Author: DispatchTimes News Desk

For investors in ASX small-cap companies, the most important part of a business may not be its flagship project but the people running it, particularly after a major change in assets, strategy or ownership. The issue is illustrated by the ancient “Ship of Theseus” thought experiment. If every plank in a vessel is gradually replaced, is it still the same ship? A similar question arises when a listed company changes its board, management, projects, commodity focus, capital structure and shareholder base. Exploration companies are especially prone to such transformations. A gold explorer may sell its project and acquire a lithium…

Starshield has become an essential part of Ukraine’s military operations, with its role linked closely to Starlink, the satellite communications system. Jericka Duncan examines what Starshield is, how it relates to Starlink and why the technology is being used by Ukraine’s military. The report focuses on the distinction between the two systems and Starshield’s growing importance to operations in Ukraine.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has condemned US-Israeli attacks on Iran as “blatant aggression”, saying they took place during talks and without consultation of the United Nations Security Council. Donald Trump said the US was continuing to hit Iran hard “economically and militarily”.

Jaime West has admitted she drank three beers before a viral interview in which she appeared to slur her words, while insisting she was “not that intoxicated”. The Indiana county council candidate made the admission during an interview with Piers Morgan, who asked whether she had been drinking before appearing at a general election candidates’ forum earlier this month. West initially acknowledged having a beer to calm her nerves. When Morgan pressed her on the amount, she said she had consumed three beers before the appearance. West later went viral for advocating the dismissal of all MAGA Republicans, describing them…

A man was arrested in West Seattle after allegedly trying to force his way into an occupied house before breaking into another property, eating food and climbing into a bed, Seattle police said. Officers were called to the 7,000 block of Fauntleroy Way Southwest at about 2pm on Sunday, October 18, after reports of a burglary in progress. The incident was logged under case number 2026-311270. ([spdblotter.seattle.gov](https://spdblotter.seattle.gov/2026/10/18/sunday-october-18-2026/?utm_source=openai)) Police said the man first entered a woman’s garden and asked her for a blanket. When she told him she did not have one, he allegedly became agitated and accused her of lying…

Donald Trump has said he would be willing to hold three-way arms-control talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising the prospect of a meeting between the leaders of the world’s three largest nuclear powers. Speaking outside the White House, the US president said the discussions would focus on nuclear weapons and denuclearisation, but could also cover trade. “We would have it to talk about nuclear weapons and denuclearisation,” Mr Trump said. “If President Xi wants to have it, I’d have it. I’m sure we’d talk about other things like trade too.” The White House has…

Philadelphia Eagles star quarterback Jalen Hurts may miss the rest of the season after doctors discovered a serious blood clot that could have been life-threatening. The diagnosis involving Jalen Hurts has sent shockwaves through the sports world, with his availability for the remainder of the campaign now in doubt. Tom Hanson reports on the development and its potential impact on the Eagles.

Iran has summoned Germany’s ambassador in a tit-for-tat diplomatic move after a Hamburg court convicted two men of plotting to kill leaders of Jewish organisations allegedly at Tehran’s direction. Iran’s Foreign Ministry accused Berlin of making “baseless political allegations” and said the case had been given an unjustified judicial appearance. The decision to summon Axel Dittmann followed Germany’s call-in of Iran’s ambassador, Majid Nili Ahmadabadi, over allegations that Tehran was behind the planned attacks. Hamburg court conviction The case involved a Danish national, partially identified as Ali Hassan S, and an Afghan national who was recruited as his accomplice. Both…

Carl Dean’s niece has taken over administration of the late businessman’s estate after Dolly Parton, who had initially been appointed to handle it, died before the process was finalised. Court documents name Dea Chaggin Cunningham Williams as administrator of Dean’s finances. Parton was appointed following Dean’s death on 3 March 2025, but the matter remained unresolved while she dealt with her own health problems. Dean, who was 82 when he died, left his entire estate to Parton in his will. The document also set out how the assets should be distributed if he outlived her. Under those provisions, Dean’s assets…

Texas candidates have intensified their final campaign push as early voting opened on Monday, with Governor Greg Abbott and Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa trading attacks while the closely watched US Senate contest between James Talarico and Ken Paxton entered its decisive phase. Abbott and Hinojosa both cast their ballots in Austin before turning their attention to the campaign trail. Their contest is one of several statewide races being closely watched ahead of polling day on 3 November. James Talarico and Ken Paxton make final Senate push The Senate race has become increasingly confrontational, with Democrat Talarico rejecting claims from Paxton…