NEWS
Prince Albert II in Sicily - Prince Albert II of Monaco has reaffirmed the principality's commitment to marine conservation during the 43rd CIESM Congress In Palermo, Sicily. He praised the organization's collaborative scientific efforts across geopolitical boundaries and highlighted Monaco's role in protecting Mediterranean marine life, including groundbreaking research on red coral restoration. Over 400 scientists from 23 countries gathered to address key Mediterranean challenges like sustainable fishing and climate change impacts.
Orange Alert - Due to heavy rain and storm warnings, the Alpes-Maritimes region has been placed under orange flooding alert. As a result, train traffic has been impacted, and public spaces such as parks, beaches, and cemeteries have been closed in several cities including Antibes, Nice, and Cannes. In addition, Mandelieu-la-Napoule’s city centre has suffered momentary, though impressive floods. The alert should be lifted by 4pm. Authorities urge residents to take necessary precautions.
Collapsing Building in Avignon - Three buildings have been evacuated early Wednesday due to a floor at risk of collapsing in one building in the historic centre of Avignon. Eight residents, including a child, were safely evacuated after a tenant heard a loud crack during the night. Rescue teams are inspecting the affected and nearby buildings, with a potential fourth evacuation possible.
National Sports Museum in Nice - The National Sports Museum in Nice is preparing a major exhibition on the Paris 2024 Olympics, transferring 19 tons of items from Paris by the end of October. The collection includes Olympic torches, volunteer kits, and athlete donations, which will be inventoried and preserved before display. The museum is also drawing parallels with the 1924 Paris Olympics, showcasing unique memorabilia from both events.
Stop Stick - Nice's municipal police is equipping its vehicles with "stop stick" devices, which safely deflate a car's tires to stop fleeing drivers during traffic stops or refusals to comply. This tool, newly authorized for local police, punctures tires gradually, reducing the risk of accidents. Nice is one of the first cities in France to adopt this safety measure, following tragic incidents involving non-compliant drivers.
Unique Shoemaker in Nice - Jean-Marc Gudénian, a unique shoemaker, combines his love for shoes with his passion for music, often playing guitar in his shop on Rue de France in Nice. With a rock 'n' roll vibe and a creative touch, he offers an energetic atmosphere and even creates custom, music-inspired shoe designs. Beyond being a talented cobbler, Gudénian is also an author and musician, making his shop a standout, artistic space in the city.
BUSINESS
Two Sanofi unions, CFDT and CGT, have called for an indefinite strike starting Thursday to protest the sale of Sanofi's consumer healthcare division, Opella, which markets Doliprane, to a U.S. fund. The unions oppose the sale, citing concerns over job security and French sovereignty, despite Sanofi's assurances that Doliprane will continue to be produced in France. The French government has requested guarantees regarding jobs, industrial footprint, and research.
The UK government plans to expand a program where job coaches visit mental health wards to help seriously ill patients back into work, after trials showed positive results. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall aims to reduce disability benefits costs but faces concerns from disability rights groups about the proposals. The initiative is part of broader efforts to reform benefits and tackle the rising cost of disability support, which is projected to increase significantly in the coming years.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is aiming to raise £40bn through tax increases and spending cuts in the upcoming Budget to fill a £22bn fiscal gap and avoid real-terms cuts to public services. While Reeves has pledged no return to austerity, difficult decisions on spending, welfare, and tax are expected, with National Insurance for employers possibly increasing. Business groups are concerned that such tax hikes could harm economic growth and sectors like hospitality.
And - UK businesses are concerned about a potential rise in National Insurance for employers, warning it could hinder hiring and economic growth. Business groups, particularly in sectors like hospitality, argue that increased staffing costs would burden companies already facing rising wages and energy bills. Although Labour has emphasized being "pro-business," Prime Minister Keir Starmer hasn't ruled out the tax hike, leading to uncertainty ahead of the 30 October Budget.
SPORTS
Cricket - England were knocked out of the Women's T20 World Cup at the end of the group stage after a sloppy all-round performance against West Indies in Dubai.
Rugby League - Wales came from behind to clinch victory 22-16 at a rain-soaked Neath in their first Test match for two years.
Football - Lionel Messi scored his 10th international hat-trick as Argentina thrashed Bolivia 6-0 in World Cup qualifying.
WEATHER
An orange flooding alert has been issued in the Alpes-Maritimes and the Var that should last until 4pm. Rain and thunderstorms threaten the PACA region with moderate winds. Highs of 21 degrees in Cannes, 22 in Nice, Saint-Tropez and Toulon, and 24 degrees in Marseille.
Tonight, cloudy with lows of 19 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, rain with risks of thunderstorms throughout the day. Highs of 21 degrees with moderate winds.
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The Channel Islands and France have signed an agreement to share information in the event of a nuclear or radiological incident. ...
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