Author: DispatchTimes News Desk

Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach has opened for its 2026-27 season, marking 40 years since the free attraction first welcomed visitors to see manatees gathering in the warm-water canal beside the Big Bend Power Station. The centre, which attracts nearly 400,000 people each season, has introduced several improvements, including a permanent home for its cownose rays in the touch tank. Tampa Electric said keeping the rays at the facility throughout the year would avoid the stress of moving them elsewhere during the summer. They will also be used as educational ambassadors for summer campers when the centre…

Public housing tenants in Cloverdale, Western Australia, say alleged disruptive behaviour at a neighbouring property has left them feeling unsafe and driven one family to consider leaving the area. Megan, whose name has been changed, moved into her small, well-kept home after spending time in a women’s refuge while escaping an abusive relationship. She said the local community had initially been friendly, with neighbours sharing parcels and gathering to mark the death of a dog. She said the atmosphere changed after new tenants moved into the public housing property next door several years ago. According to Megan, overflowing bins, sheets…

Donald Trump hosted a jungle-themed Halloween party at Mar-a-Lago, where hundreds of guests arrived in sequined costumes, feathered headdresses and elaborate animal-inspired outfits. The Saturday night gathering at the president’s Florida resort featured partygoers dressed as exotic birds, reptiles, cheetahs, zebras and lions. One woman wore a pale pink corset with matching iridescent wings as part of a fairy costume. Guests dined on crab and caviar as drinks were served in the green-lit ballroom, with the jungle theme reflected in elaborate make-up, wings and headpieces. Trump told the crowd that his busy schedule had left him little time to prepare…

Alaska Senator Daniel Sullivan says he expects to lose votes to a second candidate with the same name, alleging that the rival’s appearance on the ballot is part of a scheme linked to Democrats. Speaking to Jake Tapper on State of the Union, the Republican senator said: “I’m sure I’m going to lose a lot of votes to that trickery.” The second candidate is Daniel J. Sullivan, while the senator is Daniel S. Sullivan. The New York Times reported that political operatives tied to Sullivan’s opponent, Mary Peltola, allegedly recruited the namesake candidate to draw support away from the Republican.…

Chelsea are reportedly stepping up their pursuit of Jules Kounde, with manager Xabi Alonso keen to bring the Barcelona defender to Stamford Bridge during the January transfer window. The France international is understood to be the club’s priority defensive target for the winter, and Chelsea have reportedly communicated their interest to both Kounde and Barcelona. Chelsea’s pursuit of Jules Kounde faces a key decision Alonso is said to be prepared to contact Kounde’s representatives personally as he attempts to persuade the 27-year-old to move to London. The defender’s versatility is central to Chelsea’s interest. Kounde can operate at right-back or…

Four people have been killed and about 15 others injured in three separate shootings in Dallas’s Deep Ellum entertainment district following Halloween celebrations, police said. The gunfire broke out in the early hours of Sunday, 1 November, as large crowds remained in the area. Dallas police chief Daniel Comeaux said detectives were investigating whether the incidents were connected, but there was currently no evidence to suggest they were. The shootings took place roughly 30 minutes to an hour apart at separate locations across the neighbourhood. Police have not released the precise addresses of the crime scenes while the investigation remains…

Pope Leo has said the co-operation between Ukrainian and Russian authorities in the city of Oleshky could help strengthen wider peace initiatives. He expressed hope that the example set in Oleshky would encourage further efforts towards peace between Ukraine and Russia.

Protests over living costs, housing and public services descended into violence across Europe on Halloween, with clashes reported in Germany, France and Portugal. Police used water cannon in Frankfurt, while a French officer was engulfed in flames after being struck by a Molotov cocktail in Paris. Germany saw some of the worst disorder after demonstrations organised by youth group Gen-Z Regelt! took place in 34 cities. About 120,000 people were said to have taken part in the protests, which the group had publicly called for as peaceful gatherings. In Frankfurt, shops were looted and windows were smashed in the city’s…

The scale of a Democratic midterm victory could determine the party’s direction, with a large win likely to strengthen calls for more progressive candidates ahead of the 2028 presidential election. A PF Global poll found Democrats divided over how to interpret a smaller-than-expected result. Thirty-seven per cent said it would show the party needed to run more progressives at the next election, while 35 per cent said it would point to the need for more moderates. The remaining 28 per cent were unsure. The divide largely followed ideological lines. Among self-identified progressives, 52 per cent said a narrow victory would…

John Stamos sang at a Halloween party in Hidden Hills, Los Angeles, dressed as a zombie Elvis and performing with a costumed band. The actor took the stage for a rendition of ‘Good Golly Miss Molly’ during the event on Halloween night. Stamos later moved behind the drum kit as the band played ‘Honky Tonk Women’. The performance added a musical element to an appearance by the Fuller House star, who has also been a special guest with the Beach Boys. Melissa Ethridge also performed at the party, wearing an inflatable alien-abduction costume.