NEWS
Phones in British School of Monaco - The British School of Monaco is promoting the use of a new version of a basic mobile phone without internet, aiming to combat smartphone addiction and encourage a return to essential communication functions. The initiative is part of broader efforts in schools, including a "digital break" being tested in 200 French middle schools, where students store their phones during the school day. This movement seeks to reduce the negative effects of smartphones on mental health, social interaction, and prevent cyberbullying.
19th Monaco International Organ Festival - The 19th Monaco International Organ Festival, moved from August to October, will run from the 12th-19th October. It features three key performances, including the French Army Choir, spread across three churches in Monaco. The change in dates aims to attract a broader audience by offering diverse music in the cooler autumn evenings.
Heavy Rains Caused Damage in the Alpes-Maritimes - Heavy rains on the 8th of October, caused landslides and road closures, with several areas impacted, particularly in the mountainous region of the Alpes-Maritimes. Some roads remain closed indefinitely, though efforts to reopen them are ongoing. Despite significant material damage, including a washed-away temporary bridge in Saint-Martin-Vésubie, there have been no reported casualties.
Earthquakes - Two earthquakes have struck off the coast of Nice early on the 9th of October, with magnitudes of 2.3 and 2.9. The stronger quake, occurring at 5:54 AM, had its epicenter 20 km offshore and was felt across the Alpes-Maritimes region and beyond. These tremors followed a similar quake an hour earlier in the same area.
National Gendarmerie Unpaid Rent - David Lisnard, Mayor of Cannes and President of the French Mayors' Association (AMF), criticized the national gendarmerie's unpaid rent to many local authorities, calling municipalities the "adjustment variable." Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau acknowledged the issue, citing budget strains from Olympic security and New Caledonia, and promised a resolution by December. Lisnard appreciated the minister's swift response but questioned the financial planning for known events like the Olympics.
Major Drug Network Dismantled - A major drug trafficking network dealing in cannabis resin and cocaine has dismantled in the western Alpes-Maritimes after an eight-month investigation by the Nice Judicial Police. Five out of seven suspects have been detained, and large quantities of drugs, including 143 kg of cannabis resin and 17.8 kg of cocaine, were seized. The network, which primarily supplied the Cannes area, was importing drugs from Spain and the Benelux region.
Police Cars Set on Fire - Four police cars and another vehicle parked outside the police station have been destroyed in a fire early Wednesday morning in Cavaillon (Vaucluse). No injuries were reported, though the station was evacuated during the incident. This fire occurred shortly after a major anti-drug operation in the town, and an investigation has been opened, with potential penalties of 20 years in prison and a €150,000 fine.
Nuclear Submarine to be Decommissioned - The nuclear attack submarine Émeraude, in service since 1988, has left Toulon for Cherbourg, where it will be decommissioned after 36 years. Known for its agility and power, the Émeraude also witnessed a tragic accident in 1994, which claimed 10 lives. It will be replaced by more modern Suffren-class submarines, with the SNA Tourville set to join the fleet soon.
BUSINESS
Fourteen US states have sued TikTok, accusing it of contributing to a mental health crisis among teenagers through addictive features and misleading safety claims. The lawsuit highlights concerns over harmful challenges, disrupted sleep, and beauty filters affecting youth, while TikTok rejects the allegations as inaccurate. This legal action adds to TikTok's ongoing challenges, including attempts to ban it in the US and similar lawsuits targeting its impact on child safety.
The US government is considering asking a judge to break up Google to prevent it from maintaining its search engine monopoly. The Department of Justice (DoJ) may implement "structural requirements" after a court ruling found Google used illegal practices to dominate the market. Google warns this could harm businesses and consumers, while both sides are expected to propose remedies by the end of the year.
eBay will restrict the sale of e-bikes and e-bike batteries starting 31 October, allowing only "eligible business sellers" to list them in the UK. This move comes amid rising incidents of e-bike battery fires, with London Fire Brigade reporting a significant increase in cases. While eBay aims to enhance consumer safety, experts also call for stricter laws to ensure product safety on online marketplaces.
And - Monaco’s Health and Social Affairs Minister Christophe Robino has addressed government projects, focusing on pensions and wages. He defended the 2012 pension reform, explaining its necessity for maintaining reserves, and dismissed calls for revising the retirement system and increasing the minimum wage. Robino also discussed future projects, including end-of-life care, potential employment shifts, and alternative elder care options.
SPORTS
Cricket - Joe Root has overtaken Sir Alastair Cook to become England's highest Test run-scorer of all time with over 12,472 Test runs.
Tennis - American player Frances Tiafoe has apologised for a furious outburst in which he repeatedly swore at the chair umpire following his defeat in the Shanghai Masters. The American player lost 5-7 7-5 7-6 (7-5) to Russia's Roman Safiullin.
Football - Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been appointed global head of soccer at Red Bull. The 57-year-old German will begin the role on 1 January 2025.
WEATHER
Foggy with chances of rain with gentle to moderate winds. Highs of 22 degrees in Nice and 23 degrees in Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Toulon and Marseille.
Tonight, cloudy and rainy with lows of 15 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, fine and bright throughout the day with highs of 26 degrees with moderate to strong winds.
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