Author: DispatchTimes News Desk

Leeds United are closing in on a deal for Nice left-back Melvin Bard, who is due to arrive in England on Tuesday, September 1, to undergo a medical and complete his move before the transfer deadline. The 25-year-old is expected to join Daniel Farke’s side on a season-long loan, with Leeds paying an initial €1 million (£860,000). The agreement is understood to include an option to buy Bard for a further €5 million (£4.3 million) next summer. ([sports.yahoo.com](https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/leeds-united-agree-deadline-day-091611209.html?utm_source=openai)) Bard has been a regular for Nice since moving from Lyon in 2021 and has made almost 200 appearances for the Ligue…

A Cedartown police officer has been placed on administrative leave after shooting and killing a pet donkey during an overnight search for a missing 12-year-old girl in Polk County, Georgia. The animal, named HeeHaw, was killed at Elsberry Riding and Farm near Rockmart at about 12.45am on Sunday, August 30. The child was later found safely at a church close to the pasture, according to local reports. ([fox5atlanta.com](https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/donkey-shot-killed-polk-county-cedartown-police-officer-leave)) Cedartown Police Chief Jamie Newsome said the officer involved had not been identified publicly and was on administrative leave while the circumstances were investigated. The case has been referred to the Georgia…

Ben Ainsworth says Carlton’s extraordinary rise from a 1-8 start to an AFL elimination final has felt more like a television script than a football season, with former Richmond premiership defender Alex Rance helping him keep his focus amid the sudden surge in expectations. The former Gold Coast forward was central to the Blues’ 19-point wildcard-final victory over Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday, kicking three goals as Carlton ended the Demons’ campaign in front of 91,733 spectators. The result set up a meeting with Geelong at the same ground on Friday, September 4. ([afl.com.au](https://www.afl.com.au/news/1597454/blues-fairytale-run-continues-after-epic-wildcard-finish-against-demons?utm_source=openai)) “It’s pretty crazy to be…

A man accused of murder following a fatal house fire near Middlesbrough has appeared in court. The defendant attended a hearing in connection with the blaze. The case concerns the deaths of Valentina Foster and Natalie McDonald. The allegations have not been tested in court. Further hearings are expected as the investigation and legal proceedings continue.

Sir Keir Starmer is to step down as the MP for Holborn and St Pancras, reversing his earlier insistence that he would remain in the Commons after leaving Downing Street. The former prime minister has informed local Labour officials of his decision to leave Parliament after 11 years representing the north London constituency. His departure will trigger a by-election in the traditionally safe Labour seat. Mr Starmer told the Camden New Journal that he believed it was the “right time” to leave the House of Commons as he turns his attention to international affairs, including defence, security, trade and technology.…

Google’s decision to display Lake Ontario as “Lake America” has triggered a sharp backlash – and unexpectedly sent users flocking back to MapQuest. The map provider said it was following the US Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), after Executive Order 14420 instructed the Board on Geographic Names to rename the lake and update the national database. Google said in a blog post that it generally uses GNIS when deciding how geographical names should appear on its maps. The company followed the same process in February 2025, when it changed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. MapQuest downloads…

Chelsea have had a €45 million bid for Lamine Camara rejected by Monaco as they seek midfield cover amid Manchester City’s pursuit of Enzo Fernández. The offer for the 22-year-old Senegal international was understood to be an opening proposal, with negotiations continuing on transfer deadline day. Monaco are reluctant to part with Camara and are believed to value him above the figure tabled by the London club. Camara has emerged as one of Chelsea’s preferred options as Fernández’s proposed move to Manchester City advances. Chelsea have already rejected one approach for the Argentina international and are not expected to sanction…

Central Florida is facing another day of heavy showers and thunderstorms, with a 70% chance of rain across Orlando on Tuesday and above-average rainfall expected for much of the week. The main round of wet weather is forecast to develop between midday and 8pm, after a largely dry start. A few coastal showers are possible during the morning, while isolated storms could bring torrential rain, strong winds and frequent lightning. Patchy fog has also formed west of Orlando, particularly across Sumter, Lake and Marion counties. Visibility is only slightly reduced in most places, and the fog is expected to lift…

Australian rugby star James O’Connor has confirmed he will return to the Western Force, bringing his career back to the Perth club where he first made his name. Speaking exclusively to 9News Perth, the Wallabies playmaker revealed that he intends to play for the Force after completing his spell with Leicester Tigers in England. O’Connor began his professional career with the Western Force and made his Australia debut while playing for the club. His return follows a season in the Premiership after he moved to Leicester from New Zealand side the Crusaders. He had also been linked with a move…

A group of travellers moved on to privately owned land near Greensward Lane in Rochford, Essex, on Friday and began digging up the turf without planning permission. Rochford District Council said officers visited the site after becoming aware of what it described as an unauthorised development at Lower Road and Greensward Lane. The authority issued a Temporary Stop Notice on Saturday, requiring all work covered by the notice to stop immediately. Councillor Adi Malviya, leader of Rochford District Council, said the matter was being treated as a breach of planning legislation rather than an unauthorised incursion on council-owned land. He…