NEWS
Provence Landings Commemoration - The 80th anniversary of the Provence landings, where Allied forces liberated southern France, is being commemorated on August 15th. Due to bad weather, some events, including historical reenactments in Toulon, have been cancelled. However, key ceremonies, including a speech by President Emmanuel Macron and tributes to Franco-African soldiers, took place in Saint-Raphaël. Despite weather disruptions, the program is set to continue in the evening as planned.
Lionel Beffre Has Sworn in Before the Prince - French prefect Lionel Beffre has taken office at Monaco's Ministry of the Interior since August 5. On Tuesday, he was sworn in before Prince Albert II at the Prince's Palace. Beffre will participate in his first government council in September, marking the arrival of Didier Guillaume as the new Minister of State.
Orange Alert - The Alpes-Maritimes region has been placed on orange alert for storms as of Thursday morning, with strong winds, hail risk, and heavy rain expected. Air and rail traffic between Nice and Marseille is disrupted, and Nice has closed its beaches, parks, and gardens. Winds have reached up to 120 km/h on the coast, and residents are advised to stay cautious, especially at sea.
Closed Beach - Due to weather warnings from Météo-France, beaches have raised the red flag, prohibiting swimming, with restrictions in place until at least 5 p.m in Mandelieu. Despite a major storm earlier, no significant damage has been reported in the Cannes area.
New Anti-Waste Net - Three new anti-waste nets have been installed, marking the first time a private commercial area in France has adopted this system In Mandelieu's Tourrades industrial zone. The nets, made from recycled materials, filter macro and micro waste from storm drains, preventing pollution from reaching the sea. The project, fully funded by a private company, is a concrete ecological initiative led by the city and the Herocéan association.
Drought Alert - The Vaucluse prefecture has placed two areas on drought alert as of August 14, 2024, triggering the first water restrictions of the summer in Calavon-médian and South Luberon. These restrictions include bans on domestic water withdrawals, filling pools (except for maintenance), and daytime watering of sports fields. Water use for agriculture and vehicle washing is also limited, while other areas remain under drought watch.
Drone Shot Down - A man shot down an Enedis drone with a hunting rifle, believing it was spying on him while he was in his pool in Robion (Vaucluse). The drone, which was completely destroyed, was actually used by Enedis for inspecting power lines. The man was questioned by police and may face losing his hunting license and firearm. Authorities urge people to contact them if they have concerns about drones.
Fire Observation Post - A fire observation post has been in place since 2004, At the Grimaldi Castle in Cagnes-sur-Mer. Managed by Civil Protection volunteers, the tower offers a 360-degree view, allowing early detection of fire outbreaks in the surrounding area. This initiative had been launched after a major fire in 2003, and has successfully helped prevent fires, such as the one in Villeneuve last year. Volunteers are trained in fire detection and are stationed during periods of high fire risk.
BUSINESS
US consumer prices rose at their slowest rate in over three years in July, with inflation reaching 2.9%, down from 3% in June. The data suggests that high borrowing costs are helping to bring inflation closer to the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, potentially allowing the central bank to cut interest rates soon. Despite this, housing and grocery costs remain elevated, keeping political and economic pressures high. Analysts are divided on how much the Fed should cut rates in September.
And - The chocolate brand Mars has agreed to acquire Kellanova, the maker of Pringles and Pop-Tarts, for nearly $36bn, marking the biggest snacking buyout this year. Despite consumer trends toward cheaper and healthier snacks, the deal is expected to face minimal regulatory hurdles. Both companies sell healthier options alongside their traditional products. The acquisition is set to be finalized by the first half of 2025.
SPORTS
Rugby Union - Gloucester-Hartpury will open their title defence at home to Leicester Tigers on the opening weekend of the Premiership Women's Rugby 2024-25 season.
Tennis - Former world number one Naomi Osaka says she does not feel like she’s in her body following her return to tennis after a maternity break. Japan's Osaka returned to the WTA Tour in January after the birth of her first child, daughter Shai, in July 2023.
Golf - Lydia Ko had no thoughts of taking time out after her Olympic gold medal as the New Zealander believes this week's Women's Scottish Open is ideal preparation for next week's Open at St Andrews.
Athletics - Two world record holders will meet in a 100m exhibition race on 4 September as Olympic pole vault champion Armand Duplantis and Paris 2024 400m hurdles silver medallist Karsten Warholm face off.
WEATHER
The Orange heatwave and thunderstorm alert continues this afternoon in the region. The storms should stop this evening on the costs. Highs of 31 degrees in the Alpes-Maritimes and Var, and 32 degrees in the Bouches-du-Rhône with moderate to strong winds.
Tonight, partially cloudy with light rain in the Var and lows of 22 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, thunderstorms continue to cover the region’s skies with highs of 29 degrees and a gentle breeze.
BEACH WEATHER
Despite the rain, the sea is still warm this evening, reaching 28 degrees. the UV levels are of 7 in Nice, and the air temperatures reach highs of 30 degrees.
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