NEWS
Rassemblement National Party and Members on Trial - The trial of Marine Le Pen, 24 others, and the far-right Rassemblement National (formerly Front National) party has begun on the 30th of September, over allegations of misusing European Parliament funds between 2004 and 2016 to pay party staff. Le Pen faces up to 10 years in prison, a €1 million fine, and a potential 10-year ineligibility from politics. Several former FN MEPs, including Le Pen, are being tried, with the case lasting until November.
Fatal Train Accident in Monaco - A woman in her forties has been fatally struck by a train at Monaco Monte-Carlo station on the morning of the 30th of September, leading to a complete halt of SNCF traffic between Nice and Ventimiglia. Train services resumed at 11:45, but delays and cancellations are expected. Authorities are investigating whether it was an accident or suicide, and a psychological support unit was set up for shocked passengers and can be contacted on 0800 120 821.
Toxic Mushrooms Sold in Vence Market - A warning has been issued after potentially toxic Amanita phalloides mushrooms, known as "death cap," responsible for 90% of mushroom-related fatalities every year, have mistakenly been sold at the local market of Vence. The public was advised not to consume or handle mushrooms bought from Friday to Sunday. The mushrooms have been removed for analysis, and no illnesses have been reported so far.
HPV Vaccination Campaign to Start - A second vaccination campaign against papillomavirus has been launched in Provence schools, targeting all fifth-grade students, boys and girls. The campaign aims to significantly increase the vaccination rate, which was only 14% last year, to help prevent 90% of infections and reduce cancer risks. Parents have provided consent, and the campaign will run until December, with a second dose planned for mid-2025.
Wasted Medicine - Liberal nurses in France report €123 million worth of unused medicines are wasted monthly, calling for solutions to reuse them. The "Balance ton gaspi" campaign highlighted this issue, but current regulations prevent redistribution of these medications for safety reasons. While some NGOs can accept medical donations for humanitarian aid, most unused medicines are incinerated, raising environmental concerns.
The Var Combats Climate Change - Measures to combat rising summer temperatures caused by climate change are being implemented in Cuers, Var. These include planting trees, using lighter pavement, and adding shaded areas to reduce heat islands. Though challenges like dirt accumulation on pavements arise, the town aims to create a cooler environment for public health.
Financial Aids - Starting in October, five French departments will pilot automatic pre-filled forms for social benefits like RSA and housing aid, using data already available to the government. This initiative, part of the "solidarité à la source" project, aims to simplify access to benefits and will be expanded nationwide by March 2025. While it eases the process for current recipients, advocates urge extending it to those unaware or unable to claim their entitlements.
Lucky Scratch Card Winner - Two friends won €500,000 from a scratch card game, after buying the winning ticket at a local tobacco shop in Nice. The pair had a weekly ritual of enjoying coffee together while playing the game. The winner plans to use the prize money to buy a home, possibly for them to share.
Lucky Lotto Winner - Another lucky winner has claimed over €4.5 million from the Lotto, using a combination inspired by a deceased loved one's favourite numbers in Lorgues, Var. He plans to use the winnings for a family trip and to buy a camping van, fulfilling a long-held dream. This win adds to a history of significant Lotto prizes in the region, including a record €73 million won in February this year.
BUSINESS
A human trafficking gang forced 16 victims from the Czech Republic to work at a McDonald's branch and a bread factory supplying major UK supermarkets for over four years, while their wages were stolen. Despite clear signs of exploitation, including shared bank accounts and excessive work hours, these red flags were missed by the companies. The gang has been convicted, but victims and critics argue that the businesses also failed to act on obvious indicators of modern slavery.
India's diamond industry is facing a severe downturn, with falling demand, job losses, and suicides among workers who struggled to cope after losing employment in Surat. The industry, which processes 90% of the world's diamonds, has been hit by global recessions, wars, sanctions, and competition from lab-grown diamonds. Despite the crisis, some hope the market will recover during the upcoming festival season.
And - Six directors at SJM, one of the companies promoting Oasis' reunion tour, received a £14.8m dividend in 2023, more than double the previous year's payout. This comes amid controversy over dynamic ticket pricing, with fans facing inflated costs, and an investigation into potential breaches of consumer protection laws. The payout is unrelated to the upcoming Oasis tour, which could generate significant revenue.
SPORTS
Tennis - Katie Boulter is out of the China Open after suffering a straight-set defeat by Coco Gauff 7-5 6-2 on Sunday.
Golf - Spain's Angel Hidalgo held off a storming comeback from compatriot Jon Rahm to win the Spanish Open in Madrid - claiming his maiden title on the DP World Tour in a play-off.
Rugby Union - Ireland have secured a sensational last-gasp 29-27 win over world champions New Zealand in their opening WXV1 match in Vancouver.
WEATHER
Sunny with occasional clouds and gentle winds. Highs of 21 degrees in Nice, 23 in Cannes, Toulon and Marseille, and 24 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, partially cloudy across the region with lows of 15 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, rather cloudy throughout the region with highs of 21 degrees.
BEACH WEATHER
Sea temperatures 21 degrees.
Air temperatures 24 degrees near Saint-Tropez.
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