The UK gambling industry spent an estimated £2 billion on advertising last year, according to media insights group WARC, significantly exceeding the £1.2 billion collected by the UK Treasury from online casino taxes. The Betting and Gaming Council disputed the figure, claiming it was closer to £1 billion. Amid these revelations, calls to increase gambling taxes have intensified, with critics labeling the spending as excessive, particularly given the industry's social harms. However, some analysts warn that increased taxation could inadvertently bolster the black market, emphasizing the need for balanced regulatory approaches. The Guardian

A refugee from a former Portuguese colony endured a harrowing 17-year battle for asylum in the UK, marked by homelessness, poor legal representation, and systemic inefficiencies. His case highlights significant flaws in the UK's legal aid system, which has been criticized for underfunding and its detrimental impact on vulnerable individuals. Legal experts argue that recent government promises to increase funding must be urgently implemented to address these issues and prevent further injustices. The Guardian

Former President Donald Trump hosted Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with unprecedented pomp, signaling a shift in US foreign policy. The administration's willingness to sell F-35 jets and advanced AI chips to Saudi Arabia, on par with Israeli access, has unsettled long-standing US-Israeli relations. Critics argue this transactional diplomacy prioritizes economic investments, such as Saudi Arabia's $1 trillion pledge, over traditional alliances, potentially altering the Middle East's geopolitical landscape. The Guardian

Donald Trump's proposed "peace plan" for Ukraine, reportedly influenced by Moscow, has drawn sharp criticism for demanding Kyiv surrender territory and reduce its military capabilities. Ukrainian officials, including Volodymyr Zelenskyy, face immense pressure to balance national sovereignty against maintaining US support. The plan has been condemned internationally, with comparisons to appeasement policies, reflecting broader concerns about the erosion of Western influence in resolving the conflict. The Guardian World Street Journal (International)

The UK government's proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist group under the Terrorism Act has raised alarm within the Home Office and Prevent programme, with officials fearing wrongful criminalization of Palestine advocates. Critics argue the ban damages the credibility of counter-terrorism efforts and undermines trust in government policies. The broader implications for civil liberties and freedom of expression remain contentious and are likely to fuel ongoing debates. The Guardian

Geoscientists have uncovered a new mechanism by which continental material is stripped and redistributed into the oceanic mantle through slow-moving "mantle waves." This discovery provides insights into the longstanding mystery of oceanic volcanism and the chemical enrichment of oceanic crust. Researchers emphasize the role of these processes in shaping Earth's geology, including their potential to trigger diamond-rich eruptions and uplift continents. Science Alert

The insurance sector's growing hesitancy to provide coverage for AI-related risks reflects concerns over potential multibillion-dollar liabilities. As AI systems become increasingly integrated into industries, the lack of robust legal frameworks amplifies uncertainty, challenging both insurers and policymakers to address the evolving risks of advanced technologies. Financial Times

The UK's legal aid system, described as underfunded and overstretched, has had profound consequences for asylum seekers, including restrictions on education. One individual, barred from higher education despite gaining scholarships, underscores systemic barriers that hinder integration and personal development. Legal reform advocates stress the importance of enabling access to education as a pathway to societal contribution and personal dignity for refugees. The Guardian