Author: DispatchTimes News Desk

Virginia state senator L. Louise Lucas has been indicted on federal drug-trafficking, money-laundering and corruption charges, with prosecutors alleging that she led a criminal enterprise which distributed at least 100kg of marijuana and used her political influence to protect the operation. The 82-year-old Democrat surrendered to authorities on Thursday, 22 October 2026, after a grand jury indictment was unsealed against her and six other defendants, including two of her daughters and a grandson. The US Department of Justice said the eight-count indictment alleges a racketeering conspiracy involving marijuana distribution, money laundering, bribery, wire fraud, the maintenance of drug-involved premises and…

Honda is set to enter the body-on-frame ute market, with Mitsubishi providing support for the Japanese carmaker’s move into the segment. The development will see Honda join the established field of manufacturers producing rugged, chassis-based utility vehicles, with the company drawing on help from its Mitsubishi partners.

Investigators examining the death of a 42-year-old man who was reportedly ejected from a roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia are considering possible maintenance problems, design flaws and human error. The Goliath ride has remained closed since Hassan Kariem died after witnesses said he was thrown from the attraction earlier this month. John F King, Georgia’s Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, is leading the inquiry. He said investigators would not “cut corners, rush to conclusions, or leave questions unanswered without making every effort to resolve them”. “Our team has been on the ground working day and night to ensure…

Virginia state senator Louise Lucas has been indicted on drug trafficking and money-laundering charges over allegations linked to a cannabis business she owns. Lucas, 82, the president pro tempore of Virginia’s state Senate, was charged with racketeering and conspiracy to commit money laundering as part of a wider public corruption investigation. Prosecutors allege that The Cannabis Outlet, owned by Lucas, was used to disguise proceeds from illegal marijuana distribution. The senator is also accused of using her political position to protect herself and members of her family from prosecution. Lucas has been a prominent supporter of marijuana legalisation in Virginia.…

Luxury cruise lines are investing heavily in larger suites, smaller ships and more exclusive experiences as affluent travellers continue to pay premium prices for space and personal service. Regent Seven Seas’ top accommodation on Seven Seas Splendor costs up to $15,000 a night. The 5,100-square-foot Regent Suite includes a Steinway piano, private dining room and wraparound deck with a hot tub and views comparable with those from the ship’s bridge. The suite is almost always occupied, and several passengers sought it for the ship’s 151-night global voyage departing in January, Regent said. The company is preparing to push prices higher…

A witness in the Russell Brand trial has told jurors that a friend was left in severe pain and unable to sit after an alleged rape in 2009. Giving evidence by video link, the woman said her friend was crying and extremely distressed when she described what had allegedly happened after meeting Brand at a comedy show at the Hammersmith Apollo in London. The witness said the woman later went to Brand’s home, where she claims consensual sexual activity turned into rape. She allegedly told her friend that Brand had repeatedly ignored her objections. Recalling the account, the witness said…

Virginia state senator L. Louise Lucas has been indicted over allegations that she led a criminal enterprise involved in distributing large quantities of cannabis, laundering the proceeds and using her political influence for personal financial gain. The eight-count federal indictment, unsealed on Thursday in the United States, names seven defendants, including several of the 82-year-old Democrat’s relatives. Prosecutors allege the operation, referred to as the “Lucas Enterprise”, was worth an estimated $4.5 million and ran for around five years. Lucas, who represents Portsmouth, Virginia, surrendered to authorities on Thursday, according to the US Department of Justice. What the indictment alleges…

Pat Cummins endured one of his poorest Tests as captain as Australia suffered a heavy defeat in Gqeberha, with Scott Boland and Travis Head the clear standouts in an otherwise disappointing display against South Africa. Boland was awarded nine after taking another five-wicket haul on his return to the side and twice performing the difficult duties of nightwatchman. His determined contributions with bat and ball continued a strong record of making the most of his opportunities in Test cricket. Head received an eight for responding to a first-innings failure against Marco Jansen with his first overseas Test century. He faced…

A British tourist who admitted raping a fellow UK holidaymaker at a hotel in Magaluf has been given a two-year suspended sentence after reaching a plea deal with prosecutors. Billy John Chard had been facing up to seven years in prison when he appeared at a court in Palma de Mallorca. He will avoid prison provided he pays his victim £5,000 in compensation and does not reoffend during the next two years. The assault took place in July 2022 at the BH Mallorca Resort, after Chard met the 22-year-old woman at a pool party and invited her to his room.…

A UK regulator has urged pension trustees to stress-test their investments against the risks posed by excessive concentration in artificial intelligence, highlighting concerns over exposure to the rapidly developing sector. The warning calls on trustees to assess how their pension schemes could be affected if AI-related investments become too heavily concentrated or face a significant downturn.