Author: DispatchTimes News Desk

Keith Sonderling has been confirmed as US labour secretary, formally taking charge of the Department of Labor after serving as its acting head since April. The Senate approved his appointment by 47 votes to 41. Sonderling assumed the acting role after Lori Chavez-DeRemer left the post for the private sector. President Donald Trump nominated him in June, saying he had “proven his dedication to delivering strong results for the Hardworking People of our Country”. He held several positions at the Department of Labor and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission during Mr Trump’s first administration. Before entering government, Sonderling worked in…

Australia’s job market has been described as “dismal” amid rising unemployment, a shortage of vacancies and intense competition for roles, according to Sydney recruitment specialist Tammie Ballis. Australian Bureau of Statistics figures showed the unemployment rate increased from 4.5 per cent in July to 4.6 per cent in August, its highest level since the Covid pandemic. The number of unemployed people rose by 28,200 to 722,900. Ms Ballis, who runs Realistic Careers in Sydney, said a rapid increase in immigration had added to the number of applicants competing for the same positions. “We have seen too many people enter the…

Ben Affleck has spoken publicly for the first time since the deaths of both his parents, saying the losses have prompted him to view his childhood differently. The Oscar-winning actor, 54, discussed his mother and father during an appearance on Kerry Washington’s podcast, Street You Grew Up On, released on September 30. Affleck said his parents died within months of each other. “My parents just died. Both of them. In April, and in June,” he said. His brother, Casey Affleck, previously revealed that their father, Tim Affleck, had died earlier this year. Their mother, Chris Anne, died aged 83 on…

Florida’s Bright Futures scholarship test score requirements will rise for students graduating in 2028, making it harder to qualify for one of the state’s main sources of university financial aid. The Florida Department of Education has increased the minimum SAT score for the Florida Academic Scholars award from 1,330 to 1,350. The equivalent CLT requirement has risen from 95 to 96, while the ACT threshold remains 29. ([www-bhs.stjohns.k12.fl.us](https://www-bhs.stjohns.k12.fl.us/guidance/florida-bright-futures/)) Higher Bright Futures scholarship scores The changes also affect the Florida Medallion Scholars award, with the minimum SAT score increasing from 1,190 to 1,200. The CLT benchmark has moved from 83 to…

More than a quarter of Australia’s big companies paid no income tax in 2024/25, despite major businesses contributing $87.5 billion to the country’s tax office. Among the large corporates that paid nothing were Santos and Optus, according to the figures. The data highlights the contrast within Australia’s biggest businesses, with some companies making substantial income-tax payments while others paid no tax at all during the financial year.

The Jonas Brothers are embarking on a nostalgic tour as the band continues its run more than 20 years after forming, while also working on new music and a podcast. Nick, Joe and Kevin Jonas discussed their plans during an interview with Julianne Ferreira in New York City, where they were filming a commercial for Blue Diamond Almond Breeze. The brothers remain active as a group, combining the upcoming tour with further projects in music and podcasting.

Asian stocks edged lower as investors turned their attention to bonds following a torrid September for financial markets. The move puts government debt markets in focus as the new month begins, with regional equities dipping after September’s turbulent performance.

Christa Pike remained alive after two lethal injections were administered during her scheduled execution in Tennessee, her lawyers said in a federal court filing. At around 8.26pm local time, the filing stated that “executioners had injected both syringes of lethal injection chemicals and Pike is still alive and snoring”. Her lawyers also said Pike had not lost consciousness and still had a heartbeat, while the curtains to the death chamber “have gone down twice”. The execution had been due to take place on Wednesday after the US Supreme Court overturned a last-minute stay imposed by a federal appeals court, allowing…

Hundreds of new laws come into force across Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC on Thursday, October 1, altering rules affecting shoppers, motorists, renters, workers, gun owners and tobacco retailers. Maryland has the biggest package, with more than 300 measures taking effect. Virginia is introducing a smaller number of changes on October 1, while the District’s new financial year brings changes to paid family leave and a series of local schemes. Maryland laws taking effect on October 1 Maryland shoppers will receive new protection from certain forms of dynamic pricing. Food retailers and third-party delivery services will be barred from varying…

Australia’s central bank has said the risk of widespread negative equity remains contained, estimating that fewer than one per cent of borrowers are currently affected despite a sharp six-month fall in house prices and rising interest rates. The Reserve Bank of Australia said mortgage holders had generally retained enough income and savings to withstand further deterioration in the housing market. Its modelling found that even a 20 per cent fall in prices from current levels would leave only about 5 per cent of mortgages in negative equity. The assessment followed the RBA’s decision to raise interest rates by 25 basis…