Sign in

thecrankinstitute.bsky.social

@thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
220 followers 244 following 86 posts

Pictures, politics, piffle. Illustrator for hire, based in Melbourne, Australia. Looky what we have here: instagram.com/thecrankinstitute

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
Ben Eltham @beneltham.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
In Crikey today, I have a long read on Canberra’s endearment with AI and the dubious promise of data centre riches. While Australia’s creatives are being sold down the river, you don’t need to fire up Claude to spot some cracks in the hype-doom sales pitch ($) www.crikey.com.au/2026/10/08/a...
crikey.com.au
Canberra is 'drinking the Kool-Aid' on AI. Where will it take us?
The Albanese government is treating the promises of AI and data centre investment like a digital mining boom. How does it sit within Labor's broader social project?
610036
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
Nick Feik @nickfeik.bsky.social · 19h
The utter, utter stupidity … Cratering our higher education sector, with regional areas hit hardest, to pander to One Nation immigration politics. They pegged uni finances on intl students, and then started attacking the student visa intake.
theguardian.com
Falling international student numbers create ‘massive problems’ for Australian universities, expert warns
Immigration debate and visa uncertainty are putting students off and increasing pressure on budgets
25260120
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
Mark Chadbourn @chadbourn.bsky.social · 9h
Trump is turning the DoJ on TV broadcasters.
bbc.co.uk
Justice Department investigating television networks over Trump pool coverage
The White House had blocked access for CNN, MS Now and Politico, leading them to restrict pool coverage.
2916358
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
Resist 🕎🍉 @antizionistjew.bsky.social · 13h
🇬🇧🍉 More than 250,000 protesters took to the streets of London, marking three years for the genocide of Gaza Footage: Palestine Solidarity Campaign
452532757
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
Simon Rosenberg @simonrosenberg.bsky.social · 21h
Penny Wong has had 24 hours, but still nothing. No statement of concern, no raised eyebrow... and no late signing of this very reasonable joint statement of foreign ministers. The Australian govt's craven failure to say [let alone do] anything critical of the Trump regime is humiliating. #auspol
1817575
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
Anonymous @youranoncentral.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Official statement from the law abiding and democratic free world. "We will continue to work together to support the Court’s vital work, uphold the rules-based international system, and advance accountability."
Statement
October 9, 2026 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

“We, the undersigned States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), reaffirm our continued and unwavering support for the independence, impartiality, and integrity of the ICC.

“As committed supporters of the ICC we regret and strongly disagree with the announcement of sanctions to be imposed upon the Court by the United States.

“We note with appreciation the work undertaken by the Court to prepare for such measures so that the Court can continue to fulfil its mandate under the Rome Statute and we underline our unwavering support in enabling the Court in doing so.

“Nevertheless, if put into effect, these sanctions will have a significant impact on the Court’s work, its dedicated staff and their families. They work every day to bring those accused of the most serious international crimes to justice and to support their victims.

