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June 17, 2025e-Paper
Updated – June 18, 2025 04:56 am IST
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney gestures next to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, in Alberta, on June 17, 2025. | Photo Credit: Reuters
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Canada on Monday (June 16, 2025) to attend the G7 Summit at Kananaskis, his first visit to Canada in a decade, with discussions with world leaders to be focussed on crucial global issues, including energy security, technology and innovation.
Prime Minister Modi will also hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Summit, coming over a month after India’s Operation Sindoor that had targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attacks.
The G7 summit comes amidst rising geopolitical tensions, including escalating tensions in the Middle East in the wake of the strikes between Iran and Israel, as well as a trade war triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.
Mr. Trump, who arrived in Kananaskis Sunday (June 15, 2025) for the G7 Summit was expected to have bilateral meetings with many world leaders. However, Mr. Trump is abruptly leaving the summit, departing a day early Monday as the conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies and the U.S. leader has declared that Tehran should be evacuated “immediately.”
Read: G7 leaders want to contain Israel-Iran conflict, as Donald Trump calls for talks between countries
The Group of Seven (G7) is an informal grouping of the world’s advanced economies- France, the U.S., the U.K., Germany, Japan, Italy and Canada and the European Union. Its members meet annually at the G7 Summit to discuss global economic and geopolitical issues.
India, the fifth-largest economy in the world, has regularly been invited to the Outreach session of the G7 Summit in the past few years.
The summit is expected to deliberate on pressing challenges facing the globe including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the situation in West Asia.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said relations between India and Canada are “extremely important” and the two nations should work together to achieve win-win cooperation in various sectors.
Prime Minister Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney held bilateral discussions on the margins of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, on June 17. This was the first meeting between the two leaders since Mr. Carney assumed office in May 2025.
Congratulating Mr. Carney on his “grand victory” in the election, PM Modi said, “I am sure under your leadership, we will be able to work together in a positive way and take the India-Canada relationship forward.” “I believe that India-Canada relations are extremely important and India and Canada should work together and achieve win-win cooperation in several areas,” PM Modi said in his remarks ahead of the bilateral meeting.
He said Canadian companies have invested in India in a big way, and Indian people have also invested in Canada substantially.
– PTI
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung told Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada that the two nations need to cooperate in a future-oriented manner amid difficulties in the international trade environment, the Yonhap news agency reported.
– Reuters
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi voiced hope on June 16 for improved cooperation with Canada as he met his new counterpart Mark Carney, following a bitter spat over New Delhi’s alleged involvement in an assassination.
Carney’s predecessor, Justin Trudeau, last year publicly accused India of involvement in the assassination of a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil and expelled the Indian ambassador, triggering a furious reciprocal response from India.
PM Modi took a conciliatory tone as he met Mr. Carney at a remote mountain lodge, saying, “The relationship between India and Canada is very important in many ways.”
– AFP
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on June 17 said she had a “very good” phone call with her U.S. counterpart Donald Trump.
In a post on social media platform X, the Mexican leader, who was scheduled to meet with Mr. Trump in person at the G7 summit in Canada before he left early, said the two agreed to work together to reach an agreement on “diverse topics.” The pair had a “good call”, a White House official said.
– Reuters
EU Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen on June 17 said surging energy prices have reduced the urgency to slash the price cap on Russia’s global oil exports.
The European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, had suggested cutting the current oil price cap from $60 to $45 as Moscow drags its feet on a ceasefire in Ukraine.
The measure would have been a major component of a fresh wave of sanctions against Russia planned by the EU, with hopes that the United States would also commit.
The EU had said it would make its case at the G7 summit being held at a wooded resort in Alberta, Canada, but the gathering was overshadowed by the conflict between Israel and Iran that sent U.S. President Donald Trump home early to handle the crisis.
– AFP
The United States blocked a “strong” G7 statement on Ukraine that would have condemned Russia, arguing it wanted to preserve its ability to negotiate, an official from summit host Canada said June 17.
“Basically, no statement because the Americans wanted to water it down,” the official said on condition of anonymity.
– AFP
Canada dropped plans for the Group of Seven to issue a strong statement on the Ukraine war after resistance from the United States, a Canadian official told reporters on the sidelines of the G7 summit on June 17.
The official said the U.S. side wanted to water down the draft statement, and Canada felt this would not be fair to Ukraine, whose President arrived at the summit on June 17.
The language agreed to by the remaining six members of the grouping will be contained in a statement that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is due to issue later in the day, the official said.
– Reuters
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 17 met Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo and thanked her for the support extended by her country to India in its fight against terrorism.
