The heatwave affecting France and Monaco is continuing again on Wednesday, with virtually the whole of France being on either a yellow or orange warning for heat from Meteo France. The Var and the Alpes-Maritimes are both on orange alerts for heat for Wednesday. An orange level alert is the highest third out of the four levels used by Meteo France. Yesterday afternoon temperatures above 40 degrees were recorded in parts of the Ardeche and Aude departments. Meteo France have said that Wednesday is expected to be the hottest day of the heatwave on a national basis. It said that minimum overnight temperatures are becoming “very high” over many areas of France. Cooler weather is expected to move across the country from the west on Thursday. However, it said that 30 °C will still be reached or exceeded between the plains of the South-West and the Grand-Est. The heat will remain intense between the Rhone Valley and the Mediterranean rim where temperatures are expected to approach or exceed 35 °C.
Two people have been rescued by helicopter in the Var this morning. The woman and a teenager were part of a larger group who were canyoning near Mons when they became stuck in a difficulty to access area.
Inflation in France has increased slightly, according to the latest figures from government statistics agency INSEE. It said that annual inflation stood at 2.3% in July, up from 2.2% in June. It attributed the rise to an increase in energy prices, which rose to 8.5% from 4.8% the previous month.
At least one person has died after a motorway collision in northern France. A heavy goods vehicle collided with several customs officers riding motorcycles. The accident took place early yesterday evening at the exit of a service area on the A25 motorway, between Lille and Dunkerque, close to the border with Belgium.
Four people have received prison sentences for people smuggling between France and Italy. According to prosecutors, the network was well organized and involved transporting migrants from the Ventimiglia area across the border to France using rental cars.
Fifteen computers which could reportedly contain sensitive information about nuclear sites have been stolen from a location in Marseille. Two police sources, interviewed by France 3, said that the machines, which were stolen from a sub-contractor of EDF, could contain access codes and plans of nuclear sites. An investigation has been opened by the Marseille prosecutor's office.
The Var prefecture has said that 250 additional police officers and gendarmes are on duty this summer compared with last summer “to guarantee the safety of Var residents and holidaymakers”. The prefecture said that this commitment by the police forces makes it possible in particular to secure major cultural and festive events.
A presentation has been held demonstrating the systems put in place for fighting forest fires in the Alpes Maritimes in the presence of departmental prefect Hugues Moutouh, Charles Anges Ginésy, President of the departmental council of the AlpesMaritimes and René Dies, general controller and departmental director of the SDIS in the department. According to the prefecture, the resources for this summer consist of 220 firefighters permanently pre-positioned on the ground in addition to the 380 who provide coverage for current risks in the barracks. Significant air resources are employed with the presence of 3 water bomber helicopters. Drones are also being used. The prefect expressed his thanks to all the firefighters of the Alpes Maritimes mobilized throughout the summer to fight forest fires and preserve the environment.
BUSINESS
The German economy contracted more than expected in the second quarter of this year. Economists had expected growth of 0.1% but federal statistics office Destatis said that GDP fell by 0.1%. It said that “investments in equipment and buildings” in particular decreased. However, in the wider Eurozone, GDP increased by 0.3%.
Air New Zealand has abandoned a 2030 goal to cut its carbon emissions. It said that it was experiencing difficulties securing more efficient planes and sustainable jet fuel. The airline added it is working on a new short-term target and it remains committed to an industry-wide goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The aviation industry is estimated to produce around 2% of global carbon dioxide emissions,
The UK government is aiming to negotiate a new agri-food agreement with the European Union which will ease the problems of trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The minister for the Constitution and European relations, Nick Thomas-Symonds said he hoped formal negotiations could begin early next year.
SPORT
Olympics... Great Britain's Beth Potter has taken bronze in the triathlon this morning after the race was cleared to go ahead following days of uncertainty over the water quality in the River Seine. Cassandre Beaugrand took gold for France.
In Olympics Tennis news... American second seed Coco Gauff fell to a shock 7-6 6-2 defeat against Croatia's Donna Vekic in the third round of the women's singles in the sweltering heat at Roland Garros yesterday. British men's number one Jack Draper lost 7-6 3-6 2-6 to American seventh seed Taylor Fritz.
German veteran Angelique Kerber - who announced on Friday she will retire after the Games - beat Canada's Leylah Fernandez. American Danielle Collins, another player leaving the sport later this year, is also through to the quarter-finals after beating Colombia's Camila Osario.
Team GB will go for a first swimming gold at the Paris Olympics after the 4x200m freestyle relay team qualified in first place for the final on Tuesday.
Great Britain fought back to earn a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in Men's hockey.
Nathan Hales won Olympic gold by setting a new Games record in the men's trap shooting finale.
Great Britain's Kieran Reilly qualified in top spot for the men's BMX freestyle final but Charlotte Worthington missed out on the chance to defend her women's title after failing to progress.
Cricket... Matthew Mott has stepped down as white-ball head coach after England failed to defend either of the limited-overs World Cups. Jos Buttler is to remain as captain, with assistant coach Marcus Trescothick put in temporary charge for the series against Australia in September.
Football... Everton have signed Jake O'Brien on a four-year deal for 19.5m euros from Lyon. The 23-year-old Republic of Ireland player made 27 appearances for Lyon last season.
The United States women's team will be playing England in a friendly at Wembley on 30 November. England will also face Germany in a women's team friendly at Wembley on 25 October. The team will also play South Africa in Coventry on 29 October and Switzerland at Sheffield United's Bramall Lane stadium on 3 December. All four games will serve as part of the Lionesses' build-up to Euro 2025 in Switzerland.
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