NEWS
Bad Weather Ahead - After exceptional rainfall hit southeastern France, particularly Ardèche and Loire, Météo-France warns of more heavy rains expected from Thursday in the same regions. Last week's downpours caused severe flooding, with up to 700 ml of rain and significant damage in areas like Annonay and Rive-de-Gier, near Lyon. A new "Mediterranean episode" is anticipated, bringing potentially heavy rain and thunderstorms to the affected regions. This new episode of rain is being ‘monitored with the utmost attention’ by forecasters.
Deprived of Water for Days - 539 inhabitants have been deprived of drinking water for several days due to last week's bad weather in La Tour-sur-Tinée in the Alpes-Maritimes. After analysis, the water is drinkable again this Thursday.
Monaco Space Mission - Monaco-based Venturi will send a lunar rover, "FLIP," equipped with Monaco-designed batteries, to the Moon's South Pole in 2025. FLIP will serve as a technological scout for its larger counterpart, FLEX, which is scheduled to launch in 2026 on a SpaceX mission. FLEX, aimed at supporting logistics and exploration, may also be used by NASA's Artemis V mission to transport astronauts and equipment on the lunar surface.
Cap3000 55th Anniversary - Cap 3000, France's first shopping mall inspired by American centres, celebrates its 55th anniversary. Opened in 1969 near Nice Airport, it has grown from 50 stores and a cinema to 300 shops and restaurants, employing 4,000 people. Despite being the largest mall in the area, its surrounding population is small, yet it remains the most frequented shopping centre in the region.
More info on 1968 Ajaccio-Nice Caravelle Crash - After meeting with a presidential advisor, the families of victims from the 1968 Ajaccio-Nice Caravelle crash have received state support in their pursuit of truth. Evidence increasingly points to a missile strike during a military exercise as the cause, rather than the initial explanation of an onboard fire. The state has agreed to help with financial and technical aspects of retrieving more wreckage from the sea to further the investigation.
Financial Aid to Lebanon - President Emmanuel Macron has announced France will send €100m to Lebanon. Aiming to raise €500m to help people displaced by the conflict, Macron claims the war must end as soon as possible. With this financial aid, Macron also aims to ‘assert Lebanon’s sovereignty and enable the Lebanese to regain control of their destiny’.
BUSINESS
The Jeanne d'Arc underground parking and garden have been inaugurated after years of construction, much to the relief of local residents and businesses in Nice. The 203 parking spaces and 2,000 m² garden are expected to boost business by attracting visitors from nearby areas. While the project was celebrated, some cyclists expressed disappointment over the removal of a planned bike lane, which the mayor defended as a safety decision.
Starbucks' new CEO, Brian Niccol, plans to simplify the company's menu and adjust pricing to address falling global sales, especially in China, and improve the customer experience. He also acknowledged store issues like understaffing and long queues, pledging to refine mobile orders and speed up service. Additional challenges, include social media protests and boycott campaigns, as well as a union dispute in the US.
And - The UK government is considering extending the strike mandate for unions from six months to a year, reducing administrative costs for unions. It also proposes abolishing voting thresholds for industrial action and union recognition, making it easier for unions to organize strikes. Critics argue the Employment Rights Bill could harm businesses, while unions welcome the potential for a more modern industrial relations framework.
SPORTS
Swimming - Charlotte Bonnet, a swimmer from Nice, has announced her retirement from sport on 23 October at the age of 29. She leaves the pool with a number of international podium-finishes to her name, including multiple European champion titles and a bronze medal in the 4x200 m relay at the 2012 London Games.
Rugby Union - Jacob Stockdale says his form is as good as it has been "in a long while" as he looks to achieve his "big goal" of adding to his tally of 37 Ireland caps.
Football - Barcelona humiliated Bayern Munich in their 4-1 Champions League win on Wednesday night.
Basketball - The AS Monaco will play Paris tonight at 7pm in the Salle Gaston Medecin.
TRAFFIC
Monaco is conducting its end-of-year road resurfacing campaign from the 21st of October to the 15th of November across eight areas: the av Varavilla, av Hector Otto, av Pasteur Bas, av de Fontvieille, bd du Larvotto, bd Rainier III, Chemin de la Turbie, and Palais Honoria. The work will take place at night to minimize traffic disruption, with temporary road closures and managed access to parking and businesses.
WEATHER
Mostly cloudy across the region this afternoon. Occasional showers in the Alpes-Maritimes with risks of thunderstorms in the Var and Bouches-du-Rhône departments. Highs of 21 degrees in Saint-Tropez, 22 in Nice and Toulon, and 23 degrees in Cannes and Marseille.
Tonight, much the same, cloudy across the region and thundery over the Var and Bouches-du Rhône with lows of 16 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, the rain will spread to the Alpes-Maritimes and will continue across the Cote d’Azur through the whole day with moderate winds and highs of 21degrees.
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