National News
A call to stop waste of some over the counter drugs sold in pharmacies - According to a recent study carried out in France, eight out of ten out of date painkillers sold over the counter, such as paracetamol, remain 90% effective. The study by UFC-Que Choisir, published today Thursday September 19th, has exposed what the association denounces as "a real environmental, economic and health waste". Following the study the association plans to contact the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) to request a set of measures to limit such waste, as well as plans to discuss with manufacturers the possibility of extending the official shelf life of such drugs.
Local News
Border Control - Menton's mayor, Yves Juhel, has supported the call made by Nice's mayor, Christian Estrosi, for the reintroduction of temporary border controls at the French-Italian border. Both believe these measures are necessary to combat illegal immigration, especially following Germany's recent decision to restore identity checks at its borders. Juhel emphasized the importance of strengthening border controls, which are already reinforced with drones, but sees further measures as essential.
Fatal road accident - The passenger of a motorcycle has died from their injuries following a collision with a lorry on Monday afternoon in Golfe Juan. The accident occurred at a roundabout shortly after 5pm. The investigation into the accident and the exact circumstances is ongoing.
Monaco’s recently appointed Minister of State give his first press conference - Monaco’s new Minister of State, Didier Guillaume has held his first press conference as Minister of State in which he outlined his strategic vision and announced key initiatives for the coming months. Guillaume emphasized the importance of transparency and communication. His message was that Monaco’s government is at the service of all, emphasising the unique advantages of life in Monaco, including its institutional stability, absence of public debt, and high level of security. Attributes, which are central to Monaco’s enduring attractiveness. Among the immediate challenges, the new Minister of State spoke of the longstanding issue of local rail network disruptions, acknowledging the impact on workers who lack alternative transport and the need for a solution in coordination with neighbouring regions. He also outlined a series of urgent actions which he aims to tackle and complete by next summer, including efforts to remove Monaco from the grey list of anti-corruption and money laundering bodies Moneyval and GRECO’s, as well as a more pragmatic operational plan for Monegasque housing, and the modernisation of the Fontvieille shopping centre. He also highlighted the importance of finding new financial resources in anticipation of the completion of the Mare Terra project, which currently generates 200 million euros annually.
Formula One driver expresses wish for a karting track - Meanwhile, Formula driver and Monaco resident for four years, Fernando Alonso, has expressed his wish to see a karting track created in the surrounding area of the Principality. Speaking at a conference on Wednesday Alonso praised the Principality, not only for its security, but also the quality its schools and hospitals and lifestyle.
Pass’Sport culture programme open for online registrations - A programme promoting culture and sports in Monaco has opened its online registrations. The Pass’Sport Culture program is available to Monegasques, residents, and parents of students aged 11 to 25 who are enrolled in schools in Monaco. Organised by the Department of National Education, Youth, and Sports, in collaboration with the Department of Cultural Affairs and numerous Monegasque associations. The shift to online registration is part of the Extended Monaco program. The aim is to promote culture and sports and offer a wide range of activities. For more information, visit Monaco’s public service website https://monservicepublic.gouv.mc/thematiques/temps-libre/sports-et-loisirs/loisirs/s-inscrire-au-pass-sport-culture
Grab a bargain - Finally, the “Grande Braderie” of Nice is back today Thursday 19th September, on until Sunday. It’s your chance to grab a bargain as shops in several districts of the city sell items a cut down prices. It’s the seventh edition of the event in Nice and promises as always, to be a success for bargain hunters.
Business
The Bank of England has announced that it is expected to hold Interest rates at 5%. The decision came after it was revealed inflation, which measures the rate UK consumer prices are rising at, remained at 2.2% last month. The figure remains just above the Bank's 2% target, but its governor Andrew Bailey has warned people not to expect a sharp fall in rates in the coming months.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday the Federal Reserve said it is cutting its benchmark interest rate by 0.50 percentage points, marking the first reduction in four years and moving to ease borrowing costs as inflation-weary consumers are facing high rates on everything from mortgages to credit cards.
And - A change to the server of social media platform X, formerly known has Twitter has meant that some users in Brazil have once again had access to the social media platform. The service was banned in the country at the end of August. X which is owned by technology billionaire Elon Musk have claimed that the moving of servers allowed the platform to be available once again in Brazil was “inadvertent”.
Sport
Football – Manchester City were left frustrated after their opening match in the Champions League on Wednesday against Inter Milan ended nil-nil. In this evening’s Champions League Monaco are at home to Barcelona kick off is at 9pm French time here in the Principality.
Cricket – England’s captain Ben Stokes is to have a scan on his hamstring injury next week to see if he is fit enough for the first Test in Pakistan. The 33-year-old was hurt at the beginning of August and as a result missed the 2-1 series defeat of Sri Lanka.
Tennis – 20-year-old American world number six Coco Gauff has ended her partnership with coach Brad Gilbert. The news comes two weeks after what she described as a "disappointing" US Open title defence. The American won the first major of her career New York last year under Gilbert's guidance.
Weather
Some cloudy patches to start, clearing by this afternoon. Highs of 24 degrees in Nice, Monaco and Cannes, 22 degrees in Marseille, 25 degrees in Saint-Tropez and inland. A gentle breeze and going down to 15 degrees this evening.
The outlook for Friday, sunny intervals with strong winds forecast in both the Alpes Maritimes and the Var by the afternoon highs of 26 degrees. The outlook for the weekend, sunny intervals, strong winds persisting in the Var on Saturday and light rain expected by Sunday evening. Highs of 25 degrees.
Sunrise 07.14am
Sunset 07.32pm
Weather elsewhere
Miami 31° thundery showers.
Athens 29 degrees sunny intervals.
Belfast 19° sunny.
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