Evening Update Wednesday 25th September 2024

NEWS
Monaco Yacht Show - The Monaco Yacht Show 2024 is running from the 25th-28th of September and will feature conferences on yachting design, sustainability, and innovations. Highlights include sessions on propulsion transitions, reducing carbon footprints, and onboard technology. The event showcases 120 superyachts and 560 exhibitors, emphasizing sustainable yachting solutions under the patronage of Prince Albert II.
For more information: https://www.monacoyachtshow.com/en/agenda-of-the-exhibitors-conferences

Cannes Partners with Mutuelle Just - The Cannes City Hall has partnered with Mutuelle Just to offer affordable health insurance for residents, allowing them to access care without medical exams, regardless of income. This initiative aims to improve social protection and purchasing power by providing negotiated rates for comprehensive healthcare coverage. The program is voluntary, costs nothing to taxpayers, and includes public information sessions starting in October 2024.

Problematic Waste Disposal - A private waste facility, operated by Enso, is under scrutiny by local authorities and the state for exporting waste to Sweden and causing nuisances like noise and dust in Contes, near Nice. Despite its role in energy recovery, the community of communes and the mayor of Contes have raised concerns about Enso’s waste operations, pushing for the company to reduce environmental impacts and resolve issues affecting nearby residents through stricter operational conditions. They also demand Enso handle its waste locally and build a closed facility to reduce nuisances.

British Hiker Missing in Hautes-Alpes - A 70-year-old British mountaineer, Kirk Handley, has been missing since early September in the Écrins massif, Hautes-Alpes. Despite ground, air, and drone searches, he has not been found, prompting authorities to issue a public appeal for information. An investigation into his disappearance has been launched, with further search efforts planned.

Avignon Prepares for Flooding - Avignon is preparing for potential flooding by training municipal employees to build barriers, called "batardeaux," using wooden beams and manure to block the Rhône River. The city is inviting residents to observe these exercises to raise awareness of flood risks and reconnect with the river. The last time such barriers were used was in 2003, and the city aims to maintain flood preparedness and foster a collective understanding of the river's dangers.

Charles Aznavour's 100th Anniversary - In honour of Charles Aznavour's 100th birthday, an esplanade has been inaugurated in Marseille, attended by his son Misha Aznavour, Armenia's ambassador to France, and local officials. The esplanade, located near the Bouches-du-Rhône Council building, features a plaque with Aznavour’s name and photo. A second square named after him will be inaugurated in Aix-en-Provence, and a biopic about his life, starring French actor Tahar Rahim, will be released on 23 October.

Prince's Palace and Monaco Yacht Club to Light in Blue this Evening - The Prince's Palace and the Yacht Club of Monaco will be illuminated in blue on Thursday to celebrate World Maritime Day and the 50th anniversary of the SOLAS Convention. This year's theme, "Navigating towards the future: safety first!", highlights the importance of maritime safety, security, and marine environmental protection, as emphasized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
 

BUSINESS
The union representing Boeing workers has rejected the company's latest pay offer, stating members found it "inadequate" despite a proposed 30% pay rise over four years. More than 30,000 workers have been striking since 13 September after previously rejecting a 25% raise. Boeing’s offer, which includes bonuses and improved benefits, is seen by the union as insufficient, and the strike continues.

Caroline Ellison, a former executive of FTX and ex-girlfriend of founder Sam Bankman-Fried, was sentenced to two years in prison for her role in the cryptocurrency exchange's collapse, one of the largest financial frauds in US history. Ellison, who faced charges like wire fraud and money laundering, cooperated with prosecutors and testified against Bankman-Fried, who received a 25-year sentence. She was also ordered to forfeit over $11 billion as part of her plea deal.

And - China is investigating PVH, the owner of Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein, for allegedly discriminating against Xinjiang cotton companies, following Western accusations of forced labour in the region. Beijing claims PVH boycotted Xinjiang cotton, potentially leading to the firm being added to China’s "unreliable entities" list. The move highlights rising tensions between China and the West, with China warning global companies of consequences for aligning with Western concerns.
 

SPORTS
Tennis - Jake Fearnley will not obsess about cracking the world top 100 but is happy to linger on the fright he gave Novak Djokovic.

Rugby Union - Joe El-Abd is close to finalising a deal to become the new England defence coach. The former flanker, currently head coach of French side Oyonnax, is expected to be in place for the upcoming November internationals.

Football - Former Manchester United, Real Madrid and France defender Raphael Varane has retired from football at the age of 31. Varane joined Italian side Como on a free transfer in July but suffered a knee injury on his debut against Sampdoria last month.
 

WEATHER
Sunny with cloudy intervals this afternoon. Highs of 22 degrees in Nice, 23 in Cannes, Toulon and Marseille, and 26 degrees in Saint-Tropez.

Tonight, mostly clear with lows of 14 degrees.

Outlook for tomorrow, light rain on the Côte d’Azur with highs of 23 degrees and gentle to moderate winds.
 

BEACH WEATHER
Sea temperatures 22 degrees.

Air temperatures 26 degrees in Saint-Tropez with a gentle breeze.

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