Evening Update Friday 23rd August 2024

NEWS
Var Baker on Humanitarian Mission in Ukraine - Loïc Nervi, a baker from Lorgues in the Var, is heading to Ukraine to bake and distribute bread for the local population, particularly refugees affected by the war. This marks his fourth humanitarian trip to the country, where he will travel over 3,200 km and produce about 500 loaves of bread daily from his specially equipped truck. His efforts aim to bring some comfort to those affected by the conflict.

World-Record Attempt: Swimming from Corsica to Monaco - Noam Yaron, a 27-year-old Swiss swimmer, plans to swim over 180 km from Corsica to Monaco, spending three days and nights continuously in the water. This world-record attempt, starting on August 23, aims to raise awareness about environmental issues threatening the Mediterranean Sea, such as overfishing and plastic pollution. He hopes to inspire action through an interactive platform where supporters can symbolically protect marine species by purchasing square meters of the ocean.

Yellow Thunderstorm Alert - This weekend, a large part of France will experience stormy weather, with many areas under yellow alert. However, the Alpes-Maritimes region will be mostly spared, enjoying sunny weather on Saturday and some clouds with rising temperatures and light winds on Sunday.

Drought Crisis in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence - The Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region has been placed under "crisis" or "reinforced alert" due to severe drought, with significant drops in river flow. Strict water usage restrictions have been imposed, including bans on watering lawns and gardens. The situation highlights the growing need for careful water management as droughts become more frequent in the region.

Endangered Tortoises in the Var - Hermann's tortoises, the only land tortoises in France, are endangered, especially in the Var region where summer wildfires kill many each year. Scientists and veterinarians work year-round to protect and treat injured tortoises, with a focus on ensuring the species' survival. Despite efforts, recent fires have devastated their population, highlighting the urgency of conservation efforts.

Speeding - A driver has been caught speeding at 176 km/h on August 21 on the A8 motorway near Mandelieu. The vehicle was impounded, and five driving licenses were confiscated. The operation highlighted the authorities' commitment to combating reckless driving.

Rewarded Excellent Students in Cannes - Cannes' mayor David Lisnard has awarded the "Jacqueline de Romilly Excellence in Education Prize" On August 22 to 37 high-achieving students from the 2024 class. This municipal scholarship, up to €3,000, is given to students who excelled in their high school exams and enrolled in prestigious academic programs. The initiative aims to reward academic merit and encourage continued educational success.

Graffiti on Local Heritage Site - A hiker has discovered graffiti on the rocks of the Dentelles de Montmirail in Gigondas, Vaucluse. The mayor, outraged by the disrespect shown to this local heritage site, has filed a complaint. The municipality plans to remove the graffiti, though it will be challenging due to its height.

Drugs Seized - In two police operations on August 20 and 21, 2024, authorities seized 55 kilos of cannabis and 1 kilo of cocaine, arresting seven suspects involved in drug trafficking in northern Marseille. The first operation targeted a supplier in the Campagne-Lévêque area, while the second found drugs in an apartment in the 14th arrondissement. 

12th Drowning This Summer - A 20-year-old woman drowned in Cannes on Friday afternoon, marking the 12th fatal drowning of the summer on the Côte d'Azur. Despite rescue efforts by firefighters, she could not be revived after being pulled from the water near the restaurant Le Bénitier. 


BUSINESS
Starbucks' new CEO, Brian Niccol, faces criticism for commuting nearly 1,000 miles by private jet from his California home to the Seattle headquarters, which contrasts with the company's environmental stance. Despite being allowed to work remotely part-time, Niccol's use of a corporate jet has sparked backlash over its environmental impact and perceived double standards. Starbucks defends the arrangement, emphasizing his leadership credentials and linking his compensation to company performance.

Canada's government intervened to end a rail strike by sending both sides to a binding arbitration, ensuring operations resume quickly to avoid supply chain disruptions. The strike involved nearly 9,300 workers from Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Kansas City, with disputes primarily focused on worker safety. The government prioritized maintaining the flow of essential goods across North America.

And - American singer Troi Irons has won a £20,000 payout after a UK music company, 3tone Music, failed to pay his agreed wages. Despite being promised £30,000 a year as an artist and engineer, Irons was left pleading for dinner money and was eventually evicted from his company-provided flat. An employment tribunal ruled in his favour, acknowledging him as an employee and awarding him compensation for unpaid wages and other entitlements.


SPORTS
Tennis - It's a rare summer where Andy Murray is not in a New York state of mind - but this is it. Twenty years after announcing himself to the world with a US Open boys' title, Murray is beginning his retirement properly with a family break in Spain.

Golf - American Keegan Bradley held a one-shot lead after shooting a six-under 66 during a thunderstorm-hit first round at the BMW Championship. Bradley, 38, was one of eight players left on the course at Castle Pines, near Denver, when thunderstorms delayed play for three hours.

Athletics - Jakob Ingebrigtsen blew away 1500m men's Olympic champion Cole Hocker with a dominant performance at the Diamond League meeting in Lausanne.


WEATHER
Very sunny today with