Author: DispatchTimes News Desk

The Trump administration is drawing up plans to allow some married couples with a stay-at-home parent to claim federal childcare subsidies, in a move championed by Vice-President JD Vance that could redirect funds from working families. The proposal would create the first federal scheme to pay parents for caring for their own children at home. It is being developed by the Department of Health and Human Services and could be introduced without a vote in Congress. Under the draft rules, married couples within specified income limits could qualify when one parent worked at least 35 hours a week and the…

A new iPhone alarm app is taking aim at habitual snoozers by waking users with a crowing rooster and requiring them to complete a challenge before the alarm can be dismissed. Clucky, founded by former Fanatics software engineer Adrian Angelo Abelarde, is designed to make switching off an alarm difficult enough to force users out of bed. Users can choose from a series of wake-up missions, including solving maths problems, remembering and tapping tiles in sequence, typing words spoken by Clucky, shaking their phone, walking and completing push-ups. Other challenges involve tilting a ball towards a goal or using the…

Lewis Hall strengthened his case to become Manchester United’s next major defensive target after producing an influential display in Newcastle United’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth at St James’ Park on Saturday. The 21-year-old left-back helped spark Newcastle’s comeback after the hosts fell two goals behind. Hall surged forward from defence and was credited with the assist for Harvey Barnes, who cut inside before curling a superb finish into the top corner. Newcastle eventually rescued a point through Jacob Ramsey’s late equaliser, but Hall’s performance was another reminder of the attacking qualities that have made him one of the Premier League’s…

headspace Midland is to become one of the first 10 centres in Australia upgraded to the new headspace Plus model, as the federal government expands free mental health services for young people. The Western Australian centre will move into a larger facility with more mental health professionals and greater capacity to support young people and their families. The upgrade is expected to be completed in the next financial year. headspace Plus is designed to build on the existing headspace service by offering a wider range of holistic and specialist support for young people requiring a higher level of care. The…

A woman is in a critical condition after being shot in a North Minneapolis parking lot early on Saturday morning. Minneapolis police were called to the area near 41st Avenue North and Lyndale Avenue North at about 3.12am following reports of gunfire. Officers found the woman suffering from suspected gunshot wounds and provided emergency medical care before paramedics arrived. She was taken to a nearby hospital, where she remains in a critical condition. Police said a witness reported that an argument had escalated before a suspect opened fire and fled in a vehicle. The suspect had left the scene before…

Atlanta quartet Improvement Movement have brought their song “On the Bus” to CBS News’ Saturday Sessions, offering a live showcase for a band whose sound combines progressive rock with the energy of the city’s DIY music scene. The performance comes as the group prepares listeners for its third album, Your Perfect Real Life, which the band describes as music intended to “inundate your ears” with as much optimism as modern life can reasonably offer. Improvement Movement are made up of Tony Aparo, Clark Hamilton, Marshall Ruffin and Zach Pyles. The musicians have spent years working within Atlanta’s independent music community,…

Maura Higgins has offered a glimpse of her intensive training for Dancing With The Stars as she prepares to make her debut on the American dance competition. The Irish television personality is partnered with professional dancer Mark Ballas, with the pair currently rehearsing ahead of the programme’s two-night premiere on September 15 and 16. Higgins and Ballas already know each other after appearing together on the latest season of The Traitors US. Their partnership for the ballroom show was confirmed when the full season 35 cast was unveiled earlier this week. ([rte.ie](https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2026/0903/1590177-maura-higgins-paired-with-mark-ballas-on-dwts-us/?utm_source=openai)) Ballas is a three-time Mirrorball champion and is…

CD sales in the US rose sharply in the first half of 2026, with 17.5 million discs sold compared with 12 million during the same period last year, according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The 45.7% increase generated $171.1 million in revenue, up 58.6% year on year. The turnaround follows a 22% fall in CD sales between 2024 and 2025. Figures published by research firm Luminate in July also showed a substantial rise, although its estimate was lower at 16.3 million units. Luminate attributed much of the growth to special-edition releases by K-pop artists including BTS. The…

Paul Merson has praised Chelsea’s work in the transfer market, saying the club’s sporting directors “should be knighted” after overseeing sales worth around £500 million during a remarkable summer window. The former Arsenal defender was speaking on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday panel after the transfer window closed, with particular attention on Chelsea’s ability to move on players who had made little impact at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea spent approximately £300 million on new arrivals but recouped close to £500 million through departures, with Enzo Fernandez’s deadline-day move helping to take their income to that figure. Paul Merson praises Chelsea’s transfer sales…

Social media influencer Anabeth is using her online platform to promote the enjoyment and importance of reading in a new book chat feature. Her conversations also extend beyond books, incorporating fashion and lifestyle advice for followers. The content is designed to present reading as an enjoyable part of everyday life while connecting it with wider interests. Anabeth describes herself on her personal website as a Texas-based blogger focused on body positivity and colourful fashion. She says her aim is to help people feel confident in what they wear and comfortable in their own skin. The feature, “Book Chat with Anabeth”,…