Evening Update Monday 22nd July 2024

NEWS
Macron Claims France is Ready for Paris 2024 Olympic Games - During a visit to the Olympic Village in Saint-Denis, President Emmanuel Macron declared that France is ready for the Paris 2024 Olympics, set to begin on Friday. He inaugurated a police station and fire station, highlighting the security efforts for the event. Macron emphasized the lasting legacy of the Games on the local area and praised the volunteers for their contributions.

One Suspect for Fatal Fire Arrested in Nice - A man suspected of being one of the three arsonists responsible for the fatal fire that claimed seven lives on Thursday, July 18, in the Moulin district of Nice, was arrested by the Search and Intervention Brigade on Sunday, July 21. Another man had been arrested on Friday, July 19, but he was not one of the three suspects.

EVO 2025 in Nice - Nice will host the Evolution Championship Series (EVO), the world’s largest fighting video game tournament, from October 10-12, 2025. This marks the first time the event will be held in Europe, moving from previous locations like Los Angeles and Tokyo. The announcement follows record participation in EVO 2024, underscoring the growing popularity of e-sports.

Pompiers 13 Rescue Simulation - The Pompiers 13 organized a rescue operation simulation at La Couronne beach to raise awareness about drowning risks. On July 18, lifeguards conducted rescue exercises, including first aid and CPR, demonstrating the importance of beach safety. Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for those under 25 in France, with around 1,000 fatalities annually. The event emphasized vigilance and safety measures for beachgoers.

Safe Kayakers in Marseille - Two kayakers have been found safe at home in Marseille after a search operation. A relative had reported them missing on Sunday afternoon after they left on Saturday evening for the Calanques National Park. The Regional Search and Rescue Operations Centre (CROSS) deployed water resources, a land patrol, and a helicopter. After hours of searching, CROSS received a call stating the kayakers had abandoned their trip due to bad weather and returned home. The search operation has been called off.

Closed Beaches in Marseille - After heavy storms, eight beaches in Marseille have closed due to bacterial pollution. Recent rains caused sewage and runoff to contaminate the sea, posing health risks like gastroenteritis. Daily tests monitor water quality, with results posted online. The beaches will remain closed until conditions improve.

Fish Nurseries in Cannes - The Cannes Mayor David Lisnard will install ten fish nurseries On Wednesday, July 24, at 4 PM, in the Moure Rouge port. These artificial habitats, attached along the docks or under pontoons, protect young fish and crustaceans from predators, helping increase adult populations.

Scratch Game Winner in the Var - A man from Callian, in the Var, won €500,000 by playing a Paris 2024 Olympics-themed scratch game. He initially bought two tickets, breaking even, and then bought a third, which won him the grand prize. The winner plans to use the money for his children and to buy property.


BUSINESS
UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves hinted at possible above-inflation pay rises for public sector workers, following recommendations of a 5.5% increase for teachers and some NHS staff. A decision is expected this month, with assurances that spending rules will be respected. Reeves criticized the previous government for avoiding tough decisions, while her predecessor defended their choices. The estimated £3 billion cost of the pay rises may require increased borrowing, taxes, or spending cuts. Reeves also announced plans to review pensions and unlock investments from pension funds to boost the UK economy.

And - Adidas dropped supermodel Bella Hadid, who is half Palestinian, from an advertising campaign for retro shoes referencing the 1972 Munich Olympics. Israel criticized the choice due to the Munich Games tragedy where 11 Israeli athletes were killed by Palestinian attackers. Adidas apologized and said it would revise the campaign. Hadid has been vocal in supporting Palestinians and donated money to Gaza relief efforts.


SPORTS
Cycling - Tadej Pogacar sealed a sensational Tour de France-Giro d'Italia double by winning the stage 21-time trial into Nice. Meanwhile, Legendary British cyclist Mark Cavendish says this year's Tour de France is likely to have been his last race.

Rugby Union - Jamie Dobie and Kyle Rowe both scored two tries as Scotland beat Chile for the third comprehensive victory of their summer tour.

Golf - Xander Schauffele held off the challenge of Justin Rose to win the 152nd Open Championship at the end of a captivating week at Royal Troon. It is a second major title in three months for 30-year-old Schauffele, who becomes the first player to win The Open and US PGA Championship in the same year since Rory McIlroy in 2014.

Athletics - Matthew Hudson-Smith smashed his European 400m record and Keely Hodgkinson set a national 800m record as Great Britain's Olympic gold medal hopes produced statement performances at the London Diamond League. World silver medallist Hudson-Smith, 29, clocked 43.74 seconds to set the fastest time in the world this year, six days before the Paris 2024 opening ceremony.


WEATHER
Not a cloud in the sky today and a gentle breeze. Highs of 31 degrees in Nice, 32 in Cannes and Marseille, 33 in Toulon and 35 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, clear skies with temperatures dropping to 24 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, much the same with highs of 29 degrees.

 

BEACH WEATHER
Bright and clear today with gentle to moderate winds with gusts of up to 20 km/h near Nice. Highs of 29 degrees in Nice, 32 in Hyères les Palmiers and 35 degrees in Saint-Tropez. The water is nice reaching temperatures of 26 degrees. Finaly, the sun will hit hard today as UV levels are of 9 all across the Riviera. 

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