Monday’s global headlines focus heavily on the G7 summit as world leaders descend on Canada for a two day discussion on global affairs including US tariffs, Iran-Israel conflict, genocide in Gaza and the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukriane.
All eyes will be on Donald Trump as world leaders attempt to secure trade deals and get in his good books.
🌍 Global Spotlight, Monday 16 June 2025
World leaders have descended on Canada’s Rockies for the G7 summit, where discussions—especially between the US and EU—are being overshadowed by spiralling Iran‑Israel hostilities. Iran launched dozens of missiles and drones at Tel Aviv and Haifa in response to Israeli airstrikes on its nuclear sites, escalating a crisis that’s rattled oil markets and shifted the summit’s focus from trade to urgent de‑escalation efforts (reuters.com).
📅 Key Cultural & Business Events – This Week
Blooming across central Europe and the UK in May, the cornflower symbolises hope and remembrance. Once a weed of wheatfields, it’s now a protected wildflower in France and Germany.
Why it’s special: Arrives in early May, shrieks overhead in “screaming parties” on summer evenings, and spends nearly its entire life airborne—eating, sleeping, even mating on the wing. Spot it: Look high above towns at dusk for dark, crescent‑winged silhouettes and piercing screams.
The 51st G7 Summit kicked off on 16–17 June 2025 in Alberta, hosted by Canadian PM Mark Carney, marking Canada’s second summit here since 2002.
The G7 is a group of advanced democracies—Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US – plus the EU, meeting annually to align on global economic, security, and geopolitical issues.
This year’s summit spotlights three priorities: protecting communities and global peace, ensuring energy security and digital transition, and securing partnerships for the future.
The central debates centre on the Israel‑Iran conflict, US tariffs, and escalating tensions over trade and nuclear proliferation, under the looming shadow of US President Donald Trump and the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war.
Expect G7 declarations limited to thematic issues rather than full communiqués, avoiding direct public confrontation—particularly on Trump’s unilateral tariff decisions and Iran policy. European leaders will press Trump on Israel‑Iran de-escalation, while Canada pushes unity on global trade and energy resilience.
Bilateral discussions are underway on US auto tariffs, Ukraine support, and AI and defence contributions.
The summit’s outcome will be a critical test for international cooperation under a Trump presidency, with implications for the upcoming NATO meeting, future sanctions on Russia, and global supply chains. Security concerns are boosted, with Calgary and Banff set as protest hubs and emergency services on alert.
Fresh wave of Iranian missiles hit Tel Aviv while fire reported at Haifa power plant
Source: [The Independent, 16 June 2025]
Iran launched a new wave of ballistic missiles targeting Israel’s major cities, including Tel Aviv, Haifa, Jerusalem, Tamra, and Bat Yam—marking the fourth consecutive day of cross-border strikes.
At least ten people were killed in Israel, dozens wounded, and several residential buildings destroyed. In Haifa, fires erupted at a power plant and port infrastructure, with rescue teams using sniffer dogs and heavy machinery to search for survivors.
In Tehran, Israel struck an Iranian fuel depot and oil/gas facilities, causing massive night-time blazes and disruptions. Oil prices climbed amid fears of prolonged regional escalation.
🔁 Reactions:
📰 Bias Snapshot:
📊 Sentiment: Negative–neutral.
Trump’s “revenge tax” could threaten foreign investment in US
Analysts warn that Section 899 of the “One Big Beautiful Bill”—Donald Trump’s proposed retaliatory tax on foreign entities—could deter investment by imposing a tax starting at 5 %, rising to 20 %, on companies from countries that levy “unfair” taxes on US entities. Economists from Chatham House and UniCredit caution it might undermine the dollar’s safe-haven status and prompt foreign firms to redomicile or divest from US markets. Goldman Sachs highlights that UK companies like Pearson and Experian could be especially at risk, potentially triggering a wave of UK firms relisting in New York. Wall Street and asset managers are lobbying to amend the provision, warning of capital outflows, increased borrowing costs, and damage to the US energy dominance agenda.
🔁 Reactions:
📰 Bias Snapshot:
📊 Sentiment: Neutral–negative.
A round up of what the Politicians have been doing.
*Denotes wanted for war crimes.
The prime minister is in Canada for the G7 summit where he will be looking to take a lead on de-escalating the situation between Iran and Israel.
Zelenskyy will be at the G7 meeting after being invited by Canada. There are reports he might meet with Donald Trump.
The G7 will be all about Donald Trump – as it often is with all American presidents, as world leaders will be looking to get on his good side in hopes of a deal, and for the USA to take a tougher approach to Netanyahu and Putin.
The Saudi prince has expressed his anger at the Israeli attacks on Iran calling them a violation of international law.
