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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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U.S. Halts $13 Million in Aid for Haiti’s Multinational Security Mission Amid Gang Turmoil

In a significant move that has raised concerns among international partners, the United States has frozen more than $13 million in funding for an international security force tasked with combating armed gangs in Haiti. The decision, part of President Trump’s 90‑day foreign aid pause to review its alignment with an “America First” policy, impacts a $15 million commitment—$1.7 million of which had already been expended.

The multinational mission, supported by a U.N. trust fund that has received over $110 million in contributions (with a substantial share coming from Canada), currently relies on nearly 900 police and troops from countries including Kenya, El Salvador, Jamaica, Guatemala, and Belize. Despite its authorization by the U.N. Security Council, the force has struggled to restore order in Port‑au‑Prince, where powerful gangs, many armed with U.S.-trafficked weapons, control much of the capital and expand their grip on neighboring areas.

Critics argue that this funding freeze not only jeopardizes the mission’s already limited capabilities but also forces Haitian authorities to confront an escalating crisis with fewer resources. The move is seen as part of a broader reexamination of U.S. foreign aid policies—a recalibration that may ultimately reshape international intervention strategies in Haiti.


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