During their meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, PM Modi congratulated Ms. Sheinbaum on her historic electoral victory, making her the first female president of Mexico in two centuries. This was the first meeting between the two leaders.
– PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 17 met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in key areas such as trade and investment, defence and security, green energy and technology.
The two leaders, who met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, also exchanged views on regional and international developments, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
“Prime Minister Modi thanked Chancellor Merz for Germany’s strong solidarity and support to India in the fight against terrorism,” he said.
– PTI
Group of Seven nations gathered for a summit have agreed to six joint statements on subjects such as critical minerals, artificial intelligence and wildfires, host nation Canada said on June 17.
The other topics they agreed statements on were quantum computing, migrant smuggling and transnational repression. Prime Minister Mark Carney is due to issue a separate chair’s statement later.
– Reuters
Aboard Air Force One, U.S. President Donald Trump responded with a swipe that accused French President Emmanuel Macron of showboating.
“Wrong! He is ‘publicity seeking’ and always gets it wrong,” Mr. Trump said. “He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington… Much bigger than that. Stay tuned!”
– AP
Group of Seven leaders, holding talks on June 17 at a summit in Canada, promised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fresh support as Russia stepped up attacks on its neighbour.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who has had a volatile relationship with Zelenskyy, had been due to meet him but left the summit early to return to Washington over the Israel-Iran conflict.
Mr. Zelenskyy arrived at the remote resort venue in the Canadian Rockies after Russia hit Kyiv with one of the worst bombardments since it invaded in February 2022, killing at least 10 people in the capital.
– AFP
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he was returning home after the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada with cautious optimism that the United States would decide in the coming days to impose further sanctions on Russia. “The European Union already has a comprehensive package in place for this,” Mr. Merz said on June 17.
“We discussed various options for further sanctions with the American side once again. I am returning to Germany with cautious optimism that decisions will also be made in America in the coming days to impose further sanctions against Russia,” he added.
– Reuters
French President Emmanuel Macron said on June 17 that Donald Trump had a critical role in restarting diplomacy with Tehran, and said he believed the U.S. leader favours a ceasefire between Iran and Israel.
“I believe we need the United States of America to bring everyone back around the table,” Mr. Macron told reporters at the G7 summit in Canada.
– AFP
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 17 met with the leaders of South Korea, Mexico, South Africa and Australia on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada.
PM Modi has said he would be discussing important global issues and emphasise the priorities of the Global South as he meets world leaders at the G7 Summit. This is PM Modi’s first visit to Canada in a decade.
– PTI
French President Emmanuel Macron on June 17 accused his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, of exploiting the international climate to carry out a deadly attack on Kyiv. “It shows the complete cynicism of President Putin, who is using the international context to step up attacks against civilians,” Mr. Macron told reporters at the Group of Seven summit in Canada.
– AFP
Shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States would not kill Iran’s supreme leader “for now”, while speaking at the ongoing G7 summit in Canada, French President Emmanuel Macron on June 17 warned that any attempt to change the Iranian regime would result in “chaos” as U.S. ally Israel traded fire with its arch foe.
– AFP
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (June 17, 2025) met with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and President of Mexico Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo Obrador on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada.
“Prime Minister Modi, who is there to attend the G7 Summit, held a pull-aside with Lee Jae-myung,” officials said. “He also met with the Mexican president on the sidelines of the summit,” they added.
Earlier, PM Modi had said he would discuss important global issues and emphasise the priorities of the Global South as he meets world leaders at the G7 Summit. This is PM Modi’s first visit to Canada in a decade.
– PTI
France will host the next G7 summit at the Alpine spa resort town of Evian-les-Bains in 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron said on June 17, 2025. Bordering Switzerland on the shores of Lake Geneva, Evian, already hosted the G7 in 2003.
It was also the first time that Russia had been invited to join, although it was kicked out of the group in 2014 after it annexed Crimea from Ukraine.
The leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States and the European Union will meet in the summer of 2026.
– Reuters
India will highlight the priorities of the Global South at the G-7 summit in Canada, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who reached Calgary on Tuesday (June 17, 2025) to participate in the G-7 Outreach Summit. Besides the summit, Mr. Modi is expected to participate in four bilateral meetings with the leaders of Germany, Canada, Ukraine and Italy.
“Will be meeting various leaders at the summit and sharing my thoughts on important global issues. Will also be emphasising the priorities of the Global South,” said Mr. Modi.
Read the full story below
India's Prime Minister Modi to emphasize Global South priorities at G-7 summit, participate in bilateral meetings.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday (June 17, 2025) announced Can$2 billion ($1.47 billion) of military support, including drones and helicopters for Ukraine as he hosted President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a G7 summit.
