UK and Europe’s hidden landfills at risk of leaking toxic waste into water supplies

The UK is considering scaling back jury trials due to severe court backlogs, which has raised concerns about the implications for the British justice system. The right to a jury trial is traditionally viewed as a fundamental aspect of justice in the UK, making any proposed changes particularly contentious.

Prof. David Miles, an official from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), testified before MPs that Chancellor Rachel Reeves did not mislead the public regarding the challenges facing the UK ahead of the upcoming Budget. He stated that her messaging was consistent with the economic situation she encountered.

UK ministers are advancing plans to ban political donations made using cryptocurrency, citing concerns over the potential risks to electoral integrity due to the difficulty in verifying the sources of such funds. This crackdown is expected to impact Nigel Farage's Reform party, although the legislation may not be ready in time for the upcoming elections bill in the new year.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the necessity for increased support from the United States and Europe in facilitating negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, although he did not disclose specific details regarding the peace plan. This statement comes amid ongoing discussions about the conflict and potential resolutions.

The Bank of England (BoE) has announced a reduction in capital requirements for high street banks, lowering the reserve ratio for risk-weighted assets from 14% to 13%. This marks the first easing of capital rules since the 2008 financial crisis, as stated by Governor Andrew Bailey, who emphasized that the lessons from that period remain relevant.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia is set to undergo a significant overhaul, with funding and support plans for participants to be generated by a computer program, drastically reducing human involvement in the decision-making process. This change was communicated to staff during a recent internal briefing and is expected to be implemented next year.

An industrial boom in Monterrey, Mexico, which has strong ties to the US, is leading to severe air pollution as factories emit toxic heavy metals, posing significant health risks to local residents. Research by The Guardian and Quinto Elemento Lab highlights the alarming situation in this manufacturing hub that primarily exports goods to the US.

The Guardian's picture editors have curated a selection of photographs capturing significant moments, including a fallen sculpture at Lychakiv Cemetery in Ukraine and a desert storm in the Tanami Desert, Australia. These images reflect the diverse and often contrasting elements of human experience and nature.