NEWS
The Search for an New MP Continues, Meanwhile Edouard Philippe Goes for the 2027 Presidentital Election - The search for France's next Prime Minister continues, with President Macron exploring both technical and political candidates, including centre-right party Xavier Bertrand and former PM Bernard Cazeneuve. Discussions involve potential support and opposition, with the far-right RN and left-wing PS expressing resistance to certain candidates. Meanwhile, former PM Édouard Philippe has announced his candidacy for the 2027 presidential election.
Orange Thunderstorm Alert - Météo France has issued an orange alert for thunderstorms in the Var and Alpes-Maritimes starting at 6 PM on September 4th, with heavy rain, hail, and strong winds expected. Residents should seek shelter, limit travel, avoid metal structures, and stay informed. The alert is likely to be lifted by Thursday morning.
Harmonie Comyn Victim of Cyberbully Attacks - After publicly blaming France's leniency for her husband's death, Harmonie Comyn, widow of gendarme Éric Comyn who was killed by a repeat offender during a traffic stop in Mougins, has become the target of hateful messages on social media. This has prompted an investigation by authorities. Those responsible for the hateful comments will be prosecuted. The suspect, with a history of 10 convictions, has been charged and is in custody.
Fire in Luberon - Fifty firefighters and a water-bombing helicopter were deployed to extinguish a forest fire in the Luberon, on the Cheval-Blanc commune. The fire, likely caused by lightning, destroyed 2,000 square meters of vegetation and threatened several hundred hectares. Firefighters will remain on-site until Wednesday to ensure the fire is fully extinguished.
Blue Tongue Disease - Several cases of "blue tongue" disease have been reported among sheep in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Hautes-Alpes regions. Farmers are urged to vaccinate their livestock quickly to avoid losses, but vaccines are in short supply, and treatments are not only expensive but also borne by the farmers. The disease is spreading, with over 340 outbreaks detected since early August.
Fatal Stabbing in Antibes - A man has been fatally stabbed in the early hours of Sunday in Antibes. Two brothers, aged 24 and 28, have been placed in custody shortly after the incident and charged with murder, though they deny using a weapon and claim self-defence. Despite attempts to save the victim, he did not survive. An investigation into the events of that night is ongoing.
BUSINESS
The UK government-backed energy company, GB Energy, is expected to be headquartered in Aberdeen. GB Energy will not supply power to homes but will focus on funding new and existing clean technologies. While it aims to support Scotland’s transition to net zero and create jobs, there are concerns about its potential impact on the existing energy sector, particularly regarding investment and employment in the North East of Scotland. Additional satellite offices may be established in other Scottish cities, such as Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Two sanctioned Russian oligarchs, Mikhail Fridman and Petr Aven, have indirectly become part-owners of the UK's largest oil producer, Harbour Energy, through their investment firm LetterOne. While LetterOne now holds nearly 15% of Harbour Energy, the firm itself is not sanctioned, and the oligarchs have no contact with it or its profits. The deal has raised concerns about the involvement of sanctioned individuals in the UK energy sector.
And - Labour plans to renationalise most rail services within five years, starting with expiring contracts, aiming to simplify ticketing and potentially save costs. However, experts suggest that any savings for passengers might be minimal due to already low profit margins for private operators. Labour's plan includes creating Great British Railways (GBR) to oversee the network but doesn't guarantee significant fare reductions.
SPORTS
In the Paralympic top five, China are in first place with 53 gold medals, followed by Great Britain with 31, the US are in third with 22, Brazil have 14, and France are still at the bottom with 11.
Today, 63 gold medals are up for grabs in cycling, equestrian, swimming, athletics, fencing, powerlifting, table-tennis, archery and shooting competitions.
Swimming - Faye Rogers won Paralympic gold in a thrilling S10 100m butterfly final. Britain's swimming team now have 14 golds in Paris and 20 medals overall.
Meanwhile,
Tennis - Frances Tiafoe set up a US Open semi-final against Taylor Fritz to guarantee there will be an American man in the singles final in New York for the first time in 18 years.
Football - England defender Demi Stokes says it "just made sense" to return home to play for Newcastle United in the Women's Championship.
Formula 1 - Adrian Newey's manager Eddie Jordan has refused to discuss reports that the Formula 1 design legend is to join the Aston Martin team next year.
TRAFFIC
Traffic has been heavily disturbed at noon due to a broken-down truck on the A8 motorway in direction to Italy after the entry n 42 Mougins. Bison Futé has recorded a 10km long traffic jam.
WEATHER
An orange thunderstorm alert has been issued starting at 6 o’clock this evening and should be lifted tomorrow morning. In the meantime, it’s grey, rainy with risks of thunderstorm all over the region. Highs of 27 degrees in Nice and Marseille, 28 degrees in Saint-Tropez, and 29 degrees in Cannes and Toulon with moderate to strong winds.
Tonight, thunder will roar throughout the region with lows of 24 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, thunderclouds will remain in the riviera’s sky until late afternoon with highs of 28 degrees and moderate winds.
BEACH WEATHER
Now might not be the best time to go for a swim with the ongoing orange thunderstorm alert in the region, but if that won’t stop you, the sea reaches 27 degrees despite the rain. The UV levels are of 6 and the air temperatures reach 28 degrees with moderate to strong winds.
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