Mr. Carney vowed “total solidarity with Ukraine” as he also unveiled further sanctions on Russia in an effort to impose “maximum pressure” on President Vladimir Putin over the war.
– AFP
Britain on Tuesday (June 17, 2025) announced further sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine, in what Prime Minister Keir Starmer will describe as part of a coordinated move by the Group of Seven (G7) countries.
Mr. Starmer is expected to set out details of the sanctions later on Tuesday (June 17, 2025) from a G7 summit in Canada.
He will say he wants “to work with all of our G7 partners to squeeze Russia’s energy revenues and reduce the funds they are able to pour into their illegal war,” according to advance excerpts of his remarks released by his office.
– Reuters
Iran accused the Group of Seven nations on Tuesday (June 17, 2025) of siding with Israel in its call for “de-escalation” in their intensifying conflict, now in its fifth day.
“The G7 must give up its one-sided rhetoric and tackle the real source of the escalation – Israel’s aggression,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said.
At a G7 summit in Canada on Monday (June 16, 2025), leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump had called for “de-escalation” of the conflict while stressing Israel had the right to defend itself.
– AFP
The Kremlin today said that it agreed with U.S. President Donald Trump that it had been a mistake to expel Russia from the G8 in 2014, but that the format had lost practical significance for Russia and the G7 looked pretty useless now.
– Reuters
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will today urge the Group of Seven to provide more backing for the war against Russia even after U.S. President Donald Trump left the summit early due to developments in the Middle East.
Zelenskyy is due to meet Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the morning before attending a G7 working breakfast on “A strong and sovereign Ukraine”, accompanied by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
The Ukrainian embassy in Canada said Zelenskyy travel plans had not changed.
– Reuters
U.S. President Donald Trump kicked off his time at the Group of Seven summit by suggesting that Russia and maybe even China should be part of the organisation.
The U.S. leader indicated that he would rather have the G7 become the G8 or possibly even the G9, although Russia and China would notably be authoritarian governments in an organisation whose members are democracies.
Six of the Group of Seven leaders are trying on the final day of their Tuesday to show the wealthy nations’ club still has the clout to shape world events despite the early departure of President Donald Trump.
Prime Minister Mark Carney and his counterparts from the U.K., France, Germany, Italy and Japan will be joined by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO chief Mark Rutte to discuss Russia’s relentless war on its neighbour.
– AP
U.S. President Donald Trump said his early departure from the G7 summit in Canada had “nothing to do” with a possible ceasefire between Israel and Iran, adding that France’s leader had been “wrong” to suggest otherwise.
Read more:
President Trump denies leaving G7 summit early for Israel-Iran ceasefire, criticizes Macron, emphasizes bigger issues at play.
The Group of Seven nations expressed support for Israel in a statement issued late on Monday and labeled its rival Iran as a source of instability in the Middle East, with the G7 leaders urging broader de-escalation of hostilities in the region.
“We affirm that Israel has a right to defend itself. We reiterate our support for the security of Israel,” G7 leaders said in the statement.
“Iran is the principal source of regional instability and terror,” the statement added and said the G7 was “clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.”
Reuters
G7 leaders on Monday called for “de-escalation” in the Middle East starting with the Israel-Iran conflict, as US President Donald Trump hastily left the group’s summit.
Mr. Trump, who was making his return to the international diplomatic calendar, departed the gathering in the Canadian Rockies a day early as ally Israel pounded Iran.
After a day of statements backing diplomacy, Mr. Trump ominously took to social media to sound a warning to people in the Iranian capital, whose population is nearly 10 million.
“Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” he wrote on his Truth Social platform.
AFP
The Group of Seven nations expressed support for Israel and labeled its rival Iran as a source of instability in the Middle East, in a statement issued late on Monday that called for peace and stability in the region.
The air war between Iran and Israel – which began on Friday when Israel attacked Iran with air strikes – has raised alarms in a region that had already been on edge since the start of Israel’s military assault on Gaza in October 2023.
Reuters
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he will discuss important global issues and emphasise the priorities of the Global South as he meets world leaders at the G7 Summit in Canada’s Kananaskis.
Mr. Modi arrived here Monday evening (local time), his first visit to Canada in a decade, with discussions with world leaders to be focussed on crucial global issues, including energy security, technology and innovation.
“Landed in Calgary, Canada, to take part in the G7 Summit. Will be meeting various leaders at the Summit and sharing my thoughts on important global issues. Will also be emphasising the priorities of the Global South,” Mr. Modi said in a post on X Monday evening.
