NEWS
Ecology in the Legislative Elections Campaigns - Despite growing concern among French citizens about environmental issues, they remain largely invisible in the current legislative election campaign, which focuses more on political manoeuvring than on addressing climate change. This has led to a sharp decline in media coverage of environmental topics, from 4.45% to almost none since early June. Campaigns are short and dominated by political intrigue, leaving little room for discussions on climate action. Political parties mention ecology in their platforms, but the emphasis is often on other issues. Environmental advocates criticize the government and some parties for using ecology as a scapegoat or for downplaying its importance in favour of populist themes.
Combatting voter Abstention - To combat voter abstention, a Côte d’Azur company is offering a bonus to its employees who vote. Courbaisse Transport's head is giving €50 to employees who participate in the legislative elections on June 30th and July 7th in the Alpes-Maritimes. This incentive has motivated employees, some of whom have never voted before, to head to the polling stations for the first time.
New Pool in the Fairmont Hotel - The Fairmont Hotel has inaugurated a second swimming pool in Monaco. Located on the west side of the terrace, this 1.2m deep pool faces the Monte-Carlo Casino. It is accompanied by a new restaurant that replaces the Horizon, as well as a bar, deckchairs, and palm trees. This new addition aims to attract guests who enjoy beach-themed parties. While the bar is open to everyone, the pool is reserved exclusively for hotel guests.
Four Yacht Owners Taken to Court - Owners of four yachts have been taken to court for damaging seaweed while removing their anchors near the coasts of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, in the Alpes-Maritimes. France Nature Environment is seeking financial compensation for the ecological damage caused. Seaweed is crucial for preserving biodiversity in the Mediterranean and is protected by law with designated no-anchoring zones. The estimated damage ranges from €200,000 to €300,000.
Rescued Driver near Cliff in Nice - Firefighters rescued an 87-year-old driver this morning whose car fell 10 meters off the Route de Colomars above Nice. The car was at risk of falling into a 30-meter-deep cliff. Seventeen firefighters were involved in the rescue. The driver suffered only minor injuries and was taken to the Pasteur 2 hospital of Nice.
Tour du Grand Pavois Fire - Authorities have confirmed that the fire on Wednesday on the 30th floor of the Tour du Grand Pavois in Marseille was not caused by a faulty electric meter. While no one was injured, the apartment was completely destroyed. This incident follows another apartment fire on the 27th floor of the Grand Pavois last month, which had injured five people. The investigation is still ongoing.
BUSINESS
Nike expects a surprising 10% drop in quarterly revenue due to growing competition from brands like On and Hoka. This news caused Nike shares to plummet over 12% in after-hours trading, potentially losing $15bn in market value. The company also faces weakening demand in international markets, including China. However, Nike is optimistic about regaining consumer interest with new products and a marketing campaign for the Paris Olympics. On the other hand, analysts believe Nike needs to sell products through wholesalers like Foot Locker, more innovation, and better marketing to compete with trendy upstart brands. Currently, Nike is the top sponsor at the UEFA Euro 2024, sponsoring nine national teams including England, France, and Portugal.
A collection of items once owned by the royal family, including dresses and notes by Princess Diana, have been sold for over £4 million at auction in California. The sale, featuring over 200 items, was the largest collection of Diana's belongings since her 1997 charity auction. Highlights included dresses and gowns made by Victor Edelstein, Murray Arbeid, Catherine Walker valued at total of £1.689 million with proceeds benefiting Muscular Dystrophy UK. Handwritten letters from Diana also featured, including one from 1984 that sold for $44,450 (£35,000). The auction underscored Diana's lasting impact as a beloved cultural figure and style icon.
SPORTS
Formula 1 - McLaren’s Lando Norris says he is searching for perfection in his quest to consistently beat Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in Formula 1. Norris has been a close second behind Verstappen in the last two races in Canada and Spain and feels he and McLaren need to tidy up "just tiny things" to beat the world champion.
Tennis - Britain’s Emma Raducanu, Katie Boulter and Harriet Dart were all beaten in the quarterfinals at Eastbourne. Raducanu was defeated 6-2 6-2 by Russian sixth seed Daria Kasatkina; Boulter lost 6-1 7-6 (7-0) to Italian third seed Jasmine Paolini; and Dart went down 6-2 6-1 in 67 minutes to Canadian Leylah Fernandez.
Emma Raducanu will now face Russian 22nd seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in the first round of Wimbledon, while Andy Murray – if he is fit – will face Czech Tomas Machac.
Athletics - Team GB's newest athletics star Molly Caudery is not mincing her words when it comes to Paris Olympics ambitions. Caudery posted a world-leading height of 4.92m last week - a mark that also broke the British record and was the seventh highest of all time.
TRAFFIC
Traffic will be difficult on the A8 motorway this Friday afternoon in view of an accident that occurred in direction to Italy near Mandelieu. Traffic is on the hard shoulder. Traffic time is already extended by at least 30 minutes. Vinci Autoroutes advise for caution.
WEATHER
Cloudy with occasional sunny spells across the region. Highs of 25 degrees in Nice, 27 in Cannes and Toulon, 28 in Saint-Tropez, and 29 degrees in Marseille.
Tonight, clear skies with lows of 21 degrees.
The outlook for this weekend:
Saturday: Mostly cloudy with highs of 28 degrees.
Sunday: Sunny with highs of 29 degrees.
Monday: cloudy with sunny intervals and highs of 26 degrees.
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