David Lammy considers scrapping jury trials for all but the most serious cases

New South Wales is experiencing catastrophic weather conditions, prompting authorities to close over 20 public schools and issue total fire bans as bushfire risks reach their highest levels in years. The forecast includes soaring temperatures and damaging wind gusts, particularly affecting the lower central west plains district and southern Queensland.

Researchers have found that becoming a famous singer significantly increases the risk of early death, with an analysis indicating that well-known singers in Europe and the US die nearly five years sooner than their less famous counterparts. This suggests that fame itself, rather than the lifestyle or job demands, is a major contributing factor to this increased mortality risk.

A recent study claims to have provided the first direct evidence of dark matter, a mysterious substance that has been theorized to clump around galaxies and form a cosmic web throughout the universe. This research, led by astrophysicist Prof Tomonori Totani, suggests a significant advancement in understanding this elusive component of the cosmos.

A second teenage boy, aged 15, has been charged with murder following the stabbing death of a 17-year-old boy in Rouse Hill, Sydney. The incident occurred around 4:20 PM on Monday, resulting in the victim's death from stab wounds to the thigh after a confrontation in a park behind a school.

FIFA announced the draw procedure for the 2026 World Cup, which will feature an expanded format of 48 teams. The draw will ensure that top-ranked teams, including Spain, Argentina, France, and England, are kept separate until the final rounds of the tournament.

Downing Street has not confirmed any final decisions regarding the potential scrapping of jury trials for most cases, as justice secretary David Lammy considers this significant change, which would only retain juries for serious offenses like rape and murder.

The World Cup 2026 draw will implement a tennis-style seeding system for its top four teams: Spain, Argentina, France, and England. This system aims to ensure competitive balance by preventing these teams from facing each other until the semi-finals, thereby enhancing the tournament's structure.

The UK government has announced that mayors across England will have the authority to introduce tourist taxes, a move aimed at generating additional revenue for local councils. This decision reflects a growing trend in various regions to capitalize on tourism for funding public services.