Canadian PM Carney defends inviting Indian PM Modi to G7 summit amid criticism, citing India's economic importance and global influence.
World leaders at the Group of Seven summit in Canada on Monday pushed U.S. President Donald Trump to back away from his punishing trade war, arguing that it poses a risk to global economic stability.
G7 leaders used the meeting to sit down with Trump one-on-one to make their case for the U.S. leader to seal agreements that would eliminate the worse of the U.S. tariff threat.
In official sessions, the leaders also warned Mr. Trump that the tariffs could bring serious harm to the world economy.
“Several participants asked to end the tariff dispute as soon as possible,” a senior German official told reporters on condition of anonymity.
They argued that the dispute weakens the G7’s economies and “in the end will only strengthen China,” the official said.
AFP
President Donald Trump is abruptly leaving the Group of Seven summit, departing a day early Monday (June 16, 2025) as the conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies and the U.S. leader has declared that Tehran should be evacuated “immediately.”
World leaders had gathered in Canada with the specific goal of helping to defuse a series of global pressure points, only to be disrupted by a showdown over Iran’s nuclear program that could escalate in dangerous and uncontrollable ways. Israel launched an aerial bombardment campaign against Iran four days ago.
At the summit, Mr.Trump warned that Tehran needs to curb its nuclear program before it’s “too late.” He said Iranian leaders would “like to talk” but they had already had 60 days to reach an agreement on their nuclear ambitions and failed to do so before the Israeli aerial assault began. “They have to make a deal,” he said.
Asked what it would take for the U.S. to get involved in the conflict militarily, Mr. rump said Monday morning, “I don’t want to talk about that.“
Prime Minister Modi attends G7 Summit in Canada, focusing on global issues like energy security and technology.
Published – June 17, 2025
World / diplomacy / Prime Minister Narendra Modi / Donald Trump / Canada / G7 summit
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The “One Big Beautiful Bill” is an Attack on the Affordable Care Act’s Vision of a Health System that Works for Everyone – Georgetown University
Adam Searing
Joan Alker
For over 100 years, the unfinished business of creating a health care system that covers all Americans has raged on. With President Obama making this a top priority, in 2010 this effort took an unprecedented and giant step forward with passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA’s two main strategies to enable more affordable coverage were to finance and initially require Medicaid expansion to more adults and then create new state-based marketplace programs coupled with tax credits to enable wider purchase of private health coverage. Beyond these two major pillars, additional health insurance reforms extended health coverage to millions of previously uninsured people and more reliable coverage for those who were insured.
The popular provisions include allowing children/young adults to remain on their parent’s health plans through age 26 to finally eliminating the insurer-friendly practice of allowing drastically higher health insurance premiums based on pre-existing health conditions or imposing annual or lifetime caps on benefits. The ACA also put an end to the practice of denying health coverage to pregnant women at a one of the most crucial points in their lives.
In the landmark case Sibelius v. NFIB the Supreme Court upheld the ACA’s overall operation but eliminated the ACA’s mandate that states be required to expand Medicaid for parents and adults under 138 percent of the poverty level — leaving this battle to be fought out state by state. States that expanded Medicaid saw their rates of uninsured residents improve significantly, safety net and rural hospital finances improve, fewer women of childbearing age going without health insurance and more working people finally gain coverage. This state-by-state debate and the higher uninsured rates in non-expansion states made clear that not only were the ACA’s federal tax credits for purchasing private health insurance critical to helping Americans gain coverage but that Medicaid expansion was essential to the realization of President Obama’s and his allies’ vision for universal coverage.
And why did the ACA expand Medicaid as a critical way to help Americans get covered? It makes sense. Children were already covered by Medicaid across all states up to 138 percent of the poverty level, parents were covered at varying levels below poverty, and a handful of states covered all non-elderly adults under poverty through special “Section 1115” waivers. Medicaid expansion made changes enabling all family members to finally be covered together and used existing systems and provider networks designed to cover a lower income population – who face additional barriers to accessing care and a higher burden of disease.
These strategies have paid off. Recent data show that nearly 43 million Americans are covered by either Medicaid expansion plans (21.3 million people) or private plans with tax credits (21.4 million people)– all due to the ACA. Medicaid and tax credits available for private plans play virtually equal roles in lowering the nation’s rate of uninsured Americans.
Over time the Affordable Care Act has survived and prospered — and has become increasingly popular with voters of all political stripes despite numerous attempts to repeal it during its early years. As many remember the image of the late Sen. John McCain’s thumbs down, efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which was at the top of the agenda for President Trump and his allies in Congress in 2017, did not go well.
