NEWS
Weather Alert Damages - Ten departments in France remain under orange alert for floods and heavy rain, following intense rainfall that caused significant damage, particularly in the Loire and Ardèche regions. An orange alert for flooding and a yellow alert for storms and rain are still in place in the Alpes-Maritimes and Vaucluse departments. The situation is improving, with the red alert lifted and recovery efforts underway, including plans to declare a state of natural disaster within the next ten days. Nearly 4,000 households are still without electricity, and emergency services continue to assist those affected by the severe weather conditions. While schools reopen, the risk of floods remains, and some transport disruptions continue due to landslides and blocked roads.
No More E-Cigarrettes in Monaco? - Monaco's National Council is moving towards banning disposable e-cigarettes, known as "puffs," to protect public health and reduce environmental waste. The proposal to ban the manufacture, sale, and distribution of these devices was prompted by concerns over youth addiction and pollution. Despite a last-minute government bill on the same issue, the Council remains committed to fast action on the matter.
Selling Allianz Riviera in Nice? - Far-right elected officials in Nice have proposed selling the Allianz Riviera stadium to the OGC Nice football club to reduce the city's debt. They argue that this move could lighten the city's financial burden by nearly €80 million, addressing part of the overall €566 million debt. The officials claim the stadium, built in 2013, remains a significant financial drain on public resources.
Administrative Court of Nice 2024 Cases - The Nice Administrative Court saw a 15% increase in new cases in 2024, with 46% related to immigration and deportation issues. Highlighted decisions include rulings on environmental protection, such as the annulment of construction permits for projects violating coastal and mountain laws. Notable cases involved the protection of sensitive natural areas, like halting a photovoltaic park in Valderoure and addressing species protection for a sports health campus in Mougins.
Marseille and Naples' Official Twinning - Marseille and Naples, two Mediterranean cities with many similarities—port cities, passionate about football, pizza, and vibrant street life—are preparing for an official twinning. Signed on the 18th of October, this bond celebrates their shared culture, history, and challenges, like crime and social issues, while fostering collaboration in areas like tourism, culture, and the environment. Both cities have long been seen as "twins" in spirit, and this formal agreement will strengthen their ties.
Handi SUD Basket Recovers from Burglary - Handi SUD Basket has suffered a burglary in early October, losing their specialized wheelchairs and equipment, amounting to nearly 30,000 euros in damages. In response, the Marseille city council granted the club a 25,000-euro subsidy to help recover, recognizing the club’s work in raising awareness about disability and promoting inclusivity.
BUSINESS
A new charter has been signed in the Var to simplify public procurement processes and help local small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and micro-enterprises (TPE) in the construction sector access public contracts. With the private construction market struggling, this initiative aims to provide more opportunities for smaller businesses by reducing procedural complexities and offering more realistic deadlines. It also emphasizes the need for more dialogue with local authorities and fairer payment terms.
Scientists in Iceland are planning to drill into the magma beneath the Krafla volcano by 2026, aiming to create a unique magma observatory. This project could improve eruption forecasting and advance geothermal energy by tapping directly into the extreme heat of magma, potentially producing far more energy than traditional geothermal wells. The ambitious project could transform both volcanic risk management and renewable energy generation globally.
The UK government is considering changes to inheritance tax in the upcoming budget to raise more revenue, targeting exemptions and reliefs. Inheritance tax currently applies at 40% on estates over £325,000, impacting about 4% of deaths annually. The changes are part of efforts to address a £40 billion shortfall, with ministers also exploring other tax hikes, including National Insurance for employers.
And - Netflix is raising prices in some countries, including Japan, parts of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, as subscriber growth slows after its password-sharing crackdown. The company added 5.1 million subscribers in the last quarter, its smallest increase in over a year, while still boasting over 282 million global subscribers. Despite rising revenue and profit, Netflix aims to drive future growth through advertising and fresh content, particularly in competitive markets.
SPORTS
Football – Spirited Celtic were eventually swept aside by Real Madrid as they lost their second group match in a row in the Women's Champions League 4-0.
Rugby Union – With the Red Roses 20-match winning streak, England’s path to a possible home Rugby World Cup triumph has been mapped out with the hosts placed in a pool alongside Australia, USA, and Samoa for next summer's tournament.
Tennis – World number nine Danielle Collins will return to action next year after previously announcing she would retire at the end of the 2024 season.
WEATHER
A yellow alert for rain and thunderstorms is still in place this afternoon in the Alpes Maritimes and the Vaucluse department. Light clouds with sunny spells in the rest of the region. Highs of 19 degrees in Toulon and Marseille, 20 degrees in Nice, and 21 degrees in Cannes and Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, light clouds with lows of 17 degrees.
Outlook for this weekend,
Sat: Mostly fine with highs of 21 degrees.
Sun: Light clouds with highs of 23 degrees.
Mon: Mostly fine with highs of 23 degrees.
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