(Tuesday 8 July) – Much of the global news is dominated by the flash floods in Texas, the news that US President Donald Trump has delayed his tariff plan again, and Trump’s meeting with Netanyahu, aimed at bringing a ceasefire to Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
Israel’s defence minister says he has instructed its military to prepare a plan to move all Palestinians in Gaza into a camp in the south of the territory, according to reports from Israeli media.
In Europe, the ongoing heatwave leads the news, with wildfires and health warnings sweeping the continent. The UK is set for its third heatwave of the summer from this weekend.
French President Macron is on a three-day state visit to the UK, marking the first from an EU leader since Brexit. He is set to meet with politicians and the royals.
💧 Texas flood disaster worsens More than 100 people have died in catastrophic flash floods across central Texas, including dozens of children at summer camps. Rescue efforts continue, as authorities face growing scrutiny over evacuation delays and infrastructure resilience.
🛩️ Ukrainian drones hit Russian airports Ukraine’s drone campaign has disrupted Russian domestic air travel, prompting the firing of Russia’s transport minister. Several airports reported delays and diversions in what Kyiv called a “targeted pressure strategy”.
🇷🇺 Russia building up troops in Armenia Ukrainian intelligence reports claim Russia is expanding its military presence at its base in Armenia, raising concerns over potential destabilisation in the South Caucasus.
🚢 Hundreds of migrants rescued off Greece Greek authorities rescued over 600 migrants from boats near Crete and Gavdos, following a sharp uptick in Mediterranean crossings amid calm seas and ongoing instability in North Africa.
🇬🇧 London marks 20 years since 7/7 bombings Commemorations took place in London today to honour the victims of the 2005 terror attacks on the capital’s transport network, which killed 52 people. Survivors and officials gathered at King’s Cross and Tavistock Square.
📣 Trump: Musk has ‘gone off the rails’ Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk, accusing him of splitting the conservative vote with his new “America Party”. The row deepens political tensions ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Spend five minutes stretching your legs and back. Movement helps circulation and keeps the energy flowing.
🌼 Flower of the Week
Wild Marjoram (Origanum vulgare)
More than just a kitchen herb, wild marjoram bursts into purple-pink flowers in summer and is a magnet for butterflies and bees.
🐦 Bird of the Week
Green Woodpecker
With its laughing call and bright green plumage, this shy bird loves to feast on ants — often seen hopping on lawns rather than pecking trees.
China warns of retaliation as Trump targets Asian allies with new tariffs
China has strongly denounced President Trump’s threat to impose tariffs of up to 70 per cent on imports from key East Asian nations, including Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand and Indonesia. The People’s Daily, using the official pen name “Zhong Sheng”, labelled the move “bullying” and warned that Beijing will “respond firmly” to countries complicit in excluding Chinese goods from supply chains. A deadline of 12 August has been set for a final U.S.–China trade agreement or further tariff escalation could follow.
Concurrently, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives in the Indo-Pacific (8–12 July) to reassure ASEAN allies nervous about Trump’s tariff strategy. Rubio will engage in regional diplomacy with Japan, India, Australia and Vietnam, underscoring Asian concerns over Washington’s unpredictable “America First” trade approach.
🔁 Reactions:
People’s Daily (Zhong Sheng): “Dialogue and cooperation are the only correct path”, and any deal privileging the U.S. at China’s expense will be opposed.
Marco Rubio: > “We must signal to Asia that U.S. remains committed to Indo-Pacific security.”
Analyst (Greg Poling, CSIS): > “ASEAN is hungry for reassurance, the tariffs risk destabilising long-term trust.”
📰 Media Bias & Framing:
Independent/People’s Daily/Reuters balance China’s official warning with insights into U.S. diplomatic efforts via Rubio’s mission.
Kyodo/Politico/Barron’s frames Rubio as a strategic choice by Trump, reinforcing a hardline China policy beyond tariffs (,turn0news21, turn0news22).
Politico Asia describes the delicate balancing act: trade pressure versus alliance assurance during a volatile geopolitical moment.
📊 Sentiment: Negative–neutral. China’s stern defiance reflects escalating trade tensions, while Rubio’s Asia tour aims to mitigate allied anxieties. The outcome hinges on whether fiscal coercion undermines or strengthens U.S. influence in the Indo-Pacific.
India’s Income Inequality Drops, But Political Debate Continues
New World Bank data shows India’s Gini Index, a key measure of income inequality, improved from 28.8 in 2011–12 to 25.5 in 2022–23, ranking India fourth globally for income equality, ahead of the US and China. The Indian government credits targeted poverty alleviation and inclusive growth policies for this progress. However, opposition parties, notably the Indian National Congress, accuse the government of “intellectual dishonesty,” arguing that many still suffer deep poverty and that the figures mask ongoing socio-economic challenges.