“We remain both united in our support for the ICC and committed to engaging in constructive and inclusive dialogue with non-States Parties as we prepare for the Assembly of States Parties in December 2026. We will continue to work together to support the Court’s vital work, uphold the rules-based international system, and advance accountability.”
16556198
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
Matt Golding @goldingcartoons.bsky.social · 21h
Clothes make the man. Today’s @theageaustralia.bsky.social @sydmorningherald.bsky.social cartoon
10309108
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
The Tennessee Holler @thetnholler.bsky.social · 21h
The word for this is racism
108386322288
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
marque lawyers @marquelawyers.com.au · 10/10/2026
Buying oil from the enemy, that’ll teach’em
1014432
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
𝕊𝕦𝕟𝕕𝕒𝕖 𝔾𝕦𝕣𝕝 @sundaedivine.lol · 20h
Trump treats his supporters like they’re idiots and they keep proving him right.
2742883669
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
Peggy Sanders @peggysanders.bsky.social · 19h
Peter Cronau: Runway extensions, new military infrastructure & US planning are transforming Cocos Islands into strategically important forward operating base, with little public debate about role Australia assuming in future conflict with China. #auspol pearlsandirritations.com/post/2026/10...
pearlsandirritations.com
Australian island base's hidden US military role
Runway extensions, new military infrastructure and US planning are transforming the Cocos Islands into a strategically important forward operating base, with little public debate about the role Austra...
408861
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
Kelly @broadwaybabyto.bsky.social · 19h
If you’re still masking… thank you! It might feel lonely but you’re not alone. Many of us are still wearing masks and still trying to break chains of transmission. As the world falls apart…protecting your health and the health of those around you is paramount. It’s resistance and community care.
nannyogg63.substack.com
What it’s like to be masking in 2026
In which I answer the burning question everyone is asking – “why are you still masking in 2026”?
33562107
thecrankinstitute.bsky.social @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social · 15h
Another train-wreck for Angus - figures that don't add up, awful far-right policy swiped from One Nation, very obvious talking-point recitations, & so desperate not to be examined on any detail that Speers - normally the offender on this front - was barely allowed to finish a single question.
000
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
𝕊𝕦𝕟𝕕𝕒𝕖 𝔾𝕦𝕣𝕝 @sundaedivine.lol · 10/10/2026
Passed out drunk, shot, and still not ICE’s worst employee.
681479417
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
•Marns🌿🍉🐸 @marnshibski.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Ben nailed it. If you asked Australians what is your priority for a generational investment program? It wouldn’t be data centres. Everyone should listen if you’re worried about data centres especially the resources for them. #quitGPT #auspol podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/c...
podcasts.apple.com
Is the ‘Nerd Reich’ gaslighting Australia on data centres?
Podcast Episode · Cut Through · 8 October · 36min
03411
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
Adam Bienkov @adambienkov.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
The contrast between the utterly sycophantic coverage this week of Kemi Badenoch, whose party has a truly atrocious electoral record under her leadership, and the utterly dismissive coverage of the Greens, tells you everything you need to know about media bias in the UK
adambienkov.co.uk
Why the Holborn and St Pancras By-Election Was a Good Result for the Green Party
The dismissive coverage of Zack Polanski’s party obscures a far bigger truth about the rise of the left in British politics
901846544
thecrankinstitute.bsky.social @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Incredible self-satirising headline on ABC radio today - 'Angus Taylor said the Coalition had learned the lessons of the last election...in a speech delivered at CPAC in Brisbane'.
000
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
💚🌏Myles🌏💚 @rainbowregionmyles.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Australian politics is now a bunch of people who've never worried about rent, groceries or missing a pay cheque explaining to everyone else why nothing meaningful can possibly change. Then they act surprised when we fucking hate them. #auspol
theguardian.com
The major parties several chances to meet the moment. Instead they chose to safeguard their collective mediocrity | Zoe Daniel
Labor and the Coalition united three times to defy the expressed desire of the voters; on gambling, on disability and on the power of the tech companies
29955
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
Al Jazeera English @aljazeera.com · 10/10/2026
Trump launches probe into Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook aje.news/q4nub5
Trump launches probe into Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook
8328
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
AJ Sadauskas @aj.gts.sadauskas.id.au.ap.brid.gy · 10/10/2026
This is farked. Voice actors now have to compete against AI reproductions of their own voices. And because they often don't hold the copyright to the ads of TV shows they work on, there's basically no recourse: "Jacqui Duncan has voiced more than 5000 commercials for Australian radio and […]
gts.sadauskas.id.au
Original post on gts.sadauskas.id.au
01311
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
Denis - The COVID Info Guy @thecovidinfoguy.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
New Scientist: COVID variant XFG is now dominant globally and better at evading antibodies. Immunity from vaccines and prior infections is still helping prevent widespread severe illness, but experts warn future variants remain a threat as declining global surveillance makes them harder to track.
A screenshot of an article headline from the New Scientist website, celebrating its 70 years anniversary logo.
The primary headline asks: "Does each new covid-19 variant pose a significant threat?" Below it, a subheadline reads: "Most covid-19 cases are caused by a particular type of variant, but do we need to worry every time a new one emerges?" The article is written by Jo Marchant and is dated 9 October 2026.
