Meteo France have placed the Var on a top-level red alert for forest fires today. Two other nearby departments, the Bouches-du-Rhone and the Vaucluse are also on red alert. Meteo France describes a red level alert as signifying weather conditions which make the risk of forest and vegetation fires starting and spreading very high compared to summer norms. The prefect of the Var has placed several forest massifs in the department on a “very severe” level of fire risk. They are the Monts Toulonnais, Sainte-Baume, Haut-Var, Corniche des Maures, Maures, and Centre-Var. Access, traffic, walking, and work is prohibited in those massive areas. The Sigues and Gonfaron rest areas on the A57 motorway are closed. A “severe” level of fire risk is in place for the Esterel, Plateau de Canjuers, and Îles d’Hyères massifs, where access is not recommended. A regularly updated access map and details of safety and work regulations are available on the Prefecture's website www.var.gouv.fr
Meanwhile, about a hundred firefighters were involved in fighting a fire which broke out yesterday afternoon in Fos-sur-Mer in the Bouches-du-Rhone department. Water bombing aircraft were used to bring the blaze under control. Reports say that about 6,000 square meters were burned.
French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has outlined the government's plans to reduce the country's budget deficit. The aim of the plans is to save almost 44 billion euros and to reduce the deficit to 2.9% of GDP by 2029. He said that social benefits would be maintained at their same levels in 2026 as in 2025. He also confirmed controversial plans to eliminate two public holidays, which he suggested could be Easter Monday and May 8, the day on which the armistice in the Second World War is commemorated, although he added that he was ready to accept “other ideas”. He said that such changes to public holidays would “bring in several billion to the state budget”.
A police patrol car has been ambushed by about fifty individuals in Limoges, in the Haut-Vienne department. Two police officers were slightly injured in the ambush which happened when they were responding to a neighborhood fire. According to local reports, the attack lasted about two hours during which Molotov cocktails and fireworks were used by the attackers. Police responded with tear gas and stun grenades.
A control of diving clubs at sea has been carried out by authorities off the coast of the Var. Fifteen checks were carried out on Tuesday morning by the Var Departmental Youth, Engagement, and Sports Service, with nautical resources from the Coastal Unit of Maritime Affairs, the Var National Police, the Port-Cros National Park, and the Lavandou Nautical Brigade. As a result, three formal notices for safety violations were issued and two formal notices were issued to two diving instructors who failed to carry out the necessary checks before an outing at sea.
A "Grimaldi Historical Sites of Monaco" plaque has been unveiled in La Colle-sur-Loup. His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco and Jean-Bernard Mion, Mayor of La Colle-sur-Loup, unveiled the plaque yesterday in the presence of Laurent Hottiaux, Prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes, Dominique Estrosi-Sassone, Senator and President of the France-Monaco Inter-parliamentary Friendship Group in the Senate, Bryan Masson, and local elected officials. More than a hundred municipalities in France and Italy share a history with the Grimaldi family. The "Grimaldi Historical Sites of Monaco" association aims to raise awareness of the long-standing ties that unite France, Italy, and the Principality of Monaco. Its purpose is to bring together, enhance, and promote these sites both culturally and in terms of tourism.
Several departments of the Monegasque Government Administration have moved into the new Espace Honoré II, located at 5 Promenade Honoré II, just before the new Collège Charles III. They include the Department of Urban Planning and Mobility, the Public Parking Service, Monaco Parking, the Department of National Education, Youth and Sport,s Vehicle Registration Services, the Housing Department, and the Legal Affairs Department. Pedestrian access is via Promenade Honoré II, from the Prince Pierre, Place d'Armes and Charles III bus stops. Access from the Fontvieille shopping center can be made via the Canton roundabout and the Fontvieille shopping center elevators.
BUSINESS
US consumer prices rose 2.7% in the year to June, up from 2.4% the previous month. New data from the US Labor Department showed that higher energy and housing costs were the major drivers of the increase. The data also suggests that consumers are starting to feel the impact of tariffs, as some businesses start to pass on increased costs.
The chief executive of Thames Water has said that the company is “extremely stressed” and will take “between five and ten years” or more to turn around. Chris Weston said that the company had made "good progress" on its performance, despite what he called “the ongoing challenging financial situation”. Thames Water reported a loss of £1.65bn for the year to March, while its debt increased to £16.8bn. US private equity business KKR pulled out of a £4bn rescue deal for the company last month.
SPORT
Cricket… Jofra Archer has said he is able to play in England's final two Tests of the series against India. The star bowler missed more than four years of Test cricket because of injury but played an important role in England's win against India at Lord's. He added that he will do “everything possible in [his] power to be on the plane to Australia in November.”
The president of Cricket West Indies has called for an emergency meeting to review the series against Australia, including the final match in which the Windies were bowled out for just 27. Dr Kishore Shallow said that three of the West Indies greatest batters, Sir Viv Richards, Sir Clive Lloyd and Brian Lara, had been invited to the meeting.
Football… Manchester City have extended their kit partnership with Puma for at least another 10 years. City initially signed a £65m a year deal in 2019 but an extension has now been agreed until at least 2035, which is reportedly worth a record £100m a year to the club.
Liverpool have rejected an offer from Bayern Munich for Luis Diaz. Bayern reportedly offered £58.6m for the Colombia international. ****Liverpool apparently value Diaz in excess of £87m. His current contract expires in the summer of 2027.
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