🔁 Reactions:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi: “These figures reflect the success of our inclusive development model.”
Indian National Congress: “This selective data ignores the reality of millions still struggling.”
Public (viral comment): “Numbers can’t hide the hardships on the ground.”
📰 Media Bias & Framing:
The Independent provides a balanced report combining official claims with opposition criticism.
Indian media outlets like the Times of India focus on government achievements, emphasising economic reforms.
Opposition-aligned outlets highlight disparities and question the reliability of official statistics.
📊 Sentiment: Neutral. The data signals progress, but political disputes underline ongoing economic and social tensions in India’s development story.
Texas flash floods kill dozens at summer camp as emergency efforts intensify
Devastating flash floods along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, Texas, have claimed at least 82 lives, including 27 campers and counsellors from Camp Mystic – a girls’ summer camp – and left more than 40 people missing as of Monday. The floodwaters surged about 26 ft in 45 minutes, overwhelming cabins and triggering a search-and-rescue operation that has now shifted into recovery mode amid ongoing flash flood warnings. Authorities report over 800 rescues by first responders and volunteers, including Coast Guard helicopters.
Survivors and local residents have criticised the lack of early warning, citing the absence of sirens in the flood-prone region, with potential failures at the National Weather Service under scrutiny due to past staffing cuts. The camp’s owner, Dick Eastland, died during the crisis after reportedly attempting to save campers.
🔁 Reactions:
President Trump (via announcement): “I’m declaring a major disaster for Kerr County and will visit.”
Pope Leo XIV: > “We pray for the victims and their families” (theguardian.com)
Camp Mystic nurse Devon Paige: > “We sang hymns as we evacuated … it kept us calm.” (people.com)
📰 Media Bias & Framing:
The Guardian/AP/Reuters emphasise the human toll, rescue efforts, and questions over emergency preparedness (theguardian.com).
People/NY Post provides emotional and personal angles-singing campers, celebrity solidarity, and family tragedies.
Business Insider/WSJ include meteorological context, extraordinary rainfall volumes, alongside assessments of federal response and infrastructure resilience.
📊 Sentiment:Negative–neutral. The event is a horrific human tragedy exposing gaps in early-warning systems and flash flood responses. Rescue successes offer hope, yet ongoing uncertainty, scrutiny of preparedness, and further storm risks cast a long shadow.
Tributes To Victims Of 7 July Terror Attacks On 20th Anniversary
What happened
On the 20th anniversary of the 7 July terror attacks, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, King Charles III, and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper led national commemorations to remember the 52 people killed and over 770 injured in 2005 suicide bombings on London’s Underground and a bus. At ceremonies in St Paul’s Cathedral and the Hyde Park memorial, Starmer honoured the emergency services’ bravery and emphasised national unity. The King spoke of acts of compassion amid tragedy, while Cooper warned that Islamist extremism remains the greatest UK security threat.
Why it matters
The 7/7 attacks were Europe’s deadliest bombing since WWII and profoundly shaped British counter-terror and social policy. Marking the anniversary reaffirms collective memory while spotlighting ongoing risks from Islamist and far-right extremism. Notably, ex-counterterrorism chief Neil Basu emphasised that Britain’s foreign interventions, such as the Iraq War, may have contributed to radicalisation, advocating honest reflection to prevent future violence.
Reaction
Public sentiment remained sombre yet unified. Memorial services brought tears and nostalgic resolve. Basu’s reflections prompted debate on whether policies like the Iraq invasion should be scrutinised to avert alienation in communities. Similarly, calls are growing to include social cohesion in school curricula, with victim groups urging education as a defence against division and extremism.
What next
The government is expected to continue reviewing curriculum reform, potentially embedding social cohesion lessons. Security policies will stay under review, especially Prevent thresholds, as highlighted by Yvette Cooper’s efforts after the Southport attack and planned border/security measures. In the coming months, expect formal proposals on extremism education and renewed counter-terror initiatives during the next parliamentary session.
Israel launches airstrikes on Houthi-controlled Yemeni ports after Red Sea ship attack
On Sunday, Yemen’s Houthi rebels attacked a Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carrier, the Magic Seas, in the Red Sea using grenade fire and bomb-carrying drones, forcing its crew to abandon ship. In response, early Monday, Israel launched airstrikes against Houthi-controlled ports at Hodeidah, Ras Isa, Salif, and a power plant in Ras Kanatib, also targeting the seized Galaxy Leader, alleged to house radar systems aiding rebel operations.
