Research shows children at English primary schools with more disadvantaged pupils are less likely to learn to swim 25 meters by Year 6. The Royal Life Saving Society says swimming lessons are very important for safety, but many schools provide only about three hours of lessons, and access to pools is limited, especially for poorer families.
Key Facts
72% of Year 6 children overall can swim 25 meters, but only 55% in schools with many disadvantaged pupils can do so.
National curriculum requires all Year 6 pupils to swim 25 meters, use different strokes, and perform safe self-rescue skills.
Only half the children in schools with the most free meal eligibility can perform safe self-rescue skills.
Safe self-rescue includes treading water for 30 seconds, floating on the back for 60 seconds, and swimming 15 meters unaided.
Most schools provide just six 30-minute swimming sessions (about three hours total) for children.
Some schools have 0% of children leaving Year 6 able to swim 25 meters, while others have 100%.
Swim England warns nearly 2,000 pools could close by 2030, reducing access to swimming lessons.
The Royal Life Saving Society wants well-funded, universal swimming programs that include lessons both indoors and outdoors.
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President Donald Trump spoke out in support of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, saying FIFA would make a serious mistake if they removed him. Infantino faces criticism over personal allegations and a private investment issue but denies wrongdoing, and some football organizations back him while others criticize him.
Key Facts
President Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino "fantastic" and praised his leadership of the World Cup.
Trump warned that replacing Infantino would hurt FIFA's success and profits.
Infantino faces allegations of a workplace affair and issues with a failed private investment scheme.
Infantino denies the allegations and plans to run for re-election next March.
FIFA supports Infantino and says the criticism is an effort by some to weaken the organization.
US Soccer and some other regional football bodies have criticized Infantino.
Other organizations like the Confederation of African Football and CONMEBOL support Infantino.
The controversy is ongoing within the global football community.
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A former lobbying firm linked to a faction of the Liberal Party created a fake assistant named “Jessica” to send fake invoices. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is investigating if the firm accepted illegal payments to fund political work related to party member recruitment and conservative causes.
Key Facts
The lobbying firm Beckington was created by Jeremy Greenwood and Christian Ellis in 2019.
ICAC is investigating whether Beckington accepted prohibited donations for work connected to the Reformers, a Christian conservative group within the Liberal Party.
Beckington allegedly used fake invoices signed by a fake assistant named “Jessica” to receive payments.
Payments came from Michael O’Hara and Catholic Schools NSW, which are under scrutiny for illegal donations.
Greenwood admitted to paying $12,000 to Jean-Claude Perrottet, brother of Premier Dominic Perrottet, though it is unclear if the payments were for political work.
Christian Ellis moved to the UK and declined to give oral evidence at the inquiry.
Greenwood said he first heard of O’Hara around 2019 or 2020 and disputes being an active member of the Reformers group.
The inquiry is probing if these payments were concealed political donations and if they influenced party activities.
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New school uniform rules in the UK will limit the number of items with school logos that students must wear, aiming to reduce costs for families. However, a charity and some parents say that even this limit still makes uniforms expensive and more help is needed.
Key Facts
From September, schools can only require up to three uniform items with logos, such as blazers, jumpers, or sportswear, plus a tie for secondary schools.
About 23% of secondary schools will need to change their uniform lists to follow the new rules.
The government says the changes could save families up to £50 per child on uniforms.
Some parents say uniforms still cost over £200 per child, mostly due to logoed blazers and jumpers.
A charity in Coventry runs a school uniform bank to help families afford uniforms.
Volunteers at the charity say the current limit on logo items might still be too high for many families struggling with inflation.
The Education Secretary can force schools to follow the new uniform rules.
Schoolwear suppliers warn that parents might spend more replacing lower-quality generic clothes instead of durable branded ones.
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Charities in Gloucestershire and Somerset are helping families who struggle to buy food during the summer school holidays. Events provide free, healthy food and activities, while food clubs are seeing more families needing support due to rising living costs.
Key Facts
YMCA Cheltenham holds park events with free healthy food and activities for families.
One event had 67 children and their families attend in one week.
In Cheltenham, 18% of children have very low food security; in Gloucester, it is 17%.
Radstock Food Club in Somerset supports over 100 families with food from surplus sources.
Food banks are less stigmatized now, so more people feel comfortable using them.
