NEWS
French Firefighters sent to Greece - Around 100 firefighters from the PACA region have been deployed to help combat wildfires near Athens, Greece. The team, including firefighters from Bouches-du-Rhône and Vaucluse, will travel overland to Italy before sailing to Greece. Despite the deployment, French authorities assure that sufficient resources remain to handle potential fires at home during the ongoing heatwave.
SNCF Strike - A strike by SNCF agents on August 13 disrupted the Nice-Breil-Tende train line, leaving only one train running. The strike protests the 16-month construction plan for the line and its impact on users, who are already concerned about inadequate bus replacements during the closure.
New Car Wash in Monaco - The first car wash station that recycles wastewater, reducing reliance on drinkable water and saving thousands of cubic meters annually, has been introduced in Monaco. The system functions in a nearly closed loop, allowing unlimited water reuse without using harmful chemicals. This eco-friendly solution enables high-pressure car washing even during drought alerts and will be expanded to other locations.
Fire in the Var - Over 170 firefighters have been mobilized to combat a wildfire which started on Monday afternoon and covered four hectares in Besse-sur-Issole, Var. Aerial support included two Dash planes, four Canadairs, and three helicopters. The fire's intensity has decreased, but ground crews remain on alert, continuing efforts on Tuesday with drone support to monitor hotspots.
Arsonist in Custody - A man has been arrested and placed in custody, suspected of intentionally starting multiple fires near the Parc national des Calanques, in Marseille. An investigation identified him as a former legionnaire who confessed to some acts, citing resentment towards society. His arrest likely prevented further disaster in the fire-prone area.
Faulty Pump Causes Diesel Spill - A faulty pump caused a large diesel spill at a gas station early Tuesday morning, covering 50 square meters in Avignon. Firefighters contained the spill, and there is no pollution or risk to the public.
Breastfeeding Controversy - A mother has been asked to leave a public pool while breastfeeding, suggesting it is too intimate for public settings sparking political controversy in Toulon. The incident led RN deputy Laure Lavalette to propose a law against discrimination towards breastfeeding in public spaces. Lavalette, herself a mother, emphasized that breastfeeding is natural and not indecent.
Avignon Shopkeepers Struggle - Shopkeepers are struggling with reduced foot traffic and sales this summer, especially after the Avignon Festival ended in Avignon. Factors like the hot weather, political context, and the Olympics are believed to contribute to the downturn. Some shops report a 30-50% drop in revenue and are collaborating to attract customers. They hope for improvement after the Olympics end.
Injured Policeman in Nice - A police officer has been seriously injured after a drug dealer, fleeing arrest, jumped from a first-floor window and landed on him in Nice. The incident sparked reactions from local officials, with Nice’s mayor criticizing the police’s effectiveness against drug trafficking and calling for stronger measures and a new prefect.
BUSINESS
In the 2024 U.S. presidential race, both Trump and Harris support a plan to eliminate taxes on tips, appealing to service industry workers. Trump proposed the idea first, with Harris later endorsing it, leading to bipartisan attention. While popular among some, critics argue it could shift the tax burden and overlook issues like minimum wage requirements for tipped workers.
Elon Musk and Donald Trump, once adversaries, have recently warmed up to each other, with Musk endorsing Trump and lifting his Twitter ban. Despite past clashes, both now share concerns over issues like government censorship and media bias. Musk's increasing involvement in political controversies and his ties to Trump's inner circle highlight their growing alliance, as Trump seeks to energize his campaign with Musk's support.
And - Head of Panama’s Chamber of Mining, Zorel Morales, is concerned about 130,000 tonnes of toxic copper concentrate left at a closed Panamanian mine, posing environmental and health risks. The mine, closed since last December due to a court ruling and protests, has led to disputes over ownership of the concentrate between Panama and Canadian firm First Quantum. The new Panamanian government faces pressure to address the situation amid calls for either safe reopening or permanent closure of the mine, which had been a significant economic contributor.
SPORTS
Cricket - James Anderson says he is "still fit enough" to continue his cricket career and will consider a move into white ball cricket. The 42-year-old, the most prolific fast bowler in Test history, had announced his retirement from international cricket after England's win against the West Indies at Lord's in July.
Tennis - Alexei Popyrin beat world number six Andrey Rublev 6-2 6-4 in 90 minutes in the final of the Canadian Open on Monday to claim his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title in Montreal.
Golf - England's Aaron Rai claimed his maiden PGA Tour title, winning the Wyndham Championship by two shots after leader Max Greyserman faltered late on.
Cycling - A Perspex barrier will be fitted around the Lee Valley VeloPark velodrome following a horrifying crash at the venue during the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
TRAFFIC
Assumption Day is this Thursday. Vinci Autoroutes plans for very heavy traffic on the A8 motorway in direction to Aix-en-Provence, and on the A7 motorway in direction to Valence and Lyon. With this heat, don’t forget to drink as regularly as possible and fill your water bottles at the service areas.
WEATHER
Meteo France has extended the orange heatwave and thunderstorm alert. 37 departments in the East and South-East are concerned. The Cote d’Azur is bright and warm while thunderstorms threaten the inland skies.
Highs of 35 degrees in the Alpes-Maritimes and Bouches-du-Rhône, and 38 degrees in the Var with gentle to moderate winds.
Tonight, clear skies in the Alpes-Maritimes and cloudy in the Var and Bouches-du-Rhône with lows of 25 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, clouds and thunder throughout the region with highs of 31 degrees.
BEACH WEATHER
Sea temperature 29 degrees
UV levels 8
Air temperature: 36 degrees near Saint-Tropez with a gentle breeze
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