Subsequently, the Houthis retaliated by firing missiles toward Israel, some intercepted, with no reported casualties. The Eternity C, another cargo vessel, was also struck with drone and small-boat attacks, injuring two crew and leaving two missing.
🔁 Reactions:
Israel Defence Minister Israel Katz: “These ports are used by the Houthi terrorist regime… whoever raises a hand against Israel will be cut off” (businessinsider.com, reuters.com).
The Independent and Al Jazeera frame the strikes within broader Middle East tensions, linking Gaza ceasefire talks, Iran nuclear negotiations, and maritime security.
Western outlets (WSJ, FT) analyse how maritime disruptions pose a threat to Red Sea shipping and may prompt U.S. and regional military responses.
📊 Sentiment: Negative. The spiral of attacks marks a sharp intensification of conflict in the Red Sea corridor, jeopardising global shipping lanes. While Israel’s strikes are deemed targeted, Houthi responses and civilian vessel assaults raise serious regional security and maritime safety concerns.
Tesla stock dives amid Musk’s America Party announcement and worsening feud with Trump
Tesla shares plunged around 7 per cent in pre-market trading after Elon Musk announced the launch of a new U.S. political party, dubbed the “America Party”, and reignited a public feud with former President Donald Trump. This follows Trump’s criticism of Musk’s move and the recent passage of his “One Big Beautiful Bill”, which eliminates a $7,500 EV tax credit and reduces Tesla’s credit‑sales revenue. A downgrade by analysts at William Blair, citing weakened profitability, and investor backlash over Musk’s political distraction during a critical phase for AI and autonomous vehicle projects, intensified the stock sell-off. Tesla shares remain down about 21 per cent year‑to‑date despite earlier rebounds. Analyst Dan Ives (Wedbush) urges Musk to refocus on business, warning that escalating tensions with Trump could create regulatory and financial headwinds.
🔁 Reactions:
Donald Trump: “It’s ridiculous – third parties never work. Musk has gone ‘off the rails.’”
Dan Ives (Wedbush): “Investors want him focused on Tesla’s AI future, not politics.”
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent: > “Boards will want Musk focusing on his companies, not political ventures.” (marketwatch.com)
📰 Media Bias & Framing:
MarketWatch/Bloomberg/CNN note the sharp drop and attribute it to Musk’s political pivot and tax-credit loss.
Reuters/Wall Street Journal highlight the tension between Musk’s political ambitions and investor expectations during a transformative phase for Tesla’s AI and robotaxi plans.
Financial Times contextualises within broader U.S. political volatility, Musk’s feud with Trump, the third-party announcement, and investor uncertainty.
📊 Sentiment: Negative–neutral. The reaction reflects investor unease and mounting pressure. Though Tesla’s long-term AI and EV strategy still retains confidence, Musk’s political distraction is seen as a potential drag on momentum and stock value.
Germany sees 50 per cent drop in asylum applications in first half of 2025
Germany recorded just 61,300 new asylum applications in the first half of 2025, almost half the volume compared with 121,426 in H1 2024. June alone brought fewer than 7,000 applications, a 60% decline year-on-year. It marks the lowest June figure since March 2013.
The drop reflects stricter border controls, suspension of family reunification, ending fast-track citizenship, and the expansion of “safe country” lists. EU data confirm Germany has fallen from the top spot to third place among EU asylum destinations, behind Spain and France.
🔁 Reactions:
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser: “Consistent action is pushing back irregular migration.” (reuters.com)
Chancellor Merz (proposed policy): > “Strict border rules and deportations are necessary to prevent overload.” (apnews.com)
German Police Union: > “Border checks are unsustainable, officers overstretched.” (thetimes.co.uk)
📰 Bias Snapshot:
Reuters/Bild focus on numerical decline and policy links without an emotive tone.
EUAA/Eurostat reports place the trend in a broader EU context, noting falling asylum rates and shifting national destinations (euaa.europa.eu).
DW/local outlets caution that data reflect policy choices and external factors—such as reduced Syrian flows—not just migrants’ intentions (dw.com).
📊 Sentiment:Neutral–negative. The sharp decline delivers a political win for policy-makers but raises concerns over legal sustainability, humanitarian impact, and timing as Germany adjusts its role in EU asylum policy.
The prime minister welcomes French President Emmanuel Macron for a three-day state visit where the PM is set to push for a deal between the UK and France on the
Israel’s Netanyahu is visiting the US, with a ceasefire in Gaza at the top of the agenda. Trump has also confirmed the US will be sending more weapons to Ukraine.
