Councils paying school transport costs for 470,000 pupils in England

The Women's Cricket World Cup semi-final between England and South Africa is underway, with live updates starting at 9:30 AM GMT. This match is significant as it showcases the growing popularity and competitiveness of women's cricket, drawing attention to the sport and its athletes. As teams battle for a place in the final, fans are eager to see how this tournament continues to elevate women's sports on a global stage.

Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett highlights the importance of play in early childhood education, arguing that the current rigid classroom structure in England fails to cater to young children's innate learning needs. Ruth Lue-Quee, a former deputy headteacher, emphasizes that childhood should not be confined to traditional schooling, advocating for a system that embraces play as a fundamental aspect of learning. This perspective is crucial as it challenges outdated educational practices and calls for a more nurturing approach that recognizes the value of play in fostering creativity and development in young learners.

New Zealand has secured a second consecutive victory against England in the ODI series, winning by five wickets. Daryl Mitchell's impressive 56 not out, alongside Rachin Ravindra's half-century, highlighted England's ongoing struggles in the 50-over format. This defeat marks England's ninth consecutive loss in away ODIs and their tenth in eleven matches overall, raising concerns about their performance and strategy as they continue to search for a winning formula.

The second men's cricket one-day international between New Zealand and England is underway, with live updates available. As the match progresses, players like Jamie Smith and Joe Root are making notable contributions. This match is significant as it showcases the competitive spirit of international cricket and provides fans with exciting moments to follow.

A recent report from the National Audit Office reveals a troubling trend in England's hospice care system, where nearly two-thirds of independent hospices are operating at a deficit. Despite a growing demand for palliative care, many hospices are forced to cut hundreds of beds and staff, leading to a significant disparity in access to end-of-life services. This situation highlights the urgent need for increased funding and support for hospices to ensure that everyone can receive the care they need during such a critical time.

The NHS has taken a significant step by making the morning-after pill available for free at pharmacies across England, eliminating the need for individuals to visit a GP or sexual health clinic. This move aims to address the disparities in access to emergency contraception, often referred to as a 'postcode lottery.' With nearly 10,000 pharmacies participating, this initiative not only enhances accessibility but also empowers individuals to take control of their reproductive health without the added barrier of cost or clinic visits.

In a bittersweet match where England triumphed 3-0 over Australia, Lucy Bronze's birthday celebrations were overshadowed by a serious knee injury to teammate Michelle Agyemang. While the victory showcased England's strength ahead of Euro 2025, the injury raises concerns about Agyemang's future participation in the tournament, highlighting the unpredictable nature of sports and the emotional toll on players and fans alike.

The women's international football friendly between England and Australia is set to kick off at 7pm GMT, showcasing top talent and providing a platform for both teams to prepare for future competitions. This match is significant as it highlights the growing popularity and competitiveness of women's football, drawing attention to the athletes and their skills on an international stage.

The Women's Cricket World Cup semi-final between England and South Africa is underway, with live updates starting at 9:30 AM GMT. This match is significant as it showcases the growing popularity and competitiveness of women's cricket, drawing attention to the sport and its athletes. As teams battle for a place in the final, fans are eager to see how this tournament continues to elevate women's sports on a global stage.

The first men's T20 international between Australia and India at Manuka Oval in Canberra has been an exciting match, highlighted by Abhishek Sharma's aggressive batting. However, his innings came to an end after a clever delivery from Nathan Ellis led to a simple catch. This match is significant as it showcases the competitive spirit between two cricketing giants and sets the stage for future encounters.

Chancellor Reeves is taking a bold stance against pessimistic economic forecasts, emphasizing that investment is key to enhancing the UK's productivity. This approach is significant as it aims to inspire confidence in the economy and encourage growth, which could lead to improved job opportunities and overall prosperity for the nation.

Hurricane Melissa has caused significant destruction as it hits Cuba with winds reaching 120 mph, leading to life-threatening flooding and the evacuation of hundreds of thousands. Jamaica has also declared a disaster area due to the storm's devastating impact. This situation is critical as it highlights the increasing severity of natural disasters and the urgent need for preparedness and response strategies in vulnerable regions.

Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, has acknowledged that the Home Office is struggling to effectively address the numerous challenges it faces. This admission highlights ongoing issues within the department, which is crucial for managing immigration and public safety in the UK. The government's recent release of witness statements from the DNSA underscores the urgency of these problems, as they reveal a timeline of mismanagement and the need for reform. This situation matters because it affects the lives of many individuals relying on the Home Office's services and raises questions about the government's ability to handle critical issues.

In a move that could reshape trade relations, Trump announced plans to cut the fentanyl tariff on Chinese goods, expressing optimism for a 'great deal' with Xi. This news comes as Asian stock markets rally on the anticipation of a trade deal and a potential US interest rate cut. Additionally, GSK's CEO Emma Walmsley is stepping down after eight years, but not before the company raised its 2025 sales and profit forecasts, showcasing strong growth in key areas. This combination of trade optimism and corporate success highlights a potentially positive shift in the economic landscape.