NEWS
20th Anniversary of Monaco's Accession - H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco has given a speech celebrating the 20th anniversary of Monaco's accession to the Council of Europe. He highlighted Monaco's commitment to human rights, the rule of law, and democracy, referencing constitutional reforms and legislative progress. He also announced Monaco's first presidency of the Committee of Ministers in 2026, and its hosting of the 2026 Conference of Sports Ministers, focusing on governance, gender equality, and child protection in sports.
Safety Works in Monaco - Monaco has started safety work on the glacis of the Prince's Palace overlooking Place d'Armes to prevent rockfall. The works will be running from the 3rd of October to the 20th of December. The project includes phases affecting areas near the Condamine, such as the Rampe Major and Boulevard Charles-III, while pedestrian traffic will remain mostly unaffected. A protective walkway will be installed between the 7th of October and the 8th of November to ensure pedestrian safety during the works.
Rainy September - The month of September 2024 was the wettest in 25 years across France, with record-breaking rainfall, exceeding annual precipitation levels by the end of the month in the Alpes-Maritimes. Mandelieu-la-Napoule saw 261.4 mm of rain, breaking its all-time record, and rainfall across the region was 62% above normal. Despite recent rain, parts of the Var remain under drought alert.
Fête de la Science - The city of Cannes is celebrating the 2024 ‘Fête de la Science’ from the 4th-14th of October, offering free science events for students and the public. Highlights include astronomy conferences, environmental awareness activities, and screenings focused on ocean preservation. The event promotes understanding of science with a theme of "Ocean of Knowledge" and features exhibitions, interactive sessions, and stargazing.
Professor Raoult Banned for Practicing - Professor Didier Raoult, a major advocate of hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 treatment, has been banned from practicing medicine for two years starting February 2025. The national disciplinary board imposed this penalty due to his promotion of an unproven treatment, despite scientific opposition. Though cleared of putting patients at "unjustified risk," his anti-vaccine statements were deemed harmful during the pandemic.
Release Denied for Palestinian Activists - A pro-Palestinian activist from Nice remains in pre-trial detention after her request for release was denied on the 2nd of October. She is charged with advocating terrorism, crimes against humanity, and incitement to hatred due to posts on social media. The court cited the risk of reoffending ahead of key dates in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and her trial is scheduled for October 21st.
Threats from Former Student in Marseille High School - A former student, searching for a French teacher he blamed for failing his baccalaureate, has entered a high school on the 3rd of October, in northern Marseille. Though unarmed, the man introduced a classroom but left after 8 minutes after understanding he was threatening the wrong teacher. Though unarmed, the incident caused panic among students. No one was harmed, and the individual is being actively sought by the police.
BUSINESS
The Irish government is being criticized by the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council for increasing spending and cutting taxes, which could worsen inflation and widen the budget deficit. Despite a rule to limit spending increases to 5%, the government is set to exceed it, with over 9% this year and nearly 6% next year. The council warns this repeats past economic mistakes, while the government defends its strategy, citing the need to address inflation and pandemic challenges.
The San José, a Spanish galleon sunk over 300 years ago off Colombia with treasure worth up to $18 billion, has sparked a complex ownership debate involving Colombia, Spain, indigenous groups, and a US salvage company. While Colombia wants to recover the wreck for a museum, treasure hunters argue for its commercial value, and archaeologists believe it should remain undisturbed due to its historical and scientific significance. The case is now under arbitration in The Hague.
And - Masato Kanda, Japan's former vice finance minister, managed the yen's value during his tenure, using an estimated $173bn to combat its sharp decline amid rising import costs. While Japan faced criticism for potential currency manipulation, Kanda argued his interventions were necessary to counter excessive speculation. Despite the yen recently strengthening without further action, Kanda defends his efforts, highlighting their positive financial impact, though he leaves final judgment to the markets or historians.
SPORTS
Football - Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi scored twice in a 3-2 win against Columbus Crew to help the club to win the MLS Supporters' Shield for the first time.
Rugby Union - Leicester Tigers head coach Michael Cheika has been suspended by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) for "disrespecting" a match-day doctor in his first game in charge of the Premiership side.
Tennis - Carlos Alcaraz came from a set down to edge out world number one Jannik Sinner in a dramatic China Open final 6-7 (6-8) 6-4 7-6 (7-3).
Basketball – It’s good luck to Monaco’s basketball team as the Europa season gets underway this evening. Monaco will be playing Milan. The match starts at 7pm this evening.
WEATHER
Cloudy with light rain in the Alpes-Maritimes and strong winds in the Bouches-du-Rhône. Highs of 21 degrees in the Alpes-Maritimes, 23 in Bouches-du-Rhône, and 24 degrees in the Var.
Tonight, light clouds and lows of 16 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, cloudy with light rain in the Alpes-Maritimes with highs of 19 degrees.
BEACH WEATHER
Sea temperatures 20 degrees.
Air temperatures 22 degrees with moderate winds near Saint-Tropez.
After severe rainfall caused major flooding in southeastern France, particularly in Ardèche and Loire, Météo-France warns more rain is expected starti...
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A group of French artists, including Francis Lalanne and Florent Pagny, have recorded a song titled "Le dernier mot", the last word, to support Paul W...
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Police in Mandelieu are actively searching a motorist who knocked down a man on a zebra crossing and then fled the scene....
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The sale of alcohol will be prohibited on Tuesday the 22nd of October in Monaco.
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The village of Tourrettes-sur-Loup has requested a state of natural disaster. The request was made by the local council following the bad weather in t...
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