The 46th edition of Jazz in Marciac is set to take place from July 18 to August 4, 2024, moved earlier to avoid clashing with the Olympic Games. Following a record-breaking 45th anniversary, the festival continues to grow, with over 307,000 visitors, a 33% increase from the previous year. The 2024 edition will focus on original creations, young musicians, and a significant female presence, including an all-female orchestra, Artemis. Highlights include tributes to Ahmad Jamal and Claude Nougaro, performances by Emile Parisien with the Orchestre national de Toulouse, and Avishai Cohen's special show. Young artists like Laufey, Kinga Glyk, and Louis Matute will also be featured, alongside festival regulars such as Ibrahim Maalouf.

Ghiless Jeanney, a 15-year-old karting driver from Lisle, has won the French karting championship in the KA100-130 category, along with titles in the southern region and Occitanie-Pyrénées. Despite his dyspraxia and autism spectrum disorder, Jeanney has excelled in karting, winning most of his races this year. He is now seeking sponsors to compete in the senior category next season, with his first race scheduled in Lyon in February. His parents, Eric and Lila Jeanney, continue to support him in his racing endeavors.

The Gers departmental council discussed several key issues, including the transfer of national roads to departmental control, which will result in a speed limit increase to 90 km/h. The council also addressed the financial struggles of the Castéra-Verduzan thermal baths, with plans to find a private partner to alleviate the department's financial burden. Additionally, a 5% increase in the accommodation rate for local nursing homes was approved to help manage rising costs. Lastly, a purchasing power bonus for departmental agents was announced, ranging from €300 to €800 based on income.

Residents in several communes of Gers are facing a public health crisis due to water contamination with carcinogenic CVM. The issue has prompted local officials, including the president of the departmental council Philippe Dupouy, to call for collective action involving public authorities and the regional health agency (ARS). Despite ARS's role in identifying the contamination, there is criticism over its lack of response and action. The cost of necessary renovations to the water supply infrastructure is estimated to be substantial, with long-term plans required to address the issue.

Lydie Marchi, who has led the Centre d’art contemporain de Châteauvert since 2019, has been appointed as the new director of the Centre d’art et de photographie de Lectoure, succeeding Marie-Frédérique Hallin. Marchi expressed joy at her nomination by the Minister of Culture and outlined her project proposals, which include valuing photography in its diversity, addressing current subjects, and ensuring parity and representation. She highlighted the increasing public appreciation for art photography, as evidenced by rising attendance at various festivals. Marchi is already working on the programming for 2024, with an upcoming exhibition featuring artist Robin Lopvet and the summer photographic event she is curating.

In July 2020, a young woman and her companion, traveling through Solomiac, faced legal consequences after one of their five illegally owned dogs bit the mayor, Guy Mantovani, causing a seven-day injury. The woman, under legal guardianship and prohibited from owning dangerous dogs, was sentenced to three months of suspended prison, while her companion received a suspended fine. The prosecutor emphasized the severity of the incident, highlighting the potential danger of poorly trained dogs, while the defense lawyer sought a fair sentence considering the woman's health and fragility.

The ongoing conflict in Montréal-du-Gers centers around a car wash station accused of causing significant noise and chemical pollution. Joëlle D., a neighbor, has taken legal action against the station's owner, citing health concerns for her father and personal distress. Despite social media backlash and threats, Joëlle and her husband Patrick seek compliance with expert recommendations rather than the closure of the business. The case, represented by lawyer Me Gilles Lamarquette, awaits judicial resolution.

A significant fire broke out early Wednesday morning in a corn silo in Belloc-Saint-Clamens, near Mirande, burning approximately thirty tons of corn. About twenty firefighters from various local stations are on site to control the blaze and prevent structural damage. There are no casualties or risk of fire spread. The town's mayor, Claudine Ladois, was present to assess the damage.

Cimafunk, a Cuban artist known for his unique blend of funk and reggaeton, returns to the Tempo Latino festival after a successful performance in 2019. He reflects on his rise to fame, the joy and challenges of his musical journey, and his passion for creating music that resonates with people. Despite his growing popularity, Cimafunk remains grounded and focused on his love for music and performance. He also shares his aspirations for future collaborations and his commitment to making music that captures the spirit of the times.

The construction of a 24-place medicalized home at 21 rue Saint-Jacques, facing Place du Caillou in Auch, has sparked controversy among local residents. The Regar association, responsible for the project, is attempting to address community concerns through meetings and communications. Despite efforts to explain the necessity and minimal impact of the facility, residents remain worried about potential nuisances. A petition against the project has gathered significant support, and the community has until mid-August to file administrative objections.