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Europe Scorched by Record Heatwave: France and Italy Take Emergency Measures

As a blistering heatwave tightens its grip on Europe, countries are scrambling to protect citizens from soaring temperatures and mounting health risks. France has shuttered over 1,350 schools  and closed the top floor of the Eiffel Tower as temperatures surged past 40°C (104°F)  in several regions. Sixteen French departments are now under the highest heat alert, with authorities urging people to stay hydrated and indoors during peak hours. Meanwhile, Italy has imposed restrictions on outdoor work , particularly in agriculture and construction, during the hottest parts of the day. Cities like Rome, Milan, and Venice are under red alerts, with hospitals reporting a spike in heat-related illnesses. The Mediterranean Sea has also hit record highs, with waters in Spain’s Balearic Sea reaching 30°C , up to 6 degrees above average. Scientists warn that Europe—already warming at twice the global average —is facing increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change. New ...

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Resilient Workforce: U.S. Jobless Claims Dip to 213,000 Amid Stability

 

The latest data from the U.S. Labor Department shows that initial jobless claims fell by 7,000 to 213,000 for the week ending February 8, outperforming economists’ expectations of 215,000. This decline is a positive indicator of a robust labor market, where layoffs remain historically low, despite ongoing economic uncertainties. 

Complementing this data, January’s employment report revealed an increase of 143,000 nonfarm payroll jobs, with the unemployment rate holding steady at 4.0%. These figures suggest that businesses are largely retaining their workforce, a factor that has enabled the Federal Reserve to pause further interest rate cuts as it assesses economic conditions. 

While some sectors are experiencing isolated job cuts amid persistent inflation and cautious corporate strategies, the overall picture points to a stable and resilient labor market. The sustained strength in job retention continues to support economic expansion, even as policymakers and businesses navigate a complex economic landscape.

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