National News
France’s Prime Minister to announce new government next week - Recently appointed French Prime Minister Michel Barnier has committed to forming a new government next week. Whilst on a visit to Reims on Wednesday, Barnier made the promise to present a government as early as next week, adding that he was doing things in a "planned and serious manner" since his arrival at Matignon six days ago.
Three terrorist attacks foiled by French authorities - In other news, France’s anti-terrroism prosecutor has revealed that three attacks were foiled during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Two were planned in the French capital while a third was planned in Saint-Étienne. Those involved have been arrested and investigations are ongoing.
Potentially fatal disease from artisanal wild garlic pesto - Five people are in intensive care in Tours in the centre of France, with suspected cases of botulism, a potentially fatal disease. The cause is thought to be from artisanal cans of wild garlic pesto from the «O p’tits oignons » brand. Authorities are currently trying to trace some 600 cans which are in circulation. Botulism illnesses have been linked to foods such as homemade pickles and garlic in oil. Supermarket products undergo rigorous manufacturing processes to avoid contamination in preserved foods. The bacteria is also used to make Botox - shots used by the cosmetic industry to manage wrinkles and frown lines. Botox has been purified though, so the toxin is controlled.
New visa for the UK - The United Kingdom is preparing to change its entry policy and from April of next year tourists will have to make a prior application for a digital visa to be accepted into the country. The UK minister of the interior said the move was a way to "strengthen security through new technology and modernize the immigration system”. The visa will work on the same principle as those set up by the United States and Australia. It will be mandatory from April and valid for two years and will apply to all travellers except British and Irish citizens. The new visa application platform will initially be open only to non-European citizens, from November 27th. They will have until January 8th, 2025, to obtain it, the date from which the visa becomes mandatory. Then, from March 5th, Europeans will be able to start applying, with an obligation from April 2nd. The document will cost 10 pounds, or nearly 12 euros, and will be valid for "multiple trips over two years, or until the passport expires" and will allow you to stay in the UK for up to six months at a time.
SNCF train tickets - Meanwhile, the SNCF has announced that train tickets for the Christmas holidays will go on sale on October 2nd. This time last year, more than a million people logged on to the SNCF website to buy a ticket for the festive period. Based on a first come first served basis you'll have to wake up early to get the best prices. If you plan to travel to Germany, Spain, Italy or Switzerland by TGV, tickets will go on sale from September 18th. And if you choose London, know that Eurostar tickets are already on sale.
Local News
Danish hiker dies in Mont-Blanc massif - A Danish hiker has died whilst hiking in the Mont-Blanc massif. The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon when the 61-year-old fell around thirty metres after slipping on a steep sector of the Nid d’Aigle refuge in the Haute Savoie. According to mountain rescue teams he died instantly.
Fire risk - Access to the massive de Mont Toulonnais in the Var has been closed by the prefecture today Thursday 12th September, due to a high fire risk. Winds of up to 80 to 100km an hour are expected in the Var and the Bouches de Rhône. Four other forest areas in the region have also been closed as a precaution.
HSH Prince Albert meets with officials concerning ongoing efforts in rebuilding the valleys of the Alpes Maritimes - HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco has met with the prefect and local officials of the valleys of the Alpes Maritimes to discuss the ongoing efforts to rebuild the region following the devastation from Storm Alex. Following the tragic events in October 2020, Monaco promptly offered financial aid to restore and protect the the Roya, Vésubie, Tinée, and Moyen Var valleys. A partnership with the “Foundation du Patrimoine” was set up making it possible to fund 30 reconstruction projects, totalling three million euros. During the meeting this week Prince Albert emphasised the principality’s strong connection with the region and stressed the “importance of solidarity in the face of such challenges”. In the coming weeks, Prince Albert will attend the inauguration of key projects which have been made possible through Monaco’s financial backing.
I Love Nice - The I Love Nice sign on the promenade has taken off the colours of the Tour de France replacing them with a sculpture entitled “l’arbre de la vie” by Italian artist Andrea Roggi. The artwork will remain alongside the sign which is a popular selfie spot until December 15th.
