Southport killer 'had three 30-minute sessions with social workers after earlier conviction'

Foster carers in England are facing alarming levels of racism, according to Harvey Gallagher, the chief executive of the Nationwide Association of Fostering Providers. He highlighted that social workers are also experiencing unprecedented racial hostility, and foster carers who are of different ethnic backgrounds than the children they care for have been confronted in public. This situation is concerning as it not only affects the well-being of the foster carers but also the children in their care. Gallagher is urging the government to take immediate action to address the growing influence of far-right sentiment in society, which is impacting these vulnerable groups.

In a troubling development, the father of Axel Rudakubana has raised alarms about his son's potential to harm teachers, following a concerning school attendance record of just 0.7%. This situation highlights the urgent need for schools to address mental health and safety concerns, as the implications of such warnings can be severe for both students and educators.

The inquiry into the Southport killer has revealed that a care plan, which initially highlighted the individual's potential for being 'cold and calculating' and noted his anger when faced with challenges, was significantly softened. This raises serious concerns about the adequacy of the assessments and the potential risks posed by individuals with such traits. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for improving safety measures and preventing future tragedies.

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.