Defense & Cyber Overhaul: Italy’s government approved a sweeping defense bill reshaping military intelligence, elevating cyber to a core function, and expanding tools for defense innovation—an effort to modernize security ahead of a crucial election year. Budget Push: Finance minister Giorgetti says Italy will seek extra spending of 0.6% of GDP for green energy and 0.9% for defense, aiming to cut fossil-fuel dependence and move toward NATO’s 5% target. Heatwave Crisis: Italy has issued red heat warnings for all 27 major cities as Europe cooks, with health authorities urging extra protection for vulnerable people. Economy Watch: A services PMI jump to 52.5 in July signals stronger growth and easing cost pressures. Energy Transition: Sonnedix closed a €730m renewables financing package across Italy and other EU countries, while Arera proposes cutting the 2029 battery auction cap by about 40% as battery costs fall. Culture & Film: Palermo Classica names conductor Jin Sol artistic director; and “A Common Story” heads to Venice and Toronto with True Colours taking world sales. Local Human Interest: Italian garbage workers in Puglia recovered a €1m lottery ticket after it was mistakenly thrown away.