The Nice public prosecutor, Xavier Bonhomme, has said that after investigating the incident no charges will be brought against a man who was arrested in the Notre Dame Basilica in Nice yesterday. The man was reportedly shouting in Arabic and spitting on the ground before being challenged by police. The deputy mayor of Nice, Anthony Borre, congratulated the officers involved and said that "extreme firmness" in the face such incidents is required a few days before the commemoration of the attack on the basilica on 29 October last year in which three people died.
French Health Minister Olivier Veran has said that about 15,000 caregivers have not been vaccinated. Speaking to French media today he said that the percentage of caregivers who are suspendible or have been suspended stands at 0.6%. He contrasted this with the situation before vaccination for caregivers was made mandatory. He said at that point 60% of caregivers had been vaccinated and now the figure is over 99%.
The Regional Health Agency has released the latest Covid-19 data for the Var. As at yesterday, October 12, there were 35 hospitalized patients which was five less than the previous week. 21 patients were in intensive care, which is down one. There were 3 deaths from Covid-19 in hospitals in the department during the week.
Eight planes from the Patrouille de France flew over Nice this lunchtime as part of celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of the Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupery. The pilots had a peluche of a fox by their side, representing the main character of Le Petit Prince. The planes flew over the Lenval Hospital, in tribute to the nursing staff.
Key players in Monaco's space sector are meeting to discuss an action plan for the Principality's newly created Space Affairs Office. HSH Prince Albert II signed a Sovereign Ordinance in August creating the Space Affairs Office. Its creation follows a dialogue with the economic players in the sector based in the Principality, whose activities include the manufacture of Earth observation satellites, telecommunications and spacecraft. The Office is a “one-stop-shop” for space affairs, reporting to the Interministerial Delegation for Digital Transition.
Today has been a day of interministerial discussions in the French government which have been taking place as part of International Disaster Risk Reduction Day. Discussions have included those relating to forest and vegetation fires, a particular concern in our region.
BUSINESS
The UK economy grew by 0.4% in August according to estimates from the Office for National Statistics. The data showed strong growth in arts, entertainment and recreation. There was also more demand for hotels and campsites after restrictions on social distancing were eased during July. However, the ONS said the UK economy is still 0.8% smaller than it was in February 2020 before the pandemic.
Industrial production fell by 1.6% in the euro area and by 1.5% in the EU in August compared with July, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. Production was affected by supply chain problems, including continuing problems with semiconductor availability which particularly impacted the car production industry. The largest monthly decreases were seen in Malta, Germany and Estonia and the highest increase was in Denmark where industrial production rose by 3.5%.
SPORT
Tennis... Andy Murray has said that he isn't planning to take part in the Davis Cup Finals next month. Speaking to the BBC, he said that he's "given a lot to the Davis Cup, and sometimes to my own detriment physically" and said he is "not sure he deserves to play in that team".
Rugby Union... Thomas Young will join Cardiff next season from Wasps and has been named in the Wales autumn international squad earlier today. Wales are scheduled to play New Zealand, South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has called up 14 uncapped players for a two-day training camp before their first autumn international against Tonga on 30 October. They include Dylan Richardson who plays for the Sharks in Durban, South Africa, but qualifies for Scotland through his father.
Football... New Zealand have beaten Bahrain 1-0 in a friendly, with the only goal being scored by Niko Kirwan, the son of All Blacks rugby union legend John Kirwan. Niko Kirwan plays at club level for Italian side Padova.
The Var and the Alpes-Maritimes are on Meteo France alerts for high winds until eight o’clock this evening as Storm Benjamin passes through our region...
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France is preparing for severe weather as Storm Benjamin sweeps in from the British Isles, bringing violent winds, heavy rain and powerful coastal wav...
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Storm Benjamin is on the way. It’s expected that the Atlantic coast and parts of north-west France will be worst affected, but Meteo France have yello...
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Dozens of left-wing activists have marched through Nice, protesting plans to name a public square after former president Nicolas Sarkozy, the march oc...
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Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has started a jail sentence for campaign finance conspiracy today...
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