Author: DispatchTimes News Desk

Saudi Arabia’s closure of its East-West oil pipeline after an attack has intensified fears of further shortages and higher prices as the war with Iran disrupts energy routes across the Middle East. Saudi authorities blamed the attack on drones operated by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq. Two regional officials said repairs to the 1,200-kilometre pipeline could take between three and five weeks. The route carries crude from processing facilities near the Persian Gulf across Saudi Arabia to the Red Sea, allowing tankers to avoid the Strait of Hormuz. Oil can then be shipped towards Europe through the Suez Canal or south…

A mother accused of killing her 11-year-old daughter before taking her own life during a Las Vegas cheer competition had several medications in her system, while cannabis gummies and prescription bottles were found in their hotel room. The deaths of Tawnia McGeehan and her daughter, Addi Smith, were recorded by the Clark County Medical Examiner as resulting from gunshot wounds to the head. McGeehan’s former husband contacted police in February 2026 after he was unable to reach the pair. Staff at the Rio Hotel then went to their room, where they found a note outside warning: “Call 911 before walking…

Two people were injured in a shooting in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, after police were called to reports of gunfire early on Monday morning. Officers from the Columbia Heights Police Department were sent to the 4100 block of Madison Street NE at about 6am on 14 September. No victims were found when they arrived. Police said investigators later learned that two people believed to have been involved had driven themselves to a local hospital with gunshot wounds. Their conditions have not been released. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation, and no arrests or further details have been announced. Anyone…

Australia’s full-time military workforce has reached its largest size in 25 years, with cash incentives helping the Australian Defence Force (ADF) grow to a total headcount of 64,192 permanent and full-time serving personnel. The increase follows the introduction of the Continuation Bonus, which offers eligible permanent ADF members a payment of A$40,000 in return for an additional three years of service. The pilot scheme included a A$50,000 bonus. More than 5,148 eligible personnel accepted the offer, including 1,768 who had been undecided or intending to leave. The scheme recorded an 82 per cent uptake among eligible members. The bonus can…

Attorney General Todd Blanche has claimed that mail-in voting carries a greater risk of fraud than voting in person with identification, but offered “common sense” as his evidence when questioned about the assertion. Blanche made the comments during an interview with CBS News’ Nicole Sganga. Asked what evidence supported his claim, he replied: “Well, it’s common sense.”

The 2026 Primetime Emmys are taking place in Los Angeles, with stars arriving for the 78th annual ceremony celebrating television’s biggest programmes. The event will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock from the Peacock Theater at 8pm ET, or 5pm PT. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star Mariska Hargitay is hosting the ceremony. Zendaya, Amy Poehler, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Matthew Rhys are among the actors expected to attend as the evening’s awards are presented. HBO Max’s The Pitt and Hacks are expected to be among the main winners after receiving record-breaking numbers of nominations earlier this year.…

JD Vance’s appearance in Kansas has underscored the growing uncertainty around the state’s Senate race, where Republican senator Marshall is facing Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton despite Kansas having delivered a 16-point victory for Donald Trump in 2024. There is limited high-quality polling in the contest, but Kansas is emerging alongside Iowa, Ohio, Texas and Alaska as a state where Republicans could face a more difficult fight than expected in the midterm elections. Vance’s Kansas appearance was part of a wider trip that also took him across the border to Missouri, where he highlighted the Trump administration’s efforts to punish people…

Donald Trump’s mail-in voting restrictions have been blocked by a second judge, creating another legal setback for the measures. The decision adds to the judicial opposition facing the restrictions, although no further details of the ruling were provided.

John Calipari has named Stephen Curry as the NBA star he believes could make the move into politics, suggesting the Golden State Warriors player has the qualities needed for public office. Calipari was asked on Monday which basketball player he would like to see stand for election. The experienced coach immediately chose Curry. He said Curry cares about people, is intelligent and energetic, and is prepared to speak out for the causes in which he believes. Calipari did not limit his prediction to one particular role, saying the decision would be entirely Curry’s. He suggested the player could pursue anything…

Detroit Police Department has referred investigations involving activist Jahdante Smith and Marvin Walker, the former boyfriend of Detroit mayor Mary Sheffield, to outside law enforcement agencies. A police spokesperson confirmed that all cases concerning Walker had been transferred and that any future complaints involving him would also be passed to another agency. The department has not disclosed which organisation has taken over the investigations. The move also includes a separate case involving Smith, who has publicly shared photographs of Sheffield and Walker from the period when they were romantically involved while Sheffield was serving on Detroit City Council. Smith’s mobile…