Author: DispatchTimes News Desk

US consumer confidence has fallen to its lowest level in more than 12 years, with households expecting business conditions and the labour market to deteriorate over the next six months. The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index dropped 6.7 points in September to 81.9, its lowest reading since 2014. Economists surveyed by Reuters had expected a figure of 89.2. Assessments of current business conditions turned negative for the first time since September 2024, while views of the labour market also weakened but remained positive. “Consumer appraisals of current business conditions became negative for the first time since September 2024,” said Dana…

Anya Taylor-Joy, Jennifer Lawrence and Rihanna were among the prominent arrivals at Dior’s spring/summer 2027 showcase during Paris Fashion Week. The event took place at the Jardin des Tuileries, where Taylor-Joy drew attention in a sheer black lace top with a cape-style back. The 30-year-old actress paired it with a pencil skirt, scarf and black court shoes, wearing her icy blonde hair in soft curls. Lawrence chose a pale blue silk maxi dress featuring lace detailing, teamed with strappy heels and rectangular black sunglasses. Her dark blonde hair was styled in loose, beachy waves. Rihanna was pictured inside the venue…

Wells Fargo has raised its oil price targets, citing continuing risks to supply. The move signals a more supportive outlook for oil prices as concerns over the availability of supplies persist.

Dennis Haskins had reportedly been battling Parkinson’s disease for years before his death, while keeping his health problems private, according to his former wife and multiple sources. Haskins, best known for playing Principal Richard Belding in Saved by the Bell, was living in an assisted care facility, sources said. His official cause and manner of death have not been disclosed. His former wife, Sarah Quinones, said the actor had withdrawn from close friends and confidants in recent years. She said he did not want people to know about his illnesses and stopped responding to her calls and messages, as well…

President Donald Trump is meeting senior artificial intelligence executives at the White House on Tuesday, September 29, to discuss how the United States can preserve its lead in the technology while addressing concerns about its potential risks. The talks are expected to include Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, with House Speaker Mike Johnson also due to take part. Executives from OpenAI, Google, Meta and Palantir are among the other technology leaders expected to attend. The meeting comes as Washington faces growing pressure to establish safeguards for increasingly powerful AI systems. Some technology executives and researchers…

Queensland Ballet recorded a net operating loss of $5.24 million in 2025 after annual box office revenue fell by almost 30 per cent, although the result was a marked improvement on the previous year. The Brisbane-based company’s loss narrowed from $9.5 million in 2024, when it cut 29 positions, including eight dancers. Total income rose by 13 per cent to $24.9 million, according to its annual report. Queensland Ballet’s box office takings fell from more than $7.6 million in 2024 to just over $5.1 million last year, with 50,098 tickets sold. The Nutcracker remained the company’s strongest performer, attracting 19,782…

JMSN’s lawyers have sent a cease-and-desist letter to White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, alleging that the Trump administration used his song “Love Me” in a taxpayer-funded advertisement without permission. The letter demands that the White House stop all scheduled broadcasts, remove online versions of the advert featuring the song and provide a written account of every airing and online publication. The requested details include the date, time, broadcaster, market, programme and total media spending. JMSN, whose real name is Christian Berishaj, is represented by former Barack Obama administration ethics official Norman Eisen, Democracy Defenders Action and the law…

Five men arrested after a major security operation near RAF Fairford have been released on bail, prompting analysts to question claims from Washington that the incident was linked to a serious terrorist plot. The men, all British nationals from London and in their 20s, were detained after three white vans blocked a driveway in a Gloucestershire village in the early hours of Sunday. Armed officers arrived within 15 minutes, while 85 homes were evacuated and a bomb disposal robot was sent between the vehicles. The arrests were made on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences. The operation triggered the declaration…

Republican campaigns are intensifying attacks on Democratic candidates with Christian backgrounds, portraying clergy and other religious figures in closely fought US races as inauthentic, politically extreme or financially compromised. In Texas, seminarian James Talarico is being targeted by MAGA Inc, which has described him as a “liberal weirdo” while highlighting remarks including “Jesus Christ Himself was a radical feminist” and “God is non-binary”. Talarico is seen as the Democrats’ strongest prospect for flipping a Texas Senate seat in nearly four decades. Republicans in Iowa have attacked Presbyterian minister Lindsay James and Lutheran minister Sarah Trone Garriott, who are both mounting…

Iranians are struggling with soaring costs after seven months of war, as the prolonged conflict places increasing financial pressure on people across the country.