Author: DispatchTimes News Desk

Democrats are heading into the final two days of the US midterm elections with a clear national polling lead, but a series of closely fought Senate races could determine which party controls Congress. The cost-of-living crisis is dominating the closing stages of the campaign, with high prices, tariffs and the US-Israel war on Iran featuring prominently in the parties’ final appeals to voters. The latest RealClearPolling average puts Democrats on 51.5 per cent, compared with 43.1 per cent for Republicans. A THP/MM survey conducted on October 28 and 29 gave Democrats a 54 per cent to 41 per cent lead,…

Saudi Arabia’s economy has contracted by 3.8% as war disrupts oil production, placing pressure on the country’s economic performance. The decline comes amid interruptions to output from the key oil-producing sector, which has been affected by the conflict.

Manchester United have received encouragement in their pursuit of Jean-Philippe Mateta, with the Crystal Palace striker increasingly expected to leave Selhurst Park during the January transfer window. United have monitored the 29-year-old for several months, but their need for another centre-forward has grown because of Benjamin Šeško’s injury problems. Mateta’s Premier League experience and contract situation could make him a realistic mid-season option. Manchester United maintain interest in Jean-Philippe Mateta Mateta’s representatives are understood to be working towards securing a suitable move, while Manchester United remain firmly interested in his situation. Nottingham Forest, Everton and clubs elsewhere in Europe are…

Tonga and Samoa meet in a decisive Rugby League World Cup clash, with the winner earning a semi-final against New Zealand next Saturday and the loser facing Australia at Allianz Stadium the following Sunday. Tonga are narrow favourites at $1.74 with bookmakers, despite Samoa’s dominant start to the tournament. Samoa have scored 142 points and conceded only eight across their opening two matches. Tonga began with a 30-12 victory over England before defeating Lebanon 36-0. Samoa, meanwhile, recorded emphatic wins over France and Papua New Guinea, beating them 78-4 and 64-6 respectively. The result will determine whether Tonga or Samoa…

Pressure is mounting inside Labour over the prospect of a May election, as Andy Burnham’s improved polling position and delayed Budget decisions fuel speculation that a national vote could be called next spring. MPs are preparing for an early contest despite repeated assurances from Mr Burnham that there will be no election in 2027. An Opinium poll conducted largely after the Chancellor’s fiscal package put Labour on 30 per cent, with Reform on 22 per cent and the Conservatives on 20 per cent. The latter two parties were statistically tied. Electoral Calculus estimates that such a result could give Labour…

Nelson Peltz’s Trian Fund Management has offered to take Wendy’s private in a deal valuing the US burger chain at $1.4 billion, as the company faces falling sales, weaker customer traffic and mounting pressure from rivals. Trian owns 16% of Wendy’s and has held shares in the company since 2005. The investment firm has previously expressed interest in taking the chain private, including in 2022 and again in February. Wendy’s board has formed a committee to review the proposal, while the company said it was acting urgently to pursue its turnaround. Trian’s offer is worth less than 1% of McDonald’s…

Heidi Klum has unveiled a giant severed hand costume at her annual Halloween party in New York City, once again embracing the elaborate transformations that have earned her the title “Queen of Halloween”. The 53-year-old German-American model appeared almost completely hidden inside the prosthetic creation at the star-studded event on Saturday night. The costume featured five enormous fingers with long blood-red nails. Fake blood covered the severed wrist, while exposed flesh and dangling tendons completed the gruesome effect. Klum’s face was concealed beneath the palm, leaving only her eyes and mouth visible. “I looked at my hand and I thought,…

Collingwood AFLW coach Sam Wright has admitted he has “no energy left” after the Magpies ended a dismal 2026 season with one win, as an external review of the club’s women’s programme looms. Collingwood were beaten 4.14 (38) to 4.7 (31) by Essendon at Windy Hill on Sunday, with the Bombers claiming their second victory of the campaign and sending departing coach Natalie Wood off with a win. The Magpies finished above St Kilda on percentage, avoiding the wooden spoon, but their season has intensified uncertainty around the programme. Wright is leaving after three years in charge. “I just really…

A 12-year-old boy was forced to the ground and handcuffed by South Wales Police officers during the seizure of an electric scooter in Pontardawe, Swansea Valley. Mobile phone footage shows Zain Evans, dressed in pyjama trousers, a hoodie and a cycling helmet, helping an officer carry the scooter along an overgrown alley beside a disused chapel. A boy filming the incident can be heard asking: “Are you taking his scooter? He’s only been walking it. He hasn’t driven it once.” The officer replies: “Oh, please. I wasn’t born yesterday. Stop lying.” Zain then stands in the scooter’s path and says:…

China’s Communist Party has tightened oversight of officials, in a move that strengthens scrutiny of those serving within the party and government. The development places increased emphasis on supervision of officials, although no further details were provided.