Evening Update Tuesday 30th July 2024

NEWS
Heatwave - Météo-France has issued an orange alert for severe thunderstorms and heavy rain in eleven departments, including Paris, for the evening and night of July 30th. Additionally, 45 departments in southern France remain under a heatwave alert, with temperatures expected to reach 35-36°C, potentially impacting outdoor Olympic events. Organizers are monitoring conditions daily, and spectators are advised to stay hydrated. In the Alpes-Maritimes, an orange heatwave alert is in effect with temperatures expected to reach 35°C. A yellow thunderstorm alert is also in place, with gusts of wind up to 40 km/h expected inland until 10 pm.

Assistance Needed in Nice - The Secours Populaire and Restos du Coeur Associations have issued an urgent call for solidarity amid the heatwave in Nice. Following the closure of the Mir association's social grocery and street distributions, hundreds of vulnerable people, including the homeless, babies, and the elderly, are at risk. They need volunteers and donations of non-perishable food, hygiene kits, water, and financial support to prevent a health crisis.
For assistance:
Secours Populaire: 04.92.00.24.24 or 06.08.91.56.66
Websites: Fédération des ALPES MARITIMES | Secours populaire français and Les Restos du Coeur ALPES-MARITIMES

Princess Grace Irish Library Closed - The Princesse Grace Library has closed for August for summer break and renovations in Monaco. It will reopen on September 12th with a special virtual event: a transatlantic chat in partnership with Philadelphia’s Rosenbach Museum & Library.

Heavy Traffic this Morning - Traffic was very complicated this Tuesday morning on the A8 motorway after La Turbie in direction to Nice. A vehicle caught on fire on the left lane. Vinci Autoroutes has temporarily closed off the Monaco entry ramp.

Private Beaches: Frane vs Italy - As private beaches on the Côte d'Azur become increasingly expensive, some people are opting for more affordable options in nearby Italy. In Menton, a day on a private beach can cost over €30 per person, totalling around €140 for a family of four without drinks. In contrast, Ospedaletti in Italy offers similar amenities for €37 for two sunbeds with umbrellas. Many French retirees and tourists find better value and service in Italy, though Ligurian beaches often lack sand.

Mosquitoes - Mosquitoes are increasingly present in Provence, especially in summer, due to climate change. France has around 70 mosquito species, with about 40 in Provence. The most problematic are marsh mosquitoes and the Tiger mosquito, which can transmit diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. Effective control includes eliminating stagnant water to prevent breeding.


BUSINESS
Many wealthy Norwegians feel guilty about their privileged lives compared to those struggling abroad, says Professor Oxfeldt. Norway's oil wealth has made it one of the richest countries globally. This guilt, termed "Scan guilt," is reflected in Norwegian media. Recent events, like halting au pair work permits and criticism of the fish oil industry, highlight ethical concerns. Despite Norway's generous welfare and global aid, debates persist on the sustainability and ethics of its wealth.

McDonald's CEO Mr. Kempczinski acknowledged that inflation-driven price hikes have hurt their reputation for value, causing consumers to change their buying habits. The company has raised prices faster than competitors, affecting transactions despite introducing a $5 meal. Profits dropped 12%, with lower-income customers particularly affected. Sales declined in the US, France, and China, with boycotts and price wars contributing to the downturn. The company anticipates continued consumer caution in the coming quarters.

Air New Zealand has scrapped its 2030 carbon reduction goal due to delays in securing efficient planes and sustainable fuel. This makes it the first major airline to back away from such a target. The airline is now working on a new short-term goal but remains committed to net zero emissions by 2050. Challenges include high costs and limited availability of sustainable aviation fuels, as well as supply chain issues affecting new aircraft deliveries from Boeing and Airbus.


OLYMPICS 2024
The Olympic men's individual triathlon at Paris 2024 has been postponed after tests revealed water quality in the River Seine did not reach the required standard. The race was due to start at 07:00 BST (08:00 local time) on Tuesday and will now take place on Wednesday at 09:45 (10:45 local time), following the conclusion of the women's event.
Friday, 2 August remains a contingency date for both races, while organisers have said the event could be contested as a duathlon as a last resort.
Great Britain won their first two golds of the Paris Olympics as part of a medal rush on day three of the 2024 Games. Team GB picked up six medals on Monday across swimming, equestrian, mountain biking, canoe slalom and diving.
So far, Japan is in the lead with Six gold medals won followed by France, China, Australia and South Korea with 5, the US with 3, and the UK with 2 gold medals.

Football - Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez says he will make a decision about his future at the club after the Paris 2024 Games. Alvarez, 24, is due to make his third start for Argentina at the Olympics when they face Ukraine on Tuesday (16:00 BST) in Lyon.

Rugby 7s - Handling errors cost Team GB dear as they lost their women's rugby sevens quarter-final 17-7 to USA at Stade de France.

Fencing - Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez has revealed she competed at the Paris Olympics on Monday while seven months pregnant. The 26-year-old won her first match in the women's individual sabre competition but was then knocked out in the last 16.

SPORTS
Tennis - Emma Raducanu says she was fighting against jetlag during her three-set 6-2 3-6 6-4 opening round victory against Elise Mertens at the Mubadala City DC Open in Washington.


WEATHER
Meteo France has issued an orange heatwave alert in the region and a yellow thunderstorm alert until 10pm in the Alpes-Maritimes. Today it’s mostly Sunny with gentle to moderate winds. Highs of 31 degrees in Nice, 32 in Toulon, 33 in Cannes and Marseille and 34 degrees in Saint-Tropez. Very warm today with departmental highs of 35 in the Alpes-Maritimes, 37 in the Var, and 39 degrees in the Bouches-du-Rhône.
Tonight, mostly clear skies with lows of 27 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, mostly clear with risks of thunderstorms in the Alpes-Maritimes still. Highs of 30 degrees.

 
BEACH WEATHER
Sea temperature 27 degrees.

UV levels 8

Air temperature 30 to 33 degrees and a gentle breeze.

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