NEWS
Super Yacht Wreckage - Divers have recovered the body of British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch after his yacht sank off Sicily. The incident killed six people, including Lynch and his daughter, likely due to a tornado. It occurred during a celebration of Lynch's recent acquittal in a major US fraud case. Search efforts continue for another missing passenger.
Nice is getting Ready for MPOX - Christian Estrosi, the Mayor of Nice, has placed the city's health agency on alert due to concerns about the potential spread of monkeypox, given the region's tourist appeal and the presence of its international airport. While there is no immediate cause for alarm, the city will closely monitor the situation and provide regular updates if needed. In 2022, 444 people in Nice had been vaccinated against monkeypox during the outbreak, primarily targeting those at higher risk.
Earthquakes felt in Alpes-Maritimes - A minor earthquake with a magnitude of 2.1 struck the border area between the Alpes-Maritimes in France and Italy on August 22, centered near Saluzzo in Italy's Cuneo province. This follows earlier, stronger quakes in the region earlier in the week, one reaching a magnitude of 3.1.
Beausoleil Residence still doesn't have an Elevator - Residents of the "Malbousquet" building in Beausoleil have been without a functioning elevator for over a year, despite a replacement being installed in July 2024. The elevator frequently breaks down, severely affecting elderly and disabled residents in the seven-story building. The housing provider, ICF Habitat, has acknowledged the issue, promised repairs, and claimed to offer compensation for the prolonged inconvenience.
Dismissal of Municipal Councillors in Menton - The Mayor of Menton is requesting the dismissal of three municipal councillors for not attending voting duties during recent elections. The Administrative Court of Nice reviewed the case, focusing on whether the councillors had been formally instructed to fulfil these roles. The case is complicated by previous political and financial scandals involving one of the councillors, Mathieu Messina, who is also the primary target of this dismissal request.
Avignon Film - A film titled Avignon is being shot in the city this late August, recreating the atmosphere of the Avignon Festival. On the night of August 21-22, a dance scene has been filmed on Cours Jean Jaurès, with a DJ and dozens of extras dancing in the street. Traffic was briefly diverted to accommodate the filming.
Contaminated river near Marseille - A river has been contaminated with 8,000 litres of motor oil. It was discovered by a local whose dog emerged covered in the substance in Plan-de-Cuques near Marseille. The incident, believed to be caused by a malicious professional, has angered residents and prompted swift action from the town's authorities. Investigations are ongoing to identify and punish the responsible party.
Boat Accident near Saint-Tropez - A 60-year-old swimmer has been severely injured by a boat propeller on August 21 while spearfishing beyond the 300-meter safety zone off Pampelonne Beach, near Saint-Tropez. The boat's captain, unaware of the collision, mistook the impact for hitting debris. The victim was airlifted to a hospital, and an investigation is underway.
Two Heroes to be Awarded - Two men, Thibault Reuter and Thomas Intartaglia, are set to receive a state medal for bravery after saving a 75-year-old woman from a katana attack on June 19, in Nice. They intervened at great personal risk, disarming and subduing the attacker. Both men will be honoured for their courage in an upcoming ceremony, though not yet scheduled.
New Cases of Dengue - The regional health agency has identified a dengue outbreak in Sainte-Cécile-les-Vignes, with ten cases reported, making it France's largest cluster in two years. The first case was detected on August 14, leading to the discovery of nine additional local cases. Authorities have conducted mosquito control operations and are working to prevent further spread.
Shooting in Nice - A shooting occurred on August 22, leaving two people injured in the Liserons neighborhood of Nice. A suspect has been arrested nearby with a loaded Glock pistol. The incident follows rising tensions in the area, prompting local officials to call for stronger action against violence.
Alpes-Maritimes Communes in Natural Disaster State - Three communes have been officially recognized as being in a state of natural disaster after severe storms in March 2024, allowing affected residents to claim insurance compensation in the Alpes-Maritimes. The declaration applies to flooding and mudslides in Auribeau-sur-Siagne, Le Bar-sur-Loup, and La Gaude. Affected residents have 30 days to file their claims with insurers.
BUSINESS
The US Labor Department revised its job growth estimates, showing 818,000 fewer jobs added than previously thought, reducing growth by about 30% for the 12 months before March. This revision, the largest since 2009, has fuelled political debate, with Republicans criticizing the Biden administration's economic claims, while experts note that the labour market remains strong but not as robust as earlier estimates suggested.
Bangladesh's central bank is set to raise interest rates from 8.5% to 9% to combat inflation, with plans for further increases. The new central bank governor, Dr. Ahsan H Mansur, aims to clean up the banking sector, addressing significant financial issues and potential nationalization of Islamic banks. Bangladesh is also seeking additional financial support from international organizations amid ongoing economic challenges.
And - Ford is revising its electric vehicle strategy by cancelling plans for a large electric SUV and delaying the launch of its next electric pickup truck due to market pressures and rising costs. The company will reduce its capital expenditures on pure electric vehicles from 40% to 30% and focus on more cost-effective battery production and hybrid models instead. These changes are expected to cost Ford about $1.9 billion in write-downs and new spending.
SPORTS
Athletics - Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson will miss the rest of the 2024 athletics season because of injury. The 22-year-old had been set to compete in the Diamond League finals in Brussels in September.
Meanwhile, Great Britain's Matthew Hudson-Smith will be seeking revenge against Quincy Hall as they renew their rivalry in the Diamond League in Lausanne on Thursday.
Cycling - Czech rider Pavel Bittner beat Wout van Aert in a photo finish to win stage five of the Vuelta a Espana in Seville.
Tennis - Britons Billy Harris, Jan Choinski, Sonay Kartal and Lily Miyazaki won their second-round qualifying ties to move one win away from reaching the US Open main draw.
Rugby Union - Harlequins prop Joe Marler will miss the start of the Premiership season because of a broken foot sustained during England's summer tour.
Meanwhile, Full-back Ellie Kildunne says she is ready to "fight for her shirt" and focus on England's bid to win a home Rugby World Cup in 2025.
WEATHER
Another beautiful day in the PACA region. Fine and bright all day with a gentle breeze. Highs of 28 degrees in Nice and Marseille, 30 in Cannes and Toulon, and 31 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, clear skies with lows of 22 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, much the same, bright and clear all day with highs of 28 degrees and a gentle breeze.
BEACH WEATHER
Sea temperatures 27 degrees.
UV levels 7.
Air temperatures 30 degrees near Saint-Tropez with a gentle breeze
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