The lower half of the screenshot shows an illustration of multiple coronavirus particles with round red bodies covered in light blue spike proteins against a dark green, textured background. A small yellow warning icon caption below the image reads: "We've lived with covid-19 for more than half a decade, but it's still evolving." The image credit is attributed to Darryl Fonseka/Getty Images.
517276
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
The Cathy Wilcox @cathywilcox.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Hey guess what everybody? We’re doing a climate cartoon award again and we’re naming it in our dear, late friend Jon Kudelka’s honour!
17554145
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
Kent Parkstreet @kentparkskeet.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
There’s weird shit happening in Victoria. Voting intelligently will be essential. We all need to think about our own electorates and the best way to vote to keep the Nazi weirdos at bay. Check every candidate, they’re using deceptive party names. #AusPol
abc.net.au
Victorian language charity with $16m kitty has links to white nationalists
It presents itself as a quaint charity dedicated to the English language but ABC NEWS Verify has uncovered links between the Victorian branch of the English-Speaking Union and white nationalist groups...
612857
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
mskathleenquinn.bsky.social @mskathleenquinn.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
At least 320 of those killed were children, close to one a day. www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/10...
aljazeera.com
Israel kills or wounds Palestinian every 90 minutes in Gaza since ceasefire
Islamic Relief calls for global action as deadly Israeli attacks in Gaza continue and humanitarian conditions worsen.
075
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
Kevin M. Kruse @kevinmkruse.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
We're maybe a week away from a Trump official shouting "White Power!" at one of these conferences.
1222770604
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
The Tennessee Holler @thetnholler.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Mayor @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social : “ABOLISH ICE”
642681786
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
ProPublica @propublica.org · 09/10/2026
“There was zero plan, except causing pain,” said one U.N. official about the Trump administration’s decision to stop funding the group with no notice or communication. “And that is not forgivable.” (Published Dec. 2025)
propublica.org
After Trump Officials Cut Food Aid to Kenya, Children Starved to Death
“Brutal and traumatizing”: Interviews and a trove of internal documents show government officials and aid workers desperately tried to warn Trump advisers about impending disaster and death.
521781942
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
Bloomberg News @bloomberg.com · 09/10/2026
A sudden surge of water and debris swept through the affluent Santiago district of Las Condes on Thursday, dragging vehicles, damaging homes and snarling traffic as heavy rain battered Chile’s capital
bloom.bg
Flash Floods Stun Affluent Neighborhoods in Chilean Capital
A sudden surge of water and debris swept through the affluent Santiago district of Las Condes on Thursday, dragging vehicles, damaging homes and snarling traffic as heavy rain battered Chile’s capital.
0179
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
Brent Toderian @brenttoderian.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
It’s hard enough for cities in Canada to do smarter things given how often bad city leaders hurt their own cities. But it’s extra infuriating watching awful provincial premiers sabotaging cities by ripping out good things they FINALLY managed to achieve. Premiers should not have that power, period.
8426118
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
𝕊𝕦𝕟𝕕𝕒𝕖 𝔾𝕦𝕣𝕝 @sundaedivine.lol · 08/10/2026
The Fed did the math - Trump did the damage.
581397527
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
Denis - The COVID Info Guy @thecovidinfoguy.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
US measles cases hit their highest level since 1991 • 2025: 2,289 cases • 2026: 3,887 cases (Oct 1) • Under 5s: 26% • Ages 5–19: 44% • Ages 20+: 29% • 95% unvaccinated or vaccination status unknown Major outbreaks reported in Texas, Utah, South Carolina and Pennsylvania.
An Associated Press infographic titled "Measles cases are surging across the United States" shows a colour-coded map of confirmed measles cases by state as of Oct. 1, 2026.
A legend on the right outlines six colour tiers:
•	0 cases: White
•	1-9: Pale pink
•	10-49: Light red
•	50-99: Medium red
•	100-499: Darker red
•	500+: Bright solid red
The map shows cases across most of the US. Utah is shaded dark red (100-499), while Texas, Florida, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and California are in the 50-99 tier. A handful of states, like Nevada, are white (0).
The map credits the CDC as its source. At the bottom, bylines credit Jonathan Poet and Phil Holm, published at 3:31 AM GMT+11, October 8, 2026.
58345
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
Ron Filipkowski @ronfilipkowski.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
He makes a good point.
455271195809
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
Jonathan Cook @jonathan-cook.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Panorama editor who oversaw entirely discredited episode stitching up Jeremy Corbyn with antisemitism smears wins top job at BBC News. Rachel Jupp is feted as a "trusted troubleshooter". In other words: a safe pair of hands, ready to do the British establishment's dirty work.
2713181
thecrankinstitute.bsky.social @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Global Roaming becomes latest ABC show to help Mike Pezzullo's reputation rehab. Mike was fired for 14 breaches of Public Service Code inc use of office for personal benefit, breach of confidentiality, & conflict of interest. Tried to push the dept hard-right. A disgrace. This normalising is not OK.
000
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
Denis - The COVID Info Guy @thecovidinfoguy.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Is COVID why everyone's getting sick? YES!
