**Summary:** A severe, long-lasting heatwave driven by hot air from the Sahara is impacting Western and Central Europe, with record-breaking temperatures exceeding 40C in several regions.

**Key points:**
- France has issued its highest-level red heat alert, resulting in school closures and the cancellation of some train services.
- The UK Met Office issued rare red warnings for extreme heat in parts of England and Wales, with temperatures expected to reach 40C.
- Authorities in Italy have placed 12 cities under red alert, while Spain reports temperatures significantly above seasonal averages.
- The heatwave has been linked to multiple fatalities, including drowning incidents and the death of two children in a hot car in France.

**Why it matters:** The extreme heatwave poses significant risks to public health and infrastructure, with scientists noting that such events are becoming more frequent and intense due to global warming.

MyJoyOnline - Red heat alerts issued in France, Italy and Spain as 40C temperatures forecast

Honolulu Star-Advertiser - Europe heat wave kills 18 in France as temps shatter records

dissexpress.co.uk - Dozens of schools to close amid impending rare red warnings for extreme heat

North Wales Pioneer - Rare red warnings issued over ‘severe and significant’ impacts of extreme heat

Severe Heatwave Triggers Red Alerts Across Western and Central Europe

**Summary:** Canada's Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson has unveiled a national nuclear strategy aiming to construct up to 10 large-scale reactors over the next 15 years to double the country's electricity grid capacity.

**Key points:**
- The plan includes a commitment to modernize Candu reactor technology and aims to enter at least four new international markets by 2040.
- Officials estimate the construction of the new reactors could cost more than $100 billion, though the strategy does not specify funding sources.
- The government intends to double uranium exports between 2024 and 2035 and explore domestic uranium enrichment capabilities.
- The strategy targets the deployment of a Canadian-made microreactor to a remote community by the late 2030s.

**Why it matters:** The strategy aims to establish nuclear energy as a central pillar of Canada's low-carbon economy and as a geopolitical tool for strengthening international partnerships.

CBC News - Energy minister plans 'nuclear renaissance' with up to 10 reactors built by 2040

Financial Post - AtkinsRealis gains on Canada’s expanded nuclear strategy

Brandon Sun - Canada looks to build up to 10 new nuclear reactors , sell more Candu reactors abroad

Canada Announces New National Nuclear Strategy to Build 10 Reactors by 2040

**Summary:** A severe heatwave across France and Belgium has led to widespread school closures and increased pressure on emergency medical services as temperatures reach record highs.

**Key points:**
- In France, the government faces criticism for prioritizing crisis management over long-term climate adaptation strategies.
- Belgian schools are struggling with infrastructure not designed for extreme heat, leading some municipalities to suspend afternoon classes.
- French health authorities report a 20% to 40% increase in emergency calls, with officials anticipating a surge in hospital admissions for vulnerable populations.
- Architects and educators in Belgium highlight that many school buildings, including temporary containers, lack adequate insulation and ventilation.

**Why it matters:** The event highlights the growing challenge of climate adaptation for public infrastructure and the strain extreme weather events place on essential social services.

sudouest.fr - Canicule : les hôpitaux se préparent à une hausse des admissions

nouvelobs.com - Le gouvernement accusé de ne pas en faire assez face à la canicule

lalibre.be - Avec la canicule, les écoles se transforment en saunas

lalibre.be - ”Nos écoles n’ont pas été conçues pour résister aux fortes chaleurs”

Heatwave Triggers School Closures and Health Concerns in France and Belgium

**Summary:** On June 22, 2026, Russian regions faced widespread aerial attacks, resulting in casualties and infrastructure damage. Voronezh and Gorlovka reported deaths and injuries, while Moscow faced a large-scale drone assault.

**Key points:**
- A missile attack in Voronezh killed five people and damaged 16 residential buildings and approximately 50 vehicles.
- A drone strike on a civilian bus in Gorlovka, located in the Donetsk People's Republic, injured 14 people.
- Moscow authorities reported the interception of 84 drones, causing temporary flight disruptions at major airports.
- The Dubninsky satellite communications center in the Moscow region sustained damage from a drone strike, though operations were not interrupted.

**Why it matters:** The coordinated aerial strikes represent a significant escalation in security threats against Russian civilian and critical infrastructure, impacting both regional safety and national transportation networks.

interfax.ru - Воронежские власти сообщили о пяти погибших при ракетной атаке в Воронеже

interfax.ru - В Горловке от удара беспилотника по автобусу пострадали 14 человек

161.ru - Московскую область массово атаковали ВСУ

Russian Cities and Infrastructure Targeted in Mass Drone and Missile Attacks

**Summary:** The United States Department of the Treasury has issued a 60-day license allowing the production and sale of Iranian oil as part of ongoing diplomatic negotiations in Switzerland.