Rising costs make it hard for families to afford healthy food, leading some to buy cheaper, less healthy options.
Charity leaders say these programs help relieve pressure on families during summer holidays.
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A government review found that heads of Jewish schools in England spend more time on security than on education due to rising antisemitism. The review highlights frequent harassment of Jewish students and expects to suggest better antisemitism education and teacher training.
Key Facts
Jewish school leaders say security worries often overshadow educational tasks.
The review is led by Sir David Bell and looks at experiences of Jewish pupils and staff.
About 20% of surveyed children reported facing or seeing antisemitic behavior in schools.
Antisemitic incidents in schools rose by 59% in the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year.
Some heads spend up to 90% of their time on security-related matters.
Incidents include hostile acts such as Nazi salutes.
The Community Security Trust provides security support and tracks antisemitic incidents.
Education Secretary Lucy Powell called the review important and will consider its findings carefully.
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Matilda Davis, a mother caring for her disabled son in Britain, died by suicide after struggling with overwhelming responsibilities and a broken social care system. Her death highlights the challenges faced by parent-carers who often receive little support and experience severe mental health impacts.
Key Facts
Matilda Davis cared for her seven-year-old son with significant disabilities and her five-year-old daughter.
She publicly appealed for better support for carers before her death in October 2023.
Over 40% of parent-carers have thought about suicide, according to a study Matilda shared.
Matilda’s mental health worsened due to the demanding care duties and a stressful family situation.
She had quit her job as an art teacher to provide full-time care.
Social workers had not done a formal family care assessment for nearly four years before her death.
Experts say her death shows how the social care system in England fails disabled children and their families.
Calls have been made for real government action beyond speeches to help prevent further tragedies.
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Hundreds of residents in east London flats have had little or no running water for over seven months. The housing association Poplar Harca has delayed repairs, causing difficulties for families in cooking, cleaning, and hygiene.
Key Facts
Nine blocks of flats in Tower Hamlets, east London, have had water shortages since last summer.
Residents have to use bottled water and access public shower facilities to manage daily needs.
The housing association Poplar Harca delayed necessary repair works to improve water pressure.
Poplar Harca blames the water supplier Thames Water for low water flow but also plans costly building works.
A formal legal process, called section 20 consultation, is slowing repair work because leaseholders must agree on costs.
Some flats are owned by residents who must share upkeep costs with the landlord.
Legal experts say urgent repairs could be done first, with consultation handled later.
Residents, including vulnerable groups, say current solutions are inadequate, especially during heatwaves.
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Prime Minister Andy Burnham has asked the justice secretary to find a way to keep two men convicted of killing PC Andrew Harper from being released early under a new prison release scheme. The government is working on how to exclude these men, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, from being released after serving half their sentences.
Key Facts
PC Andrew Harper died in 2019 after being dragged behind a getaway car during a crime.
Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers were sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter in 2020.
Under a new law, they could be eligible for release in January after serving half their sentences.
The law change allows some serious offenders to be released earlier to reduce prison crowding.
The Prime Minister is asking the justice secretary to exclude Cole and Bowers from early release.
Another offender, Henry Long, was sentenced to 16 years and cannot be released early due to a different sentence type.
PC Harper’s widow, Lissie Harper, and others have called for the killers to stay in prison.
About 5,000 prisoners may be released early under the new rules, down from earlier estimates after some crimes were exempted.
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Democratic primaries in Wisconsin and Minnesota will show a split between left-wing and more moderate candidates. In Wisconsin, Francesca Hong leads the race for governor, while in Minnesota, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Rep. Angie Craig compete for a Senate nomination. These races are important for Democrats trying to win key positions and influence future elections.
Key Facts
Wisconsin’s Democratic governor primary features Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist, leading the race.
Hong opposes current Democratic Governor Tony Evers, who supports David Crowley in the primary.
Critics worry Hong’s left-wing views could hurt Democrats in the general election.
Minnesota’s Senate Democratic primary is between Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan (left-leaning) and Rep. Angie Craig (centrist).
Winning the Wisconsin governor’s office is critical for Democrats to control the state legislature and influence redistricting.
President Donald Trump won Wisconsin in 2024, and the state legislature is currently Republican-controlled.
Progressive candidates have recently done well in Democratic primaries, even in competitive swing states.
