Author: DispatchTimes News Desk

Donald Trump has joked that the Dallas Mavericks’ decision to trade Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers should be reversed, calling the deal one of the worst in sporting history during a speech in Dallas. Addressing the Republican National Committee’s midterm convention at the American Airlines Center on Wednesday night, the president said: “I must tell you, I don’t understand the trade. That trade is not good.” He added: “It’s not going to go down as the greatest trade in the history of sports. It might go down as the worst trade in the history of sports.” Mr Trump…

Portugal’s sovereign debt upgrade by Fitch has reinforced a wider reversal in the fortunes of the five eurozone countries once grouped together as the “PIIGS” during Europe’s debt crisis. Fitch raised Portugal’s rating from A to A+ on 5 September, its second upgrade of the country in a year. The move restored Portugal’s highest Fitch rating since 2011 and placed it alongside France and Belgium, with only six eurozone countries rated higher. The agency cited Portugal’s falling public debt, budget surpluses and economic growth. The Portuguese Government said the latest decision was the fourth rating upgrade awarded to the country…

Allison Langdon broke down in tears while recalling the death of her friend Gavin Larkin, the founder of Australia’s R U OK? Day, and the devastating impact his loss had on his family. Speaking alongside Larkin’s widow, Maryanne, on The Australian Women’s Weekly’s Love Stories podcast, the television presenter said the grief surrounding his death had remained with her despite the passing of time. “It doesn’t matter how many years have passed. I do this every time,” Langdon said, wiping away tears. “I don’t think that part ever gets easier.” Larkin died from lymphoma in September 2011, aged 42, shortly…

An 82-year-old Arizona fugitive wanted over alleged child sex offences has been arrested in Texas after a deputy constable linked him to an outstanding warrant following a routine traffic stop. Jesse Rodriguez was detained on 4 September in Bexar County, near San Antonio, and is being held in jail while he awaits extradition to Maricopa County, Arizona. He faces felony allegations of sexual conduct with a minor and child molestation. The case began on 12 August, when Deputy Constable Nathan Carrizales stopped a driver for a minor traffic violation. A computer alert suggested the man could be wanted in Maricopa…

Dylan Gibbons believes Under Focus can make a serious impact in Saturday’s Group Two Run To The Rose at Rosehill after securing a far more favourable barrier for the key Golden Rose lead-up. The Kris Lees-trained colt will jump from gate five in the 1200-metre race, having been forced to overcome barrier 11 of 13 when he resumed in the Listed Rosebud. He finished sixth, three lengths behind Chilly Girl, after settling at the rear before charging home once clear. Under Focus was rated a $6 chance with TAB on Thursday, and Gibbons expects the son of Too Darn Hot…

Police in Canada are investigating after a teenage girl was allegedly chased at night by a person wearing a costume resembling the Cat in the Hat, as unsettling videos involving the character continue to circulate online. The incident happened in West Kelowna, British Columbia, at about 9pm on August 24. The girl managed to reach her home safely, but the person involved has not been identified. West Kelowna RCMP said the pursuit was reported in the 2,000 block of Shamrock Drive and described it as a “concerning prank”. Officers have appealed for doorbell, security or dash-camera footage that may help…

Christine Lagarde is set to take centre stage in markets on Thursday as the European Central Bank prepares to announce its latest interest-rate decision, with Brent crude holding above 100 dollars a barrel amid an escalating conflict in the Middle East. The ECB’s Governing Council is expected to raise borrowing costs, but investors will be looking chiefly for guidance from the central bank president on what could follow as energy prices fuel fresh inflation concerns. The meeting is being held in Berlin, with the monetary policy decision due at 1.15pm UK time and Lagarde’s press conference scheduled for 1.45pm. The…

Sarah Todd and Declan Cleary have denied rumours that they have separated, with a source close to the MasterChef Australia couple saying they remain together and are planning their future as a family. The pair, who met while filming MasterChef: Back to Win in 2024, have attracted speculation after largely disappearing from one another’s social-media posts. They have shared few photographs together since a European holiday in September 2025. Questions about their relationship intensified after Todd did not interact with a Father’s Day post Cleary shared on Sunday, 6 September. The post was his first since the couple welcomed twin…

An 11-year-old girl suffered minor injuries after being hit by a car while crossing Tiny Road in Winter Garden, Florida. The collision happened on Wednesday afternoon, 9 September, near Bridgewater Middle School, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Troopers said the girl had been walking south along the pavement on the northbound side of Tiny Road, south of Bridgewater Crossing Boulevard, when she tried to cross the road. Investigators said she entered the carriageway without seeing a southbound 2020 Honda Accord. The left side of the car struck her. She was taken to Orlando Health Horizon West for treatment. Her…

Australia’s Labor government has introduced a package of tougher laws aimed at dismantling the illegal tobacco trade, as the Coalition and One Nation press for steep cuts to tobacco excise. The proposed Combatting Illicit Tobacco Bill would create new offences for large-scale activity linked to organised crime and increase penalties for importing, possessing, buying, selling, producing or manufacturing illicit tobacco. It would also give prosecutors more scope to establish that tobacco had been imported unlawfully. Suspiciously low prices, missing supply records, concealed products and packaging that breaches Australia’s plain-packaging rules could all be taken into account. Assistant Minister for Customs…