NEWS
Darmanin in Marseille - Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin is making a surprise visit to Marseille on August 7-8. He will meet with police and security forces involved in the Olympics. His visit includes inspecting security measures around the Olympic Marina by boat. He will also thank agents at the Bouches-du-Rhône Prefecture and award decorations to the BRI unit and RAID officers.
New Interior Minister in Monaco - Lionel Beffre has succeeded Patrice Cellario as Monaco's new Interior Minister. After 42 years of service in the princely government, including 9 years as Interior Minister, Cellario has retired. This change occurs during the summer political break, with the next government council scheduled for September 11.
Patrice Laffont has Died this Morning - TV presenter Patrice Laffont passed away this Wednesday morning at his home in Oppède, Vaucluse. The host of shows like "Les Chiffres et des Lettres," "Pyramides," and "Fort Boyard" was just days shy of his 85th birthday.
Sea Temperatures - The Mediterranean Sea has reached a record temperature of 30°C, measured at the Azur buoy on Sunday August 4, off the coast of Nice. This is significantly higher than the usual early August average of 26°C. The rise in temperature could lead to the arrival of invasive species which could damage marine ecosystems by consuming large amounts of algae. The increase also threatens vital seagrass meadows near the coast. Météo-France is expanding its network of observation buoys to better monitor these changes.
Figuerolles Beach Closed - Figuerolles Beach in Martigues has been closed again today, August 7, due to a high concentration of algae. The beach was previously closed on July 26 for the same reason, posing a health risk to swimmers. It had reopened five days later.
Dignes-Les-Bains Train Line - Since mid-July, the Nice-Digne-les-Bains train line has been heavily disrupted due to air conditioning and engine failures, with only 3 out of 5 trains running. Normal service is expected to resume in late August. The disruptions, caused by extreme heat, have led to the use of replacement buses for part of the route. Efforts are being made to restore full service by August 15, ahead of the new school year.
Closed Massifs due to Fire Risks - Access to eight massifs in the Bouches-du-Rhône and Var is prohibited this Thursday due to fire risk. In the Var, this includes Haut-Var, Sainte-Baume, and the Maures. In Bouches-du-Rhône, Sainte-Victoire, Gardanne hills, Montaiguet, Regagnas, and Montagnette remain off-limits.
Former Avignon Mayor has Passed - Former Avignon mayor Marie-Josée Roig passed away at 86 after months of illness. Serving as mayor from 1995 to 2014, she was also a minister under Jacques Chirac. She held roles as Minister of Family and Children in 2004 and Deputy Minister of the Interior until 2005. Her former deputy, Michel Bissière, praised her dedication to Avignon.
Speeding on the A7 Motorway - Gendarmes intercepted several speeding drivers on the A7 near Avignon on the night of August 6-7. A young driver was caught at 179 km/h in a 110 zone, and another at 179 km/h in a 130 zone. A driver without a license was caught at 176 km/h, leading to the seizure of the car.
Electric Scooters in Nice - Police have conducted an hour-long operation on the 6th of August, checking electric scooter users on the Promenade des Anglais, in Nice. They issued 25 fines for offenses including lack of insurance, speeding, phone use, and wearing earphones. Electric scooter accidents are common, with severe incidents reported. Users risk fines up to 135 euros for violations of traffic laws.
Asphalt Plant makes Lamanon Residents Unhappy - Residents of Lamanon are upset about a temporary asphalt plant being set up in their town for three months to supply materials for A7 highway renovations near Marseille. The mayor supports the project. However, over 1,000 people have signed a petition against it, citing concerns about pollution, noise, and traffic. The decision will be finalized after a public consultation in September.
BUSINESS
US transport safety officials are investigating a mid-air emergency on an Alaska Airlines Boeing. The incident, caused by the blowout of an unused door, led to violent decompression and chaos onboard. Missing bolts in a door plug were found to be the cause, leading to a grounding of Max 9 planes for two weeks and an FBI probe. Boeing plans design changes to prevent future incidents. Boeing faces ongoing scrutiny and financial losses, recently naming Robert K. Ortberg as its next CEO.
And - Royal Mint, the UK’s coin makers, has begun extracting gold from electronic waste at its new plant in Wales. This "urban mining" involves processing old circuit boards to recover gold for jewellery or commemorative coins. 62 million tonnes of e-waste have been discarded in 2022, with the UK being the second-largest per capita producer. Royal Mint aims to process 4,000 tonnes of e-waste annually, generating up to 450kg of gold worth about £27m. This initiative helps the government-owned company diversify and retain jobs amid declining cash use. They are also exploring uses for other materials from the circuit boards.
OLYMPICS
So far, the US have taken the lead with 24 gold medals won, in second place China have 22, and Australia follow with 14. France are in fourth place with 13 and Great Britain follow closely with 12 gold medals.
In total, the US have won 86 medals, China have won 60, France have 48 and great Britain have 46.
Yesterday, Josh Kerr claimed silver in the 1500m as Team GB also won medals in cycling, skateboarding and boxing on day 11 of the Paris Olympics.
Emma Finucane could end the Olympics as one of the stars for Great Britain as she bids to becom a three-time gold medallist. A world and Olympic champion at 21 which hasn't shocked her father Rory at all.
Polish Aleksandra Miroslaw takes the first climbing gold medal at the Paris Olympics and is the first speed gold medalist. She broke the world record in the earlier rounds.
In track cycling - Australian Matthew Richardson has set a new world record time of 9.091 seconds. GB won a silver medal last night and look well under way to win another.
Formula 1 - McLaren Formula 1 boss Zak Brown says he is "surprised" to find the team in a battle with Red Bull for the world championship this season.
WEATHER
Partly sunny today with risks of thunderstorms inland and around Nice with strong winds planned for this evening. Highs of 29 degrees in Nice, 31 in Cannes, Toulon, and Marseille, and 34 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, the sky will clear up and temperatures will drop to 24 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, sunny spells with highs of 29 degrees with gentle to moderate winds.
BEACH WEATHER
Looks like this evening is not the best time to go for a swim as thunderstorms are expected until later tonight near Nice. The sea temperatures remain warm, reaching 26 degrees. The UV levels are of 8 near Saint-Tropez and Toulon with air temperatures reaching 34 degrees with moderate winds.
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