Author: DispatchTimes News Desk

Senator-elect James Talarico made a surprise appearance on Saturday Night Live in New York City, joining the programme’s cold open just days after being elected to the Senate in Texas during the midterm elections. The 37-year-old politician appeared towards the end of a sketch in which James Austin Johnson, playing Donald Trump, was discussing the election results and referring to a “blue tsunami”. Johnson’s character mentioned Talarico as “Talafreako” before Talarico walked on stage and stopped in front of him, prompting loud cheers from the audience. “Hi, America. I’m James Talarico, the guy whose been texting you every day asking…

Donald Trump has appointed Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff, replacing Susie Wiles in the most significant reshuffle of his administration since Republicans lost control of Congress in the midterm elections. Miller, one of the president’s longest-serving advisers and a key architect of his hardline immigration policies, is due to take up the post on Monday, November 9. Ms Wiles is expected to move to the Trump political operation. The White House said Mr Miller’s appointment would help drive forward the president’s “America First” agenda. Mr Trump described him as a trusted adviser with a detailed understanding of…

A young couple has paid $4.25 million for a distinctive mid-century modern house in Clontarf after a competitive auction that offered a rare bright spot in Sydney’s subdued property market. The five-bedroom home in Cutler Road attracted eight registered parties, with bidding opening at $3.55 million — below its $3.9 million guide — before accelerating through a series of increasingly higher offers. Four parties took part in the bidding, initially raising the price by between $25,000 and $50,000. The increments later narrowed to between $5,000 and $10,000 as two buyers from outside the area battled for the property. The home…

Family and friends of 21-year-old Kaniesa Scott gathered at a remembrance ceremony in Dallas on Saturday, honouring a young woman who had hoped to become a maths teacher before she was killed in the Deep Ellum Halloween shootings. Scott, known as “Nene” to those close to her, was among four people killed when three separate shootings erupted in the popular entertainment district during the early hours of November 1. Fifteen others were wounded. Those attending the gathering wore T-shirts bearing the words “Forever 21”, a tribute to Scott’s age and the future her relatives say she was working hard to…

The Australian government has abandoned plans to sell Sydney’s Victoria Barracks, keeping the 186-year-old military site in public hands and promising greater access for the community. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the decision alongside Defence Minister Richard Marles on Sunday, eight months after Victoria Barracks was identified as the most prominent of 67 Defence properties proposed for sale. The disposal programme was intended to raise $3 billion and reduce annual upkeep costs by $100 million, with the savings directed to the Defence budget. Victoria Barracks will instead be transferred from the Defence Department to the Finance Department. Defence personnel are…

Police in Roseville, Michigan, are investigating a shooting at a business that left a person with a gunshot wound to the back. Officers were called shortly after 12.30pm on Saturday, November 7, following reports of a shooting near Common Road and Groesbeck Highway, close to the junction with Gratiot Avenue. The injured person was taken to hospital for treatment. Police have not released their identity or provided an update on their condition. Investigators said the suspected gunman left the scene in a white pick-up truck before officers arrived. Detectives are now speaking to witnesses as they work to establish what…

Sydney Flames secured a convincing 17-point win over Southside Melbourne, with Lauren Nicholson setting the tone before Jaz Shelley put the finishing touches to the victory. The Flames controlled the contest to claim a clear win, as Nicholson’s influence helped establish their advantage and Shelley completed the job late on.

More than 20 people have been injured after a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck central Japan, with the tremor shattering shop windows and prompting people to flee buildings in Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures. The earthquake hit western Shizuoka at 1.04am local time on Sunday, at a depth of about 40km, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. Authorities reported injuries in both Aichi and Shizuoka. Some people fell on staircases as they tried to escape, while television footage showed broken glass across streets and books piled on the floor of a shop after falling from shelves. The shaking was felt across a broad…

A fatal SWAT standoff in Villa Rica, Georgia, has been linked to the suspected murder of a man found dead on the same road a day earlier, authorities said. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation are examining three violent incidents on Conners Road over a 48-hour period, including the death of Eugene Scales, a shooting that left another man injured and the police killing of 53-year-old Bradley Cox. Deputies were first called to the area on Tuesday, November 3, after a report of a suspicious death. Scales was found dead at the property, and the…

Police are investigating after a man’s body was found in bushland at Newnes Plateau, near Lithgow west of the NSW Blue Mountains. The body was discovered late on Saturday during an ongoing police investigation. A post-mortem examination is expected to be carried out in the coming days to establish the cause of death. Police have not confirmed the man’s identity while officers speak to his family. A crime scene has been established, with detectives from Strike Force Pevani continuing the investigation alongside the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.