NEWS
Stormy next few days - A stormy and rainy episode is expected tomorrow in the Alpes-Maritimes and Var, with heavy rainfall possibly reaching 100mm along the coast. The weather should calm by Thursday, with sunshine returning for the weekend.
Are we on the verge of government collapse? - Prime Minister François Bayrou has called for a vote of confidence on the 8th of September under article 49.1 of the Constitution, which lets the government seek approval from parliament on its general policy. If a majority votes against, the government must resign, which is something that has never happened before in France. With strong opposition from the left and far right, Bayrou currently lacks the numbers, making a government collapse highly likely.
Litters of water wasted for months due to leak amid drought alert - Amidst a drought alert, a broken water pipe has been leaking hundreds of litters daily for the past 3 months in Saint-Jeannet, Alpes-Maritimes. Residents blame the public water authority, Eau d’Azur, while the utility insists repairs are the responsibility of local homeowners. Meanwhile, large volumes of drinking water continue to be wasted, raising concerns over pollution risks and mismanagement amid severe water restrictions.
Fire - A fire broke out Tuesday morning destroying a house and a 400 m² storage building on Chemin Gastaud in Antibes. About 30 firefighters contained the blaze, with operations lasting through the morning to prevent any restart. No injuries were reported, but the buildings were heavily damaged, and the cause remains unknown.
Transdev - Private operator Transdev has managed the Marseille-Toulon-Nice rail line since June, the first regional service in France not run by SNCF. Despite promises of new trains and better punctuality, many passengers complain of delays, overcrowding, and missed connections, partly due to late delivery of new rolling stock. Nonetheless, Transdev and the region highlight progress, with more trains, higher punctuality rates, and a 15% rise in ridership compared to last year.
Last nightclub closed in Antibes - The last nightclub in Antibes Juan-les-Pins has been shut down due to fire safety issues, including an alarm deemed too quiet and untrained staff. Its director contests the decision, calling it “incomprehensible,” while local businesses lament the loss of the town’s final nightclub. The municipality insists the closure is necessary, and the club can only reopen once safety upgrades are completed.
Roberto Alagna touring - Roberto Alagna is touring the Var this summer with Boulevard des Italiens, a recital of traditional and modern Italian songs, accompanied by experienced musicians. The concerts follow a busy year, including his Puccini centenary tribute, a return to the Bastille Opera, and major international performances. He is also preparing a new project on Caruso, blending music and drama, which will be recorded in Cagnes-sur-Mer and Vienna with the Morphing Orchestra.
NEWS UPDATE
Vegetation fire leads to closed roads in the Var - A vegetation fire broke out this afternoon burning about three hectaresalong the DN7 in Pourcieux, Var. Over 100 firefighters, supported by ground vehicles, helicopters, and a Civil Security Dash 8 aircraft, have been deployed. Roads near the fire have been closed as crews work to contain several brushfires in the area.
Dimantling a money laudering network - French and Italian investigators have dismantled a Camorra-linked money laundering network in early July, seizing over €2.5 million in assets on the French Riviera. The scheme used shell companies across several countries to launder funds through fake construction, auto, and aluminium businesses. One suspect was arrested in the Alpes-Maritimes, alongside arrests in Italy, as the Marseille prosecutor continues the investigation.
Renovating the Stade Louis II - The Monaco government has begun the first phase of renovations at Stade Louis II, upgrading concessions, restrooms, and seating areas to improve spectator comfort and accessibility. Work will run in stages from 2025 to 2027 to maintain major events like AS Monaco matches and the Herculis meeting. This marks the start of a broader modernization plan aiming to fully update the stadium by 2035 to international standards.
BUSINESS
Boeing and Korean Air have signed a $36bn deal for 103 aircraft, including passenger and cargo jets, to modernize the airline’s fleet as it merges with Asiana. Boeing says the order will support 135,000 US jobs, strengthening its recovery as global sales rise amid trade-linked aircraft purchases.
Keurig Dr Pepper shares have dropped over 7% after they announced acquiring Dutch coffee company JDE Peet's for €15.7bn, creating a split into two US-listed firms: one for coffee brands like Douwe Egberts and L’Or, the other for soft drinks. The merger aims to build a “global coffee champion” amid rising coffee prices and tariffs, leveraging a global footprint of over 40 facilities.
SPORTS
Formula 1 - Formula 1's summer break is nearly over with the season resuming with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort this weekend. Ten races remain in 2025 with Oscar Piastri holding a nine-point lead over McLaren team-mate Lando Norris at the top of the drivers' championship.
Cricket - Oval Invincibles effectively sealed their place in Sunday's men's Hundred final by easing to a six-wicket victory over London Spirit at The Oval.
Football - Everton have signed Tyler Dibling from Southampton in a deal worth an initial £35m plus £5m in add-ons.
WEATHER
Mostly sunny with occasional cloudy patches across the region accompanied by gentle to moderate winds. It’s nice and warm today with highs of 27 degrees in Nice, 29 in Cannes, and 30 degrees in Saint-Tropez, Toulon and Marseille.
Tonight, cloudy in the Alpes-Maritimes as rain and thunderstorms cover the rest of the region as temperatures drop to 22 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, wet morning and night interrupted by a cloudy afternoon with highs of 27 degrees and moderate winds.
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