Author: DispatchTimes News Desk

Country music Hall of Famer John Anderson has died at the age of 71, his family has announced. In a statement shared on Instagram, his family said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and best friend.” They added that, while Anderson’s music had touched countless lives, “to us, he was so much more”, describing him as “the heart of our family” who made them laugh and loved them fiercely. Anderson was known for his distinctive voice and songs, earning the respect of leading country performers. Blake Shelton collaborated…

Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot is attracting reported interest from Serie A clubs AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus, with the Portugal international potentially facing a decision over his future at Old Trafford. Dalot has already experienced Italian football, spending the 2020/21 season on loan at AC Milan. His previous spell at the San Siro was viewed positively by the player, who has spoken about the role it played in rebuilding his confidence. Diogo Dalot’s Serie A options Gazzetta dello Sport reports that both Milan clubs are considering Dalot, while Juventus are also among the sides interested in bringing him…

Chicago police officers wounded in the line of duty and the family of a colleague killed in a hospital shooting have been honoured at the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation’s Valor Awards. Officer John Bartholomew, a 10-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department, was recognised posthumously after he was shot and killed at Swedish Covenant Hospital in April. His wife, Renee, accepted the award on his behalf. Bartholomew’s partner, Officer Nelson Crespo, was also honoured after being seriously wounded in the same incident. His family accepted the award while he underwent surgery and reported that he was doing well. Chicago police…

About 100 Year 12 students have entered the water at Cottesloe Beach despite closure signs and warnings issued after sharks were spotted near a beached whale carcass. The students, dressed in school uniform, swam inside the Cottesloe shark barrier on Thursday, with some venturing towards the beach’s well-known pylon. Parents and supporters watched from the shore. The group’s swim took place about 1km from Dutch Inn Beach, where parts of a juvenile whale were found at around 6am. Several local beaches, including the enclosed swimming area, were closed as a precaution. Images from the scene showed most of the students…

An AI-powered private school in Chicago has replaced traditional classroom teaching with adaptive software that it says enables pupils to master core subjects in about two hours a day. Alpha School, a for-profit network founded in Austin, Texas, charges $55,000 (£41,000) a year for its Chicago campus, which opened this autumn for children from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade. The adults on site are known as “guides”, rather than teachers. Students begin the day at 9am by working on laptops across maths, reading, writing, language and science. Alpha says its system allows pupils to progress at their own pace and develop…

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has announced a shift to an “offensive and asymmetrical” military doctrine, warning that any renewed US attack could prompt Tehran to strike American bases and invade countries involved in operations against it. The declaration came as attacks continued around the Strait of Hormuz, intensifying fears that stalled diplomatic efforts could give way to a fresh military escalation in the region. Hossein Mohebi, an IRGC spokesman, said Iran’s policy had previously been focused on retaliation. “Now we say that if a country attacks us, we will both respond and launch an offensive,” he said. He claimed…

Procter & Gamble has reported quarterly earnings and revenue ahead of analysts’ expectations, helped by stronger demand for laundry detergent and home care products. Shares in the consumer goods group rose by more than 2% in pre-market trading after it posted adjusted earnings of $2 a share, against an expected $1.88. Revenue reached $23.3 billion, compared with forecasts of $22.8 billion. Net sales increased by 4% in the fiscal first quarter. Net income attributable to the company was $4.73 billion, or $1.97 a share, compared with $4.75 billion, or $1.95 a share, a year earlier. Excluding restructuring costs and other…

A shooting investigation linked to a vehicle crash near Liberty Middle School in Ocala could disrupt morning drop-off, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office has warned. Deputies began investigating after two people arrived at hospital with gunshot wounds, according to the sheriff’s office. A vehicle believed to be connected to the incident later crashed on SW 95th Street, close to the school. Authorities said the incident was isolated and that there was no threat to the wider public or to pupils and staff at Liberty Middle School. However, parents taking children to school were told to expect delays while deputies continued…

Australia were 196 for four after 66 overs on the fifth day of the second Test against South Africa, still 130 runs behind as Travis Head continued to find runs in an effort to prevent defeat. Head was joined by Scott Boland, who had faced 70 deliveries for 13 runs as Australia negotiated the closing stages. Boland was nearing his career best for balls faced in a Test innings, with that mark standing at 74. “He’s fast reaching unchartered territory,” former South Africa captain Shaun Pollock said during the broadcast. The pitch remained favourable for batting, although strong gusts continued…

Kieran Hayler has been cleared of raping and sexually assaulting a 13-year-old schoolgirl after a trial at Lewes Crown Court in East Sussex. The 39-year-old, who was formerly married to reality star Katie Price, was accused of sexually assaulting and raping the girl in West Sussex in 2016. The jury returned majority verdicts on Thursday morning after deliberating for almost 15 hours. Hayler wept as he was released from the dock and told by the judge that he was discharged. His mother and former partner, Michelle Pentecost, were also seen crying as the verdicts were delivered. He was cleared of…