Behind-the-scenes drama at G7 summit as Trump claims all is well

Fears of a global recession and other troubling issues awaited President Donald Trump and fellow leaders of the world’s most industrialized economies over the weekend at the annual G-7 summit. Trump denied reports Sunday of tension among world leaders at the summit in Biarritz, France, insisting that he was having “good meetings” and that everyone was getting along well. But behind the scenes, there were signs of discord. Here are a few key developments: 

• Trump may have regrets over his trade war with China. At a meeting Sunday with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, a reporter asked Trump if he had second thoughts about how the trade conflict with China has escalated. “I have second thoughts about everything,” Trump said. The White House later tried to clarify Trump’s comments, suggesting he regrets not placing higher tariffs on Chinese goods.
• The U.S. and Japan agreed on a new trade deal that calls for Japan to buy U.S. surplus corn, Trump said Sunday. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said the deal will open up markets to $7 billion in other products.
• A top Iranian official arrived unexpectedly at the G-7 summit Sunday, a move that seemed likely to highlight U.S. isolation on its handling of Tehran. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman said Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had landed in France, but specifically mentioned he wouldn’t be meeting with Trump or other U.S. officials. The office of French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed Zarif left Biarritz after a five-hour visit.

Colts QB Andrew Luck abruptly retires from NFL

Andrew Luck stunned the sports world by abruptly announcing his retirement from the NFL on Saturday. The former Colts quarterback, who is just 29, said in a press conference that he felt “exhausted” as he dealt with the “cycle of injury, pain, rehab.” Despite his contributions to Indianapolis, the fans still booed him as he walked off the field Saturday night. It’s another example of fans just not getting it, columnist Mike Jones writes, as Luck showed courage to control his own life. By retiring, Luck is giving up $58.125 million left on his contract. What’s next for the Colts? Meet their likely starting QB.  

Joe Walsh to run against Trump in the GOP primary

Former Illinois Rep. Joe Walsh announced Sunday that he will run against President Donald Trump in the Republican primary for president. The former tea party congressman and current conservative radio host said on ABC’s “This Week with George Stephanopoulos” that he’s running because Trump is “unfit” and “somebody needs to step up.” Walsh, who has used racist slurs and promoted the “birther” conspiracy about former President Barack Obama, also apologized for past comments. “I helped create Trump, there’s no doubt about that,” said Walsh, who has become an outspoken critic of Trump and his relationship with Russia. Walsh joins former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld in the Republican primary against the president. 

Real quick

• Amazon rainforest fires are destroying thousands of acres annually, putting the world’s environment at greater risk.
• A hurricane could result from a growing tropical storm as Dorian reaches the Caribbean.
• A NASA astronaut is accused of accessing her estranged wife’s bank account. It’s the first alleged crime in space.
• Taylor Swift braces for worst-case scenarios: “I’ve had a lot of stalkers.”
• Doubling down on racist comments, a Michigan city council candidate said she opposes interracial marriage.
• A newlywed couple was killed in a car crash moments after their Texas wedding.

Star Wars, Marvel and more: Disney stuns at D23

Throughout Disney’s three-day biennial expo, D23, fans were transported between epic-space battles, the Marvel Cinematic Universe and childhood nostalgia. Disney not only showed special footage of “Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker,” but revealed that the saga is far from over. Disney’s new streaming service, Disney+, premiered the trailer “The Mandalorian,” along with announcing a new series featuring Obi-Wan Kenobi. More shows were announced too, including a series about about a Muslim Pakistani student joining the Marvel Universe called “Ms. Marvel,” the mercenary-led “Moon Knight” and the show about a woman hulk aptly named “She-Hulk.” Hillary Duff is making her return to Disney as Lizzie McGuire, this time as a 30-year-old millennial navigating New York City. Disney also revealed the first look of Emma Stone as Cruella de Vil, the villain from the animated 1961 film “101 Dalmations.”  

This is a compilation of stories from across the USA TODAY Network. Contributing: Associated Press.