Budget 2024 live: Reeves to pledge more ‘pounds in people’s pockets’ as minimum wage to rise to £12.21

The Independent relies on reader donations to support their investigative journalism on important topics like reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech. With the upcoming Six Nations tournament, viewers in the UK can catch every match live on the BBC and ITV starting on January 31st. The schedule includes key matchups between top European rugby teams, with the final round of fixtures set for March 15th. Full Article

The Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) is holding its inaugural player draft, with four teams set to compete in a 24-game season alongside the AU Pro Softball Championship Season. The league will start in June, featuring top players like Lexi Kilfoyl, Carley Hoover, and Rachel Garcia, with games broadcast on ESPN. Each team will draft 12 players from a pool of over 80, with former stars like Jenny Dalton-Hill and Cat Osterman leading the Bandits,...

Your support helps The Independent to cover stories on reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech. Donations enable journalists to report on critical US history moments, ensuring unbiased coverage accessible to all. Aston Villa secures a Champions League spot with a hat-trick from Morgan Rogers, amidst transfer drama surrounding Ollie Watkins and a chaotic match against Celtic. Full Article

The Palisades Charter High School J.V. baseball team, displaced by a fire that ravaged their school and city, practiced at Cheviot Hills Recreation Center on a makeshift field. Varsity captain Ryan Hirschberg ran players-only practices, emphasizing the importance of focus and effort amidst the tragedy. Despite losing homes and belongings, the team remains determined to play their season, compete for a championship, and provide a sense of community and support in the aftermath of the...

The Independent relies on reader support to cover important stories on topics such as reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech. Donations help fund investigative journalism and documentaries. In sports news, Wales' Taulupe Faletau is hoping to be fit for the Six Nations match against Italy after being ruled out of the opener against France. Gatland has selected a young squad with a focus on positivity and attacking opportunities against France. Full Article

The draw for the knockout playoff round of the UEFA Champions League will take place on Jan. 31, with Manchester City set to face either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid due to their 22nd place finish. The knockout draw pairs teams based on their league positions, with the highest-placed clubs facing each other in the later stages, and the matches will take place on Feb. 11-12 and Feb. 18-19, with seeded teams playing the second...