Which is undoubtedly why candidate Trump gave conflicting statements during the campaign last year about his intentions regarding repealing the ACA this time around. However, the House passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act and President Trump’s support for it underscores that the desire to undermine the ACA remains strong. The bill is squarely focused on rolling back the historic gains of the ACA through a functional repeal of its most important provisions, mainly through its multi-pronged attacks on both the Marketplace and Medicaid.
Our Georgetown colleagues at the Center on Health Insurance Reforms have blogged about the many ways in which the Marketplaces and tax credits are under attack in the reconciliation bill. And Republicans rejected an amendment in the House Ways and Means Committee designed to extend the enhanced premium tax credits, which have been crucial in driving up Marketplace enrollment and uninsured rates down to historic lows. Just released Congressional Budget Office estimates project that 16 million more people will become uninsured in 2034 as a result of the Medicaid cuts, changes to the Marketplaces, and failure to extend the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits.
The reconciliation bill’s attacks on Medicaid are not limited to adults who have gotten coverage under the ACA’s Medicaid expansion. Our colleague Edwin Park’s comprehensive issue brief does an amazing job of running through all the Medicaid provisions in the bill and how they collectively make it much harder for millions of Americans to access affordable health coverage. But make no mistake, the proponents are doing their level best to bring down as much of the ACA’s coverage expansions as they can – without directly repealing the ACA outright thereby exposing them to unmanageable political anger.
Voters of all political stripes do not want to see Medicaid cuts as the President’s own pollster has pointed out. And Medicaid expansion has deep bipartisan appeal. When on state ballots, the question of expanding Medicaid has been passed by voters in multiple red states when voters have their say. And this bipartisan voter support for Medicaid is often despite the opposition of state leaders – a pattern continuing in Florida this year as the state debates Medicaid expansion.
The House-passed budget reconciliation bill also contains numerous provisions to discourage the remaining ten states (largely in the South) that have not expanded Medicaid from finally expanding coverage. This isn’t just a major policy change but a Congressional move of political jiu-jitsu with state Governors and legislative leaders having little room to respond. Leaders in these states will have a hard time explaining to their constituents why residents of neighboring states have better health coverage and more stable health care systems than they do.
Taken together, the provisions in the budget reconciliation bill amount to a backdoor attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act and, if passed, will mean millions of Americans will lose health coverage. The shell of the ACA may be left standing – but the commitment to providing affordable health coverage to every American will have been shattered. Since states (led by Governors) each run their own Medicaid programs, the blame for health coverage loss, red-tape barriers, and cutbacks on care will likely fall more squarely on the shoulders of state leaders rather than on Congress.
Adam Searing is an Associate Professor at the Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy’s Center for Children and Families.
Leonardo Cuello
Leonardo Cuello
Elisabeth Wright Burak
Nancy Kaneb
ccf.georgetown.edu
The Center for Children & Families (CCF) at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University, is a nonpartisan policy and research center with a mission to expand and improve high-quality, affordable health coverage. Founded in 2005, CCF is devoted to improving the health of America’s children and families, particularly those with low and moderate incomes. Contact us
© 2025 Center for Children & Families (CCF) of the Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy
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Boxing Day sales: High Street suffers as shoppers stay home – BBC
Boxing Day shoppers stayed away from the High Street and shopping centres, compared with last year, footfall data suggests.
Data gathered by MRI Software showed footfall on UK high streets was down 6.2% on 2023, while shopping centres saw a 4.2% fall in visitors.
The figures are an early sign that online shopping continues to dominate the traditional Boxing Day sales.
Although many shops still expected to see brisk trade on Thursday, major retailers such as John Lewis, M&S and Next chose not to open the majority of their stores, saying they wanted to give their staff a break over the festive period.
One of those out shopping on Boxing Day, Lorna, was deal-hunting with her mother and sister in Liverpool.
She told BBC News this year is the first time she had decided to head out a bit later, arriving at Liverpool's shopping district at 10:30.
"Me and mum come every Boxing Day. Normally we're up and queuing at 5am, we've been here every year for the past 10 or 15 years but this is the first time we've been late," she said.
Another shopper in Liverpool, Dave, joked that while he would not generally be out shopping on Boxing Day, he had made a deal with his wife.
"I'll go shopping with her and she'll come to the Liverpool match with me," he said.
The data suggests in-store visits are 20.8% below pre-pandemic levels.
Overall Boxing Day activity levels were down 4.9% across all UK retail destinations, compared with 26 December last year.
