NEWS
Monaco 80th Liberation Anniversary - Monaco will celebrate the 80th anniversary of its liberation from Italian and German occupation on September 3. The events will honor the significant role of the U.S. Army, particularly General Robert Frederick, with his grandson attending the commemoration. The day will feature a military ceremony, an exhibition on Monaco's liberation, and various historical reenactments throughout the streets.
Earthquakes in the PACA Region - Several earthquakes shook the Côte d'Azur on August 20, with the strongest reaching a magnitude of 3.0 near Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye (Hautes-Alpes-de-Provence), felt as far as the coastline. Earlier in the day, several smaller tremors, ranging from 2.0 to 2.6 in magnitude, have also been recorded in the same area.
Temporary Lignes D'Azure Agencies - To reduce long queues at Nice's only Lignes d'Azur center, two temporary agencies have opened on August 19 at Vauban and Carros bus stations. These new centres aim to alleviate pressure on the main office by 20%, especially during the busy back-to-school period. Last year, around 54,000 people renewed or subscribed to transport cards, and this year, the number is expected to approach 60,000.
Closed Beaches - Several swimming sites along the Côte d'Azur have closed as of August 18, due to various issues. In Villeneuve-Loubet, the "Marina" site has closed for the 2024 season due to construction, while in Saint-Laurent-du-Var, beaches like "Les Vespins" and "Les Flots Bleus" have closed due to wastewater treatment issues. Additionally, some sites like "Gorbio" in Menton have permanently closed due to consistent poor water quality.
Scuba Diving Reduces Stress and Anxiety, a New Research has Found - Researchers in Marseille have found that scuba diving significantly reduces stress and anxiety, with notable benefits for trauma survivors and soldiers. The study suggests that diving helps rebalance the body's stress response, offers mindfulness benefits, and could potentially be prescribed as a therapeutic treatment. Efforts are underway to have scuba diving recognized as a health-promoting activity, which could lead to insurance coverage for certain patients.
Marseille Free Boat Tours - Free boat tours on traditional Marseille fishing boats have been a huge hit this summer, attracting over 3,500 participants. Due to high demand, evening slots have been added, offering scenic rides from the Vieux-Port to Vallon des Auffes. The tours, which run until August 30, are popular for providing a unique view of Marseille and a chance to experience its maritime heritage.
Bedbugs in Marseille Hospital - Bedbugs have been detected last week in the emergency department of Marseille's Nord Hospital, after a patient brought them in. The hospital has implemented protocols for screening, treating infected patients, disinfecting areas, and equipping staff with protective gear. A canine detection team was deployed, and staff and patients are encouraged to report any sightings to address the issue promptly.
A Man Passed Away in Nice Park - The body of a 70-year-old man has been found early this morning in a public parc on boulevard Paul-Montel in Nice. Cleaning staff called emergency services after finding an unconscious man. Upon their arrival, the man had passed away. An investigation has been opened.
BUSINESS
Libya's central bank resumed operations after the release of its IT head, Musaab Muslamm, who was abducted from his home by an unidentified group. The bank had halted work in protest but reopened once Muslamm was safely returned. His abduction followed a recent siege on the bank, highlighting ongoing security threats in a country divided by rival governments.
And - Canadian convenience store giant Alimentation Couche-Tard (ACT) has made a $38 billion bid to acquire 7-Eleven from Japan's Seven & i Holdings, which could be a record-breaking foreign takeover for Japan. If successful, ACT's presence in North America would double to over 20,000 stores, but the deal still requires approval and may face regulatory challenges. Seven & i Holdings is considering the offer, amid recent pressure from investors to focus on the 7-Eleven brand.
SPORTS
Tennis - World number one Jannik Sinner beat Frances Tiafoe 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 in straight sets in the Cincinnati Open final to claim his fifth title of the season.
Football - Brentford forward Ivan Toney should not move to Saudi Arabia while he is at his "peak", says former Premier League striker Chris Sutton. The Bees rejected a £35m bid for the 28-year-old from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli last week.
The arrival of defender Moïse Bombito (24) was made official by OGC Nice on Monday evening. The Canadian international arrives from MLS and should be able to start against Toulouse on Sunday.
Cricket - Samoan cricketer Darius Visser set a new men's Twenty20 International record when he hit 39 runs in a single over during a 2026 T20 World Cup regional qualifier on Tuesday.
Motoball - This Tuesday sees the start of the European motoball championships in Normandy at Houlgate. 6 Vaucluse residents are among the players in the French team. The competition will last until Saturday.
WEATHER
Bright and clear throughout the day. Highs of 34 degrees in the Alpes-Maritimes and Bouches-du-Rhône, and 36 degrees in the Var with gentle to moderate winds.
Tonight, clear skies and lows of 24 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, much the same! Bright and clear throughout the day with highs of 29 degrees and moderate winds.
BEACH WEATHER
Sea temperature 26 degrees.
UV levels 7.
Air temperatures 32 degrees near Saint-Tropez with a gentle breeze.
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