEN HALTS ELECTRIC GOLF DEVELOPMENT AT WOLFSBURG

Volkswagen is suspending development work on its planned all-electric Golf at its main Wolfsburg plant. An internal memo seen by Reuters indicates the factory is falling behind cost-reduction targets. The decision underscores the financial and operational challenges facing established carmakers as they transition to electric vehicles.

US ECONOMIC DATA RAISES QUESTIONS FOR FEDERAL RESERVE

New economic figures could challenge Federal Reserve chairman Kevin Warsh’s view that the American economy can sustain strong growth without reigniting inflation. The figures add to the debate over the appropriate course for US interest rates.

The balance between economic expansion and price stability remains a central concern for policymakers.