Author: DispatchTimes News Desk

Thailand has held its interest rate at 1% as weak economic growth persists and the risks to inflation increase. The decision leaves borrowing costs unchanged while policymakers face the competing pressures of subdued growth and rising inflation risks.

Celebrity Halloween costumes took inspiration from other stars this year, with Paris Hilton, Emily Ratajkowski and Guillermo Rodriguez among those recreating memorable looks. Hilton channelled Britney Spears in the singer’s iconic “Toxic” latex outfit, while Ratajkowski recreated Jennifer Lopez’s plunging Versace dress. Rodriguez, a fan favourite from Dancing With The Stars, also joined the tributes with a rendition of Olivia Rodrigo’s look, complete with a crop top. Sabrina Carpenter’s sultry “pretty girl” image proved another popular choice, with Juliette Porter and Pokimane among those adopting the style for Halloween. The celebrity costumes brought together a series of recognisable pop culture…

Two South Australian Labor MPs have alleged they were targeted by the same man in a stalking campaign, saying the behaviour made them feel unsafe while working and at home. Education Minister Lucy Hood and Elizabeth MP Ella Shaw spoke publicly about their experiences after police arrested a 44-year-old man accused of targeting both women. Ms Hood said the incidents involving her had begun about three years ago and had been reported to police on several occasions. She said some of the alleged behaviour occurred in front of her children. “When you do feel personally unsafe, that rattles you,” Ms…

Chancellor John Healey is expected to delay welfare reform in the Budget while setting aside £5.5 billion to fund a 3.5 per cent rise in benefits for around 10 million people. The decision comes amid mounting pressure on the public finances, with official projections indicating that sickness benefit spending could increase from £83 billion last year to £109 billion by the end of the decade. Mr Healey is also expected to earmark at least £1 billion to help people on benefits and low incomes with their energy bills this winter. Consumer champion Martin Lewis met the Chancellor at Downing Street…

Mark Cuban has described the moment he became a millionaire as the day he stopped wearing a watch, saying he wanted control over his own time rather than living according to someone else’s schedule. Cuban recalled selling software company MicroSolutions in 1990 for $6 million, from which he made about $2 million. “The day I sold MicroSolutions, I took off my watch and I said, ‘I’m never going to wear a watch again because that means I’m working on somebody else’s time,’” he said. Speaking on The Diary of a CEO podcast with Steven Bartlett, Cuban said becoming wealthy was…

Throwback pictures of the Scream cast have highlighted the stars who helped make the slasher film one of the most iconic spooky films to reach the big screen. Among those featured are Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox and David Arquette, whose performances helped establish the film’s enduring place in horror cinema.

Liverpool are monitoring Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott but are also considering Monaco’s Lamine Camara and Roma’s Manu Kone as alternative January targets, according to transfer reporter Ben Jacobs. Chelsea are understood to be leading the race for Scott, with Jacobs reporting that the London club are increasingly confident of securing his signature. Bournemouth are seeking more than £100 million for the midfielder. Scott is Chelsea’s main target following Enzo Fernandez’s move to Manchester City on deadline day over the summer, while the club are already in fresh talks over a potential deal. Liverpool’s interest in Scott is reportedly less urgent,…

A US nuclear-powered submarine carrying 160 crew, including seven Australians, has arrived at HMAS Stirling south of Perth for maintenance ahead of regular AUKUS rotations beginning next year. The USS Colorado, a Virginia-class fast-attack submarine, reached the Western Australian naval base on Tuesday after sailing from Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Australian workers and 15 Western Australian businesses will support the maintenance period. It is the fourth maintenance visit by a US or UK nuclear-powered submarine to HMAS Stirling in the past two years. The base is expected to host regular visits under the AUKUS pact from late 2027. Maintenance work…

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s plan to leave office in 2030 may signal not a retreat by the military from politics, but an attempt to secure its influence over the country’s next leadership. Speaking at a graduation ceremony at the Egyptian Military Academy, Mr el-Sisi said his departure after his third presidential term ends in April 2030 was settled and that “no one would tamper with” the constitution. The announcement surprised observers who had expected him to seek changes allowing him to remain in power for another term, or potentially indefinitely. There is speculation that the declaration could be intended…

Paul Campbell’s emotional moment with fans on the final night of the Hallmark Christmas Cruise was hilariously interrupted by his fellow actors, who surrounded him as part of a prank. The Hallmark Channel star was among 18 actors who joined 4,000 guests on the four-day cruise, which featured performances and shows throughout the trip. Campbell, usually one of the group’s jokers, had been invited to deliver a closing message to the audience. As he began speaking, the other 17 actors started snapping their fingers and gathering around him. Campbell initially tried to continue with his speech, telling them: “I’m going…