President Trump stated that new negotiations with Iran are beginning, though key details remain unclear. The announcement signals a potential shift in U.S.-Iran relations after years of tension over Tehran's nuclear program. The talks could have major implications for Middle East stability and global oil markets.

Australia has reported its first mass mortality event caused by H5N1 bird flu, prompting authorities to warn that the virus is expected to spread further. The outbreak signals that the highly pathogenic strain has reached the country, raising concerns for wildlife and the poultry industry.

The United States has signaled a retreat from its confrontational posture toward Iran, a move timed to avoid stirring market volatility when trading resumes after the weekend. The decision likely eases immediate fears of a military clash and could calm oil prices, though the durability of this de-escalation remains uncertain.

AstraZeneca has opened discussions with Bristol Myers Squibb about a potential merger valued at $400bn. If completed, the deal would create one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, reshaping the industry's competitive landscape. Talks are ongoing and may not result in an agreement.

Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar's detained former leader, has been seen and appears healthy in her first confirmed outside contact in two and a half years. The meeting with a senior official was part of a visit to the capital. Her prolonged isolation had raised major concerns about her welfare under military rule.

An NHS mental health trust in the UK has announced proposals to reduce spending by £25 million, primarily through job losses and service reductions. The cuts stem from ongoing financial pressures and will likely affect access to mental health care. This matters because services are already under strain, and further cuts could deepen the impact on patients.

Fast-moving wildfires in Spokane, Washington, have destroyed at least 600 structures and prompted evacuation orders for about 60,000 residents. The blazes have caused widespread disruption and severe property loss across the region. Emergency crews are working to contain the fires as residents flee affected areas.

The United States and Japan confirmed a coordinated intervention to support the yen, a rare joint action by the two allies. The move comes as the Japanese currency has plunged to multi-decade lows against the dollar, raising concerns about import costs and global market stability. The intervention signals serious concern from both governments about excessive currency volatility.

Luke Bateman, a former gambling industry executive, told an inquiry that gambling companies supplied him with cocaine and alcohol, alleging a culture of excessive inducements and exploitation. His testimony highlights how firms may engage in unethical practices to foster dependency among high-risk employees. The revelations could intensify scrutiny and calls for stronger regulation of the gambling sector.