Region of Italy, island in the central Mediterranean
Public Health France has recorded 5,764 excess deaths between 17 June and 2 July during an exceptional June heatwave, the highest heat-related excess mortality since 2003. France recorded 21,674 deaths against 15,910 expected; two-thirds of the excess were people aged 75 and older and more than half occurred between 25–27 June.
Hanson has defended her European tour and controversial views on immigration on CPAC London, while critics label her comments un-Australian and discriminatory. Her London appearance follows interviews with Tommy Robinson and a high-profile trip with Gina Rinehart, drawing domestic political reaction.
Christopher Nolan’s $250m Odyssey redefines the epic by narrowing gods’ roles and intensifying homecoming, using IMAX 70mm to capture vast seas and intimate faces. The film reorders Homer’s three-part form, foregrounding memory, action, and the price of return, with a stark, bleak tone that lingers beyond the credits.
In the Mediterranean, invasive silver-cheeked toadfish have damaged nets and threatened swimmers. Greece has launched a program to cull and dispose of the fish, while authorities warn of their dangerous neurotoxin. Reports span Crete to Athens, with sites in Cyprus following similar measures. Scientists link arrivals to warm seas and the Suez Canal route.
Italy has reframed NATO chief Mark Rutte’s remarks on US flights from Italian bases, saying authorisation covered only technical and logistical support for Epic Fury. Ministers say Italy complied with existing treaties and rejected broad characterisations of Italy’s role, as tensions with the US and the EU grow.
A historic heatwave has swept across Europe, setting temperature records and stressing infrastructure and health systems. Scientists say climate change has doubled the odds of such events, with millions affected as cities grapple with heat-related disruptions and rising energy demand.
The European-led response to Russia's shadow fleet has intensified, with France and Britain intercepting suspected vessels near Sicily as Kyiv reports further strikes on Russian energy infrastructure. Zelensky has authorized a 40-day operation aimed at pressuring Moscow to end the war, while Moscow archives a substantial collection of Ukrainian books.
A Melbourne-based woman has escaped a perilous car incident during a kiteboarding meetup in Lo Stagnone, Sicily, after texting for help and fleeing to safety. The incident follows a trend of travel-related safety concerns for expatriates and adventure tourists.
Pope Leo XIV has visited Lampedusa on 4 July to honor migrants and urge Europe to implement a comprehensive plan to receive, protect and integrate migrants while calling on the United States to uphold immigrant rights on its independence anniversary. He also highlighted the ongoing migrant tragedy in the central Mediterranean, where thousands have died or gone missing this year.
A heavy monsoon has caused floods and landslides across Afghanistan, Bangladesh and neighboring regions. In Nuristan’s Parun, dozens are dead or missing and emergency teams are racing to locate survivors as more rain is forecast.