A large number of French departments, mostly in eastern and central parts of the country, are still on an Orange alert for high temperatures. Meteo France have said that the heat will increase over the weekend and are now saying that peak intensity should be between Tuesday and Wednesday. This weekend, the heat is increasing, especially in the southern half of the country. Temperatures sometimes above 40°C are expected in the south-east from Sunday, including in inland areas of the Var. The Var and the Alpes-Maritimes are on a yellow alert for heat until at least midnight on Saturday night. Meanwhile, the French government has activated a heatwave information service number, which is 0 800 06 66 66.
A case of West Nile virus has reportedly been detected in Antibes. The case is one of three in the PACA region. The virus is spread by a certain variety of mosquito. To avoid mosquito bites the regional health agency recommends keeping covered and using mosquito nets.
The gendarmerie in the Var are appealing for witnesses after an accident in Grimaud last Wednesday evening. They are asking for information about a grey Renault Clio with two people on board which hit a motorcycle at about 6.35pm on the D558. The Gendarmerie said that the registration number is FJ-878-YF. Anyone with information is asked to call 04 98 12 68 80 or dial 17 at any time.
Over a dozen migrants have been found in the back of a truck near Marseille. The discovery was made by the driver who had driven the vehicle from Italy loaded with a cargo of tomatoes.
Two brothers aged 14 and 18 have been arrested after the death of a man in Marseille last week. The man in his seventies was discovered at his home with knife wounds.
President Macron is on the first full day of his summer holiday at Fort Bregancon in the Var. Yesterday evening he attended a ceremony to commemorate the liberation of the village of Bormes-les-Mimosas during which he paid tribute to veterans and members of the French resistance during the Second World War.
BUSINESS
UK Retail sales volumes are estimated to have fallen by 1.2% in July according to the Office for National Statistics. Wet weather hit summer clothing sales. Shoppers switching to online shopping because of poor weather and increased promotions led to 27.4% of retail sales taking place online in July, up from 26.0% in June. It’s the highest proportion since February 2022.
The Aslef union has announced that train drivers at more than a dozen UK rail companies will strike on Friday, 1 September and refuse to work overtime on Saturday, 2 September. It’s the latest industrial action in a long-running pay dispute. The overtime ban will coincide with a strike by other rail workers in the RMT union, in a separate dispute. The RMT also has a strike on Saturday, 26 August.
SPORT
Football… The Women’s World Cup Final between Spain and England is happening on Sunday. Kick-off is at midday French time. Saturday will see the playoff for 3rd and 4th place between Sweden and Australia. Kick off in that match is at 10am French time.
Liverpool have signed midfielder Wataru Endo from Stuttgart for a fee of around 19m euros, subject to a work permit and international clearance.
Chelsea have completed the signing of Belgium midfielder Romeo Lavia from Southampton on a seven-year contract.
Athletics... Alex Yee has completed a double for Britain in the Paris Olympic triathlon test event with victory in the men's race. Beth Potter won the women's race yesterday.
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