NEWS
Go Karting - The former space of the Prince of Monaco's Car Collection, vacant since summer 2022, will soon be temporarily repurposed as a karting track. While the operator has been chosen, the usage is set to be temporary, with no long-term plans yet defined, and the lease expected to end in late 2025. The opening date depends on the speed of the renovations.
Reckless Driver - A driver has lost control of his Toyota on 10th October, crashing into several parked cars before flipping his vehicle onto its roof in Cannes la Bocca. The driver fled the scene on foot before emergency services arrived. The cause of the accident remains unclear, with speed, alcohol, or inattention being possible factors.
Former Pharmacist Defrauds Health System - A former pharmacist has been sentenced to 18 months under house arrest with an electronic bracelet and fined €114,000 for defrauding the health system in Nice. She was found guilty of reselling unused medications, falsifying prescriptions, and other offenses. Additionally, €980,000 was confiscated from her accounts, and she was permanently banned from practicing as a pharmacist.
Speed Radar in Ventimiglia - A group of drivers is planning a class action lawsuit against fines issued by an unauthorized speed radar in Ventimiglia, Italy, which has ticketed tens of thousands of motorists. Italian courts have already annulled some fines due to the radar's lack of certification. Despite this, many drivers continue to receive collection notices, prompting calls for further legal action, including potential harassment claims.
Recent Heavy Rain Damaged Buidlings - A building cornice collapsed onto the street in Auriol, Var, but fortunately, no one was injured. The building was evacuated, and two families have been relocated, with emergency repairs underway. This marks the 25th building in four years deemed at risk by the municipality, highlighting the strain on the local budget for safety-related renovations.
Rare Eagle Lands on the Table of a Restaurant - A rare eagle (Circaète Jean-le-Blanc) has unexpectedly landed on the terrace of the restaurant Les Filles du Micocoulier,In Antibes. Likely injured and unable to fly, the bird startled diners. A restaurant customer took the eagle to an expert for further care, as it's believed the bird may have been resting during its migration to Africa.
Man Slaughters Boars in the Street - A rogue hunter killed a mother boar and her four piglets, leaving them to die in the streets, sparking outrage among residents In Marseille's Roy d'Espagne neighbourhood. An investigation has been opened as locals fear for their safety, especially with children and pets nearby. The city has seen a growing presence of wild boars, leading to tensions between those frustrated by their intrusion and others who defend or feed the animals.
Aurora Borealis in the Alpes-Maritimes - The skies over the Alpes-Maritimes and Var regions were illuminated by beautiful northern lights on Thursday evening, which was captured and shared widely on social media. These stunning displays are caused by a solar storm.
BUSINESS
Sanofi, a French multinational pharmaceutical and healthcare company, is in talks to sell a 50% controlling stake in its over-the-counter products division, Opella, to the U.S. investment firm CD&R. This deal, potentially worth over €15 billion, includes popular medicine brands like Doliprane, raising concerns in France about potential production relocation. The government is seeking assurances to maintain Opella’s French operations, while Sanofi will retain a significant stake in the division.
Mortgage rates, which have been falling due to lender competition, may soon rise again as some lenders, like Coventry Building Society, are set to increase rates. Experts warn that borrowers should consider locking in deals now to avoid higher costs. Rising mortgage rates, house prices, and rents could create challenges for both buyers and renters, with market uncertainty influenced by factors like the upcoming UK Budget and international tensions.
Elon Musk unveiled Tesla's Cybercab, a fully self-driving robotaxi without pedals or a steering wheel, expected to cost under $30,000 and begin production by 2027. While Musk envisions it as a key part of Tesla's future, with potential regulatory and safety concerns, competitors like Waymo and Cruise are already operating robotaxis in the U.S. The event also showcased another prototype, the "Robovan," amid excitement and questions about Musk's ambitious timelines.
Chinese police have detained four Foxconn employees in Zhengzhou, which Taiwanese authorities have called "strange" and possibly an "abuse of power." The workers, employed by the Taiwanese iPhone maker, face "breach of trust" charges, raising concerns about the confidence of foreign businesses operating in China. Foxconn, the world's largest iPhone manufacturer, is a major employer in China, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions between Beijing and Taipei.
SPORTS
Tennis - World number two Carlos Alcaraz suffered a shock straight-set defeat by an inspired Tomas Machac in the Shanghai Masters quarter-finals. Machac, who is ranked 33rd in the world, won a closely fought first-set tie-break before emerging a 7-6 (7-5) 7-5 winner.
Rugby Union - Former Wales coach Kevin Bowring has died at the age of 70. Bowring became Wales' first full-time professional coach when he took over in late 1995. He led Wales in 29 matches with 15 wins and 14 defeats before leaving the role in 1998.
Cricket - Jack Leach took the three wickets England required for a record-breaking win over Pakistan and a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
WEATHER
Mostly sunny today with gentle to moderate winds. Highs of 22 degrees in the Alpes-Maritimes and the Bouches-du-Rhône, and 24 degrees in the Var.
Tonight, bit cloudy with lows of 15 degrees.
Outlook for this weekend:
Sat: Cloudy with chances of rain and highs of 20 degrees.
Sun: Mostly sunny with highs of 23 degrees.
Mon: Mostly sunny with highs of 22 degrees and a gentle breeze.
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