NEWS
PFAS (Eternal Pollutants) in Tap Water - According to reports, no PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have been found in a May 2024 tap water sample from Mazan, Opio, Nice, and Marseille. However, 43% of 89 water samples across France tested positive for PFAS, which are nearly indestructible pollutants found in many everyday products. La Garde (Var) and Avignon (Vaucluse) are among the cities affected by such pollutants. These substances are linked to serious health risks, including cancer and thyroid issues.
Energy Vulnerability in PACA - According to INSEE, around 250,000 households (11.5% of the population) face energy vulnerability in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (PACA) region, lower than the national average of 17.4%. However, disparities exist, with mountainous areas like Hautes-Alpes seeing rates as high as 25%. Many households struggle to afford heating, especially poorer families, with energy bills averaging €2,200 for those in energy poverty.
New Boarder Controls - Christian Estrosi has inaugurated new border police facilities at Menton station, a key entry point for trains from Italy, reinforcing the region's strict stance on migration. The new 120-square-meter space, costing €200,000, will improve identity checks of individuals stopped on trains. This security move aligns with broader European actions, as France has reinstated internal border controls citing migration pressure and the threat of terrorism, while still adhering to Schengen rules allowing such measures during exceptional circumstances.
Under the Influence Behind the Wheel - Since the start of 2024, 40% of driver's license suspensions are due to drug use, with drug-related driving fatalities exceeding the average in the Var. One in four fatal accidents in the Var involves a drug-impaired driver, compared to one in five nationwide. Authorities are increasing prevention efforts and roadside saliva tests to address the issue.
Rising Temperatures - A new report by the Réseau Action Climat warns of severe climate impacts in France, particularly in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. The report highlights rising temperatures, with +2.2°C already recorded and a fivefold increase in tropical nights in Nice, alongside the likely disappearance of Southern Alps glaciers. If emissions remain high, extreme heat and droughts could make cities uninhabitable by 2050, requiring urgent policy and societal changes.
Italy, World's Top Wine Producer? - Italy is expected to reclaim its position as the world's top wine producer, surpassing France in 2024, which has faced unfavourable weather conditions. French wine production is projected to fall by 18% to 39.3 million hectolitres, while Italy's output is set to rise by 8% to 41-42 million hectolitres. Both countries have been impacted by climate challenges, with Italy still facing droughts and weather extremes affecting its vineyards.
BUSINESS
The US Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate by 0.5%, the first such reduction in over four years, to a range of 4.75%-5%. This larger-than-expected cut is aimed at easing economic concerns as inflation subsides, and job market risks increase. The Fed signalled more rate cuts could follow, bringing relief to borrowers facing high interest rates, despite worries about a potential economic slowdown.
Boeing has suspended tens of thousands of US staff due to a strike by over 30,000 factory workers demanding better pay and retirement benefits. The strike, which started on Friday, has halted airplane production and could cost Boeing billions. While government officials mediate talks, Boeing executives have announced temporary furloughs, pay cuts, and efforts to preserve the company's long-term future.
And - Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have filed a lawsuit against Palworld's developer, Pocketpair Inc., alleging the game infringes on Pokémon-related patents. Palworld, dubbed "Pokémon with guns," features similar gameplay elements, such as capturing creatures with special powers. The lawsuit seeks to stop the infringement and claim damages, following an earlier investigation into copycat claims.
SPORTS
Football - Monaco have made a very good start to the season, still unbeaten in Ligue 1 after four rounds. They kick off their European Cup campaign against Barcelona on Thursday 19 September at 9pm.
Rugby Union - Simon Easterby says he expects Andy Farrell to "leave us to crack on with it" when he takes a sabbatical to become the British and Irish Lions head coach. Easterby will become Ireland's head coach while Farrell takes charge of the Lions tour of Australia.
Golf - Rory McIlroy believes LIV defectors Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood are too far removed from the current crop of European players to be considered as future Ryder Cup captains.
WEATHER
Mostly sunny this afternoon with gentle winds. Highs of 21 degrees in Marseille, 24 in Nice and Cannes, and 25 degrees in Toulon and Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, clear skies with lows of 17 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, rather cloudy throughout the day with highs of 25 degrees and moderate winds.
BEACH WEATHER
Sea temperatures 23 degrees.
Air temperatures 24 degrees.
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