On Monday, the European Commissioner was fighting for her political career as she appeared before MEPs ahead of her facing a no-confidence vote on Thursday.
“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.
NATO: Turkey requests joint monitoring of PKK disbandment
IMF: Revises 2025 global growth forecast to 3.2%
UNESCO: Adds Gaza’s Old Port to watchlist of threatened heritage sites
WHO: Issues early warning for rising dengue clusters in Asia
World Bank: Launches climate adaptation bond for Sahel nations
FEATURED EVENT – International Summit – Tirana, Albania
Meeting of the European Political Community, 16 May 2025
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.
🖼️ Art/Culture Highlight – Kunsthaus Zurich: “Surveillance and the Self”
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.
✍️ Quote of the Week
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.'”
– Mary Anne Radmacher
➤ Strength isn’t about always being loud or fearless – it’s in quietly choosing to keep going, especially when no one’s watching.
ESA at 50: Europe’s Space Agency Leading the Future of Exploration
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the European Space Agency (ESA) has firmly established Europe at the cutting edge of space science and technology, delivering historic missions such as the Rosetta comet landing, the Huygens probe on Titan, and the Galileo navigation system. With independent launch capabilities through the Ariane and Vega rockets, ESA supports vital work in environmental monitoring, climate science, and global aerospace collaboration. Looking ahead, ESA’s ambitious Strategy 2040 aims to drive pioneering missions like the Athena X-ray observatory, LISA gravitational wave detector, Hera asteroid deflection project, and a Mars rover, ensuring Europe remains a major player in space exploration while expanding its crewed spaceflight capabilities.
There’s a lot of sports action this week, with the Euro 2025 group stages in full swing, and the final of the Club World Cup set for Sunday. Both are available to watch online!
Global Events This Week 7–13 July 2025: Women’s EURO, Major Festivals & More
⚽ Major Sporting Events
UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 – Group Stage Continues Key fixtures this week include Germany vs Denmark and Poland vs Sweden on 8 July, and England vs Netherlands, along with France vs Wales on 9 July. These are pivotal matches shaping the tournament’s dynamics (theguardian.com).
FIFA Club World Cup Final – 13 July (MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, USA) The expanded 32-team tournament in the US reaches its climax this weekend. Semi‑finals feature Chelsea vs Fluminense on 8 July and PSG vs Real Madrid on 9 July, with the final set for 13 July. Matches are free to watch globally via DAZN (businessinsider.com).
Tour de France – Stages in Progress (July 5–27, France) The prestigious cycling race continues through the French countryside, captivating fans worldwide with its iconic climbs and rivalries .
🎶 Major Music Festivals & Cultural Events
Jazz à Vienne – 7 July onwards (Vienne, France) Part of a major jazz festival featuring Jamie Cullum, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, and more, continues this week in historic Roman theatre venues (jambase.com).
Hospitality On The Beach – 1–8 July (Tisno, Croatia) One more dancing weekend for this popular beachfront electronic music gathering.
Festival d’été de Québec – until 13 July (Quebec City, Canada) Showcases Avril Lavigne, Shania Twain and others in a major cultural festival that draws North American and international crowds.
Cowboys Music Festival – until 13 July (Calgary, Canada) Country and pop meets this week with headliners like The Chainsmokers, Macklemore, Thomas Rhett (jambase.com).
🌍 International Events
BRICS+ Summit – 6–7 July (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) Hosting leaders from Brazil, China, India, South Africa and new members—expected to discuss global trade and energy cooperation (controlrisks.com).
Global Forgiveness Day – 7 July A worldwide campaign encouraging reconciliation, shared across social platforms and communities (globalnews.ca).
📋 Quick Overview
Day
Highlight
Tue 8 Jul
CWC Semi: Chelsea vs FluminenseWomen’s EURO: GER-DEN, POL-SWE
Wed 9 Jul
CWC Semi: PSG vs Real MadridWomen’s EURO: ENG–NED, FRA–WAL
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern shares insights and lessons in leading through crisis, reflecting on the challenges of leadership at the highest levels.
She shares how her empathetic leadership style, shaped by self-doubt, that drove her with the power of transparent communication and leading with trust, not ego, allowed her to move forward decisively.
Here are the Key Takeaways from her interview on Leadership: 1 – Imposter Syndrome Can Be a Leadership Asset 2 – Trust Is Built Through Honesty, Not Perfection 3 – Empathy and Resilience Aren’t Mutually Exclusive 4 – Crisis Is an Opportunity to Advance Policy Goals 5 – Sustainable Leadership Requires Self-Awareness