These primaries reflect a larger national divide in the Democratic Party between progressives and moderates.
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Republicans in Alabama will choose their nominee to run for the 2nd Congressional District, a seat currently held by Democrat U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures. The district was redrawn by Republicans after a Supreme Court ruling weakened the Voting Rights Act, changing the district’s makeup to favor Republican candidates.
Key Facts
The 2nd Congressional District in Alabama was redrawn by Republicans after a Supreme Court decision affected the Voting Rights Act.
Democrat Shomari Figures won the seat in 2024 and is running for a second term without opposition.
Republicans have six candidates competing to challenge Figures and try to win back the seat.
President Donald Trump endorsed state Rep. Rhett Marques in the Republican primary.
The redistricting followed a court ruling that found Alabama’s previous map diluted Black voters’ power.
Figures’ election made Alabama’s congressional delegation have two Black representatives for the first time.
Other Alabama districts affected by the redraw will also choose nominees in special primaries.
The outcome of this race may impact which party controls the U.S. House of Representatives after the 2026 midterms.
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Connecticut’s U.S. Rep. John Larson, 78, faces a competitive primary challenge from younger Democrats who want new leadership. Larson, who has served since 1999 and experienced a health scare last year, is being challenged by former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin and others in the race for the Democratic nomination.
Key Facts
John Larson has represented Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District since 1999.
Larson is 78 years old and experienced a partial seizure last year, but his office says he is healthy enough to run again.
Younger Democrats in Connecticut want new leadership and are challenging long-serving politicians like Larson.
Luke Bronin, 46, a former Hartford mayor and lawyer, is Larson’s main challenger and has the state Democratic Party’s endorsement.
Bronin says the Democratic Party needs to accept generational change and “pass the torch” to younger leaders.
Larson emphasizes his experience and his efforts to oppose President Donald Trump.
Other candidates include state Rep. Jillian Gilchrist, 44, and Ruth Fortune, 38, a Haitian-born lawyer.
Democrats expect to keep this district in the November general election, so the primary winner is likely to be elected.
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South Carolina Republicans are holding a special primary to choose a new U.S. Senate candidate after Senator Lindsey Graham died suddenly. His sister, Darline Graham, who was appointed to serve temporarily, is running to keep the seat and has received President Donald Trump’s endorsement. Several other Republican candidates, including former Governor Mark Sanford and two U.S. House members, are also competing.
Key Facts
Senator Lindsey Graham died on July 11 from a tear in his aorta.
South Carolina law requires a quick process to choose a replacement senator.
Darline Graham, Lindsey Graham’s sister, was appointed to fill his seat temporarily.
Darline Graham is running in the Republican primary to secure the full term.
President Donald Trump has endorsed Darline Graham’s campaign.
The Republican primary features multiple candidates, including former Governor Mark Sanford and two current U.S. House members.
Lindsey Graham had been a longtime senator from South Carolina, often winning re-election despite some opposition.
The primary election took place on August 8, 2026.
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In Wisconsin’s Democratic primary for governor, democratic socialist Francesca Hong is running against the party establishment’s chosen candidate, David Crowley, in a crowded and unpredictable race. The winner will face Republican Tom Tiffany in November, with Democrats aiming to take control of Wisconsin’s governor’s office and legislative chambers.
Key Facts
Francesca Hong is a democratic socialist and former line cook running for governor in Wisconsin.
David Crowley is the Democratic Party’s preferred candidate and revived his campaign after another contender dropped out.
The Republican candidate for governor is U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany.
The primary winner will compete in the November election with a chance to impact control of Wisconsin’s government.
Democrats want to capitalize on President Trump’s low approval ratings in Wisconsin, a key battleground state.
Francesca Hong advocates for free childcare, free healthcare, and a pause on building new data centers.
Hong has faced criticism for past social media posts against Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day, which she calls jokes.
The race highlights a split between Democrats’ progressive wing and the party establishment in Wisconsin.
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Minnesota is holding a Democratic primary for U.S. Senate between moderate Angie Craig and progressive Peggy Flanagan. This race highlights a larger struggle between centrist and progressive Democrats, occurring amid tensions following President Trump’s immigration policies and recent political conflicts in the state.
Key Facts
Minnesota’s primary features a contest between moderate Rep. Angie Craig and progressive Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan for U.S. Senate.
