Author: DispatchTimes News Desk

St Petersburg police officers were justified in the death of a 48-year-old man during an “extremely violent” struggle, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri has said. The sheriff’s office classified the death of Brian Michael Pepal as an excusable homicide after an investigation into the confrontation on 22 August. A medical examiner found that Pepal died from traumatic asphyxiation and ruled the manner of death a homicide. Gualtieri said officers Daniel Poveda and Tammy Craig had shown restraint by using less-lethal force during the struggle, rather than resorting to firearms. Both officers were injured, with Craig requiring hospital treatment. St Petersburg…

Donald Trump’s meeting with leading technology executives on artificial intelligence will focus on how to encourage innovation while providing appropriate oversight, US House Speaker Mike Johnson has said. The White House discussion, due to take place on Tuesday, comes as the US considers how far the government should intervene in the development of increasingly capable AI systems, amid concerns about safety, jobs and the power held by major technology companies. “We do not need a moratorium. We do not need to jump in and hyper-regulate this, because we’ll lose the race to China,” Mr Johnson told Fox Business Network. He…

The US Supreme Court has ruled that the Trump administration can use a controversial database to review state voter rolls for potential non-citizens. The decision is the latest ruling on changes to voting proposed by the Trump administration. The database will be used to examine voter registration records across the states. David Becker, executive director and founder of the Center for Election Innovation and Research, discussed the ruling and its implications with CBS News.

Gold prices fell to a more than seven-week low on Monday as rising oil prices, a stronger US dollar and higher Treasury yields heightened inflation concerns linked to the war between the United States and Iran. Spot gold dropped 3.3 per cent to $4,146.51 an ounce, its lowest level since August 5. US gold futures also declined 3.3 per cent, to $4,178.40. Oil prices rose by about 3 per cent after US President Donald Trump rejected an Iranian offer to resolve the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The dollar remained close to a two-month high, while Treasury yields…

Donald Trump has denied a report claiming that the United States offered Iran relief from sanctions. The allegation concerns an offer of sanctions relief to Iran, but Mr Trump has rejected the report.

Barbara Palvin and Dylan Sprouse have welcomed their first child, announcing the arrival of a baby girl in a joint social media post. The couple shared the news on Monday 28 September, writing: “We took Labor Day literally this year.” The message appeared to hint that their daughter was born around the US holiday. Alongside the announcement, the model and actor posted a photograph of themselves with their newborn while watching the Los Angeles Dodgers play the San Francisco Giants on television. All three were wearing Dodgers jerseys. The couple have not yet revealed their daughter’s name. Palvin and Sprouse…

Jeremy Jacquet’s France debut earned widespread praise after the Liverpool defender helped Les Bleus secure a 1-0 Nations League victory over Belgium. The 21-year-old started at centre-back in his first full senior international appearance and produced a composed display against a dangerous Belgium side. Jeremy Jacquet impresses on France debut Jacquet made a strong contribution defensively, winning four tackles – more than any other player on the pitch – while his six successful duels ranked second overall. He was also assured in possession. The Liverpool defender completed 69 of 75 passes, including 10 into the final third, as he helped…

Fuel prices have surged across the Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia region, with truck drivers facing record diesel costs as disruption linked to the conflict in the Middle East tightens energy supplies. GasBuddy put the US national average for regular petrol at $4.44 a gallon and diesel at $6.44 a gallon. Prices in Washington DC were above the national petrol average, adding pressure to motorists and businesses reliant on road transport. Figures from AAA showed the District’s average price for regular petrol had reached about $4.50 a gallon on Monday, while diesel was averaging around $6.50. AAA recorded the district’s…

Essendon’s signing of John Longmire has been discussed by Matthew Lloyd, who has outlined his thoughts on the move involving the Australian Football League club. Lloyd talked through the Bombers’ addition of Longmire, focusing on the significance of the signing for Essendon.

US holiday airfares are set to reach their highest level in a decade, with elevated jet fuel costs linked to the conflict in Iran pushing up the price of domestic flights, according to a forecast from fare aggregator Hopper. The average return ticket for travel within the US over Thanksgiving is expected to cost $402, an increase of $95 compared with the same period last year. Christmas fares are averaging $452, up $85 year on year. Domestic return fares are already 31% higher than at the same point last year, Hopper said. The company attributed the rise to months of…