Legendary cricket umpire Dickie Bird remembered by sporting greats

The cricket community came together to honor the late umpire Dickie Bird at his funeral held at St Mary's Church in Barnsley. Attended by Yorkshire cricketers and local fans, the event highlighted Bird's significant impact on the sport and the affection he garnered over the years. This farewell not only celebrates his contributions to cricket but also strengthens the bonds within the community.

Afghanistan's decision to withdraw its national cricket team from an upcoming series in Pakistan highlights the serious impact of recent violence, where strikes in an eastern border province resulted in the tragic deaths of three local players. This boycott not only reflects the ongoing tensions in the region but also raises concerns about the safety of athletes and the future of sports collaborations between the two nations.

This weekend marks an exciting return for sports fans as the Premier League kicks off, Formula 1 races in the US, and the World Cup cricket action heats up. With top-notch coverage from The Guardian, fans can expect the best writing and real-time updates, making it easier than ever to stay connected to their favorite teams and events. It's a thrilling time for sports enthusiasts, and this weekend promises to deliver unforgettable moments.

A recent internet outage caused by Amazon Web Services affected various websites and apps, including Lloyds Bank. Despite this disruption, UBS has upgraded its outlook on global equities to 'attractive', suggesting that investors should consider increasing their investments in shares. This is significant as it indicates confidence in the market's potential for growth, even amidst concerns about high valuations.

In the second men's T20 international, New Zealand is set to chase a target of 237 runs to beat England at Hagley Oval. The match, which began at 7.15am BST, has already seen some exciting moments, including a wicket taken by Duffy. The pitch appears to be more favorable for batting compared to the previous game, which could lead to a thrilling contest. This match is significant as it showcases the competitive spirit of both teams and could influence their standings in the series.

The recent heist at the Louvre, where thieves managed to steal priceless jewels in just seven minutes, has put significant pressure on the French government regarding museum security. Justice Minister has openly acknowledged the failure in protecting such a vital cultural institution, raising concerns about the safety of art and artifacts in France. This incident not only highlights vulnerabilities in security measures but also calls for urgent reforms to ensure the protection of national treasures.

The recent heist at the Louvre has sparked a significant manhunt for four thieves who stole valuable jewels once owned by French royalty. Justice Minister remarks that this incident creates a 'terrible image' of France, highlighting the impact of crime on national reputation. The urgency to recover these treasures before they are dismantled adds to the tension, making this a critical moment for both law enforcement and the cultural heritage of the country.

Families of victims from the 1994 Chinook crash are pushing for an inquiry by submitting 110 questions to Downing Street. This petition highlights the ongoing quest for answers and accountability regarding the tragic incident, which remains a significant event in the history of aviation safety.

Experts from UCL are sounding the alarm about a 'menopause gold rush' where millions of women are being exploited due to a lack of reliable information. Companies, celebrities, and influencers are capitalizing on the confusion surrounding menopause, offering unregulated advice that can mislead women seeking help. This situation highlights the urgent need for a national education program to provide accurate information and combat misinformation, ensuring that women receive the support they deserve during this critical phase of life.