The Guardian view on childbirth and medical negligence: rising payouts highlight the urgency of maternity improvements

England's women's cricket team secured a thrilling victory against India, winning by just four runs in a nail-biting match that saw them defend a total of 288 runs. This win not only highlights the team's resilience but also marks their advancement to the World Cup semi-finals, showcasing the growing competitiveness in women's cricket. Heather Knight's impressive century played a pivotal role in this achievement, making the match a memorable one for fans and players alike.

England's thrilling victory over India by just four runs has secured their place in the World Cup semi-finals, showcasing their resilience and skill in a nail-biting match. This win is significant as it not only propels England forward in the tournament but also highlights the competitive spirit of women's cricket, drawing attention to the growing popularity of the sport.

In a thought-provoking dining experience, Lucas from Blackpool, who works for the NHS, shares his conversation with a woman who holds opposing views on immigration. Despite their differences, they explore topics like capitalism and nuclear power, highlighting the importance of dialogue in bridging divides. This encounter matters as it showcases how open discussions can lead to understanding, even when opinions clash.

Tom Willis's decision to sign with Bordeaux means he will leave Saracens at the end of the season, making him ineligible for England's national rugby team. This is a significant setback for head coach Steve Borthwick, as Willis had been a key player. His choice to reject a new deal with Saracens highlights the challenges faced by clubs in retaining talent, especially when players seek opportunities abroad.

In a thrilling T20 opener against New Zealand, England's Sam Curran shone with an unbeaten 49 runs, showcasing his value to the team as highlighted by Harry Brook. Despite the rain disrupting the match, Curran's performance stands out, especially as England faced challenges early on. This match is significant as it marks the beginning of England's winter cricket season, and Curran's contribution could be pivotal for the team's morale and strategy moving forward.

The first T20 cricket match between New Zealand and England was interrupted by rain at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, leaving fans disappointed. This match was highly anticipated as it marks the beginning of a new series, and the weather disruption not only affects the players' performance but also the excitement surrounding the event. Such interruptions can impact team momentum and fan engagement, making it a significant moment in the cricket calendar.

Phoebe Litchfield, a rising star in women's cricket, is drawing inspiration from captain Alyssa Healy, who has recently achieved remarkable back-to-back centuries and surpassed 7,000 international runs. With Australia securing a spot in the semi-finals, Litchfield is excited to learn from Healy as they prepare to face England next. This mentorship is crucial for Litchfield's development and highlights the strength of Australia's cricketing future.

Three neo-Nazi extremists have been sentenced to prison for plotting terrorist attacks on mosques and synagogues in England, highlighting the ongoing threat of far-right extremism. With over 200 weapons in their possession, these individuals were part of a group that communicated online, demonstrating how dangerous ideologies can lead to violent intentions. This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance against hate-driven violence in society.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has returned from the US without securing the long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles he sought, urging allies not to appease Russia. His call for a European-led coalition highlights the ongoing tensions and the need for stronger support against Russian aggression. This situation is critical as it underscores the challenges Ukraine faces in its defense efforts and the importance of international solidarity.

Tensions are escalating in Gaza as Israel conducts deadly airstrikes in response to an attack by Hamas that resulted in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers. This military action has raised serious concerns about the fragile ceasefire that both sides claim to support. The situation is critical as Israel has also halted all aid to Gaza, which could worsen the humanitarian crisis in the region. The developments highlight the precarious nature of peace efforts and the potential for further violence, making it a significant issue for both local and international observers.

In a controversial statement, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that Ukraine might need to concede territory to Russia to achieve peace, following over three years of conflict. This remark raises significant concerns about the implications for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as many fear that such concessions could embolden further aggression from Russia.

The World Health Organization has announced that the last Ebola patient in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been discharged, marking a significant milestone in the fight against the virus. This recovery initiates a 42-day countdown to officially declaring the country's 16th outbreak over, which is crucial for public health and safety. It highlights the effectiveness of health interventions and the resilience of the local healthcare system.

Senator Tim Kaine is leading a bipartisan initiative urging Congress to reclaim its war powers regarding potential military actions in Venezuela. This effort is significant as it seeks to prevent unilateral decisions that could escalate tensions in the region, emphasizing the importance of legislative oversight in matters of war and peace.

Virginia Giuffre's posthumous memoir, set to be published soon, reveals her harrowing experiences and fears of being trapped as a sex slave by Jeffrey Epstein and his associates. This memoir is significant as it sheds light on the dark realities of sex trafficking and the abuse of power, highlighting the importance of speaking out against such injustices.