News
Forest Fires have not progressed for the second day in a row - “For the second day in a row, the two fires” which have been burning in the Gironde since July 12th, have not progressed”. About 2,000 firefighters from all over France, and significant air resources are mobilized in Gironde to fight against the flames which have already destroyed nearly 20,800 hectares. "No additional evacuations have taken place since Tuesday afternoon. No serious injuries are to be deplored and no new homes have been destroyed". Today conditions should be favourable, with the “continuation of good weather”: “very little wind” and “high humidity”. However, "monitoring and caution remain in force". Faced with the disaster, French President Emmanuel Macron announced in La Teste-de-Buch "a major national project to be able to replant the forest". The president during his visit to the region on Wednesday, also promised the owners of campsites destroyed by fire that the state would help to rebuild them.
Heatwave alert extended in the Alpes Maritimes - Météo France has decided to extend the orange heat wave alert in the Alpes-Maritimes with high temperatures expected to continue in the coming days. According to the latest bulletin, highs of "31-33 degrees have been exceeded near the coast with peaks of 35-36 degrees inland. The Alpes-Maritimes department has been on an orange heatwave alert since Sunday July 17th. According to Météo France in Corsica and the Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur the period from June 1st to July 15th, the first half of summer, was the hottest ever observed since statistics began in 1947.
The bodies of two pensioners discovered several days after their death - The bodies of two pensioners have been discovered in Nice several days after their death. Police intervened on Wednesday after neighbours reported “an unpleasant smell” coming from the 5th floor of an apartment block on the Boulevard Gambetta. An investigation has been opened to determine the cause of death.
Another theft of a luxury watch - After three thefts of luxury watches in 48 hours in Cannes, a hotel manager from Mougins is the latest victim after having had his 10,000 euros Rolex stolen. The incident occurred on Wednesday when two individuals, faces hidden by their helmets, suddenly burst into a hotel in Mougins brandishing a weapon and assaulting the manager before taking his watch and fleeing the scene.
HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene welcomed by Pope Francis - HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene have been welcomed by Pope Francis at the Vatican on Wednesday. After celebrating the Monegasque Red Cross on Monday evening on the Place du Casino here in the Principality the princely couple flew to Rome for a private audience with Pope Francis. Their last meeting dated back six years.
Sapphire fetches more than 2.6 million euros at auction in Monaco - A 208-carat sapphire has fetched more than 2.6 million euros at auction in Monaco. Two collectors competed at the Monte-Carlo auction house, auction for this exceptional stone called "Le Grand Bleu" which sold on Tuesday evening for 2,620,000 euros. Set with diamonds, the stone from Sri Lanka is of a natural colour.
Takumi Minamino, AS Monaco's first summer recruit - Takumi Minamino, AS Monaco's first summer recruit has spoken of his reasons for moving to the club during a press conference in La Turbie on Wednesday. After four seasons with Liverpool and 15 million euros later the 27-year-old Japanese international explained that Monaco had been “the first club to approach him” and that he “welcomes the Monegasque challenge with great ambition”. The 27-year-old also added that he intends to quickly learn French.
"Nuits de la Villa" kicks of this evening in the village of Carros - The "Nuits de la Villa" begins this evening at 9pm in the village of Carros. Nine evenings will mark this year’s edition with world music, French song, and comedy. Among the other notable dates: there will be an opera evening on Saturday July 23rd at 9pm entitled, L'opéra... et si vous l'adore? and the closing evening Saturday, August 6th will be celebrated with a world music concert. The shows are completely free. A detailed program and reservations can be made on the City's website: www.ville-carros.com
Business
Tesla has sold off most of its holdings of the cryptocurrency Bitcoin. The electric carmaker said it had offloaded 75% of its Bitcoin, which was worth about $2bn at the end of 2021. It was only last year that the company made waves after revealing a major investment in the cryptocurrency. Tesla boss Elon Musk has been among the most high-profile champions of cryptocurrency, with his pronouncements on social media often driving significant trading activity.
The European Commission has urged countries across the bloc to cut their gas use by 15% from August to March amid fears Russia could halt supplies. It says the target is voluntary but will become legally binding if Moscow turns off the taps this summer. The key pipeline from Russia to Germany has been offline for maintenance for 10 days and is due to be turned back on this Thursday. But there are concerns Moscow will not follow through on its promise. The Russian president said there was a risk the equipment would have to be switched off at "some point" and the pipeline would be shut down. Russia supplied Europe with 40% of its natural gas last year, with Germany the continent's largest importer in 2020, followed by Italy.
A strike by refuelling staff which could have disrupted several airlines at Heathrow Airport later this week has been called off. A total of 50 workers from Aviation Fuel Services (AFS) were due to stage a three-day walkout from Thursday to Sunday in a row over pay. However, the Unite union said on Wednesday that a fresh pay offer was now on the table after talks.
Chinese technology giant Baidu has unveiled the next vehicle to join its self-driving taxi service, Apollo Go. It says its new model, the Apollo RT6, has the road skills of a driver with 20 years' experience. Under Chinese regulation, the autonomous cars currently still require a safety driver's presence. But one day, Baidu says, the RT6's detachable steering wheel could be replaced by extra seats, vending machines, desks or games consoles.
Sport
Football - England are through to the semi-finals of the European Women's Championship after coming from behind in dramatic fashion to beat pre-tournament favourites Spain 2-1 in extra time.
Tennis - Former world number one Venus Williams will make her singles comeback after being awarded a wildcard for next month's WTA 1000 tournament in Toronto. Williams has not played in a singles tournament for nearly a year, but she will join her sister Serena in the main draw for the National Bank Open. Williams most recent return to court was alongside Britain's Jamie Murray, reaching the second round in the mixed doubles at Wimbledon. The tournament begins on 6 August.
Golf - Henrik Stenson has joined the LIV Golf series following his removal as Europe's Ryder Cup captain. The 46-year-old Swede, was sacked by Ryder Cup Europe on Wednesday morning and later put out a statement confirming he was joining the controversial Saudi-backed breakaway event.
Weather
Sunny with highs of 32 degrees in Monaco, Nice and Antibes. 36 degrees in Marseille and 34 degrees in Saint Tropez and the Var with a gentle breeze. This evening going down to 23 degrees with clear skies.
The outlook for Friday and heading into the weekend fine and sunny with highs of 31-33 degrees.
Sea temperature: 22 degrees UV level: 9
Sunrise: 06.07hr Sunset: 21.05hr
The towns that make up the Nice metropolitan area have approved a wide-ranging six-year plan to improve access to housing on the Riviera....
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Researchers in Nice, led by Prof. Véronique Paquis, have identified an antibiotic, nifuroxazide, that shows promise in treating ALS (Charcot’s disease...
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A union representing French airline pilots has called a strike for this Thursday which could affect flights....
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A cold air mass will bring rain and a drop in temperatures on Tuesday in the Alpes-Maritimes and Var, with highs falling to around 17-18°C. ...
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Police in Marseille have arrested 15 people and seized €1.2 million in cash in a series of raids linked to an investigation into drug-trafficking and ...
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