News
Investigation into the death of a teenager at the CIV - An investigation is still underway after the shocking news on Thursday September 29th, that the body of a teenager was discovered on the premises of the International Centre of Valbonne. Reports say that the discovery was made early on Thursday morning at around 6am by catering staff who raised the alarm. Authorities have set up a psychological support cell. According to the first elements of the investigation the teenager is believed to have “fallen 20 metres and was found to be carrying a bag filled with spray paint”. An autopsy is scheduled for Monday to determine the exact cause of death. The Mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi has since expressed his "deep emotion" and extended his "most sincere condolences" to the teenager’s family and his support to the educational community and his colleagues. Meanwhile, the President of the Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur Region, Renaud Muselier, extended his condolences to the student's family and said that "this terrible tragedy affects all his colleagues, teachers and supervisors of whom we are thinking". In November 2020, the CIV had already been shaken by the death of a student in his twenties, whose body had also been found on the premises of the establishment. The thesis of suicide was then favoured.
Demonstrations- Demonstrations have been held across France as part of a national day of action against the rising cost of living and pension reform. Industrial action affected public transport and schools on Thursday. At midday the Ministry of National Education said that 10.69% of primary school teachers and 11.33% of college and high school teachers were taking industrial action, but those figures are disputed by unions who claim that the number of those participating is higher.
Woman arrested suspected of starting a fire - A woman has been arrested suspected of starting a fire in Hyères on Thursday. The fire broke out near the Hyères police station, close to the A57 interchange. The woman was found at the scene and in possession of a lighter. The fire was quickly contained.
Administrative closure of a restaurant - The prefect of the Alpes Maritimes has announced a three-month administrative closure of a restaurant in Mandelieu-la-Napoule following an attack on a work inspector on August 18th. According to the prefect “it’s the first time that an employer has physically attacked an inspector while on duty”. Every year, in the Alpes-Maritimes, 33 inspectors carry out 5,000 interventions. The manager of the establishment has been summoned to court on January 26th.
Reducing the care time for stroke patients - Two Iranian researchers based in Limoges (Haute-Vienne) have created a mini-scanner which aims to reduce the care time for stroke patients increasing the chances of a good recovery. The intention is to be able to transport it on board an ambulance to use it directly on stroke victims, establishing an accurate map of bleeding and damage to the brain allowing the patient to be taken directly to a specialized centre for treatment, which would significantly increase their chances of recovering well from a stroke. The researchers behind the mini scanner will now carry out clinical tests to assess the accuracy and reliability of the device, compared to a traditional scanner. Trials are expected to take five years.
Woman gives birth on bus in Toulon - A bus driver in Toulon has helped a woman give birth on his bus. The mother was on the bus which makes the connection between Toulon train station and the Sainte-Musse hospital when she started having violent contractions. Moments later a little girl was born in the presence of her parents and the young driver who helped bring the child into the world in exceptional circumstances.
Business
The US has said it "seems" Russia is to blame for this week's leaks in the Nordstream gas pipelines. US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said an investigation was being carried out into the cause of what she called "an act of sabotage". Russia has dismissed suggestions that it was to blame. It said suggestions it had damaged the pipelines were "stupid and absurd".
The world leader in luxury LVMH has announced that its employees who earn less than 60,000 euros gross per year will receive a special bonus linked to inflation. The French group announced on Thursday the payment of a bonus ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 euros to some of its employees in France. The exceptional bonus will concern some 27,000 employees.
Mustard is back - victim of an unprecedented shortage for several months, jars of mustard are set to return to supermarket shelves in France in the next few months thanks to the increase in French production of mustard seeds. Bad weather conditions ruined the 2021 harvests in Canada, the world's leading exporter of seeds. With a direct impact on French mustard manufacturers who obtain 80% of their supplies from Canadian producers.
New coins featuring the portrait of King Charles have been revealed, with a 50p carrying his image entering general circulation within weeks. The coins follow centuries of tradition with the monarch now facing left - the opposite way to his predecessor. As with previous British kings, and unlike the Queen, he wears no crown.
For the very first time, British designer Victoria Beckham will take to the Paris catwalk this Friday, for Women's Fashion Week. Fourteen years after the launch of her brand, Victoria Beckham is a recognized designer. Her brand is sold in fifty countries around the world, and she has already taken to the catwalk in London and New York. Her business however is still not profitable and according to the British press, she has accumulated 60 million euros in debt. In hope of turning things around Victoria Beckham has since appointed the former boss of Printemps purchasing, Marie Leblanc de Reynies as CEO and Ralph Toledano, who has managed several houses as well as the French Haute Couture Federation, as chairman.
Sport
Boxing - Tyson Fury has urged Anthony Joshua to "give British fans what they want" and sign a contract for a heavyweight world-title fight in December. WBC champion Fury had given fellow Joshua, an ultimatum to sign by Monday, but said on social media he has extended the deadline to Thursday. Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn says he is "baffled" by Fury's latest demands.
Tennis - British number one Cameron Norrie cruised to a 6-2 6-2 victory over Japan's Kaichi Uchida to reach the quarterfinals of the Korea Open. The Briton, who is seeded two at the tournament, will face either Korean number one, Kwon Soon-woo, or American Jenson Brooksby. Norrie has won two titles this year and reached the top 10 for the first time.
Football – There is plenty of action in the Premier League this weekend. On Saturday Arsenal play Tottenham, kick off is at 1.30pm French time. Other matches at 4pm French time, Bournemouth against Brentford; Crystal Palace are at home to Chelsea. Fulham play Newcastle. Liverpool are at home to Brighton and Southampton play Everton. The last match of the day at 6.30pm French time is West Ham against Wolves. On Sunday Manchester City face Manchester United kick off is at 3pm French time and Leeds play Aston Villa 5.30pm French time.
Weather
Highs of 19-20 degrees in Monaco and Nice. Cloudy with the possibility of light showers by this afternoon. Remaining dry in Saint Tropez and the Var. Cloudy with highs of 21 degrees.
This evening going down to 13 degrees with clear skies. The outlook for the weekend; Sunny with a gentle breeze high of 23 degrees in the Alpes Maritimes and feeling a little warmer in the Var reaching highs of 27 degrees.
Sunrise 07.26hr Sunset 19.13hr
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