Rugby Focus: England captain Maro Itoje says his surprise summer rest from Nations Championship duty was “weird” at first, but now feels like the right call after a demanding year, with hints other players could benefit from longer breaks. Cricket & Sport: England have dropped Brydon Carse from the third and final Test squad vs Pakistan at Edgbaston after a nightclub arrest, while Sonny Baker keeps his place; meanwhile Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue surge up ICC Test bowling rankings after England’s Pakistan series win. Welsh NHS: Wales announces a clinically led plan to cut waiting times, with earlier referral reviews, more weekend surgery, and patients contacting services for follow-ups to free appointments. Northern Ireland Telecoms: O2 switches on its next-gen 5G+ network across Northern Ireland, expanding coverage for up to 839,000 people. Children’s Care: Research finds private equity backs 11 of England’s 20 biggest children’s fostering and care providers, renewing calls to tackle “obscene” profit-making. Skills Shortage: Wales faces a 22,000-worker gap in electricians and specialist engineers as data centre demand booms. Local Safety: Police in Penywaun, near Aberdare, get extra powers to manage a growing protest. Transport: Passengers complain of dangerously overcrowded trains on the Wales-to-London route.