NEWS
Train Traffic on the 19th of September - Train services will run as scheduled for Thursday's Champions League match between AS Monaco and FC Barcelona, following a meeting between Monaco's government officials, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, and SNCF representatives. The planned rail works on September 19th have been postponed to accommodate the event. Further discussions on alternative work plans will take place in a meeting on Friday.
Mayor of Nice calls for Temporary Boarder Checks - Following Germany's decision to reintroduce identity checks at its borders the mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi has called for a similar measure between France and Italy. In a press release, Estrosi, called for "the temporary reinstatement of controls at the borders of Menton and Montgenèvre. The mayor argues that the temporary controls would make it possible to "fight against migrant smugglers who exploit them for financial gain”.
16-Year-Old Jumps from Window in Nice - A 16-year-old student at the professional Les Palmiers high school has jumped from a first-floor window after being called in for a disciplinary meeting with his teacher and principal in Nice. The student, described as "psychologically fragile," survived the five-meter fall and was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A psychological support unit has been set up for other students.
Death of Kamilya - According to reports, surveillance footage from the accident in Vallauris, which led to the death of 7-year-old Kamilya, casts doubt on the motorcyclist’s (Matteo B.) version of events. The video shows him doing a wheelie for several seconds and possibly using his phone while driving. Despite claiming his wheel lifted unintentionally, the evidence suggests otherwise. The motorcyclist remains free under judicial supervision, facing charges of involuntary manslaughter, with a potential 7-year prison sentence.
Strong Winds Cause Damage - Strong mistral winds have caused damage on Monday evening, with a chimney falling on the playground roof at the Bouquerie school in Avignon. Fortunately, no children were present, and classes will resume as usual on Tuesday morning, though the back courtyard remains closed. The wind is expected to calm soon.
"Catastrophic Summer" for Animal Shelter - An animal shelter has experienced a "catastrophic summer" due to a surge in pet abandonments, reflecting a broader national issue in Mougins. The shelter was overwhelmed, with all 61 cages full and many requests for abandonments, especially of cats. To reduce abandonments, the shelter director proposes mandatory training for new pet owners and regular check-ins by trainers to ensure proper care.
Bluetongue Disease, Out of Vaccines - The bluetongue disease, or "fièvre catarrhale," has reportedly caused the death of 10% of France's sheep population, with suspected cases under investigation in the Var region. Local farmers, like Philippe Fabre, are worried as the disease, spread by midges, can infect up to 30% of a herd. Although harmless to humans, the vaccine to prevent the disease is currently out of stock.
Counterfeit Car Parts Seized - Customs officials have seized 80,000 counterfeit car parts, including dangerous items like oil filters and shock absorbers, worth nearly €4 million in Marseille. These parts, found in a shipment from Turkey to Algeria, pose serious safety risks, potentially leading to fatal accidents due to issues like brake failure or engine damage. This marks the fourth major seizure of counterfeit auto parts in Marseille within a year.
Flares in Marseille - Two Olympique de Marseille (OM) supporters have been fined and banned for 2 years from stadiums after being caught with a large number of flares before the OM-Nice match. Police found 94 smoke canisters, 62 flares, and other pyrotechnics in their vehicle. Despite their arrests, many flares were still set off inside the stadium during the match, celebrating OM's 125th anniversary, making one side of the stadium appear completely red.
BUSINESS
Brexit-related red tape has caused a significant decline in UK-EU goods trade, with exports down 27% and imports down 32% since the Brexit trade deal, according to a report by Aston University. The impact has worsened in 2023, especially affecting industries like farming and clothing, while some sectors like tobacco and railway goods saw export increases. Smaller British producers have struggled the most, while efforts to reset the UK-EU trade relationship are unlikely to progress until 2024.
TikTok is challenging a US law that could ban it unless it's sold by parent company ByteDance, arguing the law would violate free speech rights of its 170 million US users. The US government cites data security concerns linked to China's influence, though TikTok denies ties to the Chinese government. The case, which could impact global free speech and national security policies, is expected to take months and may reach the US Supreme Court.
And - Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is banning Russian state media outlets like Rossiya Segodnya and RT for using deceptive tactics to influence global audiences and evade detection. This move expands previous measures, which limited the reach of Russian media on Meta's platforms and follows increased scrutiny over Russian interference in Western politics. The ban is part of broader efforts by the US and other countries to combat Russian-backed influence operations, with sanctions and accusations linking RT to Russia's intelligence services.
SPORTS
Football - After months of speculation, Kylian Mbappe joined Real Madrid on a free transfer after finishing his contract at Paris St-Germain. He has signed a deal until 2029, earning £12.8m a season, plus a £128m signing-on bonus to be paid over five years. While it might take a little longer to put Mbappe in the category of best in the world, everyone believes it is only a matter of time before he becomes the main star at the world's biggest club.
Athletics - American gymnast Jordan Chiles has filed an appeal in the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland after being denied a bronze medal in the women’s floor event at the 2024 Olympics.
Boxing - Anthony Joshua says he has "been through a lot of pain" over the past two years as he bids to become a three-time world champion against fellow British heavyweight Daniel Dubois on Saturday.
WEATHER
Cloudy with risks of thunderstorms in the Alpes-Maritimes and the Var with moderate winds. Highs of 24 degrees in Nice and Cannes, and 25 degrees in Marseille, Toulon and Saint-Tropez.
This evening, the thunderstorms will move towards the Var and Bouches-du-Rhône.
Tonight, bit cloudy with lows of 17 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, rather cloudy with sunny spells and highs of 23 degrees.
Sunset: 7:39pm
BEACH WEATHER
Sea temperatures 24 degrees.
Air temperatures 25 degrees near Saint-Tropez with moderate winds.
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