NEWS
20th anniversary of Monaco's membership in the Council of Europe - H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco will visit Strasbourg on the 2nd of October to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Monaco's membership in the Council of Europe. During the visit, he will attend a ceremony for Monaco's ratification of Protocol No. 16 of the European Convention on Human Rights and visit an exhibition on Monaco's accession. The visit will conclude with the unveiling of an artwork titled "Ode to Freedom," contributed to by the Prince and gifted to the Council of Europe.
Multi-Sector Strike - A multi-sector strike is planned in the Var and Alpes-Maritimes until the 2nd of October, primarily affecting the National Education system and SNCF rail services. TGV trains will experience minimal disruptions, but regional trains may face more significant delays. Unions like CGT, FSU, and Solidaires are calling for higher wages, pension reform reversal, and defence of public services. Around 2,800 people gathered in Marseille, 800 in Nice, and 1,000 in Toulon. The demonstrations aimed to pressure the government, coinciding with Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s policy address in parliament.
Flood Prevention in Cannes - The Cannes Lérins Agglomeration has made significant progress in flood prevention, including reducing artificial land use. Following a severe flash flood on the 23rd of September, local authorities' proactive measures, such as stormwater retention and natural land preservation, minimized damage. With €145 million allocated to the region’s flood prevention plan, ongoing structural projects aim to further protect against future climate events.
Repeat Drug Offenders Arrested in Monaco - Two repeat offenders have been sentenced for drug trafficking in Monaco after being caught with various substances following a cancelled flight from Nice. The driver received six months in prison, a fine, and a 10-year ban from Monaco, while the passenger, a repeat offender, was sentenced to two years in prison. Both lawyers are appealing the verdicts, arguing the severity of the sentences and calling for a punishment in fairer proportions.
Imoucha Trail Closed - The Imoucha trail, a popular hiking route with 100,000 annual visitors at Sainte-Victoire (Bouches-du-Rhône), will close for three months to address overcrowding and its impact on biodiversity. Restoration work will secure the trail and prevent hikers from diverting off-path, which harms local wildlife, including endangered species like Bonelli's eagle. The project, costing €504,000, will be carried out in two phases during periods that avoid nesting and fire risks.
The Grand-Puy Ski Station Might Close this Year due to Climate Concerns - The residents of Seyne-les-Alpes (Alpes-de-Hautes-Provence) will vote on the 6th of October in a referendum to decide whether to close the Grand-Puy ski station due to the financial strain and declining snow caused by climate change. The proposed closure would stop ski lift operations and focus on developing year-round, non-skiing activities like trails and electric biking. If the voter turnout exceeds 50%, the station will close permanently on 1st of November.
Demonstration for Lebanon in Nice - A support rally for Lebanon, organized by the 'Nice a Gaza' collective, is set for Tuesday evening in Nice. This gathering responds to the intensified Israeli Military offensive in Lebanon, with tanks beginning a ground incursion. The rally will take place at 6pm in front of the Massena High School in Central Nice.
BUSINESS
Energy bills for households in England, Wales, and Scotland have risen by 10%, with the typical annual bill now £1,717. Experts recommend submitting meter readings to avoid higher charges based on estimates. The rise comes as winter approaches, with reduced support for low-income households and pensioners, but there is a small predicted drop in bills in January.
Tens of thousands of US dockworkers have gone on strike indefinitely at 14 major ports along the east and gulf coasts, disrupting trade ahead of the election and holiday season. The strike centres on disputes over pay and automation, with workers demanding significant wage increases after shipping companies profited during the pandemic. This labour action could significantly impact the economy, hitting exports, imports, and various industries, while also putting political pressure on President Biden just weeks before the election.
And - A new UK law requires businesses to give 100% of customer tips to staff, benefiting over three million workers across various sectors, including restaurants, cafes, and taxis. Companies must distribute tips, whether by cash or card, by the end of the following month, or risk employees taking them to an employment tribunal. While many welcome the change, some businesses warn it could impose extra costs.
SPORTS
Tennis – 17-years-old Charlie Robertson is concentrating his fancy footwork on becoming "as good, if not better" than fellow Scot and "amazing role model" Andy Murray on the tennis court.
Boxing - Britain’s Sandy Ryan says "an immediate rematch should be ordered" with American Mikaela Mayer after a controversial build-up to their fight in New York last weekend which saw her attacked with a can of red paint.
Football - John McGinn and Scott McKenna will both miss Scotland's Nations League double header against Croatia and Portugal through injury, but goalkeeper Craig Gordon has returned to the group.
WEATHER
Cloudy with sunny spells. Highs of 26 degrees in the Bouches-du-Rhône, 27 in the Alpes-Maritimes, and 28 degrees in the Var.
Tonight, cloudy with lows of 15 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, much the same, cloudy with sunny spells. Highs of 26 degrees with moderate winds.
BEACH WEATHER
Sea temperatures 21 degrees.
Air temperatures 27 degrees with gentle to moderate winds near Saint-Tropez.
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