NEWS
Orange Weather Alert - Thirteen departments in southern France are under orange weather alert for rain, flooding, thunderstorms, and/or river surges. All schools have been closed on Thursday due to continued orange alerts for storms and heavy rain in the Alpes-Maritimes. Severe rainfall hit the Côte d'Azur, particularly in the west. In response, transportation has been disrupted, and parks, cemeteries and roadways have been closed in several departments. The alert continues Friday, with some schools closing in affected areas of the Var. Emergency operations have been activated in both departments.
Mediterranean Firefly Lights - Monaco's Larvotto lower promenade will soon feature "Mediterranean firefly" lights after architect Renzo Piano approved the lighting design. These changes, along with improvements to water-saving showers and restaurant terrace usage during winter, were discussed during a meeting between Piano and Monaco's Minister of Equipment, Céline Caron-Dagioni. The updates, including revisions to the charter, are expected to be implemented before the next summer season.
European Championship of Parakeets and Parrots - The European Championship of parakeets and parrots will be hosted this weekend, as part of the Flower and Bird Show in the Fort Carré in Antibes. Over 1,000 birds, including 400 canaries, 600 parakeets and parrots, and 120 passerines, will be showcased and judged by international experts. The event aims to promote bird-keeping, showcasing a variety of birds bred in captivity, with free entry for visitors on Saturday and Sunday.
Rémane Meat Bar - Rémane Meat Bar, specialized in aged meats, offers cuts matured for up to 147 days in Le Castellet. Chef Laurent Rémane selects top-quality, pasture-raised meats from various regions, emphasizing unique flavours and tenderness. The restaurant also offers seasonal sides, homemade dishes, and options for non-meat eaters, ensuring a memorable dining experience for all.
60-year-old Man Cultivates Cannabis - Police have arrested a 60-year-old man for cultivating cannabis in his garden in Saint-Mandrier, Var. During a search, officers discovered 13 cannabis plants, branches drying for consumption, and a basket of cannabis heads. The man, who admitted to occasional selling, was placed in custody and will face charges, with all his plants seized for destruction.
BUSINESS
Renaud Muselier, president of the Paca region, has criticized France's economic management, stating the country is in financial ruin with a deficit now at 6%. He blames the Ministry of Economy for mismanaging post-Covid recovery, leading to €130 million in cuts for his region. Muselier also expressed concerns about future projects like the 2030 Winter Olympics and criticized Marseille's mayor for prioritizing symbolic gestures over practical issues like public safety.
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has introduced a new "click to cancel" rule that will simplify subscription cancellations, requiring businesses to make sign-ups and cancellations equally easy. Companies must also obtain consent before renewing subscriptions or converting free trials into paid plans. The rule, effective in six months, bans forcing customers to use chatbots or agents to cancel subscriptions and follows past FTC actions against firms like Amazon and Adobe for deceptive subscription practices.
And - London Underground train drivers, along with instructors and engineering staff, plan to strike in November over a pay dispute, organized by the Aslef and RMT unions. Aslef members will strike on 7 and 12 November, while RMT workers, including signalling and station staff, will strike from 1 to 8 November. The unions are protesting against pay offers they consider inadequate, while Transport for London insists its revised 4.6% pay increase is fair and affordable.
SPORTS
Cricket - India were bowled out for 46 by New Zealand on day two of the first Test in Bengaluru.
Football - Bahrain's national football team says it will not play a World Cup qualifying fixture in Indonesia, to "protect the safety" of the team. According to the Bahrain Football Association (BFA), the Gulf nation's players were subjected to online death threats from Indonesian fans following a controversial 2-2 draw between both countries' teams last week.
Tennis - World number one Iga Swiatek says she is "very excited" to get to work with Wim Fissette after appointing the Belgian as her new coach. Fissette, 44, has worked with former Grand Slam winners during his coaching career.
WEATHER
Cloudy with occasional rain and thunderstorms this afternoon with moderate winds. Highs of 22 degrees in the Alpes-Maritimes and the Var, and 25 degrees in the Bouches-du-Rhône department.
Tonight, rain and thunderstorms cover the region’s skies with lows of 19 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, wet morning and cloudy afternoon with highs of 20 degrees and a gentle breeze.
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