French authorities reported 5,764 excess deaths between June 17 and July 2, primarily among those 75 and older, during a heatwave. This comes as southern Europe faces extreme temperatures, with Spain battling massive wildfires and other countries experiencing heat-related issues.
Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy faces accusations of racism for a World Cup newspaper column stating the French national team "does not have any French players." His remarks drew sharp criticism from Spain's current PM Pedro Sánchez and French officials, who defended France's diversity.
France's National Assembly has approved a government-backed plan to increase the military budget by 36 billion euros between 2026 and 2030. The total defense spending for 2024-2030 will rise to 436 billion euros, aiming for 2.5% of GDP, incorporating lessons from conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, particularly in missile stocks and drone technology.
The French national team defeated Iraq 3-0 in a FIFA World Cup group-stage match held in Philadelphia, securing a playoff spot. Kylian Mbappe scored twice and Ousmane Dembele once. The game was briefly halted due to weather.
Kylian Mbappe has broken Olivier Giroud's record for most goals scored for the French national team, netting his 58th goal in his 99th appearance against Senegal. Mbappe, 27, has had a prolific career with both Real Madrid and the national team, including a World Cup win in 2018.
Franco-Iranian author and film director Marjane Satrapi, famous for 'Persepolis', has died at 56. A close circle member stated she died of sadness a year after her husband, Mattias Ripa, passed away. Satrapi was an outspoken critic of Iran's government.
Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau stated around 10 new suspected victims have come forward in France's probe into Jeffrey Epstein's network since February. The investigation is examining potential crimes involving French nationals and reviewing Epstein's files and records.
Steffy Alexandrian, who gained notoriety from a viral video about incest, testified before the French National Assembly's inquiry commission on the judicial handling of parental incest. Her testimony highlighted key dates related to her family's tragedy.
British cricketer Jamie Spence, 28, died in a car crash in New Zealand alongside French national Raphael Jean-Gabriel Roellinger. Jamie’s club, Hull Strikers, paid tribute to his “energetic” and “passionate” personality, saying his spirit brought life to the team. Days later, the club played with 10 men and dedicated a seven-run victory to him, calling Jamie “one of the biggest supporters” of the club and “Forever a Striker”.
A rare 11th-century royal seal belonging to Edward the Confessor has been rediscovered in the French National Archives in Paris after being missing for over 40 years. The beeswax seal, dating to the 1050s and originally attached to a document from the Abbey of Saint-Denis, is the only complete example of its design from before the Norman Conquest. Dr Guilhem Dorandeu of the University of Exeter found the artefact while examining medieval documents, calling it a 'career-defining moment.' The seal depicts Edward on a throne with Byzantine-inspired symbols, revealing that complex administrative practices credited to the Normans were already developed during his reign.
According to the ministry, "the security situation remains extremely destabilized following the attacks carried out on April 25 in several locations across the country, including Bamako"
