Evening Update Friday 4th October 2024

NEWS
Rokéthon - Monaco is hosting the first "Rokéthon" charity walk on Saturday the 5th of October, to raise awareness about animal abandonment and promote responsible adoption. The event invites pet owners and the public to join a walk near the marquee of Fontvieille, with proceeds supporting animal welfare organizations. Activities include a dog photo workshop, a pet adoption parade, and part of the funds will aid shelters like SPA Monaco, highlighting the growing issue of pet abandonment due to economic challenges.

Air and Sea Traffic Disrupted in Corsica - Ports and airports remain heavily disrupted due to a spontaneous strike by Chamber of Commerce workers, protesting the state's reluctance to allow local management of these facilities in Corsica. The strike, initiated after strong comments from Corsican leader Gilles Simeoni, has blocked travel since Thursday, though limited flights for "territorial continuity" with mainland France are operating. The conflict aims to push the state to create mixed syndicates (SMO) to manage ports and airports, avoiding privatization concerns.

Eric Ciotti - Eric Ciotti, former president of right-wing Les Républicains (LR), remains part of the ruling majority in the Alpes-Maritimes despite his controversial alliance with the far-right Rassemblement National (RN). After months of silence, departmental president Charles Ange Ginésy confirmed his support for Ciotti, emphasizing "departmental patriotism" over national political divisions. Local tensions persist, with some officials criticizing the collaboration, but Ciotti retains key roles in the local administration.

Michel Blanc has Passed Away - Michel Blanc, the award-winning French actor and filmmaker, has passed away at 72. Best known for his comedic role as Jean-Claude Dusse in Les Bronzés, Blanc also excelled in dramatic roles, earning recognition at the Cannes Film Festival for Tenue de soirée and winning a César Award for L'Exercice de l'État. His versatile career spanned acting, directing, and screenwriting, marking him as a key figure in French cinema.

600 Caravans in Carpentras - Over 600 caravans from the traveller community have been relocated to Carpentras' aerodrome in Vaucluse after the mayor blocked access to the local racetrack, citing safety concerns. The sudden occupation halted all aviation activities, angering aerodrome users who were not informed in advance. Concerns about potential damage to the runway and infrastructure have been raised, with authorities promising to restore the site after the group's departure.

Swimrun World Championship, Monaco in 5th Place - Laurène Cucchi, an English teacher from Monaco, and her teammate Olivia Feydel finished as the top French duo and placed fifth in the women's category at the Swimrun World Championship in Sweden. They completed the 71 km race, spanning 24 islands, in 11 hours and 36 minutes, despite harsh weather conditions. Their journey continues, as they plan to participate in the Cannes Swimrun in October, aiming for future qualifications.
 

BUSINESS
Oil prices jumped 5% following U.S. President Biden's comment about possible Israeli strikes on Iran’s oil industry, which could further escalate Middle East tensions. Iran is a key oil exporter, and any disruptions, particularly involving the critical Strait of Hormuz, could significantly impact global oil and gas supplies, raising inflation concerns.

Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey suggested interest rates could be cut more aggressively if inflation remains under control, with potential rate cuts in November and December. Bailey is closely monitoring the Middle East conflict and its effect on oil prices, as rising energy prices could complicate efforts to control inflation after progress made post-pandemic and Ukraine war.

The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) has suspended its strike at 14 major U.S. ports after reaching a tentative agreement on a 62% wage increase over six years. The union will resume work until January 15, when negotiations on remaining issues, including automation, will continue. The strike briefly disrupted container traffic but has been paused to avoid further economic impact.

And - Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced increased investment in major projects, including a £22bn investment in two new carbon capture schemes over 25 years. She criticized previous plans to cut capital investment and pledged not to repeat those mistakes. The projects aim to create jobs, attract private investment, and help the UK meet climate goals, with further investment announcements expected soon.
 

SPORTS
Football - Harry Maguire rescued a dramatic draw 3-3 for 10-man Manchester United after they had surrendered a two-goal lead at Porto in the Europa League.

Rugby Union - England fly-half George Ford has been handed a fitness boost for the November internationals after it was confirmed his quad injury does not need surgery. He is now targeting a return in time for England's opener against New Zealand on Saturday, 2nd November.

Cricket - Scotland suffered a 16-run defeat by Bangladesh in their first ever outing at a Women's T20 World Cup.

Basketball – Congratulations to AS Monaco basketball team which ran past Milan last night in the opening match of the season, winning 93-80. Monaco led from start to finish and their lead was never in danger in a superb performance.
 

WEATHER
Risks of thunderstorm in the Alpes Maritimes with light rain this evening. Highs of 20 degrees in Nice and Marseille, 21 in Cannes, and 22 degrees in Toulon and Saint-Tropez.

Tonight, clear skies at last with lows of 14 degrees.

Outlook for this weekend:
Sat: clear skies with highs of 22 degrees.
Sun: mostly cloudy with showers at night. Highs of 20 degrees
Mon: rainy throughout the day with highs of 22 degrees and moderate winds.


BEACH WEATHER
Sea temperatures 20 degrees.

Air temperatures 22 degrees with gentle to moderate winds.

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