News
Fatal road accident - A British woman has been killed along with two other people in a three-car collision on a motorway in northern France. More than 65 firefighters and nine ambulances attended the crash on Sunday evening. Three people were killed and five are in a critical condition. The incident took place near roadworks on the A26 and involved 17 people in total, including seven British citizens. An investigation into the cause of the collision is underway.
Series of paragliding accidents has raised safety questions - A series of paragliding accidents which occurred on Monday July 31st, in the Alpes de Haute Provence have raised serious safety questions. At least five people are reported to be in a critical condition following separate incidents while paragliding in the town of Mont-Clar, Saint-André-les-Alpes, Saint-Vincent-les-Forts and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. An investigation has been opened.
Changes on August 1st - Regulated electricity prices increase by 10% this Tuesday, August 1st. After an initial increase of 15% in February, prices have increased by another 10% today Tuesday 1st August, for 23 million French people. The government points out that the price shield, put in place two winters ago to alleviate the effects of inflation in electricity costs, continues to protect French households for more than a third of their bill, or 37%. According to the Energy Regulatory Commission without it, regulated sales tariffs would increase by 74.5%. However political opposition has called the move “scandalous and shameful”. Saying that is it the “working and middle classes who will pay". Other changes for the 1st of the month is that the back-to-school allowance will be increased by 5.6% and cash receipts will no longer be printed automatically for customers. Each year, 30 billion receipts are printed before being thrown away.
Property declaration - A last minute rush of property owners declaring their situation to the French state, has caused problems with the impots.gouv website. To accommodate any delays, Monday night’s deadline has been extended for a final 24 hours, after which any owner who has not declared a property, could face fines or sanctions. The declaration is being used to identify premises exempt from the tax d’habitation which was abolished for all main residences this year. Since January 1st, each owner must declare if their property is being used as a primary residence, empty, rented or used as a secondary residence. In the case of a secondary residence, you will still be liable to pay the tax d’habitation.
Body found in the lake Sainte-Croix – The lifeless body of a man who was reported missing after falling into the lake Sainte-Croix on Monday has been recovered. The Portuguese man in his fifties who was on a boating holiday with his family at the time, is believed to have fallen from the vessel after feeling unwell. Police were alerted at around 7pm on Monday and emergency services were deployed in the area.
Man drowns on beach in the Var - A 75-year-old man has drowned after going swimming on the beach of Cavalière in Le Lavandou, in the Var. Emergency services were at the scene shortly after 5pm on Monday, but were unable to save the victim who is believed to have suffered a heart attack.
Police intervene after complaints from neighbours in Saint-Tropez - Police have had to intervene to restore order, after a couple on holiday in Saint-Tropez caused local residents to complain following continuous marital disputes and domestic violence. After complaints from the neighbourhood the situation was deemed to be "unacceptable" for local residents, who decided to alert the police. Police later said that they were faced with “a couple who have decided to come and separate while on holiday and that while the gentleman wants to keep the rental, the lady does not want to leave the premises” adding, that “violence had occurred from both parties”. The couple are accompanied by another couple, who wished not to intervene. One person has since been placed in police custody for threatening an officer.
Crash in Cannes caused by a technical fault - A crash involving two busses in Cannes, which injured 32 people on Sunday evening, is believed to have been caused by a technical fault. The driver of one bus reports his vehicle suddenly accelerated and brakes stopped working. Sixty firefighters attended the scene where 19 people with minor injuries were taken to hospital. A full investigation is to take place.
New Chief of staff in Monaco - In Monaco, Christophe Steiner has been confirmed as Prince Albert’s new Chief of Staff. The 64-year-old banker, served as president of the National Council from 2016 to 2018, before being appointed Ambassador of Monaco to France. He officially takes up the position on September 4th.
Traffic - Monegasque traffic is expected to be significantly disrupted over the next two weeks, as public works begin on the Boulevard du Jardin Exotique and the surrounding neighbourhood. Works include refurbishing the public lighting system and creating a new sewer network. The work will be conducted 9am and 4pm weekdays and are due to take two weeks to complete.
Business
According to the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and NielsenIQ retail analysts, food inflation slowed to 13.4% in July. New figures suggest food price inflation has slowed to its lowest level this year as prices of oils, fish, and breakfast cereals fall. But overall, shop prices are still 7.6% higher this July than a year ago. BRC chief Helen Dickinson said the figures were "cause for optimism" but warned of supply chain issues ahead.
The owners of Twitter have been accused of trying to "bully" anti-hate campaigners into silence with letters threatening legal action. The Centre for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) said X Corp accused it of making "troubling and baseless claims" in its reports about the platform. Elon Musk bought the platform last year promising to defend free speech.
As the chip war with the US escalates China is due to start restricting exports of two materials key to the semiconductor industry. Under the new controls, special licences will be needed. The curbs come after Washington made efforts to limit Beijing's access to advanced microprocessor technology.
Sport
Football - In the Women’s World Cup Australia have finally arrived at their own party after beating Canada 4-0 on Monday to qualify for the last 16.
Today’s action in Group D will see China play England, Haiti face Denmark. In Group E Portugal play the USA and Vietnam play the Netherlands.
Brazil midfielder Fabinho has completed a move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad from Liverpool on a three-year deal. Capped 29 times by his country, he joined Liverpool in July 2018 from Monaco for a fee in the region of £39m.
And the owner of Chelsea has contacted the president of Paris Saint-Germain personally in a bid to sign Kylian Mbappe either permanently or on loan according to reports. Today will see the player pick up a 60 million euros loyalty bonus at PSG, a moment which could prompt the France forward to making a decision on his future after reportedly turning down Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
Cricket - Stuart Broad ended his glittering career by bowling England to another dramatic victory in the fifth Test against Australia to leave a memorable Ashes series level at 2-2. Broad, in his final Test before retiring, took the last two wickets as England bowled out the tourists for 334 to win by 49 runs at The Oval.
Weather
Fine and sunny with highs of 30 degrees in Monaco, 33 degrees in Nice and 35 degrees in Cannes. This evening going down to 21 degrees with clear skies.
In the Var in Saint-Tropez 32 degrees and sunny. 35 degrees in Frejus and Draguignan. Strong winds. This evening going down to 22 degrees.
The outlook for tomorrow and Thursday. Remaining much the same with highs of 33 degrees and strong winds forecast.
Sunrise 06.18am
Sunset 08.53pm
Beach weather
Nice – Sea temperature 25 degrees. Air temperature 29 degrees. UV level 9.
Saint-Tropez - Sea temperature 24 degrees. Air temperature 33 degrees. UV level 10. Strong winds.
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