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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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Canada’s Inflation Rate Falls to 1.7% in April Amid Energy Price Decline, but Core Inflation Persists

Canada’s annual inflation rate eased to 1.7% in April, marking a notable decline from 2.3% in March. The drop was largely driven by lower energy prices, particularly gasoline, which fell 18.1% year-over-year following the removal of the consumer carbon price. However, core inflation measures—which exclude volatile items like energy—continued to rise, reflecting persistent price pressures in other sectors.

Despite the overall slowdown, food prices remained elevated, with fresh vegetables, beef, and coffee among the items seeing price increases. Additionally, travel tour costs surged 6.7%, contributing to inflationary pressures outside the energy sector.

The latest inflation figures come just weeks before the Bank of Canada’s next interest rate decision on June 4, raising questions about whether policymakers will adjust rates in response to the mixed inflation signals. While lower energy costs have provided relief to consumers, the continued rise in core inflation suggests that underlying price pressures remain a concern.


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