Heatwave Watch: Italy is keeping all 27 major cities on the highest red heat alert as temperatures push near 40C, with Rome and other hubs facing the worst of it—plus the culture ministry is extending opening hours at major sites like the Colosseum, Pantheon and Sforza Castle to help visitors beat the midday crush. Wildfire Crisis: WWF says extreme wildfires are becoming the “new normal,” with 70,000 hectares already burned in Italy this summer and Europe-wide totals topping 435,000 hectares in 2026, urging prevention over endless suppression. Economy & Industry: ISTAT reports industrial output fell 1.0% in June, a weaker-than-expected result that clouds the outlook for Italy’s slower growth. Energy & Defense Budget: Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti says Italy will use extra EU leeway to spend billions more on green energy and defense over the next three years. Citizenship Rules: Italy has clarified waiting periods and steps for foreign spouses seeking citizenship by marriage, including an ALI portal registration requirement. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani says Iran is negotiating with Oman to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, while stressing freedom of navigation. Security at Fiumicino: Italy’s Council of State orders ADR to replace an Israeli counter-drone consortium at Rome Fiumicino with Italian firm ELT, and sends the file to prosecutors. Sports & Culture: Pope Leo XIV urged young people in Assisi to embrace “Gospel radicalism” and build a world of fraternity. Arts & Food: Italian singer-songwriter Francesco Guccini dies at 86; and Elisabetta Franchi opens a new Dubai boutique.