The race follows a divisive Michigan primary where progressive Abdul El-Sayed won, raising concerns about party unity.
President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and federal actions in Minneapolis have intensified political divisions.
The Democratic candidate who wins this primary is favored to win the general election, as Minnesota hasn’t elected a Republican statewide since 2006.
On the Republican side, Mike Lindell, endorsed by President Trump and known for promoting false claims about the 2020 election, is running for governor.
Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar is also running for governor in a primary with six other candidates.
The contest is influenced by a public funds fraud scandal that Republicans hope will help them gain support.
Angie Craig is supported by Democratic leaders like Speaker Jeffries and Nancy Pelosi, while Flanagan has backing from progressive senators Sanders and Warren.
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Sydney city council revealed plans for a new 4,500 square meter public plaza opposite Sydney Town Hall. The project, planned for over 40 years, will involve demolishing seven buildings, cost $150 million, and is expected to finish by 2031.
Key Facts
The plaza design was unveiled by Sydney’s lord mayor, Clover Moore.
The space will include a water feature that sprays mist to cool people in summer.
Native trees will cover about half of the plaza to provide shade.
The project aims to connect nearby Victorian sandstone buildings into a single public area.
Demolition of seven buildings will start in 2028 to make way for the plaza.
The council has been buying the needed land since 1982.
Some local business leaders are concerned about disruptions and impacts on the commercial area.
The council plans to help affected businesses relocate during construction.
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President Donald Trump reportedly used a secret plan involving a catering truck and a military plane to hide his flight from Turkey to the UK last month because of threats from Iran. The White House said they use all tools available to protect the president, but some details about the flight remain unconfirmed.
Key Facts
President Trump was traveling from Turkey to the UK in July 2026.
Due to threats from Iran, Trump’s travel was disguised using a catering truck and a secret military plane.
Some White House officials and the traveling press did not know about the secret flight.
The White House initially said Trump was aboard the old Air Force One jet during the trip.
The plane thought to be carrying Trump had its transponder (a device that lets controllers track it) turned off.
Trump publicly said he was not flying on the new Air Force One jet gifted by Qatar, saying it was sent to the UK for military tours.
Secret Service had advised Trump not to fly on the new plane because of security concerns over tensions with Iran.
Trump responded to questions about security by saying the flight might be dangerous because of people they have to deal with, referring to threats.
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The conflict involving the US and Iran is showing that the US is running low on weapons and ammunition. This shortage raises questions about how US defense money has been spent over the years.
Key Facts
The US is currently involved in a conflict with Iran.
After less than five months of fighting, the US is running low on ammunition.
The shortage includes weapons stockpiles, meaning the stored supply of arms is depleted.
A former Pentagon official highlighted these shortages.
The situation raises questions about US defense spending over several years.
The US is described as fighting against a "middle-tier country," meaning Iran is considered moderately strong militarily.
The issue points to concerns about how well the US has prepared its military resources.
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President Donald Trump reportedly switched planes in secret while leaving Turkey due to security concerns linked to rising tensions with Iran. He flew back on a smaller plane while the usual Air Force One continued on as a decoy, raising questions among lawmakers about the nature of the threat and the safety of those on board.
Key Facts
President Trump left Turkey by secretly switching from the newer Air Force One to a smaller Air Force C-32A plane.
The larger Air Force One plane continued to Britain without the president, acting as a decoy.
This operation happened because of security worries related to tensions with Iran, which borders Turkey.
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal called the incident "downright scary" and wants Congress to hold a briefing about the threat.
There are concerns about the safety of staff and reporters who traveled on the Air Force One that did not carry the president.
The White House said the newer Air Force One has many security features, but officials took extra precautions this time.
Former advisers have described the secret plane switch as unusual, highlighting the seriousness of the threat.
Congress is seeking more information about the intelligence that led to such an unusual security measure.
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The American Medical Association criticized President Trump’s new executive order about childhood vaccines. They said the order could put children's health at risk because vaccines protect kids from serious diseases.
Key Facts
President Trump issued an executive order with new recommendations on childhood vaccines.
The president of the American Medical Association, Dr. Willie Underwood III, spoke against the order.
The AMA says vaccines are well studied and effective in protecting children.
Medical experts have expressed concern that the order may harm children's health.
The criticism highlights the importance of following established vaccine schedules.
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