National News
Billed as the “biggest open-air show on earth” - Paris is getting ready to shut down it’s city centre and its airspace as well as mobilise 45,000 police and several army units in what has been billed as the biggest open-air show on Earth. The Paris Olympics opening ceremony begins tonight at 7.30pm local time. Instead of the traditional parade round a stadium track, more than 8,000 of the world’s top athletes will be transported by boat along 6km of the River Seine. Exactly what will take place in the almost four-hour long show has been kept tightly under wraps. One thing is for sure that France was impressed by the humour of the late queen’s apparent parachute from a plane with James Bond during London’s opening ceremony in 2012, and one priority for the Paris show is to provide its own form of tongue-in-cheek and inventiveness. More than 1 billion people are expected to watch live on TV and social media
French President tries to reassure world’s most influential businessmen with a sit-down lunch at the Elysee - Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron has sought to reassure 40 of the world’s most influential businessmen in a sit-down lunch at the Elysee Palace on Thursday. Guests included Tesla’s Elon Musk, Coca-Cola’s James Quincey, Airbnb’s Brian Chesky and Bernard Arnault of LVMH. Macron wishes to convince them that France remains a good investment following the results of a snap parliamentary elections on June 9th.
Local
Heatwave alert - The Alpes Maritimes department has been placed on a yellow heatwave alert today Friday 26th July, which means that temperatures are not expected to drop below 24 degrees and could reach highs of 38-40 degrees in places. The warning is in place until at least tomorrow. For the time being the Var region, despite high temperatures, has not been place on an alert. The public is reminded to drink plenty of water and avoid going out at the hottest times of the day.
Forest fire - A fire which destroyed 6 hectares of vegetation in Frejus near the A8 motorway on Thursday evening is now under control. The forest fire seriously disrupted traffic westbound on the A8 motorway, heading toward Aix en Provence between Les Adrets and Fréjus in the Var. Firefighters remain on site to monitor the situation.
Heavy traffic on the roads due to cross over weekend for holiday makers - Meanwhile, Bison Futé has warned motorist of very heavy traffic on the roads across France today, tomorrow and sunday, due to what is referred to as a crossover weekend for holidaymakers. From today roads are expected to be busy for those departing from the north and heading south. The Mediterranean region is red for those leaving the region today with heavy traffic on the Mediterranean coast. Disruptions are expected until early Monday afternoon.
Swimmer drowns - An 82-year-old man has drowned while swimming in the sea in Toulon. The incident occurred on Thursday morning. Lifeguards present were unable to save the victim who was seen in difficulty while out swimming shortly before 10am.
Report - Following the publication of a report on the fight against corruption in Monaco. Monaco’s Minister of state Pierre Dartout has urged authorities to "remain vigilant, rigorous and exemplary". The Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) considers in its report that Monaco could “increase its efficiency in this area”. The GRECO considers Monaco as a special state, with its specificities relating to history and geography. Which Dartout points out is important to consider when it comes to defining actions against corruption.
American actress Sharon Stone enjoying time off on the Riviera - American actress Sharon Stone, who is currently on the Côte d'Azur and was seen attending a charity gala on Monday evening in Cannes has been seen having dinner at the well-known Michelangelo restaurant, in old Antibes. The American star dined at the Michelangelo, rue des Cordiers in Antibes, and took the opportunity to pose with Mamo, the famous owner.
Italian rapper and Johnny Depp in Saint- Tropez - Meanwhile, Italian rapper Fedez and American actor Johnny Depp have been hanging out together further down the coast in Saint-Tropez. Both were seen taking selfies on a yacht moored in the famous fishing port now home to rich and famous during the summer months. Johnny Depp being a regular in the Var, where he owns a property in the picturesque village of Plan-de-la-Tour.
Flip flop competition - Finally, known to be the perfect sport to accompany an aperitif for those that already practice it flip flop throwing has taken off in the Var with a competition planned this summer. La Seyne is getting ready for the event open free of charge to those aged 15 and over, on 7 August at 6 p.m. The principle of the discipline is simple. Placed on a line, the competitors, individually, will have to throw one of the flip-flops they are wearing on their foot, with a movement of the leg, without taking a run-up. The winner will be the one who throws his or her flip flop the furthest. Not yet an Olympic discipline, but you never know!
Business
In an attempt to edge out Google as the go-to search engine OpenAI is working on adding new powers to its artificial intelligence (AI) bot. The company said it was experimenting with a search feature that incorporates real-time information into its ChatGPT product, allowing the bot to respond to user questions with up-to-date information and links. The tool is currently available to a limited number of users in the US. But it is expected to eventually be incorporated into the company's ChatGPT bot.
Meanwhile, major video game makers are facing a strike by Hollywood performers over the use of artificial intelligence (AI). It follows a year and half of talks over a new a contract between the companies and a union representing more than 2,500 video game performers. The two sides say they have agreed on several key issues, such as wages and job safety, but protections related