Analysts have told BBC News that bricks-and-mortar stores are becoming less profitable as they are expensive to keep open due to rising energy costs and, for some, Bank Holiday overtime pay for staff.
Online shops are cheaper to operate and generally have fewer overheads.
MRI Software's Jenni Matthews said a year-on-year rise in footfall is anticipated from 27 December.
But she added that this year's fall in shoppers on Boxing Day was a "major contrast" with 2023, when footfall was 4% higher than the previous year.
"This could be reflective of the shift in consumer behaviour influenced by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis," she said.
Sales volumes in clothing stores recently fell to their lowest level since January 2022, according to ONS figures, with retailers saying economic factors were to blame.
UK retail parks, which often offer free parking and are more suited to bigger shops, fared slightly better, seeing only a 2.9% fall in visits compared with last year.
In many ways Boxing Day is no longer a major shopping event in itself, as it was in the past.
Many retailers begin their sales online on Christmas Eve and brands are also spreading promotions throughout the year, including around Black Friday in November.
"Boxing Day has lost its shine," said Natalie Berg from NBK Retail, who suggested the decision by major retailers to remain closed could help them with recruitment.
She also believes shoppers had "promotion fatigue".
"When you consider that some Black Friday deals began on Halloween this year, which is the earliest I've ever seen, it's no surprise that we're all shopped out by Boxing Day," she said.
Diane Wehrle, analyst at Rendle Intelligence and Insights, said that amongst those who do choose to visit places on Boxing Day, the emphasis has shifted to spending on things to do, rather than things to buy.
She added that shopping habits have been changing for more than a decade as more consumers choose to shop online.
Barclays, which says it sees nearly 40% of the nation's credit and debit card transactions, forecasts that Brits will spend a combined total of £4.6bn on Boxing Day, compared with £4.7bn spent in 2023.
It says it expects the lion's share of spending to be online – similar to 2023, when 63.9% of Boxing Day retail purchases were online, according to the bank's data.
The retailer says the offer is to thank members but a retail analyst says the bar is high to redeem it.
A lack of coordinated action means cities have floundered, according to a property expert.
The discount chain sets out turnaround plans a week after it was bought by a US investment firm.
The two nations have announced a deal to reduce tariffs – here's what you need to know.
An independent bookshop has been providing a community and economic boost to Helston.
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Cudahy family leans into conversations about mental health – Spectrum News
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CUDAHY, Wis. — In the Kuechenmeister family, talking about mental health isn’t frowned upon.
Jason and Lindsay Kuechenmeister have two sons who they said they want to be open about their feelings.
“If you don’t have that open space, that’s where you run into the challenge where they don’t have any other options,” said Jason Kuechenmeister. “The mental health pieces elevate to self-harm or, god forbid, worse than that.”
Their oldest son, Nathan, is adopted. He was born with fetal alcohol syndrome and has other mental health conditions.
Their youngest son, Konnor, has autism and selective mutism. Over the years, they’ve learned how to best support their children.
“The number one thing is all the resources that are available,” said Jason Kuechenmeister. “There’s no guide. There’s no book. There is no process. If I could do over what it would be is really understanding what those services are and it’s not one phone call. It’s not one request.”
They said advocating for their kids is key, whether it’s finding the best health care team, or in their son Konnor’s case, ensuring he can get an IEP (Individualized Education Program) in school.
“We even brought in his therapist to his IEP meeting before the school year started,” said Lindsay Kuechenmeister. “They gave them wonderful information.”
Maggie Altschaefl is a psychologist at Children’s Wisconsin. Altschaefl said if your child is experiencing issues with their mental health, to start first with their primary care provider.
She said it is also important to be compassionate and have a listening ear.
“To model both healthy coping skills and healthy living, but also modeling how we talk about emotions and it’s okay to talk about feelings in this family,” said Altschaefl.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 13% of children and teenagers between the ages of three and 17 are diagnosed with a mental or behavioral health condition.
Both Jason and Lindsay Kuechenmeister have learned that it takes a village. That’s why they lean on each other and support groups.
“You have to feel comfortable to realize that you’re not going to have the answers to it, but you have to be open and most of the time with it is just listen and support and say, ‘I’m here for you’ and be able to work through that,” said Jason Kuechenmeister.
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15 of the best Python courses you can take online for free – mashable.com
TL;DR: A wide range of Python programming courses are available to take for free on Udemy.
We’re naturally suspicious of anything that’s offered for free. We’re always looking out for the catch, which is probably a result of years of deal hunting. We’re so used to “free giveaways” coming with automatic renewals or mailing lists that can leave shoppers feeling trapped.
But every now and then, something comes along without a catch.