Spiderman gets pulled over in the Principality – Finally, a video posted online has shown a Monaco police officer stopping Spider-Man. The incident occurred on the Avenue d’Ostende where the superhero was pulled over in his car. The man behind the mask was not the real Peter Parker, but 31-year-old Farid Zitoun an urban acrobat and former finalist on La France a un incroyable talent in 2017. Known for his surprise appearances Zitoun was in Monaco to film a live social media broadcast in Casino Square. The officer kindly requested to see ID, car registration, and insurance papers to ensure everything was in order which of course meant that Zitoun had to remove his mask for identification. After confirming his identity, he was allowed to continue his journey.
Business
The new boss of Boeing has pleaded with workers to not go on strike as it would put the company's "recovery in jeopardy". It comes hours ahead of a crucial union vote that could trigger industrial action. The aviation giant's executives and union representatives reached a deal earlier this week that includes a 25% pay rise over four years but it has yet to be approved by union members. If workers vote against the agreement it would lead to a second ballot on whether to start a strike as early as Friday.
Official figures have shown that inflation in the US has continued to cool, suggesting that the US central bank will cut interest rates next week. Consumer prices rose 2.5% over the 12 months to August, as prices for petrol, used cars and trucks, and some other items fell. The Labor Department figures come during a presidential campaign in which rising living costs have been a key issue.
And - Rupert Murdoch business empire has suffered another blow after the property listing website Rightmove rejected a takeover from a rival Australian site backed by Murdoch. The £5.6bn offer was described as “wholly opportunistic” by the board of Rightmove which said it fundamentally undervalued Rightmove and its future prospects. The rejection is another blow for the Murdoch business empire after the failure of Talk TV earlier this year.
Sport
Football - French footballer Kylian Mbappé is not ready to compromise with his old club Paris Saint-Germain. France’s superstar has rejected a mediation offer by the French soccer league's legal commission on Wednesday in his dispute with his former club over wages and bonuses. Mbappé's representatives met with PSG officials in Paris after the Mbappé asked the commission to get involved. Mbappé, who joined Real Madrid this summer on a free transfer, says PSG owes him €55 million.
Meanwhile another superstar on the pitch Cristiano Ronaldo has criticised Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag and said the club must "rebuild everything" in order to compete for football's biggest prizes again.
Cricket - In the first T20 international a new-look England cricket side has slumped to a 28-run defeat by Australia. The teams will now head to Cardiff for the second T20 on Friday before the three-match series concludes at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Formula One - The FIA has said in a statement that engine manufacturers Honda and Alpine have both committed a “procedural breach” of the Formula 1 cost-cap regulations. No specific details of the breach, which took place in the 2023 season were given.
Tennis – 29-year-old Billy Harris has produced "one of the best Davis Cup debuts to ensure Great Britain's quest to reach the knockout stage. Harris, who used to drive to low-level tournaments in a van before earning his first ATP Tour win last year, clinched an opening victory against Finland in the group stage.
Weather
Meteo France has placed the Alpes Maritimes on a yellow weather warning. Storms are forecast by this evening in the region. The warning is in place from midday. Strong winds with a mistral in the Var. Temperatures are expected to drop as a mass of cold air is forecast to arrive from Iceland. Highs of 26 degrees in Nice and Monaco, 22 degrees in Saint-Tropez and Toulon, 25 degrees in Antibes and 23 degrees in Vence. This evening going down to 15 degrees along the coast and 10 degrees inland.
The outlook for Friday and heading into the weekend. Clear skies, moderate winds and highs of 24 degrees.
Sunrise 07.06am
Sunset 07.45pm
Beach weather
Sea temperature Nice 25°
Air temperature 22°
Cloudy with strong winds and thundery showers by this evening.
Weather elsewhere
Liverpool 13° thundery showers.
Oslo 15° sunny intervals.
Deauville 15° light rain.
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