Trump to leave G7 summit early to focus on conflict in Middle East, White House says

Today’s news roundup covers a mix of political friction and legislative action in Australia. Deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley criticized PM Albanese for not being proactive enough after a planned meeting with Donald Trump was canceled—hinting at diplomatic tensions. Meanwhile, Victoria just passed a law criminalizing "post and boast" content (think reckless behavior shared online for clout), aiming to curb harmful social media trends. And in South Australia, the government is playing hardball with Santos, saying their support for the energy giant’s takeover bid depends on whether it aligns with the state’s interests.

Editor’s Note: These stories highlight how Australia is navigating both internal and external pressures—whether it’s managing diplomatic relationships, tightening social media regulations, or balancing corporate deals with public interest. The "post and boast" law, especially, signals a growing pushback against viral recklessness, while the Santos situation reflects broader debates about energy and local priorities. Political jabs like Ley’s? Just another day in Canberra’s back-and-forth.

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) decided to keep interest rates unchanged for now, but it dropped a hint that it might start buying fewer government bonds in the future—a small but notable shift in its long-standing ultra-loose monetary policy. Meanwhile, the bank’s cautious tone suggests it’s worried about economic headwinds, including the impact of new U.S. tariffs on global trade.

Editor’s Note: The BOJ isn’t making any big moves yet, but the subtle change in its bond-buying stance could be a sign of things to come. For markets, it’s a wait-and-see moment—investors are trying to figure out if this is the start of a broader pullback from Japan’s years-long stimulus policies. And with U.S. tariffs adding uncertainty, the BOJ’s hesitation makes sense. It’s a reminder that even small central bank signals can ripple through global finance.

The US president is cutting his G7 summit trip short to deal with escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Meanwhile, Trump has bluntly told Tehran to "evacuate," while France's Macron claims the US has floated a ceasefire offer to de-escalate the conflict. This comes as Iran threatens to abandon a key nuclear treaty amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another diplomatic spat—it’s a high-stakes crisis with real risks of spiraling into something worse. When world leaders start dropping summits and throwing around words like "evacuate," it’s a sign things could tip into dangerous territory. Plus, Iran’s nuclear treaty threat adds a whole other layer of global security concerns. Everyone’s watching to see if that ceasefire offer actually sticks.

Hockey fans, rejoice—the 2026 Olympics are shaping up to be a must-watch event, with preliminary rosters packed with NHL stars returning to the ice for the first time in over a decade. After skipping the last two Winter Games, the league’s top players are back, promising high-stakes, high-skill matchups that’ll make this the most competitive Olympic hockey tournament in years.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a win for fans; it’s a big deal for the Olympics too. NHL participation elevates the tournament’s prestige and ensures the best players in the world are competing—something that’s been missing since 2014. For players, it’s a chance to chase Olympic glory, and for the sport, it’s a spotlight moment that could reignite global interest in hockey.

Pakistan has shut down all its border crossings with Iran as tensions between Israel and Iran escalate. The move impacts five districts in Pakistan’s Balochistan region, though trade isn’t completely halted. Pakistani citizens are still allowed to return home, with around 200 students expected to cross back today. The decision reflects Islamabad’s cautious stance amid regional instability.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about Pakistan and Iran—it’s a ripple effect of the wider Middle East tensions. Closing borders signals unease, disrupts movement, and could strain local economies. For Pakistan, it’s a balancing act: securing its borders while avoiding deeper entanglement in a volatile regional conflict. Keep an eye on this—it might hint at how other neighboring countries react next.