NEWS
Grand Coalition - Mathilde Panot of La France Insoumise (LFI) firmly rejects the idea of a national unity government or forming a "grand coalition" with parties that supported the republican front against the far right in the legislative elections. While Lucie Castets of the Nouveau Front Populaire is open to making agreements, Panot insists that LFI will not compromise on its program or collaborate with Macronist parties.
Bayesian Update - Two bodies have been found in the wreck of the luxury yacht "Bayesian," which sank off Sicily, bringing the death toll to three. The search continues for four missing people, including British tech mogul Mike Lynch and his daughter. The yacht, carrying 12 passengers and 10 crew members, sank rapidly during a storm, with 15 people rescued. The cause of the sinking remains unclear, and experts suggest there might be air pockets in the wreck, though survival chances are slim.
Fire Risks in the Alpes-Maritimes - A yellow alert for fire risks has been issued in the western part of the Alpes-Maritimes, including Mandelieu-la-Napoule and Théoule-sur-Mer. Patrols and drone surveillance are in place to monitor for potential fires. Authorities advise caution and restrict work in the area to prevent accidental fires, with the risk largely attributed to human activity.
30th Vinci Autoroutes Patrol Vehicle Hit since the Start of the Year - A truck has collided with a Vinci Autoroutes patrol vehicle On August 21on the A8 in the Var region. Fortunately, no one was injured, as the patroller was outside the vehicle at the time of impact. This marks the 30th patrol vehicle hit on Vinci Autoroutes since January 2024, highlighting ongoing safety concerns for road workers, especially when vehicles fail to follow the safety corridor rule.
Nice is the 6th Most Expensive City for Students in France - The student union UNEF has released its 2024 ranking, revealing that the average student rent in Nice is €664, making it the 6th most expensive city in France for student housing. Students in Nice face significant challenges finding accommodation, often searching for months, with high demand and rising prices exacerbated by the impact of Airbnb on the rental market. Despite the difficulties, Nice's average rent is still lower than Paris, where students pay an average of €907.
Fungal Infection on Allianz Riviera Pitch - The newly installed pitch at Allianz Riviera in Nice is in poor condition due to a fungal infection, just before OGC Nice's home game against Toulouse. The City of Nice has demanded that stadium manager, Nice Eco Stadium, fulfil its contract to provide a top-quality pitch. The issue is urgent as major matches are scheduled soon, and if not resolved, it could harm the club's and the city's reputation.
Cyclist Fell on Rocks - A 57-year-old cyclist has died on August 21 after falling five meters onto rocks in Six-Fours, Var. Despite a swift emergency response involving specialized rescue teams, the injuries from the fall proved fatal.
Closed Beaches in Saint-Tropez - Bathing has been banned at two beaches on August 21 due to different issues in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. In Cavalaire-sur-Mer, the ban is due to wastewater pollution from a private residence overflow, while in Sainte-Maxime, it is due to low oxygen levels caused by heat, which led to fish deaths. The beaches will remain closed until conditions improve.
Mosquito Infections - With ongoing mosquito control and health checks in the area the regional health agency for the PACA region has confirmed two cases of dengue on August 20th in Sainte-Cécile-les-Vignes, Vaucluse. Additionally, two new cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed in the Var region for a total to five this month of August, prompting health authorities to intensify mosquito control efforts and advise residents to protect themselves from bites.
Kittens and Puppies in Need of Home - The SPA of Salon-de-Provence and the "Le Chat Salonais" association have reported a surge in abandoned litters of puppies and kittens this summer, with shelters nearly full and a shortage of foster families. The situation is critical as more animals are expected, and the need for new foster homes is urgent. Both organizations emphasize that sterilizing pets is the best way to prevent unwanted litters and protect animal health.
Plant Doctor - Emma Castanier offers a "plant doctor" workshop to help people revive their struggling houseplants in Avignon. Held on Wednesdays in August, participants can bring their sick plants or photos for diagnosis and care tips. The consultation costs 10 euros and includes advice on issues like light, watering, and dealing with summer heat.
BUSINESS
Disney initially tried to push a wrongful death lawsuit against it into arbitration, arguing that terms signed during a Disney+ trial covered all interactions with the company. However, after backlash, Disney withdrew this claim, allowing the case to proceed in court. The lawsuit was filed by Jeffrey Piccolo, whose wife died from an allergic reaction at a Disney World restaurant in 2023.
Granting Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status to Welsh single malt whisky has enhanced its credibility and status, according to Nigel Short of Penderyn distillery. This status, which also applies to other Welsh products like lamb and Caerphilly cheese, protects them from imitation and promotes their authenticity globally. Penderyn, now exporting to 40 countries, believes this recognition aligns Welsh whisky with the prestige of Scotch and Irish whiskies.
And - UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged the difficulty of the situation for Port Talbot steel workers facing job losses but emphasized that he won't give false hope, though the government is working hard to preserve jobs. Despite political pressure and industrial action, Tata Steel is moving forward with plans to cut 2,800 jobs and close its last blast furnace next month. Critics argue Labour has been slow to respond to the crisis, leaving workers and communities feeling misled.
SPORTS
Football - Manchester City are working on a deal that could bring midfielder Ilkay Gundogan back to the club. The 33-year-old left City for Barcelona in 2023 after captaining Pep Guardiola's side to their historic Treble.
Tennis - Britain's Billy Harris and Lily Miyazaki are through to the second round of qualifying at the US Open. Harris held off Argentina's Juan Manuel Cerundolo to clinch a 6-3 2-6 7-5 win.
Cycling - Australia's cycling governing body expects Matt Richardson to be ineligible to take part in competitive events for two years after switching nationality to Great Britain. The 25-year-old track cyclist, who won three medals for Australia at the Paris Olympics, announced his change of allegiance last week on Instagram. Cyclists who change nationality are not eligible to compete at the next edition of the World and continental Championships which follow the date of their switch.
WEATHER
Bright and clear today, with moderate to strong winds in the Bouches-du-Rhône and Var departments. Highs of 29 degrees in Nice, 31 in Cannes and Marseille, 33 in Toulon and 34 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, clear skies with lows of 25 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, clear skies with highs of 28 degrees and a gentle breeze.
BEACH WEATHER
Sea temperature 27 degrees.
UV levels 7.
Air temperatures reach 34 degrees near Toulon with gentle to moderate winds.
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