A screenshot of a social media post by Daily Mail (@DailyMail) with a verified blue checkmark, dated 1:24 AM · Oct 6, 2026, with 122.1K Views.
The post text reads: "Is Covid why everyone's getting sick? Cases of virus have doubled in a month and hospitalisations up five-fold - amid spread of new XFG variant".
Below the text is a linked article preview image featuring a healthcare worker with blonde hair wearing a blue uniform, blue medical gloves, and adjusting a light blue surgical face mask. A black caption box overlaid at the bottom of the image mirrors the headline: "Is Covid why everyone's sick? Cases of virus have doubled in a month". The source link below the image reads "From dailymail.com".
722877
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
Politico @politico.com · 08/10/2026
For Ukrainians in the US, a last-ditch effort to forestall deportation politi.co/4y6MKww
politico.com
For Ukrainians in the US, a last-ditch effort to forestall deportation politi.co/4y6MKww
For Ukrainians in the US, a last-ditch effort to forestall deportation politi.co/4y6MKww
0298
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
NPR @npr.org · 08/10/2026
Even as the agency is tasked with drawing up new rules for crypto and prediction markets, its staffing and enforcement actions have dropped precipitously during the second Trump administration. n.pr/4dvdPSF
n.pr
As crypto and prediction markets expand, their regulator shrinks
Even as the agency is tasked with drawing up new rules for crypto and prediction markets, its staffing and enforcement actions have dropped precipitously during the second Trump administration.
1011641
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
Cam Walker @camwalker.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
There are 6 major critical minerals mines planned in VIC but no one understands the cumulative impact of the projects as they are all assessed in isolation. Yes, the system is geared towards giving mining companies what they want. But this announcement still sucks. www.melbournefoe.org.au/avonbank
melbournefoe.org.au
Approval of Avonbank mine demonstrates failure of the planning system
Mobilise! Resist! Transform!
22415
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
Scoiattolo @scarnecchia.net · 07/10/2026
And there it is #disinfo2026
theguardian.com
EU drops sponsorship of disinformation conference at Trump officials’ request
Lithuania and Canada were also pressured to withdraw, and days before #Disinfo2026, logos were wiped off website
29632
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
Asher Wolf @asherwolf.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Meanwhile Stephen Conroy is working for Palantir
1015179
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
Asher Wolf @asherwolf.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Technically the court’s ruling, technically the law
1110923
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
3wombats @3wombats.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
They won’t survive if they strip the fish stocks either
1623442
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
Alt National Park Service @altnps.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Well isn’t this self-serving? The White House confirmed that the Trump administration has asked officials to look into creating a presidential retreat at Trump’s own golf club in Palm Beach “for future Presidents.” We already have Camp David.
2673001790
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
Alt National Park Service @altnps.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Attn: The Trump administration has declined to invite independent international observers to monitor the November midterms, breaking a practice dating back to 2002.
772628888
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
LouiseMorris @louisemorris.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Gawd, how ungracious and small do our politicians look when they can't even accept a hand made welcome garlands from hosts opening their home state to show how vulneralbe they are to climate. https//www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-06/pm-anthony-albanese-declines-hand-made-floral-head-garland-/107233480
abc.net.au
PM Anthony Albanese declines floral head garland in Tuvalu
Follow the latest headlines from ABC News, Australia's most trusted media source, with live events, audio and on-demand video from the national broadcaster.
2010219
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
marque lawyers @marquelawyers.com.au · 08/10/2026
We don’t think the case for this has been made. One constant in the global history of policing is that every weapon given to cops, they will eventually use. Therefore, every force escalation requires compelling justification.
2521178
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
Le Monde in English @english.lemonde.fr · 07/10/2026
The 87-year-old evicted pensioner who sparked Spain housing protests dies
lemonde.fr
The 87-year-old evicted pensioner who sparked Spain housing protests dies
Maricarmen Abascal had been hospitalized with exhaustion after her eviction, which triggered national demonstrations over Spain's chronic housing crisis.
30608312
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
The Cathy Wilcox @cathywilcox.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
More, bigger guns? I feel safer already.
2718140
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
Kyle Griffin @kylegriffin1.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Kimberly Guilfoyle was preparing for her congressional hearing to become U.S. ambassador to Greece when she reached out to a Trump donor with an urgent request: She needed $100,000 that she said she owed American Express—in a way that wouldn't leave a paper trail.
wsj.com
Exclusive | ‘Honey Please’: Kimberly Guilfoyle Pushed Donor to Wire $100,000 to Her Amex Account
Text messages with a MAGA ally show Guilfoyle seeking funds and offering access to top administration officials before becoming ambassador to Greece.
931597580
Reposted by @thecrankinstitute.bsky.social
Jommy Tee @jommytee.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Constitutional expert accuses Anthony Albanese of ‘grey corruption’ over golf club grant www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
theguardian.com
Constitutional expert accuses Anthony Albanese of ‘grey corruption’ over golf club grant
Prof Anne Twomey says $6m for Marrickville Golf Club was ‘misuse of public money’ made under a ‘farcical scheme’
79145