NEWS
Stormy Weather Ahead - After severe rainfall caused major flooding in southeastern France, particularly in Ardèche and Loire, Météo-France warns more rain is expected starting Thursday. Although the next few days will be dry, heavier and possibly stormy rains are forecasted for the end of the week, potentially affecting already damaged areas. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prepare for further impacts.
Bush-Clearing Campaign - The national bush-clearing campaign launched on the 21st of October aims to prevent wildfires by encouraging homeowners in fire-prone areas to clear vegetation around their properties. This legal requirement helps slow fire spread and reduce damage. Authorities urge people to clear during winter, as non-compliance can result in fines and potential liability in case of a fire.
Captains Fined - Two ship captains were fined for discharging pollutants into the Mediterranean near Fos-sur-Mer in spring 2023. A Filipino and a Ukrainian captain were ordered to pay €50,000 and €60,000, respectively, for releasing contaminated scrubber water into prohibited coastal waters, polluting thousands of cubic meters. Environmental groups cited the harmful effects on marine life and public health, with the court awarding them damages.
Pro-Palestinian Activist Charged - A pro-Palestinian activist faces charges of 13 serious offenses, including promoting terrorism and inciting hate, for her social media posts related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The prosecution has requested a 30-month sentence, partly suspended, with electronic monitoring for the remaining time. The activist admitted her actions affected the Jewish community and expressed willingness to apologize, with the court's decision due on the 4th of November.
Human Trafficking Stopped at Italian/French Border - Italian authorities arrested 13 people linked to a human trafficking network operating from the Middle East and South Asia to Italy and France. The suspects, mainly from Iraq, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, are accused of smuggling migrants through Italy and across the French border, using illegal money transfer systems like "hawala." The arrests took place in cities including Ventimiglia, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praising the crackdown on illegal immigration and human trafficking.
Vaucluse SPA - The Vaucluse SPA has rescued 33 mistreated Dalmatians and other animals from a breeder near Avignon. Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the animals cannot be vaccinated or neutered yet, but they will soon be placed in shelters or foster homes. Donations have raised €3,500 to support their care, including food and medical treatments.
Moumousse, The Oldest Cat of the Region - Moumousse, a 25-year-old cat turning 26 in January, is among the oldest cats in the world and comes from Nice. Despite a difficult early life, including being confined to a bathroom for eight years, Moumousse is in excellent health, eating only supermarket pâté. The Guinness World Records has invited Moumousse to compete for the title of the world’s oldest cat.
BUSINESS
Over 20 spice products, including dips, curry powders, and seasonings, have been recalled due to potential peanut contamination not listed on the labels, according to the Food Standards Agency (FSA). The recall affects items supplied by FGS Ingredients Ltd, with customers advised to return them for refunds. This follows a prior recall involving possible peanut contamination, and the company is cooperating with the FSA investigation.
Volkswagen Finance has been ordered to pay £21.5m in compensation to 110,000 vulnerable customers, plus a £5.4m fine, for taking cars away with little warning and showing a lack of empathy toward those struggling with payments, according to the FCA. The firm failed to engage properly with customers and charged them for repossessions, despite attempts to find repayment solutions. VW Finance has since apologized and made changes to improve its service.
And - Labour’s proposed workers' rights reforms could cost businesses up to £5bn a year, with small businesses feeling the greatest impact, according to the government's assessment. Despite the costs, the report highlights £3bn in "wellbeing" benefits from measures like challenging zero-hours contracts and improving sick pay. While some argue the reforms could hurt growth and lead to job cuts, supporters believe they will reduce lost workdays and improve conditions for millions of workers in low-paid, insecure jobs.
SPORTS
Cricket - England have recalled Rehan Ahmed as one of three frontline spinners for the series decider against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.
Tennis - the International Tennis Federation (ITF) has announced that off-court coaching will be allowed in tennis from January 2025.
Meanwhile, US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka has risen to number one in the latest WTA rankings, ending Iga Swiatek's 11-month stay at the summit.
Rugby League - Salford Red Devils have agreed a one-year contract extension with forward Matty Foster.
TRAFFIC
Roadworks are causing evening rush hour traffic jams on the Cassin overpass in Nice-West, with closures in place until October 31 for safety upgrades. This busy route, part of the Mathis road, is completely closed day and night, leading to significant delays despite a detour via Boulevard René Cassin. The work is expected to continue throughout the Toussaint holiday period.
WEATHER
Mostly sunny in the region though thunderstorms threaten the Var and Bouches-du-Rhône regions with a gentle breeze. Highs of 24 degrees in Nice, Cannes and Marseille, and 25 degrees in Saint-Tropez and Toulon.
Tonight, bit cloudy with lows of 18 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, occasional showers in the morning and then bit cloudy in the afternoon. Highs of 22 degrees with a gentle breeze.
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