NEWS
Farmers' Poor Harvest - This year, French farmers, including winegrowers and cereal producers, have faced poor harvests due to excessive rain after battling drought in previous years. The wet conditions caused weed growth and crop diseases, significantly reducing yields, especially for wheat, barley, and grapes. These unpredictable weather patterns, exacerbated by climate change, make farming increasingly difficult to manage and anticipate.
Paternal Obesity Linked to Children Malformation - Scientists in Nice have found a strong correlation between paternal obesity and the risk of urogenital birth defects in newborns. Their research shows that overweight fathers, with a body-mass index (BMI) of 25-30 or higher, significantly increase the risk of such malformations, with the risk tripling for those with morbid obesity (BMI 40+). This highlights the need for public health messages to also target men’s preconception health.
French Government in the Forming - Michel Barnier continues consultations as he meets with Les Républicains leaders, including Bruno Retailleau and Gérard Larcher, to discuss forming the new government. The government won't be announced before Sunday, and Jordan Bardella from the National Rally warns it will fail if it continues Macron's policies. Meanwhile, Fabien Roussel criticizes the National Rally's stance on pension reform, calling it a "political stunt."
SNCF Rail Work - A meeting was held between Monaco officials, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur representatives, and SNCF regarding upcoming rail work on the Nice-Vintimille line, including accessibility improvements and catenary repairs. Due to night service interruptions, Monaco and the Region requested adjustments to the work schedule, which SNCF partially conceded, delaying work start times but refusing a full postponement. Further discussions are planned to resolve ongoing concerns.
Road Fatalities - In 2024, road fatalities in the Alpes-Maritimes have risen to 42, compared to 36 last year, with motorcyclists making up half of the deaths. Although August 2024 saw fewer fatalities than the previous year, authorities are concerned about overall numbers and will increase speed, alcohol, and drug checks. Weather conditions and safety gear are highlighted as crucial for motorcyclists.
Dialysis Centre in Roquebillière - The dialysis centre in Roquebillière, opened in 2021, faces potential closure due to a lack of patients despite having adequate equipment and staff. While the centre has the capacity to treat 32 patients, only six currently use it, far below the needed minimum to remain operational. The closure would affect local patients, who benefit from the service, avoiding long trips to Nice for treatment.
Lueur D'Espérance - Jean-Michel Beaujon, a 77-year-old man from Cassis, made a 10-meter dive in Port-Miou on the 15th of September to support cancer patients through the "Lueur d'espérance" association. It was his 2,515th dive, and his first since being diagnosed with oesophageal cancer two years ago. He plans to dive again in three years, once fully recovered, aiming for an even higher jump.
Fire in Solliès-Pont - A fire broke out early Sunday, leading to the evacuation of 365 people with no injuries at the Kallima nightclub in Solliès-Pont, near Toulon. Both the nightclub and an adjacent shopping centre have been temporarily closed, leaving 112 employees on technical unemployment. No reopening date has been announced.
BUSINESS
Ireland has been ordered to collect €14bn in back taxes from Apple due to an illegal tax deal. The government could use the funds to reduce national debt by 8%, but there is no urgency as the debt level is manageable. Alternatives include investing in much-needed infrastructure or contributing to a sovereign wealth fund to support future projects and economic stability.
Mortgage rates in the UK are dropping due to intense competition among lenders, offering relief to homeowners and first-time buyers. However, borrowers face a dilemma: act quickly to secure better rates or risk defaulting to higher variable rates. Analysts expect further rate cuts, but brokers advise monitoring deals closely to maximize savings.
And - Harland and Wolff's Belfast shipyard is seeking new owners and remains capable of fulfilling a major Royal Navy contract, according to executive chairman Russell Downs. Navantia, Spain’s state-owned shipbuilder, and UK’s Babcock International are potential bidders. Despite financial challenges, including an investigation into £25m of spending, Downs expects a buyer by October, and the shipyard is projected to generate cash in the future.
SPORTS
Football - Adrien Rabiot could soon be joining Olympique de Marseille (OM). Currently a free agent after his contract with Juventus expired in June 2024, Rabiot is in advanced talks with the Marseille club over a two-year contract.
Tennis - Former British number one Heather Watson beat Jia-Jing Lu 6-4 6-4 in the opening round of the Korea Open.
Rugby Union - England comfortably defeated world champions New Zealand at the newly renamed Allianz Stadium to enhance their favourites tag heading into next year's home Women's Rugby World Cup.
Golf - The United States ended their seven-year Solheim Cup drought with a tight 15½-12½ victory over Europe in Virginia.
WEATHER
Bit cloudy with sunny spells and gentle to moderate winds. Highs of 24 degrees in Nice, 25 in Cannes, and 26 degrees in Marseille, Toulon, and Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, partially cloudy still with lows of 16 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, fine morning and afternoon before thunderstorms cover the region’s skies in the evening. Highs of 25 degrees and moderate winds
Sunset 7:41pm
BEACH WEATHER
Sea temperatures 24 degrees.
UV levels 4.
Air temperatures 26 degrees near Saint-Tropez with gentle to moderate winds.
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