**Key points:**
- The temporary authorization, effective until August 21, 2026, is linked to Iran's commitment to ensure free transit in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran has agreed to permit inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (OIEA) as part of the framework.
- US Vice President J.D. Vance noted that the administration may consider unfreezing Iranian assets for the purchase of US agricultural goods.
- Mediators from Pakistan and Qatar reported that the initial peace summit sessions in Burgenstock have been productive.

**Why it matters:** This development marks a significant shift in US-Iran relations, potentially easing regional tensions and global energy supply constraints through a framework of mutual concessions.

AlMomento.net - EU autoriza venta de petróleo iraní durante dos meses

El Popular - Departamento del Tesoro estadounidense levantó «provisionalmente» las sanciones contra Irán

La Tercera - Estados Unidos autoriza la venta de petróleo iraní durante dos meses ante el avance de las negociaciones

US Authorizes Temporary Iranian Oil Sales Amid Diplomatic Progress

**Summary:** Alan Greenspan, who served as the chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve for nearly two decades, has died at the age of 100 due to complications from Parkinson's disease.

**Key points:**
- Greenspan led the U.S. central bank from 1987 until his retirement in 2006, serving under four U.S. presidents.
- He was widely credited for guiding a record-long U.S. economic expansion during the 1990s.
- His legacy faced significant criticism following the 2007-2008 financial crisis, with reports citing his support for financial deregulation as a contributing factor.
- The 2011 Congressional Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission identified his failure to curb subprime mortgage lending as a partial cause of the global economic downturn.

**Why it matters:** As a long-serving central banker, Alan Greenspan was a defining figure in modern global finance whose policies shaped the U.S. economy for nearly twenty years.

newsfeed.zeit.de - Früherer US-Notenbankchef Alan Greenspan mit 100 Jahren gestorben

financialpost.com - Alan Greenspan Dies at 100; Led Fed During Boom Before 2008 Bust

eldiario.es - Alan Greenspan, expresidente de la Reserva Federal, muere a los 100 años

df.cl - Alan Greenspan, el economista y por largo tiempo presidente de la Fed, fallece a los 100 años de edad

Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan Dies at 100

**Summary:** The Spanish Supreme Court has sentenced former Minister of Transport José Luis Ábalos to 24 years and three months in prison for his role in a corruption scheme involving pandemic-era mask procurement.

**Key points:**
- Former ministerial advisor Koldo García received a 19-year, eight-month prison sentence for his involvement in the organization.
- Businessman Víctor de Aldama was sentenced to four years and six months, though his prison entry is suspended pending conditions including community service.
- The court found the defendants guilty of crimes including organization of a criminal group, bribery, embezzlement, and influence peddling.
- The ruling identified a scheme involving monthly payments of 10,000 euros to cover the former minister's personal expenses.
- The court warned that these actions caused a significant deterioration of public trust in the political system.

**Why it matters:** The sentencing marks a major judicial outcome in a high-profile corruption case involving a former senior government official and his inner circle, impacting the political landscape of Spain.

elcorreo.com - El Supremo condena a Ábalos a 24 años y a Koldo a otros 19 en el primer juicio por corrupción de la era Sánchez

huffingtonpost.es - Ayuso arremete contra Sánchez tras conocer la sentencia del Supremo a Ábalos y pide elecciones: "¿No es suficiente?"

diariodeburgos.es - El TS condena a Ábalos a 24 años de cárcel y a 19 a Koldo

Spanish Supreme Court Sentences Former Minister José Luis Ábalos to Over 24 Years in Prison

**Summary:** United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as both head of government and leader of the Labour Party. He stated he will remain in office until a successor is chosen to ensure an orderly transition of power.

**Key points:**
- Keir Starmer confirmed he informed King Charles III of his decision to step down.
- The Labour Party's National Executive Committee will oversee the leadership election process, with nominations opening on July 9.
- The party aims to elect a new leader before the UK Parliament resumes its session in September.
- Starmer cited the need to prioritize the country's interests as the primary motivation for his departure.

**Why it matters:** The resignation of the UK Prime Minister triggers a leadership contest within the governing Labour Party, creating a significant shift in the country's political landscape.

pravda.com.ua - Прем’єр Британії Стармер оголосив про відставку

dariknews.bg - Британският премиер Киър Стармър подаде оставка

actualno.com - Премиерът на Великобритания хвърли оставка

dnes.dir.bg - Стармър обяви, че подава оставка като премиер и лидер на лейбъристите

rss.unian.net - Премьер-министр Великобритании Стармер объявил об отставке

tengrinews.kz - Стармер объявил об отставке с поста премьера Великобритании

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Announces Resignation