Author: DispatchTimes News Desk

Sydney have survived a major scare against Brisbane, edging the Lions closer to an AFLW low not seen for seven years. The result leaves Brisbane facing the prospect of a significant decline, while Sydney emerged from a testing contest with their position intact. Gold Coast also strengthened their finals prospects after rallying to secure a place inside the AFLW’s top eight.

Several men have been arrested over suspected explosives offences near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, prompting the evacuation of a number of properties and the declaration of a major incident. Gloucestershire Police said the arrests were made in the Whelford area under legislation covering explosives. A cordon was put in place and the incident was described as contained. Residents were evacuated while a bomb disposal team examined a number of vehicles at the scene. RAF Fairford, close to Whelford, is used by US forces. The base has been used for limited strikes during the war with Iran, after the UK Government…

Women are expected to receive a larger state pension than men on average for the first time early next year, marking a reversal of a long-standing difference in retirement payments. The gap has narrowed steadily since the new state pension was introduced in 2016. Women reaching state pension age for the first time this year receive an average of just 36p less a week than men, according to Department for Work and Pensions figures. That amounts to a difference of £18.72 a year. Among people who retired a year ago, the gap is about £1 a week, while men who…

A technology entrepreneur who once built convenience-focused startups is turning to artificial intelligence tools for social services, arguing that Silicon Valley should direct more of its expertise towards people facing poverty, family crisis and homelessness. The entrepreneur’s company now operates in five countries and works with public agencies in the United States, where it says organisations in 12 states have cut administrative workloads by half. Its first US partner was Fairfax County in Virginia. The stated aim is to reduce paperwork for frontline workers, improve the recording of conversations with families and help ensure vulnerable people receive the support to…

Manchester United are showing strong interest in Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde and are monitoring the 22-year-old ahead of a possible January move. Balde could leave the Spanish club in the winter transfer window, according to Mundo Deportivo, with United keeping a close watch on his situation. The report does not indicate whether Barcelona have decided to sell, but Balde’s potential availability has placed him on Manchester United’s radar as they consider their options for January.

A newly graduated police officer who was allegedly stabbed twice in the neck during a domestic disturbance in Brisbane chased the suspected attacker and used his Taser before collapsing from blood loss. The constable, who is in his 40s and graduated from the police academy in July, was responding with a senior constable to a call involving a father and son at Hemmant, in the city’s east, at dawn on Sunday. Police said a 35-year-old man allegedly attacked the constable with a knife and assaulted his colleague before fleeing the scene. The senior constable was reportedly slashed across the forehead.…

Massive Attack singer Robert Del Naja was arrested in Liverpool while taking part in a pro-Palestine protest over the war in Gaza and the UK’s ban on Palestine Action. Demonstrators had gathered to demand that the UK stop arming Israel and to denounce the ban on the group. The protest took place ahead of the first Labour Party conference under new Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

Iran has said it will not soften its demands over Hormuz after Donald Trump rejected a proposal. The rejection has not altered Tehran’s position, with Iran maintaining that its demands will remain unchanged.

Manchester United are preparing a move for RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba as they turn their attention towards strengthening their central defence, according to a report by Samuel Luckhurst. The 23-year-old French international has become a prominent target after establishing himself in Leipzig’s first-team set-up since joining the German club in 2023. He has made more than 100 senior appearances and is understood to have impressed United’s recruitment team with his development. Manchester United move for Castello Lukeba could cost €65m Lukeba is valued at between €60 million and €65 million, a fee that would represent a significant investment for…

Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, has been hit by severe flooding, leaving parts of the city underwater. The floods have affected the capital city, with water covering sections of Bangkok.