Evening Update Wednesday 3rd of July 2024

NEWS
Legislatives Withdrawals - As the legislative campaign nears its end, new far-right Rassemblement National (RN) candidates face scrutiny, and Eric Ciotti seeks to expel Xavier Bertrand from right-wing LR. Over 4,000 candidates initially competed, but now just over 1,100 remain. Both the presidential and Nouveau Front Populaire camps focused on withdrawing candidates from constituencies where the RN had a strong chance of winning, significantly reducing the number of three-way races to around 100 from a possible 311. Emmanuel Macron is also holding a Council of Ministers meeting at the Élysée.

Princesse Charlene Foundation Video Campaign - The Princesse Charlène Foundation has initiated a video campaign aimed at raising awareness about drowning risks in Monaco and the Alpes-Maritimes. These video clips depict various everyday scenarios, whether at the pool, beach, or even at home. Through this initiative, the foundation aims to educate a broad audience and promote crucial safety practices. The videos will be broadcasted across multiple platforms including local news, digital bus shelters, the open-air cinema on the Rock of Monaco, as well as Polygone Riviera, Cap3000, and Nice etoile.

New Park-and-Ride in Nice - A new park-and-ride facility is coming to Nice, replacing an old gas station at the Tzarewitch-Gambetta intersection. Set to open in 2025, it aims to ease transportation for hillside residents. The facility, managed by Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur, will feature three levels with 270 car, 120 motorcycle spaces, and photovoltaic panels for energy. It also supports a new bus line from Cessole to Gambetta, aiming for an 8-minute Masséna and 15-minute Palais des Expositions commute.

Jellysfish in the Cote d'Azur - Jellyfish have been sighted along the Côte-D’Azur coast from Roquebrune to Antibes. The company Acri-ST advises the following safety measures in case of a sting: rinse the affected area with sea water, clean it without rubbing, and remove any remaining tentacles.

Road Accident - A road accident occurred in the early hours of this morning in Tourrettes-sur-Loup. Fifteen firefighters and gendarmes found two seventeen-year-old women who had fallen from their motorbike. One sustained serious injuries and received on-site treatment, while the other suffered minor injuries. Both were transported to Hospital Pasteur 2 in Nice.

Speeding - A young driver was flashed on Tuesday at 96km/h in a 30 km/h zone in Orange, Vaucluse. He received a fine and had his license revoked. Earlier this year, another motorist was caught speeding at 108 km/h on the same road.

Fires in Vaucluse - Fires broke out last night at two health centres in Vaucluse: Orange Hospital and the Synergia Private Clinic in Cavaillon. Fortunately, there were no injuries, and the damage was not severe. The fire at Orange Hospital started due to a malfunctioning oven in the cafeteria, while the fire at Synergia Clinic originated outside, causing damage to sterile equipment.

 

BUSINESS
The US government has given Moderna $176m to develop an mRNA-based pandemic influenza vaccine for bird flu, aiming to be better prepared for future health crises. Although bird flu is not currently a major threat to humans, experts want a ready vaccine in case the virus mutates. The funds will support late-stage development and testing of Moderna's H5N1 avian influenza vaccine. This strain has infected birds and some other animals, but human cases remain rare. Moderna began early tests in 2023, with results expected later this year.

A New York judge has delayed Donald Trump's sentencing until September after his lawyers sought to challenge his conviction based on a recent Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity. Trump's legal team argues the ruling impacts his hush-money case. The judge will decide on the motions by 6 September, with sentencing, if needed, set for 18 September. Trump was convicted in May of falsifying business records related to hush money paid to Stormy Daniels. Trump's lawyers argue some evidence pertains to his time in office, but experts doubt this will overturn his conviction.

And - A remote-controlled car modeled on Michael Schumacher's 2002 Ferrari, signed by the F1 legend, is expected to fetch £150,000-£200,000 at a Silverstone auction. The 1:3 scale replica weighs 32kg, took over 1,000 hours to build, and can exceed 50mph. The winning bidder will need a training session to operate it. The auction will also feature other F1 memorabilia, including items signed by Max Verstappen, Rubens Barrichello, and Ayrton Senna. The auction coincides with the British GP weekend on 4 July.

 

SPORTS
Basketball - AS Monaco and APM Monaco have extended their partnership for two more seasons, until 2026. APM Monaco, a leading chic and fashion jewelry brand, will continue to feature on the front of the team's Ligue 1 match jerseys. The collaboration will include ongoing initiatives like "Bijou du mois," photoshoots, and promotions to engage fans and enhance the supporter experience. Special events and jewelry giveaways will mark the club's centenary celebrations at Stade Louis-II.

Tennis - Marketa Vondrousova's Wimbledon title defence came to an early end as she fell to a surprise first-round defeat by Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. World number 83 Bouzas Maneiro, 21, took advantage on Tuesday to win 6-4 6-2 for her first Grand Slam victory.

Rugby Union - Former England prop Mako Vunipola has joined newly promoted French Top 14 side Vannes on a two-year deal. Mako, 33, spent 13 years at Sarries where he won four Premiership titles and three European Champions Cups.

Football – The Olympique de Marseille officially announced the signing of Ismaël Koné. The Canadian midfielder arrives from Watford in England, where he played in the Championship last season.

 

WEATHER
Mostly cloudy with occasional sunny spells and moderate to strong winds near Marseille. Highs of 25 degrees in Nice, 27 in Cannes, 28 in Marseille, 29 in Saint-Tropez, and 30 degrees in Toulon.
Tonight, clear skies with lows of 20 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, bright skies with highs 26 degrees.

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