Author: DispatchTimes News Desk

Israel’s president has selected Gadi Eisenkot to form the next government, passing over Benjamin Netanyahu after inconclusive elections. The move puts Eisenkot at the centre of efforts to establish a new administration, while Netanyahu has not been chosen for the task. In Gaza, the first winter storm has flooded 70,000 tents being used to shelter displaced Palestinians.

New Zealand’s election has produced no clear winner, leaving Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Labour leader Chris Hipkins facing weeks of negotiations to secure a governing majority. The result delivered a setback for both of the country’s main parties, while smaller groups gained the leverage to demand policy concessions in return for their support. With 2.8 million ballots counted on election night, Luxon’s centre-right National Party appeared to have the narrowest route back to power. Its conservative bloc held 67 seats, one above the 66 needed for a majority in the 131-seat Parliament. However, the margin could change when nearly…

The Pentagon’s FORTRESS America stockpiling programme is intended to keep US forces supplied through a major war, even if cyber attacks or sabotage disable factories, power grids and domestic supply chains. The initiative aims to build reserves of critical minerals, fuel and munitions on American soil. Bryan Clark, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, said the planned effort was “on par with what the DoD pursued during the Cold War”. Formally established on 30 September, FORTRESS stands for Federal Operations for Resilience, Troop Resources, Energy, Supply, and Survivability. It is also behind plans for major military bases to prepare…

At least seven people have been killed and more than 100 injured in an Egypt train collision south of Cairo, after two trains crashed in the al-Ayyat district. The crash happened about 30 miles from the Egyptian capital when a train travelling to Fayoum province struck the rear of another train bound for Aswan. The impact caused a derailment. Emergency crews were sent to the scene, along with a crane, while those injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said on X: “I have directed state agencies to provide the necessary medical care, promptly investigate…

Liverpool beat Crystal Palace 3-1 in the Premier League, with highlights available to watch for free. The match saw Liverpool claim a two-goal victory over Palace in the top-flight fixture.

Students weighing college applications should consider the advantages and limitations of Early Decision carefully, Dr Shaan Patel, chief executive and founder of Prep Expert, has said. In an interview with KTVU, Patel also discussed the future of standardised testing at the University of California, where the SAT and ACT are not currently used in admissions decisions but could return after an ongoing policy review. Early Decision allows applicants to seek an earlier response from a preferred university. Unlike Early Action, however, it is generally binding: students who are accepted are expected to enrol and withdraw applications to other institutions. Patel…

Cross-examination of accused double-murderer Beau Lamarre-Condon has continued as prosecutors test his account of the fatal shootings of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies in February 2024. The 31-year-old former senior constable has pleaded not guilty to both murders, claiming the men were killed in self-defence. He ended his evidence last week with an often tearful account of the events. Crown prosecutor Brett Hatfield SC challenged Lamarre-Condon over his decision to enter Mr Baird’s Paddington terrace while wearing an elaborate disguise, despite seeing the door open. “You saw the door open but thought the house was empty?” Mr Hatfield asked. “I…

A Royal Caribbean cruise ship employee has been rescued after being found treading water nearly 20 miles off the California coast by two fishermen returning from a trip near Catalina Island. Sean Norton and Grant Garrett spotted the man on Friday morning as they headed back to Newport Beach. They had been fishing for marlin before abandoning their lines and stopping to help. “I’m like, ‘Yeah, it’s a human being. Stop the boat; let’s get all of our lines in,’” Mr Garrett said, recalling the moment the vessel’s captain saw the man in the water. The fishermen pulled him aboard…

Canadian veterans have alleged that they were offered medical assistance in dying (MAID) when they sought help for post-traumatic stress disorder, serious injuries and basic disability support. The claims have been made by former service personnel including David Baltzer, Tony Jenkins, Corben McGown and Christine Gauthier. Their lawyer, Catherine Christensen, is representing several veterans in legal action against the Canadian government. Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) says MAID is not a service it provides and that its staff have no role in recommending or raising it. The department says an investigation found four inappropriate discussions, all involving one employee, and concluded…

Mark Phillips, the boyfriend of Samantha Markle, has been seen collecting belongings from the Florida home of her father, Thomas Markle Sr., following his arrest by the FBI on a child pornography possession charge. Images taken on Saturday showed Phillips carrying crutches, a walking frame and a television box to a car outside Maravida Senior Living in Lakeland. Other people were also seen removing rubbish bags, which were believed to contain some of Thomas Markle Sr’s belongings. The visit came a day after security guards were photographed outside the residence. Samantha Markle has strongly defended her father since the allegations…