Albanese looks for reset on world stage as ‘spot fires burn’ domestically and likely interest rate hike looms

31 October 2026 at 05:24

The prime minister will speak with King Charles and others at the Commonwealth heads of government meeting in Antigua and Barbuda

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As “summit season” begins, reaffirming ties with fellow leaders on the world stage could be a circuit breaker for Anthony Albanese amid domestic and economic woes, analysts have said.

But a likely interest rate hike, triggered by higher-than-expected inflation, while the prime minister is overseas will make his job – and the treasurer’s – even harder.

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Minnesota Declined to Buy a Prison for $75 Million. D.H.S. Paid $495 Million.

NYT > Top Stories

By: Ernesto Londoño

31 October 2026 at 01:15

The recent purchase of the prison to hold immigrants is among the acquisitions facing scrutiny in the Trump administration’s mass deportation push.

The Prairie Correctional Facility was purchased by the Department of Homeland Security to serve as an immigrant detention center in Appleton, Minn.

Andy Burnham open to calls for formal apology for Britain’s role in slave trade

The Guardian

By: Pippa Crerar and Natricia Duncan

31 October 2026 at 01:00

Exclusive: UK PM to launch drive to restructure debt of poorest Commonwealth countries but rejects demands for reparations

• British people can’t be made to pay for the wrongs of slavery – but we must confront our complicated history | Andy Burnham

Andy Burnham has gone further than any previous prime minister towards offering a formal apology for Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade, in a Guardian article ahead of a Commonwealth leaders’ summit where the subject is expected to dominate.

As he prepares to fly to the Caribbean next week, the prime minister said he was open to calls for an official apology on behalf of the state and offered formal talks to those affected, including individual countries and campaign groups at home and abroad.

Appeals court rejects Justice Department request for California to set aside disputed ballots

PBS News Hour - The Latest

By: Safiyah Riddle, Associated Press · Geoff Mulvihill, Associated Press · Ali Swenson, Associated Press

30 October 2026 at 23:56

The administration has alleged California sent ballots to some 20,000 people who may not be U.S. citizens. It wants the state to set those ballots aside and not count them until citizenship can be verified.

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