An explosive device dating from the Second World War was discovered this morning in Frejus. A bomb disposal team was called in and the RD559 was closed between the Géant Casino roundabout and the Boulevard de la Mer. The device was made safe and the road reopened later in the morning. The Var Prefecture said that in the event of discovering a suspected explosive device, people should refrain from touching it, dial 17 to alert the authorities, mark the location and establish a security perimeter.
A fire has broken out in an apartment in the old town of Grasse this evening. Local reports say that over 30 firefighters are involved in tacking the blaze. It’s not yet known if there are any casualties but residents had apparently already evacuated the building.
Three people have received prison sentences of between 12 and 15 months for attacking several gendarmes outside a nightclub. The incident happened in Tarascon in the Bouches-du-Rhone. The sentences will be served by the wearing of an electronic bracelet. The three were also handed suspended prison sentences.
The Principality of Monaco has increased its financial participation in the 100 bus line which runs between Nice and Menton via Monaco. The Monegasque State made a substantial financial contribution in 2016 to improve the service offered on the route, in particular to better meet the needs of employees traveling daily between Nice and Monaco. In 2019 before the pandemic, there were just over 2.5 million trips, 60% of which originated from or had their destination in Monaco. The government has decided to support the objective of making the line 100 fleet ecologically green by 2023, by increasing its financial contribution to €580,000 per year.
There’s been no significant improvement in the drought situation in the Var and the Alpes-Maritimes recently. The Var Prefecture said today that for May 9 the surface soil humidity index is among the 5 lowest since 1959. It follows a warning from the French agriculture ministry yesterday that the drought conditions affecting the whole of France will have an impact on the production of cereal crops such as wheat and barley.
Kylie Minogue will be appearing during the Cannes Film Festival. The Aussie star Tweeted today that she will be performing a remixed version of her 2001 hit “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head” with dance music star Peggy Gou on 19 May.
BUSINESS
The UK’s used car market increased by 5.1% in the first quarter of 2022, according to the latest figures released today by trade body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Some 1.7 million transactions took place, with about 86,000 additional cars changing hands compared with the same period in 2021, when UK car showrooms were closed due to pandemic-related lockdowns. It was a record first quarter for used battery electric vehicles, with the number of transactions almost doubling.
Heathrow airport has said that it’s recorded a strong April, but that “unpredictability remains the harsh reality”. The airport has increased its 2022 forecast from 45.5 million passengers to nearly 53 million. It will be reopening Terminal 4 by July and is recruiting up to 1,000 new security officers. It said that over Easter, 97% of passengers got through security within ten minutes.
SPORT
Football.. Manchester City have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Norway striker Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund. The 21 year old will join City in July.
Tennis… Britain’s Cameron Norrie has defeated Italian Luca Nardi to reach the second round of the Italian Open. The final score was 6-4 6-4.
Cricket… Former England and Surrey batsman Graham Thorpe is seriously ill in hospital, according to the Professional Cricketers' Association. The PCA said that his prognosis is “unclear at this stage”. Thorpe was recently appointed the head coach of the Afghanistan national team. He was previously England men's batting coach and played 100 Tests for England between 1993 and 2005, as well as 82 one-day internationals.
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