NEWS
Emmanuel Macron on Holiday in the Var - French President Emmanuel Macron has begun his summer break at the Fort de Brégançon in the Var. He will stay there intermittently to follow the Paris Olympics. The Var Prefect has banned all demonstrations in Bormes-les-Mimosas from July 28 to August 16. Macron will attend the Games’ closing ceremony in Paris on August 11. This break comes amidst the unresolved political crisis following the dissolution of the National Assembly and the inconclusive early legislative elections. Despite Macron's call for a "truce" during the Olympics, the left continues to push for their candidate, Lucie Castets, to be appointed as Prime Minister.
Orange Heatwave Alert - Meteo France has issued an orange heatwave alert starting Monday, July 29 for Vaucluse. Temperatures are expected to reach 38°C during the day and 24°C at night, with 'tropical weather' conditions persisting until the end of the week.
Fruit Company Owner Shoots Thieves - A fruit company owner has opened fire on three individuals attempting to steal merchandise early Saturday morning in Montreux, Vaucluse. The 40-year-old owner shot one person in the foot. One thief has been hospitalized for his injuries, another is under psychiatric care, and the third has been arrested.
Wacth Theft Continues in Cannes - Watch theft continues on the Cote-D’Azur. A man stole a Patek Phillip watch worth 300.000 Euros from tourists on Sunday night in Cannes. The thief then fled on an electric scooter.
Aggravated Violence Against a Public Official - A young man has been charged with injuring two policemen during a drug deal on July 24 in Carpentras. He reversed into them with his car, injuring their legs, then burned the vehicle. Arrested at home the next day, he faces charges of "aggravated violence against a public official" and is in custody. The officers received 5 and 8 days of total incapacity to work.
Forever Chemicals in Water Bodies of Alpes-Maritimes - High levels of PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in two water bodies in the Alpes-Maritimes: the Escures stream and La Siagne river. These chemicals are potentially harmful, but current data suggests the water is not used for drinking. Investigations are ongoing to identify pollution sources and mitigate the impact.
Fireworms in the Mediterranean - Fireworms, which can cause burns and irritation, are increasingly spotted on the coasts of the French Riviera. These 50cm-long creatures can regenerate, making them impossible to kill if cut in half. Their proliferation is linked to climate change, with Mediterranean temperatures rising by 1.2 degrees in 40 years. Fishermen are upset as fireworms consume most fish they encounter.
BUSINESS
Banque Havilland (Monaco) SAM has announced that its parent company has entered on 25 July 2024 into exclusive negotiations with a private bank well established in Monaco, for the acquisition of its shares. It said that the purpose of this negotiation is to secure a long-term and sustainable solution to ensure the continuity and excellence of its banking services. Without disclosing the name of the counterpart, the Management of the Bank stated that the “the transaction, with an independent private bank with one of the highest solvency ratios in the industry with excellent track record in Monaco, would be perfectly in line with the Bank's development strategy. The parties will continue their collaboration with a signing expected by the end of 2024. This transaction is subject to approval by relevant regulatory authorities.
Venezuela's struggling economy has become an issue in the upcoming presidential election. President Nicolás Maduro claims success in reducing hyperinflation, now at 50% annually, but critics argue his policies haven't addressed core economic problems, especially the reliance on oil. His opponent, Edmundo González, promises economic revival and the end of US sanctions. Despite slight improvements, the country faces severe challenges, including massive foreign debt and deep social inequalities. The election's outcome will significantly impact Venezuela's future economic stability.
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is in Beijing to "relaunch" relations with China, marking her first visit since taking office. She met Chinese Premier Li Qiang and signed a three-year plan to boost economic cooperation. This visit follows Italy's withdrawal from China's Belt and Road Initiative, which Rome said did not benefit the country. The new agreements focus on electric vehicles, renewable energy, and cooperation between small and medium-sized enterprises in shipbuilding, aerospace, and artificial intelligence.
And - The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has rejected the Alzheimer’s drug lecanemab due to serious side effects like brain swelling and bleeding. The UK's MHRA is still reviewing the drug. Though it slows cognitive decline by 25% in early Alzheimer's and is approved in the US, it costs £20,000 annually per patient. Researchers see it as a breakthrough but stress the need for safer treatments. The Alzheimer’s Society acknowledges the EMA's decision but highlights ongoing research and future treatment options.
OLYMPICS 2024
For the Paris 2024 games, The rain that was falling on day one and causing the road cyclists to slip and slide all over the place feels like a long time ago, as today looks set to be an absolute scorcher in Paris.
Meanwhile, pollution in the River Seine continues to impact the open water swimming events, with Monday's swimming training for Olympic triathletes cancelled. This is the second successive day training has been cancelled after Sunday's 'familiarisation' session was called off for the same reason.
Badminton – It’s an early success for Team GB in the women's badminton. Scotland's Kirsty Gilmour beat Keisha Fatimah Azzahra of Azerbaijan 21-11 in their first group stage match at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena.
Surfing - The men&#
