Author: DispatchTimes News Desk

Manchester United’s interest in Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde has been revived by uncertainty over his place in the Catalan club’s side, although a January move is far from straightforward. The 22-year-old is understood to have fallen down the pecking order following João Cancelo’s arrival and the emergence of Xavi Espart. That has created a potential opening for United, who continue to assess their long-term options at left-back. Manchester United interest in Alejandro Balde faces January test Mundo Deportivo has reported that Balde could leave Barcelona during the January transfer window. However, interest from Manchester United predates the latest speculation over…

Australia is facing a heightened risk of severe heatwaves this spring and summer, with experts warning that temperatures are likely to be above average across much of the country. The National Emergency Management Agency said a strong El Niño was “firmly established” and expected to continue warming the southern hemisphere, with the pattern forecast to peak in late spring or summer. El Niño occurs when Pacific Ocean sea temperatures are warmer than average. In Australia, it is typically associated with hotter conditions, reduced rainfall and an increased risk of drought and bushfires. Eastern and southern parts of the country are…

Four men have been jailed for more than 70 years after police uncovered a plan to smuggle 600kg of cocaine into Britain concealed in frozen fish shipments from South America. The proposed consignment, estimated to be worth more than £20 million, was due to enter the country through a legitimate fish business at London’s Billingsgate Market. The scheme was never completed. Detectives discovered the plot by analysing encrypted EncroChat messages shared with police through the National Crime Agency. The gang discussed payments, shipping documents, logistics and contacts in Ecuador who were allegedly responsible for sourcing the cocaine. The messages also…

US thalidomide survivors are urging Congress to recognise them formally and provide financial support, decades after pregnant women were given the drug without being told what it was. The campaign is being led by Gwen Riechmann, co-founder of USA Thalidomide Survivors. The group, which has about 100 members including allies and survivors, is backing a bill that would formally acknowledge American-born survivors and award each $150,000, with the possibility of further payments in future. Riechmann was born with phocomelia, a rare condition involving severely shortened limbs associated with thalidomide. She says her mother was given the drug in the early…

Real Madrid interest in Alexis Mac Allister is intensifying as uncertainty continues over the Liverpool midfielder’s long-term future at Anfield. The Argentina international remains an important part of Andoni Iraola’s plans, but Liverpool have yet to make extending his contract a priority. Mac Allister’s existing agreement runs until 2028, although the situation could attract increased attention when the 2027 transfer windows open. Real Madrid have been monitoring the 27-year-old for some time and are understood to be among the clubs most seriously interested in his availability. The Spanish club have not made a formal offer, but could revisit the possibility…

Nineteen people have been assessed by paramedics after a planned hazard reduction burn escaped containment lines in Wedderburn, south-west Sydney. The fire broke out on Katanna Road near Campbelltown on Saturday afternoon. Stronger winds around 4pm caused the blaze to spread rapidly and become uncontrollable. One fire truck was destroyed after flames overran vehicles at the scene, while two others are believed to have suffered serious damage. Paramedics assessed up to 19 people, treating one person for smoke inhalation. None of those checked required hospital treatment. The fire came close to several properties in the area but was contained before…

Patrick Vieira’s first match as Senegal coach ended in a 1-1 draw with Mozambique, while Nigeria began their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a narrow 2-1 victory over Madagascar. Cape Verde endured the biggest setback among the leading sides, losing 3-1 to Mali in Bamako. Egypt were held goalless at home by Angola, while Morocco and Algeria opened with comfortable wins over Gabon and Zambia respectively. Senegal took the lead in Maputo after 32 minutes when Aston Villa striker Nicolas Jackson converted from close range following a low cross. Mozambique equalised in first-half stoppage time. Sporting midfielder Geny…

Donald Trump’s White House press ban has triggered a week-long confrontation with news organisations, a court order and an unprecedented television boycott after CNN, MS NOW and Politico were excluded from the presidential premises. The president announced the move in a 130-word post on Truth Social, accusing the outlets of “constant ‘reporting’ FAKE NEWS!” and declaring the ban effective immediately. The decision caught reporters and some of Mr Trump’s advisers by surprise, prompting immediate questions over how it would operate and whether it was lawful. When NBC’s Kelly O’Donnell asked the president about the First Amendment and freedom of the…

Harvard is facing renewed scrutiny over its legacy and donor admissions practices, three years after the US Supreme Court struck down race-conscious admissions and civil rights groups challenged preferences for applicants with family or financial connections to the university. The university has a little-known admissions route known as the Z-List, under which a small number of applicants are offered places on condition that they wait a year before enrolling. The scheme is not advertised on Harvard’s admissions website and does not appear as an option on the Common Application. Critics have argued that the route has historically benefited children of…

Comedian Carrot Top has reportedly been released from hospital and is now at home with his family, where he is said to be doing well. The update was reported on Friday night, citing a source close to the performer. Carrot Top was taken to hospital after authorities received a call about a suspected overdose at his Las Vegas home on September 18. He had been in critical condition. A police report said officers found him breathing but unconscious beside a pool in his back garden. It said his manager had told him about a published article alleging that he had…