Author: DispatchTimes News Desk

A flydubai co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday, prompting passengers and crew to storm the cockpit as the aircraft began to descend sharply. Flight FZ1073 was diverted to Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely at 9.45am local time. The airport operator said both pilots were injured and taken to hospital. Passengers described scenes of panic as the aircraft lost altitude. Witnesses said several people forced their way into the cockpit and restrained the alleged attacker, allowing the plane to be stabilised. Israeli Prime…

Norway’s parliament has opened public hearings into links between Jeffrey Epstein and Norwegian politicians, diplomats and officials, as the country examines whether the relationships damaged trust in its foreign service. The inquiry follows the release in January of millions of documents related to the late US sex offender by Donald Trump’s Department of Justice. The material revealed connections involving politicians, royals and wealthy figures around the world. Jonas Andersen Sayed, who is leading the hearings before parliament’s Committee on Scrutiny and Constitutional Affairs, said the government needed to explain how it intended to restore confidence. “There are many people who…

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US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has announced the creation of an Autonomous Warfare Command to accelerate the development and deployment of drones, robotics and other autonomous military systems. The new Pentagon unit, also known as AutoWarCom, is expected to be operational by October 2027. Its role will include purchasing, testing and overseeing the use of the systems by US forces. Speaking to senior military leaders at Quantico, Virginia, Hegseth said the command would focus on building a supply of affordable autonomous technologies that could give the US an advantage in conflicts around the world. Owen West, a Department of…

David Ellison has appointed outgoing Mattel chief executive Ynon Kreiz as co-chief executive of the anticipated combination of Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. The pair will lead the combined media company as “one team”, with Mr Kreiz responsible for its day-to-day management and the integration of the two businesses. Mr Ellison, chief executive of Paramount Skydance, will oversee the long-term strategy, creative vision and direction of the company. His responsibilities will also include talent relationships, strategic partnerships, technology and capital allocation. “Bringing together Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery to create a next-generation global media company is a transformational moment for…

Miku Martineau and Carlacia Grant have been cast as the focus of a new Netflix-themed face-off, with the pair featured in this week’s “Chix On Netflix”. Martineau is gaining attention through “Crew Girl”, which reached number one globally during its first week. The feature presents the two women as competing for the spotlight among Netflix’s most prominent current names.

Arizona State hockey head coach Greg Powers has been placed on administrative leave as the university investigates the collapse of player Matthew Mayich during an outdoor team workout. Powers will miss the Sun Devils’ season opener against Lindenwood on Friday, with assistant coach Mike Corbett taking charge while the school considers an interim replacement. ASU athletic director Graham Rossini said the decision was intended to provide stability for the programme while the investigation continues. “Our focus continues to be on Matthew and his family, and on our student-athletes to make sure they have the support they need during this time…

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has identified the pilot stabbed aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv as Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, praising him for helping prevent a disaster. Mr Netanyahu said Captain Machchhar showed “extraordinary bravery” after being attacked and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the co-pilot. “Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, he fought back, resisted, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker — preventing a catastrophic mid-air disaster,” he said. The pilot is being treated at a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where the aircraft landed safely.…

The Trump administration is to begin sending $500 Affordable Care Act refund checks on Wednesday to nearly one million enrollees across 30 US states, claiming they were overcharged under the Biden administration. Recipients will receive a payment and a letter from President Donald Trump. Some families with more than one affected person may receive multiple refunds, either by cheque or direct deposit, according to an administration official. The main recipients are expected to be people earning more than 400% of the federal poverty line. The payments apply to people who bought health insurance through HealthCare.gov and did not receive taxpayer…

A California judge has cleared the way for the Paramount-Warner Bros merger by approving a settlement reached with California and several other states. The ruling removes the final reported obstacle to Paramount’s proposed $111 billion takeover of Warner Bros, with the transaction potentially being completed within days or weeks. Under the settlement, the merged company will establish an editorial board to oversee CBS News and CNN. The agreement also requires the business to release at least 30 films each year and invest more than $1 billion in US film production and worker training. If the deal goes ahead, CNN, CBS…