Author: DispatchTimes News Desk

Australia’s full-time military workforce has reached its largest size in 25 years, with cash incentives helping the Australian Defence Force (ADF) grow to a total headcount of 64,192 permanent and full-time serving personnel. The increase follows the introduction of the Continuation Bonus, which offers eligible permanent ADF members a payment of A$40,000 in return for an additional three years of service. The pilot scheme included a A$50,000 bonus. More than 5,148 eligible personnel accepted the offer, including 1,768 who had been undecided or intending to leave. The scheme recorded an 82 per cent uptake among eligible members. The bonus can…

Attorney General Todd Blanche has claimed that mail-in voting carries a greater risk of fraud than voting in person with identification, but offered “common sense” as his evidence when questioned about the assertion. Blanche made the comments during an interview with CBS News’ Nicole Sganga. Asked what evidence supported his claim, he replied: “Well, it’s common sense.”

The 2026 Primetime Emmys are taking place in Los Angeles, with stars arriving for the 78th annual ceremony celebrating television’s biggest programmes. The event will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock from the Peacock Theater at 8pm ET, or 5pm PT. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star Mariska Hargitay is hosting the ceremony. Zendaya, Amy Poehler, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Matthew Rhys are among the actors expected to attend as the evening’s awards are presented. HBO Max’s The Pitt and Hacks are expected to be among the main winners after receiving record-breaking numbers of nominations earlier this year.…

JD Vance’s appearance in Kansas has underscored the growing uncertainty around the state’s Senate race, where Republican senator Marshall is facing Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton despite Kansas having delivered a 16-point victory for Donald Trump in 2024. There is limited high-quality polling in the contest, but Kansas is emerging alongside Iowa, Ohio, Texas and Alaska as a state where Republicans could face a more difficult fight than expected in the midterm elections. Vance’s Kansas appearance was part of a wider trip that also took him across the border to Missouri, where he highlighted the Trump administration’s efforts to punish people…

Donald Trump’s mail-in voting restrictions have been blocked by a second judge, creating another legal setback for the measures. The decision adds to the judicial opposition facing the restrictions, although no further details of the ruling were provided.

John Calipari has named Stephen Curry as the NBA star he believes could make the move into politics, suggesting the Golden State Warriors player has the qualities needed for public office. Calipari was asked on Monday which basketball player he would like to see stand for election. The experienced coach immediately chose Curry. He said Curry cares about people, is intelligent and energetic, and is prepared to speak out for the causes in which he believes. Calipari did not limit his prediction to one particular role, saying the decision would be entirely Curry’s. He suggested the player could pursue anything…

Detroit Police Department has referred investigations involving activist Jahdante Smith and Marvin Walker, the former boyfriend of Detroit mayor Mary Sheffield, to outside law enforcement agencies. A police spokesperson confirmed that all cases concerning Walker had been transferred and that any future complaints involving him would also be passed to another agency. The department has not disclosed which organisation has taken over the investigations. The move also includes a separate case involving Smith, who has publicly shared photographs of Sheffield and Walker from the period when they were romantically involved while Sheffield was serving on Detroit City Council. Smith’s mobile…

Newcastle Knights captain Kalyn Ponga has revealed the culture change behind the club’s revival in 2026. Ponga opened up on the shift within the Newcastle camp, identifying its culture as the factor that has helped turn the Knights around this season.

David Sacks, a senior technology adviser to President Trump, has dismissed fears that artificial intelligence poses an imminent threat to humanity, arguing that development should continue provided companies make the technology safe. Mr Sacks said concerns about advanced AI had become “a panic” and urged political leaders and the public to assess the risks more calmly. “I think this is a moment to really calm down a little bit and look at the issue rationally,” he said. His comments come amid warnings from researchers and technology executives that increasingly powerful AI systems could cause catastrophic harm. Jacob Coxon, a former…

Prince Harry and Meghan have withdrawn their children from a British prep school after just two days, following concerns from their security team about the practicalities of the daily journey. Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, had only recently started at the school after moving to Britain with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. A spokesperson for the couple said the decision followed “a discussion with the family’s security team about the practicalities of their current arrangements”. “The parents remain extremely grateful to all the teachers and staff for the love, care and effort they have shown their family,”…