Author: DispatchTimes News Desk

Fremantle’s preliminary final against Sydney has sold out within hours, as supporters rushed to secure seats for Friday night’s clash at the SCG. The Dockers moved to within one victory of their maiden premiership after overcoming Geelong in Friday night’s semi-final. Their reward is a meeting with the Swans, who finished second on the ladder. Interest in Sydney’s first preliminary final since 2015 has fuelled a surge in ticket demand, with seats disappearing almost as soon as they were released. Airlines including Qantas have added flights to help West Australian fans travel to the SCG. The match will be Fremantle’s…

South Australia’s Whyalla steelworks is to permanently shut its blast furnace, putting up to 500 jobs at risk after administrators and the state government concluded that keeping it operating was no longer feasible. The closure will reduce the steelworks’ workforce from about 1,700 to 1,200. Some employees are expected to accept voluntary redundancies, while others may be made redundant, at an estimated cost to taxpayers of between 60 million and 80 million Australian dollars. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said the decision had come sooner than he would have wanted, but described the furnace as an ageing facility that had…

A Bank of Japan executive saw a need for vigilance against “non-linear” spikes in inflation, highlighting concern over the possibility of sudden and uneven price increases. The executive’s view focused on the need to remain alert to inflation developments, without further details being provided.

A fresh group of presenters has been announced for the 2026 Emmy Awards, with stars of the upcoming Baywatch reboot among those due to take part in Monday night’s ceremony. Stephen Amell, Jessica Belkin, Brooks Nader, Noah Beck, Thaddeus LaGrone and Hassie Harrison have all been added to the line-up. It has not been confirmed whether the six actors will appear together, although the ceremony is expected to feature other television reunions. The Primetime Emmy Awards will be hosted by Mariska Hargitay, who won two Emmys at last weekend’s Creative Arts ceremony. The event will air live on NBC and…

FOX6 Sports Director Tim Van Vooren and sports photojournalist Mickie Leach have revisited the road to Lambeau Field, sharing some of the unusual places and experiences they have encountered during thousands of journeys to Green Bay. The feature, titled “You, Me & I-43: Getting to Green Bay is half the fun”, looks beyond the stadium itself to the travel and traditions that have become part of covering the Green Bay Packers. Van Vooren and Leach guide viewers through locations they have seen along the route, reflecting on the distinctive moments that have made the trip to Lambeau Field more than…

Victoria’s poor road conditions have come under renewed scrutiny after motorcyclist Peter “Tiki” Mason died when he hit a pothole on the Western Highway near Ballarat. The 71-year-old was riding just before 1pm on Sunday when he lost control and crashed. Police said he had “struck a pothole and lost control”, and he died at the scene. Professor Jo Kuys, a transportation expert at Swinburne University, said the condition of roads across the state was a particular concern. “There’s an alarmingly high percentage of poor road conditions here in Victoria, which is unfortunate – and it’s a direct impact for…

A US Air Force colonel has described surviving 50 hours behind enemy lines in Iran after his F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down and his parachute failed to open properly. The weapons systems officer, known only by the callsign “Dude 44 Bravo”, was rescued after hiding on a 7,000ft ridgeline while Iranian forces searched for him. He suffered a broken back, arm and shoulder, as well as a sprained ankle. Bravo was flying in the rear seat of the fighter jet with a pilot known as “Alpha” on April 2, during a mission targeting industrial facilities linked to Iran’s drone…

Channel Seven stars have rallied around Johanna Griggs after the Better Homes and Gardens host announced the death of her mother, Leigh. Griggs shared the news on Sunday, describing her mother as a “beautiful matriarch”, “fearless leader” and “guiding light” in an Instagram tribute. The former champion swimmer, who has presented the long-running lifestyle programme for more than two decades, was quickly offered support by colleagues and friends. 7NEWS presenter Michael Usher wrote: “Much love Joh, to you and your family. Very sad to read but how proud she must have been.” Sports presenter Mel McLaughlin added: “Love to you…

Manchester United explored a move for Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde during the summer, but the clubs’ differing expectations over the deal prevented the transfer from progressing. United wanted to take the 22-year-old on loan, potentially with an option or mechanism to buy him in the future. Barcelona, however, were prepared to consider Balde’s departure only on a permanent basis, with a fee of around €40 million understood to be required. Fabrizio Romano reported that United were among the clubs informed of Balde’s availability late in the transfer window. No suitable offer was made, while the player chose to remain in…

Heidi’s Village in Phoenix, Arizona, has launched a pilot programme aimed at helping overlooked dogs find permanent homes. The initiative, called Village Dogs, is intended to give more visibility to animals that can struggle to attract adopters, with the rescue facility hoping to improve their chances of being matched with suitable families. Heidi’s Village, at North 40th Street in Phoenix, provides temporary housing, veterinary care and behavioural support for animals connected with rescue organisations across the Valley. The organisation has said larger dogs are often passed over because of their size, space requirements and misconceptions about their behaviour, despite being…