The Syrian leader spoke to Turkey’s president recently regarding Israel’s attack on Iran.
The EU chief will be heading to the G7 summit today. She is under pressure to secure a deal with the USA.
Macron is heading to Canada for the G7 summit.
Modi is heading to Canada for the G7 meeting – despite not being a member, he was invited to the summit.
Benjamin Netanyahu, is the face of genocide, he knows his days are numbered. The West is already diverting support for his opposition as he (his gov’t) continue to deny genocide, starvation and innocent deaths. Dubiously claiming to have killed 30,000 Hamas fighters, out of the 56,000 Palestinians killed, with 80%, women and children.
“History is a set of lies agreed upon.” — Napoleon Bonaparte
This week’s news shows how narratives — whether political, digital, or economic — can be engineered, exposed, or reimagined. The truth, as ever, lies between the lines, but there is no doubt, that history belongs to the victor.
A viral video claiming French President Emmanuel Macron was “caught red-handed” hiding a cocaine bag on a train to Ukraine has been thoroughly debunked by France 24’s fact-checking team. The footage, which showed Macron holding a white pouch before tucking it into his coat, was deceptively edited. The object was a known brand of French facial tissue.
The clip gained traction on platforms like X and TikTok, fuelled by conspiracy influencers. AI analysis of the video confirmed digital tampering.
This story reflects the increasing use of manipulated media to undermine political figures — particularly during periods of tension like Macron’s current Green rebellion.
Key takeaway: In an age of digital warfare, viral misinformation can move faster than diplomacy.
This weeks global cultural & business events provides a round up of the highlights key events taking place around the world. You don’t need a private jet to get around, some are virtual as well.
FEATURED EVENT – International Summit – Tirana, Albania
The sixth meeting of the European Political Community will bring together leaders from across the continent in Tirana, Albania under the theme ‘New Europe in a new world: unity – cooperation – joint action’.
The EU will be represented by the President of the European Council, António Costa, who will co-chair the meeting along with the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama.
An exhibition tracing the history. A Future for the Past
The exhibition focuses on various – also contradictory – perspectives on the historical context in which the arms manufacturer and patron Emil G. Bührle built up his collection: it highlights the biographies of former owners of individual works, whose sale took place under questionable circumstances, and the question of how a differentiated approach to history can succeed in the immediate present.
The Bührle Collection: art, context, war and conflict.
We’ve delveoped this need to move on to the ‘next thing’ standing in one place seems to make one anxious. That may be because of the way we are being engineered, the thirst for more. But the negative impact of that is, we rarely get to enjoy the moment.
When enjoying a meal, a walk in nature, or any other activity, pay attention to the details and fully experience it, just stand still (figuratively) and process what you have done, The next, more is not always better.
🌍 “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.” — Jimi Hendrix
A timeless reminder that happiness and harmony begin when we choose compassion over control. ✌️💛
French authorities shut down the four main Israeli defence industry stands at the Paris Air Show on Monday and put up black partition walls around them, making them inaccessible. France says Israel refused to remove offensive weapons from its displays. Israel demanded an immediate reversal of the decision.
Key Takeaway – Much of the focus has shifted to the crisis unfolding between Israel and Iran, but there is another Israeli war happening in Gaza. France remains strong in its commitment to Gaza.
Sports are dominating the summer with the Club World Cup kicking off in the USA whilst their northern neighbours are hosting the G7 meeting. Here’s your Global Events Guide for 16–22 June 2025, with highlights across sports, business, politics, culture, and tech:
FIFA Club World Cup 2025 (USA, 15 June–13 July)
Bayern Munich vs Auckland City – FULL Match Highlights (Club World Cup)
G7 Summit — Kananaskis, Canada (16–17 June)
NATO Summit — The Hague, Netherlands (24–25 June)
Paris Air Show — Le Bourget, France (16–22 June)
Other Notables
BLAST Austin Major (Counter‑Strike 2) — Austin, Texas (3–22 June)
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Mon–Tue 16–17 | FIFA Club World Cup group matches; G7 Summit |
| Tue–Sun 16–22 | Paris Air Show demos; Club World Cup continues |
| Wed 18 | UN hate‑speech events globally |
| Thu–Fri 19–20 | Club Cup knockout build‑up begins |
| 21–22 Jun | Club World Cup round of 16 |
| Wed–Thu 23–25 | Internet Governance Forum; NATO Summit |
Move your body, clear your mind. Even a short walk or a gentle stretch can work wonders for your mental health—reducing stress, boosting mood, and improving focus. Physical movement stimulates endorphins, encourages better sleep, and helps break the cycle of overthinking.
Today, give yourself the gift of movement—you don’t need a gym, just a little time and intention.
A bit of travel inspiration from some of our favourite places and best deals.
Copyright WTX News 2025
