Author: DispatchTimes News Desk

The Princess of Wales has launched a new nature campaign aimed at supporting children’s emotional and social development, encouraging families across the UK to spend more time outdoors. The initiative, led by Catherine’s Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, will examine how nature, creativity and relationships can contribute to the healthy development of babies and young children. “Nature is such an extraordinary environment for us all and, in this tech-driven, digital age, spending quality time outdoors has never been more important,” she said. The project will explore how outdoor experiences can be incorporated into early childhood development programmes. It could…

A driver was carjacked in broad daylight in Brisbane, in an incident filmed by witnesses. The carjacking formed part of a dramatic spree in the Australian city.

Craig Revel Horwood has described changes to the Sleeping Beauty kiss and other traditional pantomime conventions, saying modern productions are reworking material considered non-consensual or potentially offensive. The Strictly Come Dancing judge, 61, will play the villain Carabosse in Sleeping Beauty at Bristol Hippodrome in December. He said some of the adjustments to the classic show had struck him as “a bit weird”, although he believed many had successfully modernised pantomime for today’s audiences. In his production, Prince Charming and Princess Aurora will be shown falling in love earlier in the story, providing context for the moment he wakes her…

Dozens of West Australians are taking part in 24-hour fundraisers for Telethon this weekend, including a planned 120km running challenge and an inaugural swimathon in Perth’s north. At Fitstop Applecross, member Jaymee-Lee Quarmby is running 5km every hour from 12.30pm on Saturday, with the aim of completing 120km over 24 hours. The effort began at the Rowing Pavilion at noon, when dozens of fellow members joined Ms Quarmby for her first run. Fitstop Applecross manager Noah Ash said he would take part in the overnight session from about midnight. “We’re pretty proud of the community we’ve built, and it’s so…

The 16-year-old who killed three children and a teacher at an elementary school in Oregon was formerly a special-ne needs student at the school, police and school officials have said. The teenager’s previous connection to the school was disclosed as authorities identified him as the Oregon school shooter.

European Central Bank president Christine Lagarde said a sell-off in bonds will help slow inflation. Her comments link the movement in bond markets with a moderation in price growth, without providing further details.

Dancing with the Stars professional Witney Carson has marked her 33rd birthday with a gallery of images celebrating her appearance and fit figure. Carson, who turned 33, features in a series of photographs released to coincide with her birthday, including images highlighting her toned physique and abs. The birthday tribute presents the ballroom dancer in a selection of glamorous shots, celebrating the occasion with photographs of the star.

Chelsea are reportedly in advanced transfer talks to sign Strasbourg winger Gessime Yassine, with the 20-year-old Morocco international said to be nearing a move to London. Yassine has made a strong start to the Ligue 1 season, recording three goal contributions in his opening six matches. His performances have now prompted Chelsea to step up their interest in the young forward. Journalist Ekrem Konur reported that the clubs are close to reaching an agreement, as Chelsea continue to pursue emerging players with significant potential. “Chelsea are very close to signing RC Strasbourg’s 20-year-old talent Gessime Yassine,” Konur posted. “Talks are…

H5 avian flu has been detected in a southern elephant seal and a kelp gull on Macquarie Island, the first recorded detection of the virus on the remote conservation area. The island lies about 1,500 kilometres south-east of Tasmania and is administered as part of the state. The findings will therefore be included in Tasmania’s H5 bird flu reporting, officials said. Australian Chief Veterinary Officer Beth Cookson said there was no evidence of mammal-to-mammal transmission of H5 bird flu in Australia and that the risk to humans remained low. “There remain no detections in Australian poultry or in our agricultural…

Two people have died after a light aircraft crashed in Scotland, police have said.