Author: DispatchTimes News Desk

Blackstone is exploring a sale of skincare company ZO Skin Health that could value the business at about $2 billion, putting the relatively low-profile brand in the same conversation as celebrity-backed names such as Rhode and Kylie Cosmetics. ZO has built its business through dermatologists and medical-aesthetics practices rather than relying primarily on influencers, department stores or celebrity founders. The company was founded in 2007 by dermatologist Dr Zein Obagi. It initially launched at Nordstrom, but later moved away from department-store retail and placed physicians at the centre of its distribution model. Products are now sold through ZO’s website and…

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has said the team’s lack of a clear identity could be a positive, despite the club’s difficult start to the season. United have won only two of their six matches in all competitions so far. Their latest setbacks came against Manchester City and Brighton, with Carrick’s side losing at home to City before suffering a 3-2 defeat by Brighton in the Carabao Cup after taking an early 2-0 lead. The results have increased scrutiny on Carrick, who was handed the permanent manager’s job following an impressive spell as interim manager last season. Michael Carrick defends…

Amelia Hamer will formally launch her Liberal campaign for Malvern on Sunday, after an early push that has seen almost 200 campaign signs appear outside homes across the wealthy Melbourne electorate. The 33-year-old former research analyst is seeking to retain the blue-ribbon seat for the Liberals at Victoria’s state election on November 28. Her royal blue signs are already prominent in Toorak, Armadale and Malvern, including outside the homes of several prominent business figures. Among those displaying their support are Tony Burgess, chairman of investment bank Flagstaff Partners; Michael Heine, chief executive of listed fund manager and fintech group Netwealth;…

Turkiye has revoked the operating licence of Bank Mellat’s Istanbul branch, the Iranian lender’s only branch in the country, according to a decision published by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency. The decision, issued in the Official Gazette on Saturday, referred to the “Bank Mellat, Head Office in Tehran, Istanbul Turkey Central Branch”. The regulator said a banking licence could be withdrawn where a bank’s continued operation was considered a risk to depositors’ rights or to the security and stability of the financial system. It did not cite US sanctions against Bank Mellat or identify any specific operational problems behind…

Viktor Gyökeres is considering a transfer exit from Arsenal, with AC Milan, Juventus, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad understood to be monitoring the Sweden international. Gyökeres is said to be frustrated after falling down Mikel Arteta’s pecking order this season. Arsenal are not actively seeking to sell the striker, but his representatives have reportedly held initial discussions with the four clubs. The 21-goal forward played an important part in Arsenal’s Premier League title success and their run to last season’s Champions League final. However, questions have emerged over his overall contribution to Arteta’s team. Viktor Gyökeres considers Arsenal future Arteta…

Fremantle fans face sharply rising flight costs to Melbourne after the club’s victory, with airfares reaching what supporters have described as exorbitant levels. The surge has left fans counting the cost of travelling to the AFL finals, despite promises from airlines that prices would not rise in response to the demand. Air travel between Fremantle and Melbourne has become a major concern for supporters hoping to follow their team, as the increased fares add significantly to the cost of attending the finals.

Victorian Greens MP Tim Read has died following a battle with cancer, the Victorian Greens announced on Saturday. The party described the news as tragic.

Victorian Greens MP Tim Read has died aged 66 after a 10-month battle with melanoma, the party has announced. Dr Read represented Brunswick from 2018 and was the first non-Labor politician to win the seat. He announced in January that he would retire from politics at the next state election after being diagnosed with cancer. The Victorian Greens said it was “truly devastated” by the death of its “dear friend, colleague and beloved MP for Brunswick”, extending its “deepest love” to his wife, children, family and friends. Parliamentary colleague Ellen Sandell paid tribute to Dr Read, writing: “Vale, our brilliant…

Kate and Prince William are making their first official visit to the Isle of Bute, celebrating the Scottish island’s community spirit and volunteering ethos. The idyllic island lies off Scotland’s western coast in the Firth of Clyde, where the couple are spending time during their visit. The engagement places the focus on the contribution of local volunteers and the community life of the Isle of Bute.

The Gates Foundation has pledged $1 billion to develop and deliver artificial intelligence tools, with $400 million earmarked for education despite growing questions over the impact of classroom technology. The funding will support AI tutoring intended to tailor learning for pupils in schools in the United States and abroad. It forms part of the foundation’s wider education strategy, announced in July, which aims to help up to 10 million more Americans gain “credentials of value” by 2045. The investment comes as concerns mount that expanding access to digital tools does not necessarily translate into better learning. Test scores have fallen…