NEWS
Alpes-Maritimes Sends Humanitarian Convoys to Spain - Following deadly floods in southeastern Spain, volunteers from the Alpes-Maritimes in France are organizing two humanitarian convoys this week to assist affected communities. The first team, from the Trekkeur association, departs Thursday to help with cleanup and provide emergency supplies, while a second convoy, organized by Patrick Villardy with support from the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, leaves Saturday with equipment and pet food for affected animals. Both groups are collecting donations and supplies like shovels, gloves, and wheelbarrows to support their relief efforts.
Storm Alex Damages in Marie Village - After storm Alex severely damaged the Saint Pons church in the village of Marie, Alpes-Maritimes, €40,000 in renovations – partly funded by Monaco – restored the church's facade, bringing joy to its 110 residents. This medieval landmark, central to village life since the 12th century, is once again a gathering point for local events and religious services. However, Marie still faces costly repairs for paths and irrigation, with a total restoration bill reaching over €1 million.
French Equestrian Forced to Sell his Horses - French Olympic equestrian Alexandre Ayache has been forced to sell his prized horses to cover repairs to his stables after Storm Alex, as his insurance company, Axa, refuses to cover damages. Although his other insurer, Groupama, has funded part of the stable's repairs, Ayache is left struggling to cover mounting repair costs as the legal dispute with Axa continues. As his property continues deteriorating, Ayache’s only option has been to sell several valuable horses to prevent further losses.
SFR Store Robbed - Four young people from Lyon, including a minor, robbed an SFR store with a baseball bat, stealing 50 phones worth €42,450 in Pertuis, Vaucluse. The suspects fled but were soon arrested by police, who noted a series of similar phone store burglaries across France using the same tactics. They are set to appear in court on the 6th of November.
Borrigo River Clean-Up in Menton - After ten years, the Borrigo River in Menton is undergoing a major cleanup, with 6,600 cubic meters of sediment and debris set to be removed over a five-month restoration project. The operation, costing €705,000, aims to improve water flow to prevent flooding and protect the local environment, with funding support from the State, Department, and regional agencies. Environmental precautions, including wildlife protection, are in place as workers clear obstructions along the river.
preschool Students Help Replant Trees - Preschool and elementary students have helped replant around 1,000 drought-resistant trees on the 5th of November alongside the ONF and local authorities on Mont Ventoux, Vaucluse. This initiative, meant to combat climate-related forest decline, also aimed to teach children about the impact of everyday environmental actions.
The Substance - The film The Substance, starring Demi Moore, premieres in France on November 6, with all scenes shot on the French Riviera, despite its Los Angeles setting. The movie, which won Best Screenplay at Cannes, follows the story of an aging fitness star who turns to a mysterious lab for a DNA-altering “substance” to regain her youth—under strict conditions. Local production details reveal unique filming anecdotes from the Côte d'Azur, where Californian palms and iconic locations stood in for L.A.
MR. OneTeas in Monaco - Artist Mr. OneTeas has transformed five unused bollards into vibrant works inspired by “razzle dazzle” camouflage from the World Wars, with the goal of making them visible rather than hidden at Monaco’s Port Hercule. Each piece includes a QR code linking to more information about the project, which was inaugurated this week by H.S.H. Prince Albert II. This unique installation could inspire future art projects around the port, though not on a large scale.
BUSINESS
The U.S. dollar surged amid Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House, and Bitcoin hit record highs as markets anticipated his pro-business and inflation-driving policies. The Republican Party is projected to take control of the Senate, boosting expectations for trade tariffs, tax cuts, and heightened market volatility. A Trump victory could impact foreign policy, particularly with China.
Planned London Underground strikes have been suspended after Aslef union received an improved pay offer from Transport for London (TfL), which will be discussed with union members. TfL expressed optimism about the offer's fairness and urged continued cooperation. The RMT union also recently canceled its strike after a similar pay offer.
And - In 2022, French departments spent €41.6 billion on social aid, up 3%, with major allocations for child welfare and support for the elderly and disabled. In the Alpes-Maritimes, social aid expenses represented 59% of the department’s operational costs, averaging €560 per resident, slightly below the national average of €600 per resident.
SPORTS
Tennis - Coco Gauff confirmed her semi-final spot at the WTA Finals with a rare 6-3 6-4 win over defending champion Iga Swiatek to join Aryna Sabalenka in the last four in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Rugby League - Wakefield Trinity forward Isaiah Vagana has signed a three-year contract to extend his time with the Super League club until the end of the 2027 season.
Athletics - A court in Kenyan has sentenced two men to 35 years each for the murder of Ugandan athlete Benjamin Kiplagat at the end of last year. The Olympic steeplechaser was stabbed to death on New Year’s Eve in the town of Eldoret, known as a top training centre for athletes.
WEATHER
Rather cloudy with some sunny spells this afternoon across the region. Highs of 20 degrees in Nice, and 21 degrees in Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Toulon and Marseille.
Tonight, cloudy still with lows of 14 degrees
Outlook for tomorrow, Sunny spells throughout the day with highs of 21 degrees with gentle to moderate winds.
Following deadly floods in southeastern Spain, volunteers from the Alpes-Maritimes in France are organizing two humanitarian convoys this week to assi...
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32 municipalities in the Alpes-Maritimes have been officially recognised as natural disaster zones following the Mediterranean episode which brought s...
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Law enforcement seized €1.2 million in a major operation led by Marseille's anti-drug agency (Ofsat) in Orange. ...
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After a lengthy investigation, Nice police seized over 11 kg of drugs and €84,000 in cash on the 31st of October, arresting four people in a "go fast"...
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Eight people have gone on trial in Paris for their alleged role in the events leading up to the beheading of a history teacher in 2020....
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