It’s possible to learn how to code for free with Udemy. A wide range of Python programming courses are available to take for free on Udemy, with something for total beginners and more advanced users. We have checked out everything on offer and lined up a selection of standout courses to get you started.
These are the best free Python courses you can take this month:
Introduction To Python Programming
Learn Python: Build a Virtual Assistant
Learn Python for Total Beginners
Learn Python from Scratch
Learn Python Programming for Ultimate Beginners
Learn Python 3 From Scratch
Learn the Building Blocks of Python for Absolute Beginners
Python for Absolute Beginners
Python for Beginners
Python from Beginner to Intermediate
Python Intro in 2 Hours
Python OOP: Object Oriented Programming in Python
Python Tutorials for Beginners
The Top 5 Machine Learning Libraries in Python
Try Django 1.11 / Python Web Development
It’s important to note that these free online courses do not include certificates of completion or direct instructor messaging. But you still get unrestricted access to all the video content, so you can learn at your own pace.
Find the best free Python courses on Udemy.
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Joseph Green is the Global Shopping Editor for Mashable. He covers VPNs, headphones, fitness gear, dating sites, streaming, and shopping events like Black Friday and Prime Day.
Joseph is also Executive Editor of Mashable’s sister site, AskMen.
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Israel-Iran live: Trump considering US strike on Iran, officials say – Sky News
Donald Trump is considering a range of options, including a possible US strike on Iran, following a meeting with top national security advisers in the Situation Room. It comes on the fifth day of fighting between Iran and Israel. Follow the latest.
Tuesday 17 June 2025 23:22, UK
Security and defence analyst Michael Clarke and international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn will be answering your questions on the Israel-Iran conflict in a live Q&A tomorrow afternoon.
Submit yours in the box at the top of the page.
Donald Trump has spoken with Benjamin Netanyahu, Axios reports, citing an unidentified Israeli official.
Satellite photographs taken by Maxar show the impact of Israeli airstrikes on Iranian facilities at Tabriz missile base in northwestern Iran.
Moments ago, explosions could be seen lighting up the skies above Tel Aviv, Israel.
Israel’s Iron Dome rockets shot upwards to intercept missiles fired from Iran.
The exiled son of Iran’s deposed monarch has called for an uprising.
Reza Pahlavi told Iranians it was “the time to rise; the time to reclaim Iran” in a post on X.
“The regime’s apparatus of repression is falling apart. All it takes now is a nationwide uprising to put an end to this nightmare once and for all.”
He called on the military and state security forces to stand “with the people” and “play a historic role in the transition from the Islamic Republic” to a democracy.
“The Islamic Republic has reached its end and is in the process of collapsing.
“[Ali] Khamenei, like a frightened rat, has gone into hiding underground and has lost control of the situation.
“What has begun is irreversible.”
The Iranian regime is just “keeping its head above the water” as Israel launches a two-pronged attack on its nuclear facilities and the Iranian state itself, an expert tells The World with Yalda Hakim.
The regime was “shocked by” the attack, losing control of its airspace and seeing its nuclear and military sites hit, says Professor Vali Nasr, a former US state department adviser.
Israel wants to bring about the “collapse of the Iranian state” – not merely regime change, he says.
“[Iran] is also facing a systematic effort by Israel to degrade state institutions and make the state unable to govern.
“So attacking civilian sites, refineries, electrical grid, sending messages to the people of Tehran to evacuate the city, hitting various civilian targets around the city, television stations, ministries, etc. is all designed to overwhelm the state.”
Israel denies it targets civilians, saying it issues evacuation orders before strikes.
“It’s not just decapitating the regime, it is making Iran smaller, weaker,” Nasr continues.
Iranians fear “Syria-fication”, he says, meaning degrading Iran to become a “failed state”.
As for the Iranian regime, they are not ready to surrender, says Nasr.
“Surrender essentially has a high cost politically and also it’s not very clear what is it that the United States is giving in return for the surrender.”
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards says it is attacking Israeli air bases used to strike Iranian territory, according to the Quds News Network.
“These strikes will continue in a sequential, complex, multi-layered and gradual manner,” it says.
Donald Trump is considering a US strike on Iran, according to multiple current and former administration officials.
The president is considering a range of options, including a possible strike, following a meeting with his national security team inside the Situation Room, the officials told our US partner network NBC News.
A senior Houthi official has told Al Jazeera Mubasher TV that the group will support Iran against Israel like they did Gaza.
Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a member of the Houthis’ political bureau, also said the group is coordinating with Tehran during its ongoing military escalation with Israel.
The Houthis have carried out intermittent rocket attacks on Israel since it began attacking Gaza.
