Author: DispatchTimes News Desk

The United States has issued a determination enabling sanctions against key sectors of Cuba, introducing a new mechanism for punitive measures linked to the country’s economy. The determination concerns targeted sectors in Cuba, although no further details of the sectors or the sanctions were provided.

Tennessee officials have opposed Christa Pike’s request to be moved from solitary confinement to a low-security prison unit, arguing that her history and security classification make the transfer unsuitable. The state’s position was set out in federal court documents responding to an emergency motion filed by Pike’s legal team on 30 October. Her lawyers are seeking an environment where she can be housed alongside other inmates and regain opportunities to socialise with other women. State attorneys said Pike “thinks she knows better than her treating providers and officials about how to treat her medical needs while keeping her safe and…

Manchester United are monitoring FC Twente defender Ruud Nijstad, but face competition from Barcelona and Bayern Munich for the highly rated 18-year-old. Nijstad has attracted attention through his performances in the Netherlands, with a number of leading European clubs understood to be tracking his progress ahead of future transfer windows. Manchester United interest in Ruud Nijstad United are considering whether to make their interest formal as they assess potential defensive reinforcements. Nijstad is viewed as a long-term investment, although the Premier League club have yet to submit an official offer. Barcelona are also weighing another move for the teenager after…

The family of Joseph Mendoza has sued California’s prison authorities after he was stabbed nearly 180 times at Salinas Valley State Prison, with footage of the attack later circulated online. Mendoza, 36, died on 8 April 2025 after he was attacked by fellow inmates Edgar Frayre and Nicolas Young in a day room at the Soledad prison in Monterey County. His relatives allege that correctional officers failed to intervene effectively, delayed medical assistance and allowed video of the killing to be shared outside the prison. They say the footage was how the family discovered the extent of Mendoza’s death, around…

British actor Russell Brand has been found guilty of rape and sexual assault in a UK court.

Chuck Schumer is facing a challenge to his leadership of Senate Democrats after at least seven newly elected colleagues declined to commit to supporting him, despite his confidence that he will retain the role. The New York senator told reporters in Washington on Wednesday: “I’ll be re-elected as majority leader.” His comments came after Democrats secured a larger-than-expected Senate majority in the US midterm elections. Several incoming senators have openly called for a change at the top. Illinois senator-elect Juliana Stratton said through a spokesperson that she would not support Mr Schumer, while Kansas senator-elect Adam Hamilton said: “I’m not…

Rate-cut hopes in Brazil are fading as fears that Lula’s re-election could fuel inflation grow, putting pressure on expectations for the country’s monetary policy. Concerns over the inflationary impact of a further Lula term have weakened optimism about interest-rate reductions, leaving the prospect of cuts less certain.

Abdul El-Sayed has responded to remarks made by Donald Trump and Ted Cruz before his election victory, joking that he would still take a lie-detector test after the president questioned whether he would pass through a metal detector. Speaking on The View on Thursday, the Michigan senator-elect was asked about Cruz describing him as a “Jihadist leprechaun”. El-Sayed replied: “I want a hat!” He also addressed comments from Trump that he would be the first senator required to go through a metal detector. “I’ll do a metal detector test all day because I have nothing to hide,” El-Sayed said. “Donald,…

Everton are considering a move for Palmeiras striker Vitor Roque ahead of the 2027 transfer window, but the Brazilian club are understood to value the 21-year-old at no less than €50 million (£44 million). Roque has emerged as a potential attacking target for the Merseyside club as they assess their options in front of goal. Several Premier League sides have also shown interest in the forward. Everton face €50m valuation for Vitor Roque Brazilian journalist Diego Firmino reports that Palmeiras are unwilling to negotiate below their €50m asking price, despite Roque enduring a more difficult campaign than his previous season.…

Harmeet Dhillon has resigned as head of the US Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, becoming the first senior department official to leave the Trump administration since Democrats’ sweeping victories in the midterm elections. Ms Dhillon, a conservative lawyer and longtime ally of Donald Trump, said she had decided to step down weeks before polling day but delayed the announcement at the request of White House chief of staff Susie Wiles. “I wasn’t asked to resign,” Ms Dhillon said. “I resigned three weeks ago, and Susie asked me to please wait until after the midterms.” She formally submitted her resignation on…