NEWS
COVID Outbreak - COVID-19 cases are rising in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, with increased virus detection in wastewater signalling a potential surge this fall, according to Santé publique France. Emergency room visits and positive test rates are up, leading to a new vaccination campaign starting on the 15th of October, targeting primarily those over 65. Preventative measures like mask-wearing and hand hygiene are still recommended.
Waste Collection Strike - Workers at Veolia's waste collection agencies in Grasse, Villeneuve-Loubet, and the Nice area have gone on strike on Thursday, 26th September, primarily over pay issues. The strike, which has seen near-total participation in Grasse, has disrupted waste collection in several cities, though some services are being maintained by local metropolitan agents. The striking workers are demanding better working conditions, addressing issues like workload, stress, and fair treatment.
Online Platform for Students Internships - The Métropole Nice Côte d'Azur has launched a unique online platform to help students from 8th to 10th grade find internships. The platform, available to all students regardless of location, aims to offer 2,000 internships annually. It simplifies the application process and ensures every applicant receives a response within 15 days.
Flood Risk Press Conference in Cannes - To mark the 9th anniversary of the 3rd of October 2015’s floods in Cannes, David Lisnard, Mayor of Cannes and President of the Cannes Lérins Agglomeration, will present the flood risk reduction strategy and actions to be undertaken in the region on the 30th of September. The press conference will include Vice-Presidents of the Agglomeration and the Sub-Prefect of Grasse.
Marineland Orcas' Health - Animal welfare associations are increasingly concerned about the health of the orcas at Marineland, particularly Wikie and Keijo, whose conditions are reportedly deteriorating. One Voice president Muriel Arnal emphasizes the need for immediate and proper care for the orcas, suggesting that all plans for their transfer be halted. Marineland has responded, assuring that they are providing daily care with the help of global experts to maintain the orcas' health.
Archeological Discovery in Mercantour - Archaeologists have discovered fossils of animal activity dating back over 260 million years, from the Permian period, predating dinosaurs in the Mercantour National Park. The fossils, found near Mont Bégo and the Vallée des Merveilles, include traces of reptiles and salamanders. An international research team will conduct further studies on these significant findings in early October 2024.
Notion of Consent in French Law - During the Mazan rape trial, the issue of consent has been central. Justice Minister Didier Migaud expressed support for updating French law to explicitly include the notion of consent in the definition of rape. This aligns with President Macron's earlier stance, aiming for legal reform similar to recent changes in other European countries.
Two Men Shot by Kalashnikov - Two men in their thirties have been seriously injured in a suspected Kalashnikov shooting on Thursday night in Cagnes-sur-Mer, Alpes-Maritimes. The incident, possibly drug-related, left one man shot in the abdomen and another in the leg, both in critical condition. An investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances.
BUSINESS
Dovid Efune, owner of the New York Sun, has emerged as the frontrunner to acquire the Daily and Sunday Telegraph with a bid around £550 million, ahead of the Friday deadline. His bid is seen as less likely to face political and regulatory issues compared to a previously blocked UAE-backed bid. Other bidders include hedge fund tycoon Sir Paul Marshall and National World's David Montgomery, though their prospects appear to be weakening.
The Treasury is re-evaluating Labour’s plan to abolish non-domicile tax status due to concerns that the expected revenue might not materialize, potentially causing wealthy foreigners to leave the UK. While committed to scrapping the non-dom regime, officials worry that changes may yield less money than anticipated. The Treasury insists any reforms must raise sufficient funds to support public services, with ongoing discussions about possibly easing some aspects of the proposed changes.
And - Iceland supermarket has applied to trademark its "King Prawn Rings" and demanded that other supermarkets stop selling similar products, accusing them of copying. The move, seen by some as a publicity stunt, faces scepticism from legal experts who argue that the term "king prawn ring" is too descriptive to be trademarked. Iceland's competitors have yet to fully respond.
SPORTS
Tennis - British number one Jack Draper progressed to the Japan Open quarterfinals with a straight-set victory over number two seed Hubert Hurkacz 6-2 6-4 in Tokyo.
Cricket - Pace bowler Josh Hull has been ruled out of England's tour of Pakistan with a quad injury.
Athletics - American Olympic 200m champion Gabby Thomas was edged by Brittany Brown as many of the world's top women's track athletes competed for record prizes at the inaugural Athlos NYC. The event boasts a record $500,000 (£374,000) prize pool for a women's track meet.
WEATHER
Mostly Sunny with moderate winds in the Alpes- Maritimes. Highs of 22 degrees in Marseille, 24 in Toulon, 25 in Nice and Cannes, and 26 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, clear skies with lows 16 degrees.
Outlook for this weekend:
Saturday: Clear skies with highs of 22 degrees.
Sunday: Partially cloudy evening with highs of 23 degrees.
Monday: Bit cloudy with sunny spells and highs of 22 degrees.
BEACH WEATHER
Sea temperatures 22 degrees.
Air temperatures 26 degrees near Saint-Tropez with moderate winds.
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