Author: DispatchTimes News Desk

Republican redistricting efforts intended to protect the party from heavy losses in the US midterm elections are instead producing a series of unexpectedly competitive House races, forcing the party to spend millions of dollars in districts designed to be safe. Republican-led states redrew congressional boundaries under pressure from Donald Trump and his political team, with the aim of creating a defensive firewall. But several of the new districts have shifted towards Democrats, while incumbents who were expected to be defeated have remained in the fight. “It just has not turned out that way,” said Nathan Gonzales, editor of Inside Elections.…

Asia-focused banks are facing a capital squeeze as inflation and turbulence in bond markets put pressure on their capital positions.

Arsenal are considering a fresh January approach for Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez, with the Argentina international again understood to be a major target for Mikel Arteta’s side. The Gunners remain interested in adding an elite forward despite strengthening their attack in recent transfer windows. Barcelona also retain an interest in Álvarez, but Atlético have shown no willingness to make negotiations straightforward. Arsenal maintain interest in Julián Álvarez Arsenal’s pursuit is not a new development. Initial discussions reportedly took place at ownership level earlier this year, while sporting director Andrea Berta’s connections with Atlético have helped keep communication between the…

A former Royal Australian Air Force pilot allegedly strangled his wife before staging her death as a lawnmower accident, a court has heard. Robert John Crawford, 49, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Frances Elizabeth Crawford at the couple’s rural property in Upper Lockyer, west of Toowoomba, on 29 July 2024. Prosecutor Chris Cook told Brisbane Supreme Court jurors that Mrs Crawford’s body was placed beside a ride-on mower at the bottom of a stone retaining wall as part of an elaborate attempt to disguise the alleged killing. The jury was shown photographs of the scene, including extensive bruising around…

Donald Trump used a rally in Port Huron, Michigan, to attack Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed while backing Republican candidates ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. Speaking at McMorran Place on Sunday, Mr Trump praised Mike Rogers, the Republican candidate for the US Senate, as “one of the most respected men in Washington”. He then accused Mr El-Sayed of being a “jihadist Muslim Brotherhood member”. “I’m here to keep a jihadist Muslim Brotherhood member from becoming a United States senator,” Mr Trump said. Mr El-Sayed’s campaign was approached for a response to the president’s remarks and visit but had…

Oxford Street has been permanently closed to vehicles under Sadiq Khan’s pedestrianisation plan, in a major change to one of central London’s busiest shopping streets. Cars, buses, taxis, bicycles and other vehicles are now barred from almost a kilometre of the road between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street. Traffic is being diverted on to nearby roads, while emergency vehicles will retain access at all times. Deliveries will be permitted between midnight and 7am. New bus stops have been placed on Wigmore Street, Henrietta Place and Cavendish Place, around 200 metres from the traffic-free section. The move has been welcomed…

Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Real Madrid ended Barcelona’s perfect LaLiga start with a 2-1 victory in El Clasico, exposing concerns over Hansi Flick’s ability to solve problems against the strongest opposition. Barcelona had won their first nine league matches and remain well placed at the top of the table. But their defeat at Spotify Camp Nou raised fresh questions about a side whose ambitions extend beyond domestic dominance, particularly with Champions League success the principal target. Mbappe punishes Barcelona’s high line Mbappe had been caught offside seven times in his first Clasico against Flick’s Barcelona, the highest total recorded…

Mu Omakase in Canberra offers an intimate Japanese dining experience from a low-lit wooden counter with just 12 cushioned seats. Guests are guided through about 11 courses by an attentive team, including a sommelier who may recommend a smooth, earthy sake from Nagoya. The meal begins with cod-liver pâté served on wafer-thin wakame crackers, alongside cucumber shots containing finger-lime jelly. The menu places pristine produce and precise technique at its centre. Highlights include chawanmushi with Western Australian lobster, a sushi platter featuring sanma maki brightened with shio lemon, and applewood-smoked salmon sashimi. A yuzu chicken ramen, enriched with duck fat,…

Senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan are due to hold talks in Tehran, in the first high-level contact between Iran and all three members of the Mecca Defence Alliance since Houthi rebels escalated attacks on Saudi Arabia. The joint meeting is expected to include Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud, Pakistan’s military chief Asim Munir and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin. Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said the officials would take part in talks on Monday, according to Iranian state-run media. Iran’s delegation will be led by Mohsen Rezaei, secretary…

Indonesia’s decision to cut gas exports to Singapore by 9% has prompted Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to warn that commercial commitments must be honoured, adding to tensions between the neighbouring countries. Singapore’s gas importer will take steps to protect its rights and interests, Mr Wong said at a party conference on Sunday. “Gas supplies are covered by commercial contracts, [and] we expect all parties to honor their commitments,” he said. Indonesia announced the reduction on October 23, citing shortages at home. The move follows warnings from Indonesian officials that energy exports could be restricted while domestic demand is prioritised. Bahlil…