On Sunday, the Houthis said they targeted Israel’s Jaffa in coordination with Iran, the first time an Iran-aligned group publicly announced joint cooperation.
By Deborah Haynes, security and defence editor
John Healey, the defence secretary, said a decision to send additional British warplanes and other military assets to the Middle East could be used “to help support our allies”.
Speaking at an army conference in London, he repeated the government position that the UK has so far not been involved in the Israeli attacks on Iran.
“We have not played any part in the Israeli attacks on Iran,” he said.
“We have been consistent in recognising and supporting the right of Israel to self-defence.
“We have been consistent and strong in our determination through diplomacy to avoid Iran getting the nuclear capabilities.
“And the deployment of the Typhoons [warplanes] and other military assets the prime minister has announced are part of the moves to reinforce de-escalation in the region, to reinforce security in the region and may also be used to help support our allies.”
Dominic Waghorn, our international affairs editor, explains why Donald Trump said he’s not working on a ceasefire in the Israel-Iran conflict – and what he might mean when he says he’s aiming for something “much better”.
He also runs through the current state of the fighting after Israel’s surprise attacks on Iran last Friday.
Just watch his two-minute explainer video below to get up to speed…
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Echo and Northern Fitness Announce Strategic Distribution Partnership – Business Wire
Echo and Northern Fitness Announce Strategic Distribution Partnership
New Agreement Expands Availability of Echo’s Health-Enhancing Hydrogen Products in Canada
SALT LAKE CITY & TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Echo, the category leader in hydrogen-based health solutions, has entered into an exclusive distribution partnership with Northern Fitness, one of Canada’s premier fitness retailers. This new collaboration will expand Echo’s reach into the Canadian market, offering consumers access to its innovative hydrogen-based wellness products designed to promote health and vitality.
Echo’s science-backed hydrogen health products—like the Echo Flask and Echo Prebiotic Mix—are now available through top Canadian fitness retailer Northern Fitness.
Northern Fitness will begin distributing Echo’s flagship products, including the Echo Flask, the Echo Pure Whole Home Water Filter, and the Echo Hydrogen Prebiotic Mix Drink, among others. Echo’s products are renowned for their ability to improve hydration, enhance cellular health, and support overall well-being.
“At Northern Fitness, we’re focused on offering products that deliver measurable value to our customers’ health and performance,” said Oleg Gleizerman, CEO of Northern Fitness. “Echo stood out for its proven hydrogen technology and commitment to scientific integrity. This partnership allows us to expand our offerings with cutting-edge tools that support recovery, hydration, and long-term wellness—all priorities for our community.”
The agreement is expected to significantly increase availability of Echo’s products in fitness, wellness, and health-related spaces across the country. Northern Fitness will leverage its strong presence in the fitness community to help Echo’s products reach new customers who are seeking high-quality, sustainable solutions to enhance their physical health and performance.
“Partnering with Northern Fitness is a key step in bringing our hydrogen wellness technology to a broader audience,” said Josh Carr, CEO of Echo. “Their trusted presence in the Canadian market and alignment with our values makes them the ideal partner. Together, we’re making it easier for people to access natural, science-driven tools that enhance vitality and cellular health.”
Backed by over 1,500 peer-reviewed studies, Echo’s products have garnered attention for their proven effectiveness in promoting health through innovative hydrogen solutions. This partnership marks a key milestone in the company’s continued global expansion.
For more information about Echo’s products, please visit https://echowater.com.
About Northern Fitness
Northern Fitness is a leading Canadian retailer specializing in premium fitness equipment and wellness products. Committed to helping individuals lead healthy, active lifestyles, Northern Fitness offers a wide range of products designed to enhance performance, recovery, and overall wellness. With a focus on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Northern Fitness is a trusted name in the Canadian fitness industry. For more information, visit www.northernfitness.ca.
About Echo
Echo is a pioneer in hydrogen health, dedicated to helping people unlock and sustain peak performance by transforming water into a clean source of cellular support. From advanced home water systems to portable wellness solutions, Echo works with the body to promote internal balance, resilience, and consistent energy. Backed by peer-reviewed science, trusted by health experts, and engineered for everyday living, Echo makes hydrogen health accessible, effective, and transformative. For more information, visit www.echowater.com.
Media Contact:
Alex Koritz
KORITZ Communications
801-450-8005
alex.k@echowater.com
Media Contact:
Alex Koritz
KORITZ Communications
801-450-8005
alex.k@echowater.com
Media Contact:
Alex Koritz
KORITZ Communications
801-450-8005
alex.k@echowater.com
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