Author: DispatchTimes News Desk

Dutch authorities are offering a record €2 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Jos Leijdekkers, a convicted cocaine trafficker believed to be hiding in Sierra Leone. The sum is 10 times the previous reward and reflects what prosecutors and police described as their highest priority. Information provided to the Dutch Public Prosecution Service will be kept secret. Leijdekkers, 35, is also known as “Bolle Jos”, or “Chubby Jos”. Dutch police consider him one of the key figures in the international cocaine trade. A court in Rotterdam sentenced him in absentia in 2024 to 24 years in prison…

Oman and China have signed deals aimed at boosting trade and investment during talks in Beijing between Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The leaders also discussed strengthening bilateral ties and expanding economic cooperation between the two countries.

Democratic Representative Haley Stevens has endorsed Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers in Michigan, breaking with her party less than 48 hours before Election Day and throwing the state’s closely watched race into turmoil. Stevens, who previously contested the Democratic nomination against Abdul El-Sayed, cited his links to political streamer Hasan Piker in announcing her support for Mr Rogers. Mr Piker faced backlash in August over remarks concerning Jewish people and Israel. Mr El-Sayed sought to distance himself from the controversy, but Ms Stevens has accused him of failing to do enough to reassure Black and Jewish voters who supported her…

Sterling drifted as attention turned towards the Bank of England’s forthcoming interest rate decision. The pound’s subdued movement came as the central bank’s policy announcement moved into focus, with markets awaiting its decision.

Australian employers are bracing for a surge in leave requests and sick days when Grand Theft Auto VI is released on November 19, with workforce specialists warning of a “roster crush” across offices, shops and other frontline workplaces. The latest instalment in Rockstar’s hugely successful series arrives 13 years after its predecessor and will take players to a fictional version of Florida, including the Miami-inspired Vice City. Dr Matthew Thompson, an interactive media expert at the University of Southern Queensland, said previous Grand Theft Auto launches had become significant cultural events. “Grand Theft Auto releases, at least the last three…

Brevard Public Schools cancelled classes across the district on Monday, November 2, after flooding and severe weather affected parts of central Florida. The decision was announced early in the day, with the district saying the closure was made to protect pupils, staff and families as heavy rain continued across Brevard County. “The safety of our students, staff and families is our top priority,” the school district said. It urged residents to take care, remain safe and avoid roads covered by floodwater. Flood watch remains in force across east central Florida The National Weather Service had issued a Flood Watch for…

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will warn that democracies face a growing threat from political violence and polarisation when he addresses Commonwealth leaders in Antigua and Barbuda. He is expected to cite the attack on independent Australian MP Dr Helen Haines, who suffered grievous injuries and remains in a serious condition, as an example of the dangers confronting elected representatives. Albanese will speak at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in St John’s, the capital, before formal talks begin on Tuesday. The summit brings together leaders from 56 nations. “Across the world, political polarisation is reducing social cohesion, placing…

King Charles was caught in a tropical downpour during a visit to Antigua and Barbuda, as the country’s prime minister renewed calls for slavery reparations and said he personally wanted the monarch replaced as head of state. The King had arrived at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium for the country’s 45th anniversary independence celebrations when the rain began. He waved towards aides and appeared to ask for an umbrella, but remained exposed as the shower intensified. Queen Camilla was given a clear umbrella and moved towards the royal seating area before one was eventually found for Charles. By then,…

California’s proposed billionaire wealth tax has produced sharply conflicting economic forecasts, with one analysis predicting nearly $100 billion in revenue and another warning it could ultimately cost the state $39 billion. Proposition 40 would impose a one-off 5% tax on the net worth of billionaires who were California residents on January 1 2026. Most of the proceeds would be directed towards healthcare for low-income residents, partly offsetting federal cuts to Medicaid. The measure is being put to voters in a ballot contest that could determine whether the United States sees its first wealth tax aimed specifically at billionaires. Its outcome…

US voters are heading into the midterm elections in a sour economic mood.