Author: DispatchTimes News Desk

Gen Z candidates from both major US parties are making housing affordability a central issue in the midterm elections, arguing that a shortage of homes and soaring prices are putting pressure on voters of every age. In Connecticut, Democratic candidates Olaleye Onikuyide, 28, and Eli Sabin, 26, are campaigning on denser development, cheaper homes and stronger protections for renters. In Montana, Republican state representative Lukas Schubert, 21, is seeking re-election with a focus on building more affordable starter homes. The candidates say younger Americans are renting with flatmates well into their thirties, struggling to save for deposits and questioning whether…

PG&E chief executive Patti Poppe has said artificial intelligence could help drive the investment needed to modernise California’s power grid, as the utility faces continued scrutiny over wildfire risks, electricity rates and its financial performance. “I think AI is the best thing that could’ve ever happened to the grid,” Ms Poppe said, pointing to the growing involvement of technology companies such as Google in co-investing in energy infrastructure. California has added 33 gigawatts of renewable energy and storage capacity over the past five years, enough to power about 25 million homes, she said. A further 22 gigawatts is expected to…

Manchester United are interested in Nico Paz after the Como attacking midfielder scored twice and supplied an assist in their 4-1 Champions League victory over the Premier League side. The performance has intensified speculation over a possible move for the 22-year-old ahead of next season. Chelsea are also understood to be monitoring Paz, although Real Madrid have a significant advantage in the race. Journalist Nicolò Schira has reported that United and Chelsea are keeping a close watch on the Argentina-born playmaker’s situation. Real Madrid, meanwhile, hold an €80 million buy-back clause which becomes active in July 2027. Football Italia reports…

Pope Leo has cancelled a planned trip to Assisi on doctors’ orders as he continues to recover from cancer surgery. The pontiff will miss the visit while receiving medical care following the operation. No further details about the trip or his recovery were provided.

Affordable Care Act open enrollment for 2027 coverage will bring higher premiums, tighter identity checks and fewer brokers for some consumers, while new restrictions are expected to remove subsidies from several groups of lawfully present immigrants. Open enrollment begins on November 1 in most states, although Idaho, Connecticut and Massachusetts start earlier. Some state-run exchanges have already opened “window shopping”, allowing customers to compare premium rates before choosing a plan. Overall enrolment is expected to fall again after enhanced subsidies expired at the end of 2025. Policy experts say millions either dropped coverage or lost it during the first months…

Nathan Owens is set to be jailed for life after being convicted of murdering 19-year-old Carla Georgescu at her campus flat in Preston, Lancashire. The 34-year-old, who is jobless, was found guilty by a jury after it took just over three hours to reach its verdict. The killing took place on February 4.

Brighton will enter the Premier League title race if they defeat Liverpool and Manchester City in their next two matches, Paul Merson has said. The Seagulls are third in the table behind Manchester City and Arsenal, having won their last four league games. Their first test is a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool, followed by a meeting with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on October 31. Brighton have not won at Anfield in their last six visits in all competitions, while Liverpool are still waiting for their first home league victory of the season. “That is it in…

Israeli soldiers have shot dead two men after an alleged attack near Hebron in the occupied West Bank, prompting Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to order preparations for a full closure of the territory. Israel’s prime minister’s office said security forces had been instructed to immediately cordon off Hebron and prepare to seal the West Bank from Friday. The army subsequently established roadblocks and closures in Palestinian towns in the area. The military said it had thwarted a “terror attack against Israeli civilians”, claiming the gunmen were carrying an M16 rifle and a handgun. It did not specify the alleged target or…

Police are investigating a report of animal cruelty at Ward End Park in Birmingham after a video showing a distressed bird circulated online. The investigation relates to an incident reported at the park on October 19. No further details have been released.

Millions of Americans have already cast their ballots in the 2026 midterm election, with early voter turnout running higher than at the same stage in both 2018 and 2022. The figures indicate stronger participation in the early voting period than in the two previous midterm elections at the equivalent point.