NEWS
New Prime Minister - The announcement of France's new Prime Minister is expected before 1 p.m. today, with Michel Barnier emerging as a leading candidate. Bernard Cazeneuve expressed readiness to assume responsibility if needed, while left-wing parties criticize Emmanuel Macron for his handling of the selection process. Former President François Hollande called Macron’s approach an "error of method."
Storms - Severe storms hit the Alpes-Maritimes and Var on the night of the 5th of September, causing heavy rain, flooding, and lightning. Preventive evacuations have been carried out in Mandelieu, and the SNCF train network between Marseille and Nice was disrupted due to a landslide. The basilica of Saint-Raphael has also been hit by lightning, causing a stone cross to fall. Thankfully, there were no injuries. The storm has moved toward Italy, but authorities remain cautious, with storm warnings in place until later today.
Electricity Shortage in Alpes-Maritimes - Around 2,000 people have been left without electricity on Thursday morning due to storms and heavy rain in La Gaude (Alpes-Maritimes). Power outages affected the Domaine de l'Étoile and upper village areas, with electricity company Enedis working to restore electricity by midday. The storms also uprooted trees, blocking roads between La Gaude and Cagnes-sur-Mer overnight. Additionally, flooding has resulted in a two-hour slowdown this morning on the A8 motorway.
Closed Beaches - Thirteen beaches have been closed due to hydraulic overflow following heavy rains in Antibes-Juan-les-Pins, Alpes-Maritimes. Preventive water releases led to the closure, with swimming banned until the 7th of September. Bacteriological tests are currently being conducted.
Policeman Injured - A 16-year-old driver refused to stop during a routine traffic check, slightly injuring a police officer, In Cannes. This incident occurred just ten days after the fatal incident involving a gendarme in Mougins. The teen, who had no driver's license and tested positive for drugs, fled the scene before being apprehended.
Gang, Led from Prison Cell, Dismantled - Police have dismantled a gang led by a minor already imprisoned in Marseille, who orchestrated robberies by posting fake ads online and setting up ambushes for buyers in Toulon. An undercover police operation on Monday led to the arrest of five individuals. The 17-year-old gang leader, already in prison, was also charged again for running the scam from his cell.
School Supply Kits - Several Nice-based associations have come together to provide free school supply kits to underprivileged children, aiming to support equal educational opportunities. This year, they have distributed over 800 kits, double last year's number, due to rising demand from families, including asylum seekers with no financial aid. The initiative helps children integrate by ensuring they have essential materials for school, despite social disparity.
Noctambus - “Noctambus”, two new night bus lines between Aix and Marseille have been launched on the 5th of September, connecting the Vieux-Port to Luminy and Château-Gombert. These buses will operate until 4:30 AM, improving transport options for students and residents after the metro stops at 9 PM. The initiative is part of a broader plan to expand Marseille's night bus network and improve connectivity in surrounding areas like Septèmes, Plan-de-Cuques, and Allauch without increasing ticket prices.
Swimming Through the Channel - Julie Janczewski, a 20-year-old student and firefighter from Arles, is preparing to swim across the English Channel on the 22nd of September to raise funds for a firefighters' orphan charity. A passionate swimmer, she is currently training for the 33-kilometer challenge, considered one of the toughest due to cold waters and strong currents. Julie has also launched a crowdfunding campaign to support her cause.
Charity Concerts in Marseille - After the success of its first edition, which raised €110,000, SOS Méditerranée is organizing a second benefit concert on October 5 at the Docks des Suds in Marseille. Featuring rap, techno, and electro performances, the event aims to raise funds for sea rescue missions, with all proceeds supporting the NGO's lifesaving operations in the Mediterranean. Tickets are €15, with the goal of financing a full week of rescue efforts aboard the Ocean Viking.
BUSINESS
The public is being warned about counterfeit 35cl bottles of Glen's Vodka containing isopropyl alcohol, an industrial solvent that can cause alcohol poisoning or death. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) advises consumers to check for a laser-etched code on the bottle and avoid consuming vodka with a strong smell. Fake bottles have been found in local stores in Glasgow and Lanarkshire.
The Treasury expects the full state pension to increase by over £400 next year due to the triple lock, which ties pension rises to the highest of inflation, wage increases, or 2.5%. This comes as the government faces criticism for cutting the winter fuel payment for most pensioners, potentially offsetting the pension boost. The final decision on the pension rise will be made before the upcoming Budget.
New legislation in England and Wales will impose harsher penalties on water company executives, including bonus bans and prison sentences, for polluting and obstructing investigations. The Environment Agency will have more power to fine companies and lower the burden of proof in civil cases. However, critics argue the measures are insufficient and fail to address systemic issues in the water industry, including underinvestment and lack of proper enforcement.
And - Royal Mail may stop delivering second-class letters on Saturdays and switch to alternate weekday deliveries to cut costs, as part of reforms under review by Ofcom. The regulator is assessing changes to the Universal Service Obligation due to falling letter volumes and financial losses. No final decisions have been made, with a consultation expected next year.
SPORTS
In the Paralympic top 5, China are far ahead with 62 gold medals, followed by Great Britain with 33, the US are still third with 25, the Netherlands have 16, and France remains at the bottom with 15.
Today, 63 gold medals are up for grabs in cycling road, goalball, table tennis, athletics, swimming, judo, archery, and shooting competitions.
Yesterday,
100m - Sammi Kinghorn said it was "absolutely blowing my mind" to have won a first Paralympic gold medal, after taking victory in the T53 100m in Paris. The 28-year-old Briton came home in a Paralympic record 15.64 seconds at Stade de France
Fencing - Great Britain’s Dimitri Coutya has won his first Paralympic wheelchair fencing gold in the men’s foil B category.
Meanwhile,
Tennis - Jack Draper has become just the fourth British man to reach the US Open singles semi-finals in the Open era.
WEATHER
The sun is slowly coming back this afternoon as rain becomes scarcer. Highs of 25 degrees in Marseille, 26 degrees in Nice and Toulon, 27 degrees in Cannes, and 29 degrees in Saint-Tropez with gentle to moderate winds.
Tonight, clear skies with lows of 19 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, mostly fine with highs of 26 degrees and a gentle breeze.
BEACH WEATHER
If you’re brave enough to go for a swim today, the sea reaches 26 degrees, the UV levels are of 5, and air temperatures reach 29 degrees near Saint-Tropez.
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