Evening Update Wednesday 2nd October 2024

NEWS
Monaco's Judiciary - Monaco's judiciary is facing increasing case complexity and a growing backlog, prompting calls for more staff to reduce delays. With a rise in financial and international cases, the need for judicial cooperation and additional resources is critical. The General Prosecutor also highlighted the necessity of a dedicated financial crime unit to meet modern demands and maintain the credibility of Monaco’s justice system.

Pink October - As part of the "Octobre Rose" (Pink October) campaign, 24 women undergoing breast cancer treatment will participate in a powerful runway show on the 5th of October at 2:30pm in Marseille. They will proudly display their shaved heads to raise awareness, especially for women under 40. After the show, they'll symbolically toss their wigs, celebrating liberation from the disease. The "gang of shaved heads" association, co-founded by survivors, aims to promote early detection and provide strength and encouragement to women battling cancer.

600km Trek while Suffering from Lyme Disease - Julien Rueflin, suffering from Lyme disease, has completed a 600 km trek on the GR5 trail from Lake Geneva to Nice in 18 days to raise awareness and funds for Lyme disease a bacterial infection that can cause a rash, flu-like symptoms and joint pain after a tick bite. Despite physical challenges, he managed to raise over €12,000 to support prevention efforts. His journey aimed to inspire others with the disease and highlight its difficult diagnosis.

Association Léo - Young cancer patients and survivors have experienced an unforgettable skydive, organized by the association Léo, helping them momentarily forget their illness at Cannet-des-Maures. The event, described as a "revenge on life," brought excitement and joy, offering a powerful moment of release for those battling or recovering from cancer. Freestyle skydiving champions joined in to support and share their passion with the participants.

AI in Cannes - The city of Cannes is expanding its use of AI-powered surveillance to enhance security during major events like the NRJ Music Awards and the Marathon des Alpes-Maritimes. This technology, tested earlier during the Cannes Film Festival, helps detect suspicious behaviors or risks in real-time, enabling faster interventions. The initiative is part of Cannes' broader strategy to protect residents and visitors from security threats, particularly during large-scale cultural and sporting events.

Drugs and Weapons Seized - In a large anti-drug operation, nine people have been arrested, and police seized drugs, weapons, and cash in Cavaillon. The raid uncovered 3 kg of cocaine, 1.5 kg of cannabis, and €17,000, along with two war weapon magazines. The operation, involving nearly 100 officers, will continue throughout the week to combat the city's drug trafficking problem.
 

BUSINESS
Despite a national decline in property prices, Nice has seen a 1% increase over the past year, with the average price reaching €5,207 per square meter. This growth is driven by high demand, with a 4% increase in potential buyers and a stabilizing supply. Nice remains attractive compared to neighbouring cities like Cannes and Antibes, which have higher prices but offer less space for the same budget.

SNCF CEO Jean-Pierre Farandou emphasized the need to increase investments in France's rail network to maintain reliability and performance. He committed €1.7 billion in 2024 for network maintenance, with an additional €2.3 billion planned by 2027, but warned an extra €1.5 billion per year will be needed from 2027. He also proposed using carbon tax revenues from air and road transport to help cover the shortfall.

Kolkata's government, in India, plans to eliminate its tram system, keeping only a small heritage loop, but activists are fighting to preserve trams as a vital mode of transport. Once integral to the city's identity, Kolkata’s trams have declined in recent years. Despite government focus on electric buses and metro expansion, tram advocates argue they remain an eco-friendly solution for the city.

And - Striking dockworkers on the US east and gulf coasts have shut down major ports, demanding higher wages and protections against automation. The strike, led by the International Longshoremen's Association, has halted container traffic, causing fears of widespread economic disruption. While the union seeks a $5/hour pay increase, businesses are bracing for delays and shortages, with calls for government intervention.
 

SPORTS
Tennis - Aryna Sabalenka extended her winning streak to 15 matches to reach the China Open quarterfinals with a straight-sets victory against Madison Keys 6-4 6-3.

Golf – 21-years-old Tom McKibbin says the opportunity to play regularly on the PGA Tour would "mean a lot" as he prepares to take another step towards fulfilling that goal when he tees up at the Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews this week.

Cricket - Babar Azam has resigned as Pakistan's white-ball captain to focus on his playing role. The 29-year-old captained his country in 20 Tests, 43 one-day internationals and 85 T20 internationals since he was first appointed in 2019.

Football - Joe Allen is set to come out of international retirement to be included in Wales’ squad for this month’s Nations League matches against Iceland and Montenegro.

Meanwhile, Cheikh N'Doye becomes AS Cannes' new number 15, the club announced on Tuesday.
 

WEATHER
Mostly sunny with moderate winds across the region. Highs of 22 degrees in Marseille, 24 in Toulon, and 26 degrees in Nice, Cannes and Saint-Tropez.

Tonight, cloudy with chances of light rain and lows of 19 degrees.

Outlook for tomorrow, light rain with occasional sunny spells with highs of 20 degrees and strong winds in the Bouches-du-Rhône.
 

BEACH WEATHER
Sea temperatures 21 degrees.

Air Temperatures 26 degrees with moderate winds near Saint-Tropez.

 

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