Author: DispatchTimes News Desk

Spirit Halloween may disappear from high streets after October, but the seasonal retailer operates throughout the year, preparing about 1,600 stores and tens of thousands of staff for its next trading season. Steven Silverstein, chief executive of Spencer Spirit Holdings, said the company’s shops are open for only eight to 10 weeks annually, while the work behind them continues all year. “There’s nothing temporary about a temporary store,” he said. “We are 24/7, 365 Halloween, and you just don’t see it.” Silverstein joined Spencer’s in 2003, when Spirit had 130 stores across the US. The company now operates roughly 1,600…

A new documentary examines how Jeffrey Epstein allegedly cultivated relationships with some of the world’s wealthiest and most powerful men through money, luxury and access to extravagant perks. Jeffrey Epstein: The Devil’s Rolodex, streaming on YouTube, focuses on the methods used by the financier, described as a college dropout with limited social skills, to draw prominent figures into his orbit. Among those named are former US president Bill Clinton, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Alan Dershowitz, the former Harvard Law professor. The documentary presents their association with Epstein as part of what it describes as his carefully constructed con. It…

Liverpool are increasingly likely to make Ronald Araujo’s loan move from Barcelona permanent if the defender maintains his impressive start at Anfield. The Uruguay international joined Liverpool on a season-long loan during the summer, with the club holding an option to buy him for around €55 million (£46m-£47m). Araujo, 27, has quickly adapted to English football and established himself as the first-choice right-back, despite his preferred position being at centre-back. Liverpool weigh permanent transfer for Ronald Araujo Marca reports that Liverpool are prepared to activate the purchase option should Araujo’s performances remain at their current level. The club is understood…

Anthony Albanese is facing renewed pressure from Labor’s backbench to deliver on his promise that universal childcare will form a central part of his legacy as prime minister. Charlotte Walker, a 22-year-old Labor senator for South Australia who previously worked in childcare administration, said the government’s reform of early childhood education was unfinished. “We absolutely have not been going quiet on that,” Ms Walker told The Issue podcast. She said childcare remained a frequent subject of discussion among Labor politicians and would continue to be a priority for the government. “Childcare is going to continue to be a priority of…

Brett Goldstein and Jennifer Lopez are said to be dating “casually” after appearing together at a party in Los Angeles, following their roles as lovers in the romantic comedy Office Romance. The 46-year-old British actor, writer and producer and the 57-year-old American singer and actress have been the subject of speculation since working together on the film, in which they play colleagues who begin a secret relationship. Their reported romance comes as Goldstein continues to enjoy a rapid rise in Hollywood, having gone from struggling comedian and jobbing actor to an Emmy-winning star and one of the industry’s most sought-after…

The UK is set to inject £20.4 billion into state-backed lenders as part of the Budget, according to a report by the Financial Times. The proposed funding would be directed towards lenders backed by the state, although no further details of the plan were provided.

Selma Blair is “doing great” after a medical emergency preceded her arrest at John F Kennedy International Airport in New York, her former professional dance partner has said. The 54-year-old actor was arrested on October 11 after an alleged altercation with cabin crew on a Delta flight from Los Angeles. She was later taken to hospital. Blair has pleaded not guilty in a New York court to two assault charges and remains free on bail ahead of her next court date in January. Sasha Farber, who partnered Blair on Dancing with the Stars in 2022, said he had been in…

Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens has insisted the club’s players remain united behind under-pressure head coach Michael Carrick, despite a run of seven matches without a win in all competitions. United’s latest setback came in a heavy 4-1 defeat by Como, prompting Carrick to deliver an emotional address in his pre-match press conference. The manager called for humility and a stronger response from his players after a series of disappointing performances. Asked whether the dressing room was united, Lammens said: “For me personally, I think it is.” He acknowledged that frustration can sometimes spill over after matches, when players are…

Western Sydney Airport will open to passengers on Sunday, marking the long-awaited start of operations at the airport after decades of work. The opening represents a significant milestone for the Western Sydney project, which is finally ready to welcome travellers.

A man has been arrested after a fire broke out at Hitler’s former Alpine retreat, the Kehlsteinhaus, on Friday night. The blaze was still burning on Saturday morning, with difficult terrain hampering efforts to tackle it.