Author: DispatchTimes News Desk

Chatbot safety bills introduced across the United States are facing criticism that they contain exemptions and liability protections which could leave some of the world’s most widely used AI systems outside the rules designed to protect children. At least 10 states have considered closely related measures this year, with several already enacted. Policy experts, lawyers and lawmakers say much of the language appears to favour technology companies, while Google has been active in helping shape legislation in a number of states. The dispute has intensified after families accused chatbot developers of contributing to serious mental health harms, including deaths by…

Stocks rose as oil prices dipped and the yen wobbled ahead of the Bank of Japan’s policy decision. Markets remained focused on central banks raising interest rates to tame inflation, with stocks and bonds also under pressure.

Manchester United are not currently looking for a new manager to replace Michael Carrick, despite a difficult opening to the season and an early Carabao Cup exit. United have won only two of their six matches in all competitions, but there is no indication that the club is preparing to change manager. Carrick is expected to remain in charge as he attempts to improve the team’s fortunes at Old Trafford. The former United midfielder was appointed permanently after impressing during an interim spell last season and has only been in the role for a short period. The club is understood…

Private school teacher pay in Melbourne is coming under pressure after the state’s government school teachers secured increases of up to 32.4 per cent over four years, while staff at an independent school walked out in a dispute over wages. Teachers at Overnewton Anglican Community College in Keilor took industrial action after rejecting a proposed 16 per cent rise over three years. The Independent Education Union said the deal would leave staff behind their public school counterparts despite current salaries being slightly higher. The union said teachers at the college currently earn about $120,000, compared with roughly $118,000 for equivalent…

A school shooting in the Philippines has left at least six students dead and 17 others injured, with four of the wounded in critical condition, officials said. The gunman opened fire at Banga National High School in South Cotabato on Friday afternoon before taking his own life, according to local reports. All the victims were students aged between 14 and 17. Banga mayor Albert Palencia said the suspect had been sitting beside friends before telling them to leave because he planned to carry out the attack after lunch. His friends reportedly dismissed the remark because he was known for joking.…

President Donald Trump and some Republican candidates in battleground states are continuing to promote false claims of widespread election fraud in the 2020 election, despite signs that many Republican voters want the issue left behind. The divide places the candidates’ continued focus on election fraud claims at odds with voters within their own party who are seeking to move on from the disputed allegations.

Liverpool are reportedly monitoring AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit after club officials watched him during the Europa League meeting with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Smit featured for AZ in their defeat in England, giving Liverpool’s representatives an opportunity to assess the young Dutchman in person. The midfielder is also believed to have attracted interest from Manchester United and Chelsea. Liverpool’s interest may now be advancing, with reports suggesting Smit could be available for about €60 million. However, he has yet to prove himself in the Premier League, which could make the 19-year-old a more realistic option than established…

Fatal shark attacks in Australia have outnumbered deaths from lightning by four to one over the past decade, analysis of national data shows, as a deadly incident at Sorrento Beach in Western Australia intensified concern about the changing risk in coastal waters. Six people were killed by lightning between 2015 and 2024, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics figures, while 24 died in shark attacks recorded in the same period. Figures cited for 2025 and 2026 show two reported lightning deaths compared with nine fatal shark attacks, although official ABS data for those years has not yet been released. The…

Prince Harry ignored questions about Earl Spencer’s book as he appeared at the inaugural Invictus Spirit Awards in Greenwich, while describing his return to the UK as “eventful” amid a public dispute between his father, King Charles, and Diana’s brother. The Duke of Sussex was asked about the memoir as he arrived at the Old Royal Naval College, where he posed for photographs and selfies with veterans. “Harry, Harry, how are you feeling about your uncle’s book?” a reporter called from the red carpet. Harry appeared to hear the question but looked straight ahead, placing his arms around the shoulders…

An Australian man charged with murder in Thailand has appeared in court over the death of a 17-year-old girl in the eastern tourist city of Pattaya. Simon Peter Carman, 45, is accused of murdering Tunchanok Donhomla and concealing her body. He also faces two charges of indecent acts on a minor. Carman appeared at Pattaya Provincial Court on Friday to respond to an indictment issued by prosecutors the previous day, according to Pattaya City Police chief Anek Srathongyoo. The court is considering whether the case should proceed to trial. Carman denies all the charges and is being held at Pattaya…