NEWS
Orange Heatwave Alert Stops Tomorrow - Météo-France has placed 40 départements under an orange heatwave alert as temperatures continue to rise. On Monday, the heat intensifies, with highs reaching around 30°C across the country, and even higher in the areas under alert. The heatwave is expected to subside by Tuesday morning.
Beloved Fish Shop Closes in Aix - The Poissonnerie de la Rue Chabrier is closing after decades due to high rent and costs in Aix-en-Provence. The 70-year-old owner, Laurent Quaranta, is retiring, leaving long-time employees and customers saddened by the loss of this beloved neighbourhood shop. The closure reflects the broader decline of traditional businesses in the city centre, with residents lamenting the loss of the area's unique character.
Road Accident - A road accident has occurred on Sunday, August 11, after a motorist lost control of her bike in Malaucène in the Vaucluse department. The 41-year driver has fractured her shin and had to be airlifted to the Orange hospital. Her passenger was taken to Vaison-la-Romaine hospital with a minor knee injury.
Man Shot in Avignon - A 35-year-old man has been gravely injured on Sunday night after being shot in Avignon. This attempted settling of accounts could be linked to drug trafficking. The victim is known to the police, particularly for drug-related offences. An investigation has been opened.
Drowning - A 35-year-old man drowned on Sunday afternoon in a lake where swimming is prohibited in Cabannes, Bouches-du-Rhône. Despite rapid emergency response, he could not be revived. The incident is believed to be an accident. The lake, popular with walkers and fishermen, is fenced and monitored by video surveillance, with strict bans on swimming and boating.
Pollution Leads to Beach Closures - Pollution from hydrocarbons and weather-related marine pollution have caused beach closures in Cagnes-sur-Mer, Cavalaire, and La Croix-Valmer. Locals and environmental advocates fear long-term damage to the Mediterranean Sea. Authorities suspect illegal boat discharges and are calling for stricter enforcement.
Three cases of West Nile virus infection have been confirmed in the Var region, affecting residents in Ollioules, Six-Fours-les-Plages, and La Seyne-sur-Mer. The virus, transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, also infected a horse in Six-Fours-les-Plages. Health authorities have launched investigations and implemented preventive measures, including monitoring mosquito breeding sites and securing blood and organ donations. Most infected individuals show no symptoms, but precautions against mosquito bites are recommended.
The ozone pollution alert in the Alpes-Maritimes has been lifted for Tuesday, August 13th, after two days of high pollution levels. Emergency measures were taken to reduce pollutant emissions, and a southern wind has helped clear the air. The alert advised against intense outdoor activities during peak sunlight hours.
A strike will disrupt train services between Nice and Tende on Tuesday, August 13, due to a staff walkout affecting train circulation. Only one train is scheduled each way, with full schedules available Monday evening. The strike adds to existing concerns, as upcoming rail works will completely halt services for 16 months starting September 2.
BUSINESS
Thousands of people have protested in Belgrade against the revival of a lithium mining project, fearing environmental destruction in Serbia's Jadar Valley. Despite a 2022 ban, the project was restarted, sparking concerns over public health and land contamination. Activists demand a permanent ban on lithium mining, while the government insists on strict safety protocols.
Unrest in England and Northern Ireland has sparked criticism of big tech companies for their silence on the role of social media in fuelling the violence. Despite growing public concern and government scrutiny, most tech firms, including Meta, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter), have remained silent. Critics argue that these companies prioritize profits over public safety, with calls for stronger regulation under the upcoming Online Safety Act.
And - Susan Wojcicki, former YouTube CEO and one of Google's earliest employees, has died at 56 after a two-year battle with lung cancer. A key figure in Google's history, she led YouTube for nine years before stepping down in 2023 to focus on her health and family.
SPORTS
The Olympic games have ended yesterday. The US top the medal table for the fourth time in a row with 40 gold medals, China came second with 40 gold medals, Japan came 3rd with 20 gold medals, Australia in fourth with 18, France in 5th with 16 and Great Britain in 7th with 14. In total, the US have won 126 medals, China 91, Great Britain 65 and France 64.
With the sporting action now finished at the Olympics in Paris, the famous five-ringed flag is being handed on to the 2028 host city, Los Angeles. Fellow Americans had concerns Los Angeles would not be able to match France's impressive public transport network. The Los Angeles Olympics opening ceremony will take place on 14 July 2028, with the closing ceremony just over two weeks later, on 30 July.
The Paralympic opening ceremony will be on 15 August, and the closing event will be on 27 August. In all, more than 50 Olympic and Paralympic sports will be contested across more than 800 events.
Football - Arsenal's Bukayo Saka and Chelsea's Cole Palmer have been nominated for the Professional Footballers' Association men's young player of the year award - with Blues playmaker Lauren James and Manchester City's Khiara Keating contenders for the women's honour.
Rugby Union - Veteran hooker Agustin Creevy scored the decisive try as Argentina stunned New Zealand in Wellington as the All Blacks began their Rugby Championship title defence with a shock defeat.
WEATHER
An orange heatwave alert is ongoing at the moment; temperatures will peak across France and should go down by tomorrow morning.
Bright and clear this afternoon with risks of thunderstorms inland this evening. Highs of 30 degrees in Marseille, 34 degrees in Nice and Toulon, 35 in Cannes, and 36 degrees in Saint-Tropez. temperatures will peak at 38 degrees in the var with a gentle breeze across the region.
Tonight, clear skies with lows of 27 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, clear morning with risks of thunderstorm inland throughout the afternoon with highs of 31 degrees and a gentle breeze.
BEACH WEATHER
Sea temperature: 29 degrees
UV levels 8.
Air temperature 36 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
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