Mushroom trial live: jury shown text messages between Erin and Gail Patterson about medical appointments for which there are no records

Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund, Danantara, is facing criticism for considering a partnership with BlackRock, the massive US investment firm. The backlash stems from BlackRock’s ties to arms manufacturers supplying Israel’s military—a major red flag in Indonesia, where the government has long supported Palestine and opposes colonialism. Critics argue the deal could undermine Indonesia’s foreign policy principles, even as Danantara seeks foreign investment to boost its nearly $900 billion in state assets.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about money—it’s about political identity. Indonesia’s stance on Palestine is deeply tied to its national values, so partnering with a firm linked to Israel’s military suppliers is a risky move. The backlash shows how investment decisions can clash with foreign policy, especially in a world where finance and geopolitics are increasingly tangled. For Danantara, balancing economic goals with public sentiment won’t be easy.

Despite some progress with an Israeli-backed food delivery system in Gaza, residents still face shortages and disorder at distribution centers. One day after chaotic scenes of looting, people waiting in line say supplies are limited and the situation remains unstable.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about food shortages—it’s about the breakdown of basic order in a crisis. Even when aid arrives, distribution is messy and unreliable, leaving desperate people struggling to get what they need. It’s a stark reminder of how war disrupts everyday survival, beyond just the headlines of fighting.

Saudi Arabia has released Iranian cleric Gholamreza Ghasemian after detaining him for calling Saudi social reforms—like allowing concerts—"obscene." His arrest had ruffled feathers between the two nations, with Iran pushing for his freedom. In a tit-for-tat move, Saudi Arabia reportedly paused Hajj visas for Iranians, adding tension to their already rocky relationship.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about one cleric’s hot take—it’s a snapshot of the fragile ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Their rivalry often plays out in small clashes like this, where cultural differences and political posturing collide. The Hajj visa suspension hints at how quickly religious pilgrimages, usually a bridge between Muslims, can turn into another diplomatic battleground.

Two Japanese giants—NTT, a telecom leader, and SBI, a major financial group—are teaming up in a deal that blends money and tech. They’re betting that combining their strengths will create something bigger than either could do alone, like digital payment innovations or smarter financial services powered by telecom data.

Editor’s Note: When big players like these join forces, it’s usually a sign they’re gearing up for the next wave of digital disruption. Think faster, smoother ways to pay or bank—maybe even new services we haven’t seen yet. For consumers, it could mean more convenience; for competitors, it’s a wake-up call.

Keir Starmer is gearing up to slam Nigel Farage's economic proposals as a reckless "mad experiment," warning that Reform UK's spending plans could trigger another disastrous economic meltdown like the one seen under Liz Truss. Meanwhile, government minister Emma Hardy is pushing doctors to reject strike action in an upcoming ballot.

Editor’s Note: This story highlights the escalating political battle over economic policy in the UK, with Starmer framing Farage’s plans as dangerously unstable—a clear attempt to draw parallels to past Conservative failures. At the same time, tensions between the government and healthcare workers continue to simmer. For voters, it’s a reminder of how high-stakes the economic debate has become, especially after the chaos of Trussonomics.