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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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Trump's Gulf Tour: Seeking Economic Deals Amid Regional Tensions

U.S. President Donald Trump has arrived in Saudi Arabia, kicking off a high-stakes tour of the Gulf region focused on securing major economic agreements. His itinerary includes stops in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, but notably excludes Israel, signaling a shift in diplomatic priorities.

Trump's visit comes at a time of geopolitical uncertainty, with ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, as well as concerns over Iran's nuclear ambitions. However, the primary focus of his trip is economic cooperation, with expectations of multi-billion-dollar investment deals between the U.S. and Gulf nations. Saudi Arabia has already pledged $600 billion in investments in the U.S., with Trump reportedly seeking to increase that figure to $1 trillion.

Accompanied by top American business leaders, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Trump is set to participate in the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum in Riyadh before heading to Qatar and the UAE. His administration is also expected to finalize a significant arms package for Saudi Arabia, further strengthening defense ties between the two nations.

Despite his previous efforts to broker normalization agreements between Israel and Arab states, Trump's current tour appears to sidestep direct engagement with Israeli leadership. Analysts suggest that ongoing tensions in Gaza and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's stance on Palestinian statehood may have influenced this decision.

As Trump continues his Gulf tour, the world watches closely to see how his economic and diplomatic strategies will shape U.S. relations in the region.

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