Author: DispatchTimes News Desk

US health insurance costs are continuing to put pressure on American households, even when workers receive cover through their employers, two new reports have found. Premiums for family plans rose by about 5%, while the share paid by employees increased by 9%. The findings come from an annual survey of nearly 2,000 employers by KFF, a non-partisan health research organisation, alongside a separate Commonwealth Fund report on the state of health insurance coverage in 2026. For a family of four, the average annual health insurance premium has reached $28,000. Workers contribute about $7,000 of that sum on average, with employers…

The Philippines central bank has raised interest rates by 50 basis points, taking the policy rate to 5.25%. The increase marks a half-percentage-point rise in borrowing costs in the Philippines.

Julian Nagelsmann is reportedly keen to take the Manchester United job and has emerged as a leading candidate amid uncertainty over Michael Carrick’s future at Old Trafford. The 39-year-old has been out of work since Germany’s disappointing World Cup exit in the summer, but remains highly regarded after spells with Hoffenheim, Bayern Munich and the German national team. Manchester United are understood to view Nagelsmann as their top target, according to the Telegraph, despite his limited experience of English football. Julian Nagelsmann emerges as Manchester United target Nagelsmann first established his reputation at Hoffenheim, where he became one of Europe’s…

One Nation MP Luke Herdegen has used his maiden speech in Western Australia’s Parliament to declare that his party intends to govern, warning Labor that his victory in the Secret Harbour byelection was the beginning of a wider political shift. Speaking for 20 minutes from the dispatch box in front of his parents and about 30 supporters in the public gallery, Mr Herdegen attacked mainstream politics, mass immigration and gender-identity politics while invoking patriotism, Australian culture and the national spirit. He warned Labor against allowing immigration to “swamp” the country, echoing language used by One Nation leader Pauline Hanson in…

Andrew Lloyd Webber has withdrawn his music from Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas, prompting lyricist Tim Rice to question whether the pair will work together again. The musical, which the long-standing collaborators created together last year, is due to return at Alexandra Palace in north London next month after premiering at Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Rice said Lloyd Webber’s songs had been removed from the production after the composer decided not to continue with the show. Speaking to The Times, he said: “Andrew really didn’t want to continue with the show.” “He basically withdrew his score. He really…

Bono has acknowledged that some fans will probably pay too much to see U2 on the band’s forthcoming Greatest Show on Earth world tour, while saying the group has no objection to charging wealthy supporters premium prices. “We also have no problem separating rich people from their money,” the U2 frontman said. “You know, as we say, rich people have feelings, too. If they want to pay very high prices, we’ve no problem.” Bono, 66, added: “If they’re in America, we want people to feel really good about the choice to pay a ticket—and probably pay too much for it—to…

Crystal Palace head coach Pierre Sage has two matches to change the direction of the club’s season, with chairman Steve Parish demanding a defensive improvement and greater tactical flexibility. Sage’s position is under serious pressure despite Palace’s results being broadly in line with expectations, aside from their home defeat by Ipswich, when they played with 10 men for more than an hour. The concern at Selhurst Park is the manner of the performances. Palace have conceded 17 goals in seven Premier League matches, the highest total in the division, and have too often appeared easy to play against. Palace will…

Ben Roberts-Smith has broken his silence in two interviews, six months after his arrest over serious war crimes allegations. The former soldier sat down for the interviews as the allegations surrounding his arrest continue to attract attention. No further details about the interviews or the claims were provided.

Russia is seeking to mediate a new nuclear agreement between the United States and Iran, after Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov travelled to Tehran for talks with President Masoud Pezeshkian and other officials. The visit followed meetings between Mr Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 8 and September 1. Media reports have indicated that Moscow has offered to help Washington and Tehran negotiate a possible deal, although the prospects for success remain uncertain. Russia is regarded as having particular expertise in Iran’s nuclear programme. It is a major nuclear power and its state-owned energy company, Rosatom, is a leading…

Meta’s revenue beat and Tesla’s lower annual sales goal were among the developments moving markets. The contrasting updates put the focus on the latest performance and outlook from two of the most closely watched US companies. Meta’s results provided the positive element for investors, with revenue surpassing expectations. Tesla, meanwhile, set a lower annual sales goal, shaping the market’s assessment of the electric vehicle maker.